Mobile comms

[KS_Explorer]

I had to step away from the Ham radio hobby for a few years, like 9, and am getting ready to get a mobile setup. I used to have a Yaesu 2M rig with a 1/2 wave on the roof. That was an awesome short to medium range setup.

I want to get a decent amateur setup again, but I also want the ability to communicate with FRS/GMRS radios since they are so popular and basically license free. My goal is to have the tuck be a base station so that we can let the kids roam, but still reach them when it is time for dinner, etc. Also having a QSO from a mountain top sounds fun.

So what are you using? What pros and cons do you see with whatever you use to keep in touch on the trail?

 

[Prerunner1982]

Robert, I am sure you will get some responses here but I encourage you to check out the Communications sub-forum for more info and in-depth conversations.

The Yaesu FTM-400 is popular due to it's nice display and APRS capability. I have also heard good things about the FMT-300. The new FTM-6000 also looks like a nice dual band if you don't need the dual monitor feature.
Kenwood has kind of backed out of the ham radio game, the D-710g was a good APRS capable radio as well but may not be able to find one, the V71A is a good dual band radio that will go APRS simultaneously using an external TNC and APRS app.
Any of the Icom radios would do fine as well.
Of course there are many cheaper chinese ham radios out there.

 

[M Rose]

This should be in the Comms forum… not general Q and A.

But to answer your question… it’s illegal to use a transceiver designed for amateur use on GMRS/FRS frequencies. Now with that disclaimer out of the way. You can use almost any dual band transceiver that has the ability to cross band repeat and have the MARS/CAP mod done to allow the radio transmit out of the amateur bands. Most commonly used are the Yasue Ft-400XDR, FT-300/350XDR, Kenwood 710G, and the Icom IC2730a.

 

[KS_Explorer]

Sorry guys, I missed that there is a comms section.

 

[Prerunner1982]

@KS_Explorer no worries man, you certainly aren't the first one to post a radio question outside of the comms section and won't be the last.