Moab -- Radio Question

[Eagle]

I have a CB, so that's not a problem. But I've seen more and more people also using GMRS radios, either around camp or when out of the vehicles on the trail.

How many of those who will be attending Moab have -- or will have -- GMRS radios? If I want to join in the fun, would one of the inexpensive models from Wal-Mart be adequate? What "must have" bells and whistles are there on a $79.95 model that aren't on a $29.95 model?

Oh, yeah -- can a GMRS talk to a CB (and vice-versa)?

TIA

 

[ChEwBaCcA]

No GMRS is a different Mghz spread, far and away from CB freq's so no you cant "cross talk" between the two bands.

As far as price, you get what you pay for. The cheapies may work for kids running around the front yard, but add range to it and you may be let down. The cheaper unit will have poor audio in and out....making it hard or unpleasant to listen to you and vice -versa for any length of time. Not to mention you may not get "all" the channels that are available on the more pricey models.

I dont have one so im no expert , but i do own lots of radio gear. $79 is not a lot to ask for a radio IMO, you may want to check copper electronics out of KY on the web, I think they are www.copper.com or www.grove-ent.com or www.universal-radio.com I have done lots of business w/ all these companies...they're all top notch.....call universal or grove and ask for an honest opinion and you get one. They also have some great used gear and you may land a near mint unit that is $80 new for 45 used.

Regards
Chewy

 

[Kejtar]

OK.... there are two different things that exist.... FRS and GMRS.

FRS is the cheapy model that you will find... it is 14 channels with X number (up to 38 analog, plus some have it digital) of tone settings which in a way work as a channel multiplier... Those can operate at max of 1/2 Watt with the range of up to 2 miles.

GMRS is the predecessor of FRS, and it requires a license (pretty much just a fee... IIRC the fee now is $150). GMRS radios can be up to 25W for mobile (or maybe more, I could never remember that) and ussualy about 2W~5W for a handheld (I believe the common model is the 2W). Those radios will talk with FRS on 7 channels while keeping one thing in mind... they migh hear you but you might not hear them as you can transmit from further away.

The big benefit to the FRS and GMRS is that
1. They use up way less power and they last longer on batteries
2. They are smaller
3. Handheld ussually will go further in distance then a CB handheld...

Kejtar

 

[woody]

I read an article about FRS & GMRS in the paper...pretty much what Chewy and Remi say in their posts.

One thing to note is that the companies that sell these generally are very 'optimistic' about the performance of their models...

But this isn't a big issue with jeep-to-jeep commo on the trail. (until ya want -or NEED- to yak at some folks in another group, some distance away)

Another thing to consider is keeping them powered up. This means either having extra batteries or battery packs, a 12vDC adapter/cord, and some sort of charger. 12vDC may be handier in remote areas, unless one has access to 120vAC or an invertor.

I see having a pair of these handy as being great to spot for someone who doesn't have a CB. It doesn't always work out great, but I have spotted for folks, using CB<->CB, looking through the hatch glass or out the window. without getting out of the Jeep.

 

[Mike in NJ]

I had gotten a great deal during Cabela's summer sale and picked up some (get this) "Cherokee" FRS-460 radios for $39 (supposed retail was $119).

I was skeptical, so I did some consumer research on the Web and found that these models were actually rated very well.

Now that I've used them, I have to say that I'm pretty impressed. Clear sound and easy to use. Range? Who knows if they really can go 2 miles, but they sure work well enough for vehicle to vehicle on a trail so far.

14 channels and 47 privacy codes - plenty of capability. Oh, I still have my Cobra, but these will be a nice backup capability.

(Just checked - still on sale at Cabela's Bargain Cave)

Mike in NJ atriot:

 

[ChuckstrPT]

Amateur/Ham Radio

You guys ever consider getting your Amateur Radio License?? The first level, Technician, does not require Morse Code, just passing a test. I've been licensed for about 2 years, and know very little about radio tech stuff. But, I've learned alot since getting my license, and joining a local Ham Radio Club. It is my understanding that VHF/UHF frequencies are both more reliable, and more clear than either CB or the Family frequencies. When I had my Samurai, I had a CB hard installed, and got some RAM mounts for my hand held VHF/UHF radio. With a good antenna, I was amazed at how far I could talk with the Ham radio only putting out 5w. You can easily get 50-75w in a mobile rig. This will get you MANY more miles than any legal CB. Unfortunately, you will still need 2 radios. CB frequency is 10 meter, and VHF/UHF are 2 meter and 70cm. There is no "reasonbly" priced radio to do that.
This is just one thing to consider. One of the major reasons I persued Amateur Radio is because of my 4wheeling. We get OUT THERE, where you won't find cell service, and your CB won't get anywhere useful. The Amateur Radio I think is another way to "be prepared."

 

[Kejtar]

You do bring up a good point, but not always you can rely on the fact that everyone will be certified.... and often it's good to hand a radio to someone so that when they are spotting you, they can tell you instead of relying on funky hand signals and yelling....

I personally have a HAM radio with me every time I go hit some trails along with my local repeater guide......

Also... lastly... the cost of an FRS radio (even one of the higher end ones) doesn't come nowhere near close to a cost of a decent HT...

Kejtar

 

[ChuckstrPT]

You do bring up a good point, but not always you can rely on the fact that everyone will be certified....

Also... lastly... the cost of an FRS radio (even one of the higher end ones) doesn't come nowhere near close to a cost of a decent HT...

This is true. I think I spent about $300 on my Dual Band HT. But I think it's usefulness has helped offset the cost difference. Where I'm located, Alabama (Roll Tide), we get some pretty scare weather. I think I've used my HT more for weather spotting, and keeping up on where the nasty stuff is in relation to me. To me, that is invaluable in Tornado country. There is also a need to encourage more Ham's in our particular hobby, because our built up, go anywhere rigs are particularly helpful with Search and Rescue type situations. I don't think you will find any official organizations (EMA, etc) using these family radios, or CB's. The more of us show up on trail rides with our Ham radio's, the more likely they will start to become more common. They are not at this point. I've tried to get our club interested, but it tends to be a hard sell.
73,
Andy, KG4PLH

 

[macgyvr]

Most folks on the trail usually have a FRS radio. You can buy two of them at wally world for less that $50. Get the ones that have the 14 main channels and 38 privacy bands.

I have a base unit frs with a magnant mount antenna that I have in my f150 when towing and then in the Jeep on the trail. I had it in the f150 while towing to moab a couple of weeks ago and my buddy had one of my hand held frs, at one point we were having a conversation and we got separated by 7 miles and could still heard each other. When I travel I try to have everyone using an FRS and then keep the CB on ch 19 to monitor traffic.

mac 'frs,cb,cellphone...communication freak' gyvr