Basic GMRS radio recommendations

[srimes]

I haven't installed a com radio since I put a CB in my pickup in high school. What do yall recommend these days?

requirements:
Compact install
good value (relatively cheap but works well)

desirable options:
bluetooth
ham capability

 

[Zorba]

Any of the Midlands will work fine - I have their bottom basement 5 watt model, which is fine for trail rides.

You probably know this, but there is no such thing as a LEGAL rig that will do both Ham and GMRS. A completely stupid rule. With that said, there are plenty of radios that will do both - just keep your GMRS power to GMRS spec, and have a Ham license if you're going to broadcast on those frequencies. Oh, and don't forget your GMRS license either.

I haven't noticed any two way radios of any type with BT, and I'm not sure what you'd use it for...

I have CB, GMRS, and VHF/UHF Ham radios. I want to install an HF Ham radio as well, just haven't figured out how I'm going to do the antenna, and what I want ain't cheap.

 

[Harold&Cat]

I have the hf radio using the CB antenna coax and mount . I remove the 2 ft Firestik and install a M1ECC coil with a telescoping 17 ft vertical or an end fed dipole . I plan to purchase a 25 ft telescoping vertical when they become available . I will use Hf while stationary because any Hf antenna for mobile would be too bulky for trail use . On the trail we use GMRS , 2meter ham , or CB.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I’m a big fan of the Midland MTX 275 or 575. The main unit is compact and can be mounted remotely out of sight. All the controls are in the mic. I run the older 275, but the 575 is more powerful. I’m always looking for a reason to switch, but the 275 has never let me down.

Ditch the antennas which comes with the radio, and install a high quality version.

 

[JMT]

I’m a big fan of the Midland MTX 275 or 575. The main unit is compact and can be mounted remotely out of sight. All the controls are in the mic. I run the older 275, but the 575 is more powerful. I’m always looking for a reason to switch, but the 275 has never let me down.

Ditch the antennas which comes with the radio, and install a high quality version.

The MTX275 was the one I was looking early this AM. Put on my wish list so I’m not beholden to walkie talkie versions which kinda suck and I couldn’t figure out in Moab.

 

[tworley]

I've got the radioddity DB20G. No idea how to work it, but when I am on the same channel as those I'm wheeling with it seems to work fine and is loud enough to hear. I paired it with an MXTA26 antenna. Dual band, 20W, IIRC I paid just over $100 for it.

 

[MikekiM]

Midland MXT275. Mount the maan body under the dash behind the drivers side knee panel. Run a short RJ45 extension to the center stack (or anywhere else you like) and mount a flush mount RJ45 quick disconnect on the dash. Unplug the mic and stow it away when not in use.

 

[gbirk]

Midland MXT275. Mount the maan body under the dash behind the drivers side knee panel. Run a short RJ45 extension to the center stack (or anywhere else you like) and mount a flush mount RJ45 quick disconnect on the dash. Unplug the mic and stow it away when not in use.

OK, that is kind of awesome. It just went onto my Christmas wish list.

 

[gbirk]

Midland MXT275. Mount the maan body under the dash behind the drivers side knee panel. Run a short RJ45 extension to the center stack (or anywhere else you like) and mount a flush mount RJ45 quick disconnect on the dash. Unplug the mic and stow it away when not in use.

What are you using for an antenna?

 

[MikekiM]

What are you using for an antenna?

Midland MXTA25 3db and the MXTA26 6 db.

 

[red02tj]

The bottom budget version, Baofeng UV5R. Does GMRS (I got a license) and HAM (I didn’t, but that’s reserved for true emergency) with a Nagoya antenna it’s a decent hand held for the 2-3 times a year I need it.

+ a programming cable and the CHIRP software, you can pre load all the local repeaters and stations with freq and text names.

Ps. No way compares to a midland but it’s also $17

 

[srimes]

The bottom budget version, Baofng UV5eR. Does GMRS (I got a license) and HAM (I didn’t, but that’s reserved for true emergency) with a Nagoya antenna it’s a decent hand held for the 2-3 times a year I need it.

+ a programming cable and the CHIRP software, you can pre load all the local repeaters and stations with freq and text names.

Ps. No way compares to a midland but it’s also $17

Can't argue with the price, that's for sure. Just looked on amazon and they say the upgraded 8w is only $19. I do like the HAM option, just in case. They don't have a vehicle-mount version, do they?

Anyone run an external antenna on a handheld unit?

 

[red02tj]

Can't argue with the price, that's for sure. Just looked on amazon and they say the upgraded 8w is only $19. I do like the HAM option, just in case. They don't have a vehicle-mount version, do they?

Anyone run an external antenna on a handheld unit?

Roll the dice on $10. No direct experience.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2748191056...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[macleanflood]

I think you were using my Baofengs on the trail the other day until the battery died.

I've got a Midland 275 buried in my dash and the RJ45 extension run toy 3D printed switch panel.

Also using Midland's 6 db antenna.

I usually carry a couple of Baofengs to hand out for folks to use on the trail.

Especially nice for recoveries and talking through things with folks.

If you remember to charge the batteries...

I also have the Baofengs programmed for all the Forest Service repeaters in the area. They man dispatch 24-7. I use official FS radios when doing trail maintenance volunteer work. I figured if I really got in trouble out there I could radio for help.

I also have a CB...a Uniden about the same size as the 275...but nobody uses CB much any more. I don't bother even carrying around the antenna.

-Mac

 

[Plumber1]

Midland MXT275. Mount the maan body under the dash behind the drivers side knee panel. Run a short RJ45 extension to the center stack (or anywhere else you like) and mount a flush mount RJ45 quick disconnect on the dash. Unplug the mic and stow it away when not in use.

Like this

 

[Harold&Cat]

Looks good

 

[DavidBT]

I started out with the Midland MXT275 and switched to the Radioddity db20-g. The db20-g is easier to switch to repeaters. The Midland works great for simplex channels for sure.

 

[srimes]

I got a 2-pack of BAOFENG GT-5R PRO, as they're "legal" and not much more money *DON'T BUY FOR GMRS*
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D49DWZ5G?tag=wranglerorg-20

mic:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RZ0EQ0?tag=wranglerorg-20

And a battery that accepts USB charging. Seems like the other 12v options all replaced the battery. I liked the idea of keeping a batter so it can work disconnected.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6JTVC2?tag=wranglerorg-20

I'll get a wire and external antenna, but want to figure out how to use it first
Any good youtube tutorials for programming? I'm new to all this...

 

[DavidBT]

I got a 2-pack of BAOFENG GT-5R PRO, as they're "legal" and not much more money
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D49DWZ5G?tag=wranglerorg-20

mic:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RZ0EQ0?tag=wranglerorg-20

And a battery that accepts USB charging. Seems like the other 12v options all replaced the battery. I liked the idea of keeping a batter so it can work disconnected.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L6JTVC2?tag=wranglerorg-20

I'll get a wire and external antenna, but want to figure out how to use it first
Any good youtube tutorials for programming? I'm new to all this...

I don't know if you've heard of notarubicon, if you search his YouTube library, it helped me get my uv-5r's programed. If you can put up with the sillynus of his videos, you can find a lot of good information.

 

[MikekiM]

I don't know if you've heard of notarubicon, if you search his YouTube library, it helped me get my uv-5r's programed. If you can put up with the sillynus of his videos, you can find a lot of good information.

Some great vids on his channel. And I love his sarcasm.