the amazing part of this project is getting your wife to actually sit in a park car and operate a radio- my wife would tell me to just call her on my cell phone.
Line of sight is everything for UHF. I made a 95 mile simplex contact on 446.0 from a glider 2700 ft AGL using a 5 watt Icom ID51 HT with a 3 inch stubby antenna. Full quieting both directions!
Many years ago with a Cobra 148 GTL 8 watts I was talking to someone in Pomona all the way up to Running Springs about 30 miles away, I like the BTech and thinking of getting one.
Hello, NotaRubicon...Thank you for the GMRS radio test(s). For traveling, we purchased a package of 3 Uniden walkie talkies, from Best Buy, for just under $50.00, and while in a caravan of just my wife, and me, we found them to work pretty good, in the normal, non-GMRS mode, which was 1/2 mile, or less, while on the freeway. Recently, for testing purposes, I tried them on the channels, which switches them into the GMRS mode, which interestingly enough, increases the range tremendously, by a few miles, depending, of course, on terrain, etc. A few years ago, my wife and I decided to get our technician class Ham Radio licenses, which NO LONGER requires learning the Morse code. Over the years, the FCC has allocated a portion of the Internet, to allow licensed operators to use this, which is called Echo Link. With Echo Link, you can literally contact anyone in the World, who has a handheld radio, such as the Baofeng, or other compatible radios. It's really amazing, to have this capability, literally in the palm of your hand! Thanks again, for your really helpful videos.
The more videos of yours concerning GMRS, the more I'm considering going that route. Especially since I can include the family and get decent range. Perhaps I'll save HAM licensing concerns for another day, and just keep it for listening. Happy holidays to you and yours
Incredible range, for me in normal terrain at 50 W it has about 15 km (10 miles) range). After about 2 km I lose optical visibility with the antenna of my base. ICOM says the 70cm radio at 25W has a range of approximately 15km (10 miles) between the 25m base and the car. You really got an amazing range.
Well I have that same radio and really haven't used it much, I also have 2 UV-5G radios and I'm not sure on the repeater that I've been using just how that even works. Anyway I keyed up my mic (UV5G) 27 miles away and was able to connect and did hear the broadcast recording a little scratchy but very understandable. I was amazed that the little 5 watt could be heard at that distance. I was driving a noisy truck and I could easily be able to carry a good conversation. I'm excited to try the GMRS 50x1 with my even newer KG1000g plus on a long distance test. Thanks I've learned allot on your channel and do appreciate the reviews and the other content... very educational. Glen
Thank you, I enjoy your videos and appreciate your humor! I just passed my General license exam, and will be working GMRS and amateur radio, One of the main reasons I studied for the ham licenses was to discipline myself to learn about radio technology. I have a few GMRS radios to share (after I get my FCC license) with family in August. Thank you for your channel!
20+ miles is impressive, especially at 5 watts. I’m slowly venturing away from AM 27.1850 (truck driver) and trying to expand and explore other radios, bands, modes and frequencies. I have 3 baofeng radios now ( uv5r plus was first followed by 2 uvs9 plus) I love these things and my interest in gmrs is growing rapidly. I appreciate and enjoy your videos, thank you sir!
This guy proved 5 watts is going to be enough for most people, the nice thing about handhelds is the fact if you get into a situation where you leave the vehicle you can take the radio with you.. mine charges like a cellphone last 5-7 days 3 watts I can talk 3 to 8 miles reliably only the size of a pack of cigarettes.
Thanks for your help getting my GMRS license I would NEVER have stayed on the Fed website and saw that through without your guidance and tutelage. "SOME people" will not be able to pick on me anymore !!! HA HA
So far we’re doing 21 miles from base to mobile and very happy. But now I installed Comet CA-712EFC base antenna and Browning BR-182 mobile. Both radios 15 watts. Have not done long range test yet but the Comet has filled in much of the previously dead spots. The best thing though is we are HAVING FAMILY FUN ! Yes we have lic and call sign. No sad hams here 🤣
Nice review! Good tip on the tuning of the antenna as well. I would have preferred your other station to be outside of the garage, as it can significantly effect reception on that frequency range, but I think the 26mi mark is good enough for GMRS use! Thanks for the review! Subscribed!
Great video Randy! Very impressed with the results, many, many Fars. If you want ideas for new videos, field tests of GMRS and MURS HT's would be awesome. The reviews you do are great, but some field testing of range (how many Fars) would give us an overall idea of the radios. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the REAL WORLD TEST of this radio. In as much as I am rural and 30 miles away from repeaters, I have LOW expectations of successful RX TX. Perhaps a base antenna will work from home.
Plus you had some reflect on the isarubicon because of the garage door. That was actually a great test considering the conditions you were working with. WQYY 664, over!
Didn't realize that my neighbor. I'm also by fwy 15/210. I've been watching a lot of your Bao Feng videos. Thanks for making them. I'll be on the look out for your Jeeps the next time when I'm out and about.
Outstanding video! Thank you for pointing out SIMPLEX (direct) and 50 watts and describing the terrain, plus the antenna. That is how I would have done such a test! Very professional! I will subscribe and forward!
We all use cbs in the woods but many cant talk over 3miles.Mine, a converted 10, will do 6 easy and at night about 15 to any base, and have done 35 but its a peaked and tuned 300$ radio . Those gmrs that yall have are amazing on your first test.But probably fairly flat terrain but yes some buildings..so my guess is those would average 10-12 miles anywhere. Which is awesome!
On "flat" terrain with no obstructions outside of the earths curvature, you're not getting beyond 6 miles no matter how much power you run on GMRS. Lower frequencies get a little further - follows the earths surface - but in those same woods / terrain where those CB's aren't getting over 3 miles, GMRS isn't going to do much better. Wattage will punch through trees and foliage better, but not hills. It might also bounce around rock canyon walls and get you further than CB too. Lots of location specific details, but basically "line of sight". The REAL advantage to GMRS is the ability to use repeaters. You get a repeater up on a mountain peak with line of sight to where you're at, and you could probably talk to other people in the woods for 20 miles all day.
I just recently started watching your videos about GMRS and I'm glad I "found you" not only are your videos informative, they are also very entertaining ! Especially this one, I just recently retired, and moved into Friendly El.Monte 3 yr years ago, you were literally down the street from me on Rosemead Blvd. My guess is you parked at Whitter Narrows/ Legg Lake area. Anyways, great videos, and please keep them coming !!! Big Mike.... KAES 8750 ( CB call sign from the late 70's !) See you on the tr.........
I just got the UV25X4 and love it! I may use that for our wagon trains and get a couple 50's for our cars. I'm scouting repeaters to get over the mountians to Reno.
Canada has an extensive repeater network and so does United States of America. One can talk across either nation on the right repeater network. In Canada, GMRS is free, just like Canadian amateur radio. In United States of America it is $35 USD, the same price as American amateur radio.
I gave this a thumbs up because it was informative and useful but also because this gentleman was kind to the like button. Why is everyone "Smashing" or "destroying" the like button? There's no call for that! Calm down and just gently, gingerly, click the like button. That's all it takes. You don't need to smash it - That's not right.
Greetings from Reno, Nevada. I am enjoying the hands on technical demonstrations. I am sharing your content with family members in Litchfield, AZ and Corona, CA.
I was a GMRS user in Southern Calif a long time ago with REACT, we had a number of repeaters, I have long moved out the area, and didn't even know that there were any GMRS Repeaters left, 462.675 on Santiago Peak...
462.675 Santiago is like a flame-thrower at the top of a mountain! we use that repeater all the time and are paid members of the Crestcom-org group that owns it.
@@TheNotaRubicon - When I used it, it was controlled by R.U.G. (Repeaters Users Group) but the owner was a guy named Bob Leaf, who also owned Communication Center in Anaheim, there we sold Scanners and 2-Way Radios (I worked for him at the time), R.U.G. consisted of REACT members, who controlled the use of the repeaters for REACT, Bob also owned a few other repeaters on GMRS through out So. Cal. All were used by REACT members. This was back in the 80's and 90's. I thought the FCC had changed the rules for GMRS and did not allow any repeaters, but I have not been following the new FCC rules of GMRS... Kinda wish that there was a GMRS repeater here where I live in Central Oregon...
The reason this range is so good is one end is located at elevation (1700) feet. Mind you it's mounted on a mobile jeep in a garage but still, elevation helps. But out in the middle of nowhere, with a lot less RF interference, you'll get line of sight for sure. Even with handheld units if they're decent.
So I came into this video, 1 for Randy’s knowledge and 2 for the pinned Sad Hams…. To my disappointment, no Sad Hams as of this comment. Randy, you are awesome! Thank you for your videos. I am new to GMRS and your videos help me understand this way of life.
Yeah I just started down this road with the midland handhelds 5w & the MX105 in our jeeps. They work well I was surprised to see not. A huge difference in the Rx signal between low & high when you were over 20 miles away I am looking at their 40w & learning how to connect to a repeater Thanks for the demo
I have the Midland MXT275. Its only rated at 15watts, but it sure does work well. I love that the controls are all in the handheld mic.. and its a simple plug and play with the 12v plug. I'm using it with the 6db gain antenna and that definitely helps. I've hit repeaters more than 30 miles away with no issues. I'd be curious to know how two MXT275 radios worked together but I don't know anyone else that has one.
When I was trucking from Nebr to southern Cali I used to delivery to South El Monte Wholesale, then up a block, turn right, and there was Zachary Farms. Good times!! Good video, great range on those radio's!
shame on you....you are making me spend all kinds of money now...because i subscribed to your channel.....love your videos.....i bought this radio...so far so good.....love your videos and have learned a lot from you...keep up the good work!!!!
i have the same radio and antenna and i love it. it is the best radio out there for the most power on gmrs. love the video. i should make a video on mine. i also have 2 of the btech HT's and there awesome.
By south, I'm not sure if you stayed on the 15 and got to Elsinore or that area. You go through a canyon but there are some places that peek into the valley for line of sight. If you want to really have fun, you can drive one rig up to the top of Santiago Peak, and the other can go about anywhere, Cajon Pass, Beaumont, Santa Clarita, Malibu, maybe Santa Barbara, and you can enjoy some real simplex fun. For science, of course.
How is that BTech holding up for you? I was pretty close to getting one in my Jeep but the reviews I found were enough for me to pump the brakes on the purchase; concerns mainly around general durability some smoked transistors or power supplies. Thx for the fun videos! They’ve helped us plan and take trails in JTNP a few times!
I am very Impressed with your ranges. I picked up a Radiodocity QB25 to do the exact same thing you are doing. I wish I had discovered your videos prior to my purchase. If I am successful, we might be able do a radio check. I live in the IE as well. ( Just ordered that SWR meter today. Great video about tuning)
Good work, Man. In the NC Piedmont (a little more hilly than flat), both vehicles at roughly the same AMSL, I can get about 5 miles mobile to mobile w/ a five-watt Midland GMRS with the stock 1/4 wave mag-mount. That antenna is only 6" long. It would do a little better w/ a 5/8 wave as you have.
Both Jeeps are using the Browning BR450 antenna: amzn.to/35EwBn4 Find the BTech GMRS 50X1 Radio here: amzn.to/35r1QS8 Our favorite little SWR meter: amzn.to/3kvoP4O The above links are affiliate links. If you click on one and buy something we may be compensated. Thank you!
Great video. Question: When you went west in the latter part was your home base still in the garage? I think you indicated (or maybe I just inferred) that your garage faces south. If she was in her garage I wonder if she could have rec’d your signal if she was in driveway or someplace where she was clear of obstacles. Just curious. 😁
as a fellow jeep owner...and Ham. Jeeps are a horrible vehicles to mount antennas. Which corner orientation to the receiving station makes a difference. Mobile antennas are designed to be mounted on a flat metallic surface. Jeep don't have those..LOL The actual direction pattern of a given jeep to another may likely be somewhat different. ..LOL Also at the GMRS frequency, the antenna near a tree branch changes the tuning of the antenna and the amount of power output accordingly. A heck of a LOT of variables goes into the process at 450MHZ give or take. I have ham equipment near the same frequencies and I do know which way to orient the jeep as I get out of repeater range.
With a stacked Yagi mounted on my roof of my house, it has an estimated 16dB gain, and I'm running a 20 watt radio, and have a confirmed 136 mile contact to a repeater. I want to try to do a simplex one to Phoenix, if possible. According to some LoS calculators, I'm going 14 miles BLoS.
Excellent video I’m getting ready to buy me a radio so I don’t know at this time what’s the new GMRS thank you for your videos man don’t care with all this him ready to say you’re right I really like your videos.
I like to keep mine above the roofline. They do get beat up a bit. They hit (I’m in a van) most bump bars at drive throughs. They do get out with the big metal roof as s ground plane
I am really contemplating one of these but living in WV I'd need 500 watts to get around or over these mountains LOL :) I do not think they are very popular here so using a CB would still be the best where I can reach over 100 people with every mic click than one of these.
Great video and inpressive radio. With a canvas top military vehicle should I use the 5.4db version or their 5.0db version designed for no ground plane? I had a lot pf trouble gertting my 1/4 wave cb tuned well.
I would think that signal propagation with the antenna mounted on the rear-right corner would have been better if you had the front of the vehicle pointed toward the receiving party.
Just with the low power GMRS Walkie Talkies, I get 7 miles, line of sight, from a mountain top to the valley all the time. I didn't test for farther distance
I’m quite impressed with that range considering she’s inside a garage and you both have fairly compromised antenna setups (nothing against your choice of antenna, it’s just Jeeps do not lend themselves to great ground planes for any antenna). I would imagine those antennas mounted on the roof or hood of a vehicle would have probably made it to the 30 mile mark, especially with both vehicles out in the open.
Yup. I run 2M ham in my jku, with the 5/8 antenna mounted to the license plate frame. I KNOW it would do much better higher (especially with a ground plane added), but to get in the garage, deal with trees, etc, that's the way it is. :)
I would have been surprised if you could have made that simplex com from So. El Monte out to Upland. The Repeater I am running now here in Texas I was running in the hills of Hacienda Heights just South of Pomona 60 freeway at Turnbull Canyon Road. I was high up enough in the hills with a 40ft crank up tower that had an antenna tip view that made com at 20 watts from Lakewood/Cerritos area out to the IE as far as Redlands. Covered most of the SGV with some dead spots in Azusa, Wallnut and Chino Hilla due to hilly areas. I wish GMRS was as active in TX the way it was in So. Cal.
Same here, ham and cb. Lots of noise on cb channels. I can talk 10 miles simplex with my FT-60, yet only 3-4 miles on any cb channel. 2m/70cm for the win! I'm signing up for GMRS on the 19th as well.
GMRS (UHF)...Varies on terrain and antennas and power and, etc. CB will vary on wattage (4 watts max...to be "legal", antenna, atmospheric conditions. If studied ham book should know that...:)...
the amazing part of this project is getting your wife to actually sit in a park car and operate a radio- my wife would tell me to just call her on my cell phone.
😂😂
Even my ex wife would have fun doing that
Bwahahaha 🤣😭
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!
💯
This is exactly what people want to see..a TRUE in field Test...love to see a Hand held GMRS field test ...
Line of sight is everything for UHF. I made a 95 mile simplex contact on 446.0 from a glider 2700 ft AGL using a 5 watt Icom ID51 HT with a 3 inch stubby antenna. Full quieting both directions!
Ahh...
But that Height..lol
Many years ago with a Cobra 148 GTL 8 watts I was talking to someone in Pomona all the way up to Running Springs about 30 miles away, I like the BTech and thinking of getting one.
Hello, NotaRubicon...Thank you for the GMRS radio test(s). For traveling, we purchased a package of 3 Uniden walkie talkies,
from Best Buy, for just under $50.00, and while in a caravan of just my wife, and me, we found them to work pretty good, in the normal, non-GMRS mode, which was 1/2 mile, or less, while on the freeway. Recently, for testing purposes, I tried them on the channels, which switches them into the GMRS mode, which interestingly enough, increases the range tremendously, by a few miles, depending, of course, on terrain, etc. A few years ago, my wife and I decided to get our technician class Ham Radio licenses, which NO LONGER requires learning the Morse code. Over the years, the FCC has allocated a portion of the Internet, to allow licensed operators to use this, which is called Echo Link. With Echo Link, you can literally contact anyone in the World, who has a handheld radio, such as the Baofeng, or other compatible radios. It's really amazing, to have this capability, literally in the palm of your hand! Thanks again, for your really helpful videos.
Just out of curiosity, with the GMRS license and on these frequencies can I also transmit through Echo Link?
The more videos of yours concerning GMRS, the more I'm considering going that route. Especially since I can include the family and get decent range. Perhaps I'll save HAM licensing concerns for another day, and just keep it for listening. Happy holidays to you and yours
I wonder if you'd see much difference if the Rubicon was not in the garage.
Incredible range, for me in normal terrain at 50 W it has about 15 km (10 miles) range). After about 2 km I lose optical visibility with the antenna of my base. ICOM says the 70cm radio at 25W has a range of approximately 15km (10 miles) between the 25m base and the car. You really got an amazing range.
Wow great video. I think GMRS just made me a flat earther. I have to go think about my life choices now. Have a good one.
Well I have that same radio and really haven't used it much, I also have 2 UV-5G radios and I'm not sure on the repeater that I've been using just how that even works. Anyway I keyed up my mic (UV5G) 27 miles away and was able to connect and did hear the broadcast recording a little scratchy but very understandable. I was amazed that the little 5 watt could be heard at that distance. I was driving a noisy truck and I could easily be able to carry a good conversation. I'm excited to try the GMRS 50x1 with my even newer KG1000g plus on a long distance test. Thanks I've learned allot on your channel and do appreciate the reviews and the other content... very educational. Glen
That was impressive
Thank you, I enjoy your videos and appreciate your humor! I just passed my General license exam, and will be working GMRS and amateur radio, One of the main reasons I studied for the ham licenses was to discipline myself to learn about radio technology. I have a few GMRS radios to share (after I get my FCC license) with family in August. Thank you for your channel!
20+ miles is impressive, especially at 5 watts. I’m slowly venturing away from AM 27.1850 (truck driver) and trying to expand and explore other radios, bands, modes and frequencies. I have 3 baofeng radios now ( uv5r plus was first followed by 2 uvs9 plus) I love these things and my interest in gmrs is growing rapidly. I appreciate and enjoy your videos, thank you sir!
This guy proved 5 watts is going to be enough for most people, the nice thing about handhelds is the fact if you get into a situation where you leave the vehicle you can take the radio with you.. mine charges like a cellphone last 5-7 days 3 watts I can talk 3 to 8 miles reliably only the size of a pack of cigarettes.
Thanks for your help getting my GMRS license I would NEVER have stayed on the Fed website and saw that through without your guidance and tutelage. "SOME people" will not be able to pick on me anymore !!! HA HA
Good video! Thanks
Try last test again with Notrubi out of garage 👍
Wow 25 miles and on low power and she could hear you that is Crazy good Randy @NotaRubicon Productions
Good video Randy I Miss these older Videos @NotaRubicon Productions
So far we’re doing 21 miles from base to mobile and very happy. But now I installed Comet CA-712EFC base antenna and Browning BR-182 mobile. Both radios 15 watts. Have not done long range test yet but the Comet has filled in much of the previously dead spots. The best thing though is we are HAVING FAMILY FUN ! Yes we have lic and call sign. No sad hams here 🤣
Best option for comms off road and a few other scenarios.
Outstanding video! That was excellent range you got on simplex!
That is surprisingly far. You get a lot of fars with your GMRS radio
Nice review! Good tip on the tuning of the antenna as well. I would have preferred your other station to be outside of the garage, as it can significantly effect reception on that frequency range, but I think the 26mi mark is good enough for GMRS use! Thanks for the review! Subscribed!
Great video Randy! Very impressed with the results, many, many Fars. If you want ideas for new videos, field tests of GMRS and MURS HT's would be awesome. The reviews you do are great, but some field testing of range (how many Fars) would give us an overall idea of the radios. Keep up the great work!
I like the way you talk normally in this video. All the way to end with the like button when your RUclips persona starts to peep through
Antenna made the difference
Thank you for the REAL WORLD TEST of this radio. In as much as I am rural and 30 miles away from repeaters, I have LOW expectations of successful RX TX. Perhaps a base antenna will work from home.
Plus you had some reflect on the isarubicon because of the garage door. That was actually a great test considering the conditions you were working with. WQYY 664, over!
Didn't realize that my neighbor. I'm also by fwy 15/210. I've been watching a lot of your Bao Feng videos. Thanks for making them. I'll be on the look out for your Jeeps the next time when I'm out and about.
I'd love to see another test using a repeater!!!! Great video thank you.
the lesson seems to be that LoS is more important than transmit power.............
Outstanding video! Thank you for pointing out SIMPLEX (direct) and 50 watts and describing the terrain, plus the antenna. That is how I would have done such a test! Very professional! I will subscribe and forward!
We all use cbs in the woods but many cant talk over 3miles.Mine, a converted 10, will do 6 easy and at night about 15 to any base, and have done 35 but its a peaked and tuned 300$ radio . Those gmrs that yall have are amazing on your first test.But probably fairly flat terrain but yes some buildings..so my guess is those would average 10-12 miles anywhere. Which is awesome!
On "flat" terrain with no obstructions outside of the earths curvature, you're not getting beyond 6 miles no matter how much power you run on GMRS. Lower frequencies get a little further - follows the earths surface - but in those same woods / terrain where those CB's aren't getting over 3 miles, GMRS isn't going to do much better. Wattage will punch through trees and foliage better, but not hills. It might also bounce around rock canyon walls and get you further than CB too. Lots of location specific details, but basically "line of sight".
The REAL advantage to GMRS is the ability to use repeaters. You get a repeater up on a mountain peak with line of sight to where you're at, and you could probably talk to other people in the woods for 20 miles all day.
I just recently started watching your videos about GMRS and I'm glad I "found you" not only are your videos informative, they are also very entertaining ! Especially this one, I just recently retired, and moved into Friendly El.Monte 3 yr years ago, you were literally down the street from me on Rosemead Blvd. My guess is you parked at Whitter Narrows/ Legg Lake area.
Anyways, great videos, and please keep them coming !!! Big Mike....
KAES 8750 ( CB call sign from the late 70's !) See you on the tr.........
Good vid man. Thats UHF for ya, when its gone its gone. VHF gives you more static chance I call it and a bit more distance.
Nice to see you blinking!
Very nice trucks :) Hey- you can't complain with that distance.... nice and clear- solid communications.
OMG, you can actually talk at a normal speed ! Love the videos, continue doing what you are doing ;-)
I just got the UV25X4 and love it! I may use that for our wagon trains and get a couple 50's for our cars. I'm scouting repeaters to get over the mountians to Reno.
Seems to be a gig switch to GMRS radios now. I like the looks and performance of that unit. Cheers
You wouldn't think an off road channel would attract snowflakes, but you certainly have their attention! Keep doing what you are doing.
Canada has an extensive repeater network and so does United States of America. One can talk across either nation on the right repeater network. In Canada, GMRS is free, just like Canadian amateur radio. In United States of America it is $35 USD, the same price as American amateur radio.
I gave this a thumbs up because it was informative and useful but also because this gentleman was kind to the like button. Why is everyone "Smashing" or "destroying" the like button? There's no call for that! Calm down and just gently, gingerly, click the like button. That's all it takes. You don't need to smash it - That's not right.
Greetings from Reno, Nevada.
I am enjoying the hands on technical demonstrations. I am sharing your content with family members in Litchfield, AZ and Corona, CA.
I was a GMRS user in Southern Calif a long time ago with REACT, we had a number of repeaters, I have long moved out the area, and didn't even know that there were any GMRS Repeaters left, 462.675 on Santiago Peak...
462.675 Santiago is like a flame-thrower at the top of a mountain! we use that repeater all the time and are paid members of the Crestcom-org group that owns it.
@@TheNotaRubicon - When I used it, it was controlled by R.U.G. (Repeaters Users Group) but the owner was a guy named Bob Leaf, who also owned Communication Center in Anaheim, there we sold Scanners and 2-Way Radios (I worked for him at the time), R.U.G. consisted of REACT members, who controlled the use of the repeaters for REACT, Bob also owned a few other repeaters on GMRS through out So. Cal. All were used by REACT members. This was back in the 80's and 90's. I thought the FCC had changed the rules for GMRS and did not allow any repeaters, but I have not been following the new FCC rules of GMRS... Kinda wish that there was a GMRS repeater here where I live in Central Oregon...
@@TheNotaRubicon - I just checked out the Crestcom-org web site, seems like it has not been updated in sometime. Also notice RUG was mentioned...
The reason this range is so good is one end is located at elevation (1700) feet. Mind you it's mounted on a mobile jeep in a garage but still, elevation helps.
But out in the middle of nowhere, with a lot less RF interference, you'll get line of sight for sure. Even with handheld units if they're decent.
So I came into this video, 1 for Randy’s knowledge and 2 for the pinned Sad Hams….
To my disappointment, no Sad Hams as of this comment.
Randy, you are awesome! Thank you for your videos. I am new to GMRS and your videos help me understand this way of life.
sign up for the qrz and arrl forums.
Try Temecula California to Fontana California mobile to mobile.
I did it with a home brew phased array on a Volvo 770 on 27.185mhz.
Yeah I just started down this road with the midland handhelds 5w & the MX105 in our jeeps.
They work well
I was surprised to see not. A huge difference in the Rx signal between low & high when you were over 20 miles away
I am looking at their 40w & learning how to connect to a repeater
Thanks for the demo
I have the Midland MXT275. Its only rated at 15watts, but it sure does work well. I love that the controls are all in the handheld mic.. and its a simple plug and play with the 12v plug. I'm using it with the 6db gain antenna and that definitely helps. I've hit repeaters more than 30 miles away with no issues. I'd be curious to know how two MXT275 radios worked together but I don't know anyone else that has one.
When I was trucking from Nebr to southern Cali I used to delivery to South El Monte Wholesale, then up a block, turn right, and there was Zachary Farms. Good times!!
Good video, great range on those radio's!
Hi that is a sweet jeep
shame on you....you are making me spend all kinds of money now...because i subscribed to your channel.....love your videos.....i bought this radio...so far so good.....love your videos and have learned a lot from you...keep up the good work!!!!
i have the same radio and antenna and i love it. it is the best radio out there for the most power on gmrs. love the video. i should make a video on mine. i also have 2 of the btech HT's and there awesome.
By south, I'm not sure if you stayed on the 15 and got to Elsinore or that area. You go through a canyon but there are some places that peek into the valley for line of sight. If you want to really have fun, you can drive one rig up to the top of Santiago Peak, and the other can go about anywhere, Cajon Pass, Beaumont, Santa Clarita, Malibu, maybe Santa Barbara, and you can enjoy some real simplex fun. For science, of course.
Excellent test.
How is that BTech holding up for you? I was pretty close to getting one in my Jeep but the reviews I found were enough for me to pump the brakes on the purchase; concerns mainly around general durability some smoked transistors or power supplies. Thx for the fun videos! They’ve helped us plan and take trails in JTNP a few times!
I am very Impressed with your ranges. I picked up a Radiodocity QB25 to do the exact same thing you are doing. I wish I had discovered your videos prior to my purchase. If I am successful, we might be able do a radio check. I live in the IE as well. ( Just ordered that SWR meter today. Great video about tuning)
Randy was so nice before “some people” ruined him😅
Good work, Man. In the NC Piedmont (a little more hilly than flat), both vehicles at roughly the same AMSL, I can get about 5 miles mobile to mobile w/ a five-watt Midland GMRS with the stock 1/4 wave mag-mount. That antenna is only 6" long. It would do a little better w/ a 5/8 wave as you have.
Both Jeeps are using the Browning BR450 antenna: amzn.to/35EwBn4
Find the BTech GMRS 50X1 Radio here: amzn.to/35r1QS8
Our favorite little SWR meter: amzn.to/3kvoP4O
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I got 3.3 miles today with one 15w radio talking to a 5w radio in the city
Ahhh....a handshaker! Kudos good sir, nicely done👍👍😁😎🇺🇸
Great video. Question: When you went west in the latter part was your home base still in the garage? I think you indicated (or maybe I just inferred) that your garage faces south. If she was in her garage I wonder if she could have rec’d your signal if she was in driveway or someplace where she was clear of obstacles. Just curious. 😁
as a fellow jeep owner...and Ham. Jeeps are a horrible vehicles to mount antennas. Which corner orientation to the receiving station makes a difference. Mobile antennas are designed to be mounted on a flat metallic surface. Jeep don't have those..LOL The actual direction pattern of a given jeep to another may likely be somewhat different. ..LOL Also at the GMRS frequency, the antenna near a tree branch changes the tuning of the antenna and the amount of power output accordingly. A heck of a LOT of variables goes into the process at 450MHZ give or take. I have ham equipment near the same frequencies and I do know which way to orient the jeep as I get out of repeater range.
Some antennas do not require a flat metal surface. Search "No Ground Plane Antennas"
I wasn’t clear in your video did your wife jeep stay inside the garage? And don’t you think that would affect the reception?
Do you think backing out of the garage and just sitting in the driveway would have improved your chances at 30 miles?
I think you should read the info-section before leaving comments.
Thank you for actually testing this. It was interesting. I gently pressed the like button.
25 miles on 5watts on walkie talkie freq. wow! Man if only those store bought ones would do that.
Nice review, I have the same radio in my Jeep running a 6db antenna I'm planning on getting a second one for base.
With a stacked Yagi mounted on my roof of my house, it has an estimated 16dB gain, and I'm running a 20 watt radio, and have a confirmed 136 mile contact to a repeater. I want to try to do a simplex one to Phoenix, if possible.
According to some LoS calculators, I'm going 14 miles BLoS.
wow awesome experiment, and nice setup!
I love the dirt..you do play
Love your channel! Newbie here from Traer Iowa
Great info! Was about to purchase the midland 50 watt. This seems like it had more with it.
Was probably Kellogg Hill or the San Dimas hills that cut you off.
Wow, you live super close to me. I live in Colton.
Excellent video I’m getting ready to buy me a radio so I don’t know at this time what’s the new GMRS thank you for your videos man don’t care with all this him ready to say you’re right I really like your videos.
Another helpful video, bravo. I'm a subscriber now and will refer anyone needing this and other info you provide to your channel!
Great information, and thank you for spending $100 in gas. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m curious if a 1/4 wave antenna would do better for you in mountainous terrain. 5/8 seem to work very well in flat country.
I like to keep mine above the roofline. They do get beat up a bit. They hit (I’m in a van) most bump bars at drive throughs. They do get out with the big metal roof as s ground plane
Very informative. Impressive distance.
Thanks for the good radio info. It’s appreciated greatly.
Im overlanding in my 1964 cj5. I do own a cb radio. Just not setup yet. Im on the East coast in PA
@R H I have a licence GMRS but i dont see a repeater available in North East Philadelphia.
Great video thanks very much for your effort to explain, great personality, I like people ground to the earth.
Havent seen you in the trail, but I have seen you in the IE. (Riverside)!! Nice Jeeps!
I am really contemplating one of these but living in WV I'd need 500 watts to get around or over these mountains LOL :) I do not think they are very popular here so using a CB would still be the best where I can reach over 100 people with every mic click than one of these.
Great video and inpressive radio. With a canvas top military vehicle should I use the 5.4db version or their 5.0db version designed for no ground plane? I had a lot pf trouble gertting my 1/4 wave cb tuned well.
I would think that signal propagation with the antenna mounted on the rear-right corner would have been better if you had the front of the vehicle pointed toward the receiving party.
In radio, height makes might
Not in all radio, but definitely when using vhf and higher
I can hit a repeater 30 miles 5 watts H.T with a 450-470 MHZ Yagi GMRS Puyallup to Tiger MT.
I am that far north of tiger on a 5 watt HT. no yogi just a diamond 77ca
Hey man. I’m new to GMRS. I live in Bakersfield. I would like to wheel with you guy. You guys don’t seem to be hot dogers. So I think I’d be safe. 😂
THANK YOU SIR ITS A GREAT VIDEO
Just with the low power GMRS Walkie Talkies, I get 7 miles, line of sight, from a mountain top to the valley all the time. I didn't test for farther distance
This was good! Thanks Randy👍👍😎🇺🇸
Wow! Amazing coverage. Thanks for sharing.
this radio for 219.00 not look bad. i planing buy one
update. i buy 50x2 thanks
Haha!@@felixint
I’m quite impressed with that range considering she’s inside a garage and you both have fairly compromised antenna setups (nothing against your choice of antenna, it’s just Jeeps do not lend themselves to great ground planes for any antenna). I would imagine those antennas mounted on the roof or hood of a vehicle would have probably made it to the 30 mile mark, especially with both vehicles out in the open.
Yup. I run 2M ham in my jku, with the 5/8 antenna mounted to the license plate frame. I KNOW it would do much better higher (especially with a ground plane added), but to get in the garage, deal with trees, etc, that's the way it is. :)
I would have been surprised if you could have made that simplex com from So. El Monte out to Upland. The Repeater I am running now here in Texas I was running in the hills of Hacienda Heights just South of Pomona 60 freeway at Turnbull Canyon Road. I was high up enough in the hills with a 40ft crank up tower that had an antenna tip view that made com at 20 watts from Lakewood/Cerritos area out to the IE as far as Redlands. Covered most of the SGV with some dead spots in Azusa, Wallnut and Chino Hilla due to hilly areas. I wish GMRS was as active in TX the way it was in So. Cal.
This was a helpful video. Thank you!
I would be curious about CB vs GMRS in this context... I do CB and Ham, am getting GMRS once the fee drop
Same here, ham and cb. Lots of noise on cb channels. I can talk 10 miles simplex with my FT-60, yet only 3-4 miles on any cb channel. 2m/70cm for the win!
I'm signing up for GMRS on the 19th as well.
GMRS (UHF)...Varies on terrain and antennas and power and, etc. CB will vary on wattage (4 watts max...to be "legal", antenna, atmospheric conditions. If studied ham book should know that...:)...