Dream comms setup

[DeltaNu1142]

This is what I'd like in a comms setup and I'm curious how close to this anyone has gotten:

• head unit(s) hidden as much as possible
• in-dash plugs for driver and passenger headsets
• ability to:
  • talk via intercom between driver & passenger
  • answer phone calls
  • talk via GMRS (or other band) radio for both occupants
  • listen to music

In reality, the current use case is answering calls and talking to a passenger without yelling. But it's one of those things, if I'm going to do it... I don't see leaving out any of the features like 2-way radio, etc.

Rugged Radios probably covers all of this. But man, they are proud of their gear. I'd like to see what anyone else has done.

 

[MichaelGH]

That sounds like it would be a nice user friendly setup.

All I have is a Midland MXT275 GMRS, hidden under my steering column.
The plug for the mic is extended and fished through my console, so I can quickly plug my mic in, or take it out of sight, when not in use.
An external Midland speaker, behind the driver’s seat, on the tub rail.
A set of Midland 2-way GMRS handhelds, to pair with the onboard GMRS.

Works well, for my needs.

 

[MikekiM]

I can't offer a lot of help but I do have the Midland MXT275 GMRS hidden with a single RJ45 plug in the center stack so it's all out of sight.

I have no experience with Out of Sight Audio, but found it interesting and might help you completely hide your head unit.

 

[DeltaNu1142]

I have no experience with Out of Sight Audio, but found it interesting and might help you completely hide your head unit.

I stumbled on that site a few years ago, I think. That's definitely a direction I've considered--a completely invisible head unit. With most audio sources coming through on a phone these days (except AM/FM), you can mostly get it done with a BT input to an amp. BUT... this is less about music, and more about comms. And I've mostly decided I want a double-DIN screen for maps & things, anyway.

If I were going to go with something from that site, it would probably be the MKIV to get phone calls. But then I'd still need to figure out an intercom and GMRS, and by then I'm already in Rugged Radios territory pricewise.

I don't need handsfree calling if I can throw on a headset. And, with all the wind blowing around in the cab... I doubt anything short of an over-ear headset would do much for me anyway.

 

[NashvilleTJ]

I’ll tag Ryan ( @Apparition ) here as he runs a nice comms setup in his rig.

But, all the pictures I have of him wheelin’ make it look like he is yelling “Let’s light this candle!” to mission control…

 

[Apparition]

I’ll tag Ryan ( @Apparition ) here as he runs a nice comms setup in his rig.

But, all the pictures I have of him wheelin’ make it look like he is yelling “Let’s light this candle!” to mission control…

@macleanflood has better pics.

I have all the rugged stuff, if that's what someone wants they should shop their clearance or buy when it's all on sale.

I really like the intercom setup it's so easy to talk with your passenger or hit the PTT button and talk to the other rigs using gmrs.

 

[lBasket]

I'm getting flashbacks to the baofeng shooting static into my ear all day in Moab now. Maybe I need a better radio too

 

[DeltaNu1142]

I have all the rugged stuff, if that's what someone wants they should shop their clearance or buy when it's all on sale.

I've poked around their clearance stuff. I also emailed some questions, and the guy that responded told me I could ask him for a quote to, "get the best price." Sounds like they're willing to deal.

I really like the intercom setup it's so easy to talk with your passenger or hit the PTT button and talk to the other rigs using gmrs.

So, you're saying you can be talking to a passenger freely, and then tap the PTT button for GMRS? That sounds awesome.

Do you have the unit in the dash, or under a seat, or...? Do you have plugs run into your dash for headsets? How often, if ever, do you need to fiddle with the head unit?

 

[Apparition]

So, you're saying you can be talking to a passenger freely, and then tap the PTT button for GMRS? That sounds awesome.

Yes, internal comms are always on. I have a PTT on the auto shifter so I can use the GMRS from my headset and Mrs App has the PTT on the passenger grab bar so she can talk.

Do you have the unit in the dash, or under a seat, or...? Do you have plugs run into your dash for headsets? How often, if ever, do you need to fiddle with the head unit?

Intercom is on one side of my console, near the dash, and the GMRS is on the other side. Mounted almost vertically. I bought the extensions so I have headset receptacles zip tied to the seat belt receptacles. Also have another headset cord run to the back for the daughter, she can talk internally but has no access to GMRS that's for just the "driver" and "co-driver"

I rarely mess with the intercom unit once it's setup other than turning it on and off.

 

[lBasket]

Also have another headset cord run to the back for the daughter, she can talk internally but has no access to GMRS

Luckily I already get enough crap from her as it is

 

[macleanflood]

 

[LakeBeard]

This is what I'd like in a comms setup and I'm curious how close to this anyone has gotten:

• head unit(s) hidden as much as possible
• in-dash plugs for driver and passenger headsets
• ability to:
  • talk via intercom between driver & passenger
  • answer phone calls
  • talk via GMRS (or other band) radio for both occupants
  • listen to music

In reality, the current use case is answering calls and talking to a passenger without yelling. But it's one of those things, if I'm going to do it... I don't see leaving out any of the features like 2-way radio, etc.

Rugged Radios probably covers all of this. But man, they are proud of their gear. I'd like to see what anyone else has done.

I use rugged radios, does everything you asked, I dont have the "in dash" plug for the head sets, I just ran them down by the E-brake