RADIO?
- Thread starter SGT1215
- Start date
Little FRS radios are nice. Very effective and less install than CB.
CB isn't worth the effort in my opinion.
And, because the FCC seems to require it, I have to state that HAM is way better than both.
That requires a test to get a license.
GMRS is higher power than FRS and the license is $$ not a test. But the frequencies are limited.
-M
CB isn't worth the effort in my opinion.
And, because the FCC seems to require it, I have to state that HAM is way better than both.
That requires a test to get a license.
GMRS is higher power than FRS and the license is $$ not a test. But the frequencies are limited.
-M
Off-Road Ranger I
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0691
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I would say get a CB and FRS/GMRS capable radios. CBs have been the vehicle comm of choice for over 50 years. It is still effective on the highways for traffic alerts from truckers and rig to rig communications. FRS/GMRS radios offer higher quality voice comms at a reasonable price. I carry and use both in my rig. I am also a licensed amateur radio operator (HAM) and have HF/VHF/UHF capabilities installed.
In any case you should have something so that you can communicate with other travellers and trail partners.
Welcome Aboard!!
In any case you should have something so that you can communicate with other travellers and trail partners.
Welcome Aboard!!
I will always have a cb. For me its the minimum. I do plan on getting my license to be a ham operator but will still have a cb. Cbs are generally cheaper and easier to get into (with my experience) so that's usually the way people tend to go at first. You don't have the range with cb as with ham radios but it works just fine for me and most people we wheel with have cb radios so we can communicate with them.
Really depends on who you are wanting to talk to. If you want something for increased safety go ham. If it is for typical trail runs in a small group CBs are most common. With that said 90% of the people I wheel with use HAM.
Search CB Radio on this site for additional responses from previous threads.
Search CB Radio on this site for additional responses from previous threads.
Expedition Master I
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From everything I've read I'm starting to think this is the way to go from the start.
Some folks don't have the money or want all those radios in their rig. I have 3 so I don't fall into that category. The thing I try to convey is CB is useless for anything other than short distance communication. Learn how to use repeaters with ham and you can talk to people hundreds of miles away. Repeaterbook app for your phone is perfect when you are in unfamiliar places and need some frequencies to try. You can also export waypoints from the Repeaterbook.com website and load them into an app like Gaia to see them on a map.
For further discussions on safety equipment I would head over to one of the existing threads.
Cb radio is still very cheap and reliable. Flea market finds, etc. Good for multi vehicle caravan trips, info on the highway. Good distance if hilltopping is an option for emergencies. GMRS/FRS are good for campsite and trail use. Also, Ham works great as well.
Pathfinder II
In my opinion, it all depends on who you travel with. If you're a lone wolf, then go straight for the Ham due to the superior range for emergency comms. If you travel with a group regularly, ask what they use and follow suit.
I agree with this, I know when I am on a trail ride with most clubs they require a CB because almost everyone has one. I will always have a 2mm/440cm radio in my rig due to mostly being out on my own.
Expedition Master III
As has been mentioned, multiple Comms are probably best for covering all the bases. The type depends on 'how and who' you travel with.
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stringtwelve said:
In my opinion, it all depends on who you travel with. If you're a lone wolf, then go straight for the Ham due to the superior range for Emergency Comms. If you travel with a group regularly, ask what they use and follow suit.
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GREAT ADVICE:
My preference is to have a CB for when it's required in group travel/Hwy use (as mentioned), although now in (2019), GRMS (License required-$70/10 years) is becoming the preferred mode in convoy/trail settings. Having this allows for FRMS handheld use also, so you can hand these units out as needed to friends etc (cheap). In the end, HAM (License required-test+$15-$20 approx.) is the best, as it is recognized as being able to reach out the furthest, ......something in a Emergency which could save a life.
The popularity of newer models of "MICRO" unit Communications, have allowed users to more easily carry multiple types in their vehicles with less compromises of where to place them. Some units can now easily fit between your seat/console, and be out of the way with little effort.
Something to think about when either starting off with radios, or those looking to upgrade to more compact units.
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madcratebuilder
Rank V
Pathfinder I
Expedition Master III
"SAT radio for the ultimate".............
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GENERALIZING and MUSING away:.............................
Very true, and after many years of being available, you would think the prices, and the subscription rates, would be cheaper and more affordable by now. So many signals are now by satellite, and are very versatile, able to multitask many things. At the currant exchange rate, ie'.... cost, you could outfit your rig with FRMS, GRMS, HAM, and CBRS, and still have money in your pocket after just a short time of using it. 2 way units like the ANY-Tone AT-778UV...HAM ($109-$130), a CBRS ($40-$150), FRMS handhelds ($25-$75-average/2 pack), GRMS Midland units(mobile) ($85-$149), give great options to probably 97% of the population if you also factor in Cellular. And in places like Central Nevada, USA, we have seen improved dramatic coverage in the cow Counties and mining districts for cellular coverage. Units like a SPOT, help fill that gap below a SAT Phone, but as I have read, do have a few limitations in it and similar designs. I do remember a story of snow mobilers being saved in a blizzard in Utah a few years ago by having a SPOT, so they have their place at the table. I won't argue that 3% (SAT), as The top of the Andes, or Himalayas, or Siberia, are places I will never see.
In the end it is JMHO, but I would love to hear from others on their thoughts about this.
Member III
After decades of using virtually all of the units mentioned (except for sat phone) I have landed on HAM and cell for 98% of my travels I run a good ham radio with APRS capabilities along with a weboost cell booster for my phone. With this combination, I can't remember the last time I couldn't make contact with someone when I wanted to. If for some reason, I leave the US and can't use the APRS in my HAM, then I will carry my inReach for texting. Out of the U.S. will be the only time you will need to work with satellites to make contact.
Expedition Master III
"In Reach"........that was the "other", in my prior post.
Yah, I didn't mention Phone Boosters, but I should have. They work pretty darn good, and changed how my sister and BIL communicate when in the mountains of Southern Utah. 15 years ago it was travel 2 miles to a point in the mountains on a dirt track overlooking a valley and......HOPE,,,,,that 1 bar would connect to make a outside call. They and multiple neighbors installed 'Wilson ' phone boosters (pre- We-Boost), which enabled communication to others in the mountains, and out to places like LV in the next State. That was pre HAM, and GMRS for most people up there. I think the HAM handhelds and GRMS handhelds, became the Cell phones of the mountains due to being portable, and not tied to camp, like the phone booster caused. People adjusted to a open party line when using the radios, for casual use. I believe the installation of new REPEATERS, also led to more use of radio comm use up there in Utah. 
Get two Baofeng hand held hams. One for you, one for your spotter. Too bad that ham radios are such a pita to get used to. When it's actually quite simple. Nerds have to screw up radios for some reason.
To be honest, I don't hit the trails to hear ya'll yack. We can talk plenty at our next campsite coordinates.
To be honest, I don't hit the trails to hear ya'll yack. We can talk plenty at our next campsite coordinates.
Expedition Master III
Get two Baofeng hand held hams. One for you, one for your spotter.
Many did just that, although the handheld GMRS units are also used for closer personal use, instead of the Baofeng which is preferred when a couple of miles separate the parties in question. I did not mean to insinuate that these HAM radios were used like schoolgirls party gossiping for hours at a time.....NO, not that. Used for lunch or dinner options, meet up's, help with gear or help with jobs needed to be done. Getting a hold of others on the other side of the mountain etc. Helping with breakdowns, aka.....for what they were intended to be used for, and not just guys sitting in their Ham-Shacks, getting/making CQ ---
Member III
Ham radio was a hobby long before it had any utility around the house and off road. Besides anyone chasing QSL cards won't be bothering anyone on the trail using VHF/UHF radios. There are more than enough frequencies to find your own little spot......for what they were intended to be used for, and not just guys sitting in their Ham-Shacks, getting/making CQ ---GRS? cards from around the world to post on the wall.
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Member III
There are other radio options (GMRS/FRS/MURS) that aren't so complicated for the non-nerd types.
