GMRS radio

[Abe Fromen]

OK gentlemen I am old CB radio old and I want to go to a GMRS radio so any info would help like hand held or mounted radio. I have one question can you communicate with CB ? thanks

 

[Rubikane]

No

 

[Adventure Lab]

Technically, CB still works fine, but you won't have many people to talk to. GMRS is probably the standard, but it all depends on your group. Most organized rides are preferring GMRS now.

We do a bunch of stuff with race teams or people that chase race teams, so UHF is still also a popular option.

We run Icom radios with the "MARS Mod" applied to them. This will allow full frequency range down into the GMRS channels. This is as close as we can get to a single radio for multiple frequency bands.

Handhelds are a great option if you're only talking "car to car", but if you need any type of distance, they fall short.

Handhelds we use - https://a.co/d/0a2du79C
I like those because you can charge with a normal USB-C cable and they have good range. They will work with GMRS frequencies as well.

Affordable in-vehicle example - https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-ic-2730a-dual-band-mobile-radio.html

What we run - https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-id-5200-50w-144-430mhz-dual-band-transceiver.html

Install Video -

 

[Canyon Trekker]

OK gentlemen I am old CB radio old and I want to go to a GMRS radio so any info would help like hand held or mounted radio. I have one question can you communicate with CB ? thanks

I still have old CB radios, never use them anymore but they are still a viable communication means for small groups. Some of the old timers still use them, they are still the distance champ, but not by much. A GMRS can reach the same distances + if you are using repeater channels.

GMRS is the new go-to radio and there are many models to choose from. Probably the more common model on here is the Midland brands. Any of the brands work with each other. Specs on these vary and conditions vary to reach those specs so, be leery of the "maximum distance" claims. There are a lot of "features" as well in the different brands; many of which are bloated and unnecessary. I've found that a 15-watt radio is sufficient for a group that is within visual sight of each other (2-5 miles), but the 50-watt versions are a better choice for mountains and terrain interference.

I use the Midland MXT275 and it works with the antenna mounted in the cab. I've tested the VSWR and it is actually quite good for my situation. If you go greater than this, an outside the truck mount is highly recommended. There are quite a few people that have installed these and others with creative mounting positions as well if you search the old posts.

MXT275VP4 15W Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio Bundle

Get triple the range of handheld walkie talkies with the Midland MXT275VP4 MicroMobile bundle. This bundle includes a full 15-Watt radio & 3dB gain antenna.

midlandusa.com

There is also a wireless version of the 15 watt:

MXT295 PRO 15W MicroMobile GMRS Two-Way Radio

Shop Midland's MXT295 PRO 15-Watt GMRS MicroMobile with our first Fully-Integrated Wireless Bluetooth Mic, hideaway base unit, and IP67 waterproof rating.

midlandusa.com

By the way, the handheld works well too. I use the handheld around camp and at locations where the group is just wandering around.

GXT67 GMRS 5‑Watt Walkie Talkie - GXT67PRO

Experience unbeatable range with the GXT GMRS 5-Watt Two-Way Radio - GXT67 PRO. Get 5 Watts of power, repeater capability, IP67 waterproof design and up to 4 days of battery life. Find out why it's the Best Selling 5 Watt Walkie Talkie on the market.

midlandusa.com

Keep in mind that holiday specials are coming up and most manufacturers will have them on sale.

Hope this helps.

 

[HeavyAssault]

We run Icom radios with the "MARS Mod" applied to them. This will allow full frequency range down into the GMRS channels. This is as close as we can get to a single radio for multiple frequency bands.

^^^^^^^ This is the way to go, in a way I wish I had done the same.

One thing to note you need to be sure whatever antenna you use can support the band you want to speak on. As GMRS and CB are two different bands, there might be a problem with transmitting out.

For GMRS I got the Wouxun KG-1000-G+ as it has a remote faceplate. Allows a better footprint for mounting. Works REALLY good getting out for distance, can be programmed fairly easy, and easy to learn the typical functions.

Wouxun KG-1000G Plus GMRS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio

The Wouxun KG-1000G Plus is the mobile and base station radio that GMRS fans have been waiting for! With GMRS channels and the ability to receive on multiple bands, this 50 watt powerhouse is full of functions and features that takes the GMRS experience beyond limited capabilities of the typical...

www.buytwowayradios.com

If I were to go to a actual CB unit I'd look to the Stryker 10 Meter Radio SR-94HPC. Nice little unit as it's a clean design with small footprint.

10 Meter Radio SR-94HPC

Slimmest - DTMF (encode) - Volume Adjustable - Time-Out Timer function ■ Little Powerful Radio; SR-94HPC size 5.8" L x 4.8" utilizes 3 FQP13N10 final transistors. This much power is usually only available in a full-size DX chassis. 94hpc with this size generates 45+ watts of PEP and has a lot...

strykerradios.com