Why I Ditched My CB Radio & Now Use Rugged Radios
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- Опубликовано: 12 июл 2024
- Giveaway closed! Congrats Cindy Smith and Don Sumner
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Handheld: www.ruggedradios.com/index.ph...
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Ham radio is a great hobby and great for off-roading, please get licensed to fully enjoy it. These radios make you think you're operating legally, but you really are not.
Great comment.
Yeah, it looks like a rebranded baofeng , I realized right away this radio requires a ham licence to operate. It's a shame because these cheap radios are a gateway to get new people into the hobby but unfortunately idiots ruin good things for everyone else.
Thanks for sharing
You are so correct you're technically not allowed to talk on those radios without being a license and then when you do get license you have to always use your call sign.
I was just about to say that, than I saw this comment. :)
Rugged radio just Rebranded Uv5R radio and quadrupled the price. 😂
Ridiculous!
WOW, You're a downer to these folks Roger That?
Keith Busch the Uv5R isn’t junk at all it’s literally identical to this rugged radio
@Keith Busch prefers to be the gullible one that pays 4x as much for a Chinese radio rebranded as American.
That's a steep price to pay to have rugged program it for you. Find a techie buddy and buy them lunch to program all your radios.
Ruged radiio? it's a Baofeng...
Painted UV-5R
Overpriced boafeng radios. Nice lol.
THANK YOU!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one out there exposing this ripping off of the off-road community. As a ham, it makes cringe to see people trying to take advantage of others like this...
@skat kat MURS, CB, and FRS are all license-by-rule (no additional license required). Baofengs can operate on the 2m and 70cm bands, but not 11m (CB), so these pieces of garbage are physically not interoperable with CB equipment. That's before getting into Part 95 type acceptance.
@skat kat Sorry, the Baofeng radio is a 2m/70cm radio. CB is on the 11m. So no, you cant program a Baofeng or any 2m/70cm HT to work on CB channels
I’ve been looking for a good radio setup for a while now for overlanding with friends and family. Have come across these radios a few times and agree with you and the fantastic flexibility these offer. Was just waiting until after the holiday to make it happen. Then came across your video, this would be a great addition to my gear!
I'm studying for my HAM license and I 4 wheel with some friends. Having this kind of radio would be awesome. I'm also an EMT, so having the link to get help would be a huge plus on the trial. Thanks for the video!!!
@cody austin what's your point?
@cody austin I'm using a 50W dual band radio with a 3 DB gain antenna. So I'm not using the same set-up as JK G&G., It works well for me.
@cody austin I hear what you're saying. A mobile mounted radio will give you better performance. Hand helds are limited. Folks just have to work within their budget.
Rugged are great, but with HAM you get repeaters and can talk even further. You can easily call for emergency help in remote locations. Get the HAM, get the license.
Or you can get a cb and not have to worry about a license but ham radio is great
And the license is way easy nowadays just a quick couple hours study and good for life basically. GMRS is no test just a paid license.
This giveaway is awesome man! Love that you’re giving back to your subscribers. With that said I would love a set of these to communicate on those long road trips as long as on the trail! I think these would really come in handy with helping me and my buddies stay on the same page
I just got my Jeep up and running again. I am just starting research on which radios to put in her and saw this video and have looked at the Rugged Radios channel so will most likely go this route. My Brother in Law and his son just moved down here with their “Garage Queen Jeeps”and we are planning some off road trips. These will be awesome for teaching them how to use their Jeeps for something other than driving to work. A couple of my buddies with Jeeps already use UHF too so this will work nicely. Thanks for the opportunity. Love the channel.
Ham is great n best for trail! The best cb setup, i’ve found for me n others ive ridden with, is the midland 75-822 with a magmount antenna.
RR is the biggest rip off in radio history. A radio marked 4x price over the same radio (UV5R) on Amazon. 60 dollar up charge for a sticker.
2 for 100 is still insane. Watch a 10 minute youtube video and save yourself some money.
If you dont have the time to spend 20 minutes programing a radio i dont know what to tell you.
The antennas still have to be tuned just like CB.
I've only used a CB but this handheld would be a great item for more mobility on the trail and to use when out of the vehicle when camping or hiking with family and friends. Thanks for the opportunity. Love the channel!
I am new to getting into off roading with my Jeep. I have been looking for a radio set up to use with a friend in his jeep. Very informative and this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks
I have a ham radio license. These are OEM from Baofeng. The Baofeng brand radios are cheaper. I use both CB & VHF radios in my Jeep.
@Spencer Morrow Yes. CB, FRS, and MURS are the only unlicensed radio services in the United States. If you want to use a 2M VHF radio, you will need your Ham radio license. To stay legal, the radio you are using must also be type accepted for use on that particular service. For example, even with a Ham radio that can transmit on other frequencies like the Baofeng in the video, would be unlawful to transmit out of band. But people do it all the time, like this guy.
You don’t need a license for vhs. But you have to be on the water it is illegal to transmit vhs on land
@@adell8496 I assume you mean VHF. In the United States, the marine band is its own allocation. The entire VHF spectrum is quite broad and covers emergency services, weather, and other things. You can transmit on the water, but not anywhere. There are specific channels for maritime radio, several of which are monitored by the coast guard in case of emergency.
I like your idea about using these for your spotter !
I'm new to the jeep world and love it. Bought a 2014 jeep jku sport and been adding little by little. Done a couple of group rides and found myself the only one without a radio. I would love to have a set for future rides. Love your channel too.
You always have great tips and gear info. I'm adding these Rugged Ridge handhelds to the list of gear on my 'must have list' that I have learned from your channel!! Thanks...
Have a 2005 Jeep TJ Rubicon I purchased new and it's been a love and hate relationship. Love it as it's tons of fun but hate it cause there is SO MUCH YOU CAN DO TO A JEEP. Just finished a total upgrade of the brakes, steering and control arms and next on my list was getting/installing a CB radio. Hadn't thought a handheld would be that effective but from your review, I need to reconsider. Would really like to win one for multiple reasons - I need a CB radio when trailing for emergencies, if you do any off-roading it's one of those must have items, but the biggest reason is I can brag to my wife - hey honey I got that CB radio you've been giving me grief about and it was free - I won it. Oh, the response and look on her face will be rewarding. Not often after 36-years of marriage I get one up on her.
I think at the beginning of your video you should mention that these require a license.....
My uv5r transmits only a few miles.I've been using mine for years out on the trails without a license.
@Peter its legal as long as you have a ham license
@Peter It is perfectly legal to use in the amateur space. Just don't transmit on the frequencies outside the Ham Bands, if you're trying to stay within the scope of the law. However, these radios do not meet the requirement for spurious emissions. So they are technically not legal to use if your particular radio has that problem, but honestly nobody cares about spurs on a handheld radio, they usually don't have enough range to make it very far, or bother many people.
@@tylerdean980 GMRS is still a HAM frequency. It is a low range frequency and most HAM guys are long range but rarely use the GMRS frequencies. Just because you aren't "bothering" anyone does not make it legal. The license is $70 and is a 10 year license. The GMRS license does NOT require a test either. Some HAM guys have a hobby and can triangulate you if they really wanted to.
@@LJ_AF GMRS is not in the ham frequency space. Also, ham is not an acronym. The amateur license does not cover GMRS, and it does require its own license. And yes, I know that some hams engage in direction finding. It is not hard, but they mainly go after offenders on the ham bands. I am a ham radio operator myself.
Luv your info about Rugged Radio. Will give them to my kids when we go off-roading! THANKS!
LOVE your Jeep! Thanks for the video. We are about to go to a Jeep Jamboree for my first off-road experience and having these radios would work perfectly! I have a feeling I'm going to be majorly hooked on off-roading and the use of the radios.
First these are not rugged, These are Baofeng transceivers, You can use MURS Stations only without a licence. GMRS/FRS are restricted(as these have removable antennas and for Tx power.) Ham/CAP stations are restricted to having a licence....
~73
In order for these radios to be legal on MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service), they must be limited to 2 watts max output, 5 MURS frequencies only, can have removable antennas, no repeaters allowed and must be Part 95 certified.
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) handhelds are allowed up to 5 watts output, can have removable antennas and must be Part 95 certified..
GMRS Mobile/Base radios are allowed 50 watts max, can use repeaters, must be Part 95 certified and a license is required (your immediate family can operate under the same license [like the old CB licenses]).
@Peter Ham Radio covers the spectrum from 1khz all the way to +20ghz.
I can't speak for other countries however greater 80% of the VHF/UHF band is not for public use and reserved for HAM, commercial 2way and aircraft along with emergency services in many regions.
27mhz (11meter) AM/FM/SSB all count as CB within the US limited to 40 channels however there are hidden channels in the split of a few that can only be accessed by converted out of band 10meter ham radios converted to pirate 11meter (CB) stations.
@@KageShi Right only Aussie have cb in 26 (not 27 its marine cb band) in uhf band (icom make a lof of rename radio) some asian country have 222/240 MHz cb radio, in Europe have lpd433 MHz and pmr446 MHz public free band too (must have fixed antenna and only 0.5w)... and yes rugged radio it's a company buy baofeng and rebrand like Btech (baofeng tech); if need it take ham license 73 de IZ3QVB
They're not type accepted part 95 radios, and can't be legally used on MURS, GMRS, FRS, or marine VHF. Kind of ridiculous since there are part 95 radios that are basically "this radio locked down to MURS or GMRS" but still ...
@@jfrphoto01 They also have to be type accepted for that service - which these are not. You won't find ANY type accepted radio that can transmit outside its service...
"... a lot of these pre-programmed channels on these rugged radios are, you know, perfectly legal to use without a license..."
Only MURS and FRS frequencies are legal to use (transmit onto) without a license, but you need specific radios that are rated for use on those frequencies. This radio is not one of them. So while the frequencies are available to use legally without a license, using them with this radio is not legal. The viewers should be aware of that.
Raúl J García so what radio would you recommend that would keep me legal without having a license? But offers same or similar features than these b-feng.? Thx
@@recombi123 BTECH MURS-V1 will serve you fairly well.
CB hand held radio.
@@recombi123 www.retevis.com/rt27v-license-free-5-ch-murs-2w-handheld-radio
Great timing! I was just looking for a solution for communication while off-roading now that we've added a new adventure vehicle to our family. So, if i were to be selected I would just like to say sharing is caring. Thanks for sharing the love of FREE STUFF! Merry Christmas to you all this Holiday Season!
Wow ...love It...Have a CB in the Jeep now, but what you said about the CB is true. These Rugged radios seem like a great thing for the trail and other uses. Great video!
I already have a Rugged hand held, and I would love to be able to hand a few of them out to friends while im out on the trail. With that being said I do have a ham license, KM6YNW, I know for a fact that Rugged Radio locks the RH5R down to FRS and MURS frequencies. You do not need a license to operate on those frequencies. They are also a repackaged BaoFeng UV-5R. You can get a packaged deal on amazon for under $50, or just the radio for around $25.
NotICON Thanks for that info, not a fan of rebranded items
@@Mike-xn1bh No problem. Rugged Radio actually came under scrutiny recently because they were buying cheap radios, putting their cases on them, then marking them up 200%+
@@NotICON I have one of these in my Jeep and F250: amzn.to/2LrdUIK
Okay, I must admit you've peaked my interest.. FRS is FM and limited to 2 WATTS ERP and MURS is at the same ceiling.. and this is a 5-watt unit, so how does that work?
Mike the big thing for me is that RR preprograms them, I personally wouldn’t want to deal with that. Secondly RR supports the Offroad community a ton, they host events, sponsor races, and are very active with the Offroad community, that for me is a selling point. I like to support companies that support our hobby
Hi, love the video and your enthusiasm, I am a radio fan myself (UK Ham). These radios look horribly like the BaoFeng UV-5R - I have two of them, albeit in black casing. They work fine, and are cheap radios, certainly two for $100 is about double what they should be. Interesting, but I believe the BaoFeng UV-5R and similar and not allowed in the US now due to open frequency options, you can tune them into anything within two meter and 70 cm ranges. I cycle and keep them for that, if they get wet or damaged they are easily replaced. They have their weaknesses, the squelch and CTCSS leaves something to be desired, but if you are not in busy radio area that would not be too much of an issue with stations breaking in. Another antenna would improve the performance considerably, lots available on-line but be careful there are a lot of fake ones about - a reliable supplier would suffice. Enjoy the radios.
I am a licensed Ham operator here in the states, just Tech level so far. But I use a Baofeng radio on my bike also. Like you said, if they get damaged or stolen, your not out alot of money. But this poor guy, has no clue. 73s
It's my birthday today and I;m glad that you made a really good video today. I would use the rugged radios for when i go offroading with my friends.
This is the first time hearing about Rugged Radios and I am impressed. My original plan was to use a CB radio in my JK and then eventually purchasing other radios, but I like how this one is an “all-in-one” radio.
One thing to note is that a VHF radio will not communicate with cb radios
What a ripoff,,,,,$25.00 on E-bay
Don't buy rugged radios.
Massively and ridiculously overpriced Baos under Rugged name? P.... leeease! :D
Thanks for posting. These look pretty cool, my son and I have just been looking into midland CB hand held/mount combo. But, I think I like the VHF better. We have never used comm before and know we need to add it to our jeeps. Keep up the good work you're doing. Really like the videos. Hope we win the radios.
Hey Ben! I would use this rugged radio with my friends that don’t have a cb in their jeep when they come off-road !
You rock !
Legit just looks like a baofeng UV-5R..... That's marketing for yah
I plan to use these radios to increase my yodeling range. Every time I try to reach the other side of the canyon with my yodeling, no one hears me. This way, anyone on the channel can enjoy my awesome technique.
baofengs are pretty deaf
My wife just bought her own JK Jeep so having this out in the trails would be a cool win and so useful. Great contest.
Hello from Colorado. I’ve been researching different radios over the past several months. I’ve been interested in Ham , uhf/vhf. I have a CB, but appreciate the short comings of a CB radio. I have a few reasons I would use these radios. Being a fellow JKU owner. I would mostly use them on the trail when out with my friends. I would also use them when convoying with wife/family and use them when camping. Will expand more on other posts. Love the channel. I find it very informative being new to jeeping world. I look forward to future posts. I subscribed to rugged radio on Instagram.
Be very careful, my quick research is that you need an FCC issued license to operate most if not all these radios. Right on the Rugged site the VHF mobile radio download manual specifies an FCC issued license is required. I hols an Amateur Extra, GMRS, and Marine Radio Opertors permit. The FCC does not play, and hands out huge fines all the time.
Good deal
You need a HAM license to operate in these bands. The Technical certification is easy to obtain these days.
@Ed Baumann The radios in this video DO require a license to operate. They are ham radios. Guys like this are why ham operators hate off-roaders
Mike J I will never ask you or anybody else for permission to use a product I have already bought! I have no problem learning proper terminology for these radios but I will never till the day I die pay the government to use a glorified walkie talkie that I have already paid for. So go back to your moms basement and nerd out on your radios some more
@@windowlicker2487 the FCC doesn't care lol
@@canyonjohnson389 Just warning you for your own good, if you interfere with amateur or emergency services, it is quite easy for a trained ham to direction find you and report you to the FCC. Get your license. It is literally free, the only requirement is knowledge, and if you're refusing to learn, I suppose you will deserve the fine that comes your way.
Being in the fire and rescue service for over fifteen years I understand the importance of good communication and reliable working equipment such as our radios. I also am the current owner of a Jeep Wrangler, my third one to be exact and again reliability plays a major factor in continuing to have a Jeeps for my transportation, be it out on the trails or as a daily driver. I also currently have an older Cobra cb radio that has been with in all of my Jeeps and you are so right with the reliability of one. I would love to have the pair of the Rugged Radios to take my communication to the next level!
These radios look awesome! I finally got my son to buy a Jeep! He's deployed to the Middle East and returning mid-January! He would get one radio and I the other so we can hit the trails in Arizona and MOAB this Spring! Great video! Keep'em comin!
I think you glossed over the FCC legality issues. What frequencies can you use that you say..."are perfectly legal" without any ham radio or other license?
I think Rugged Radios is sponsoring you, so that you can put out inaccurate information that will sell more radios while insulating themselves from lawsuits.
You will be the one held liable.
You need to encourage everyone to get a ham radio license to use these radios. Its not hard to get a technicians license. Morse code is not required any more.
A ham license will open up all kinds of other options too. You will be able to use local repeaters and extend your radios range from 3 miles to 30 or more.
All it will take is one 5 or 10 thousand dollar FCC fine to make you wish you had taken my advice.
Have a nice day.
I think the notion of begging some bloated government agency for permission to do something is just asinine. Ill stick to non licensed radios till the fall of said bloated government agency. You'r the same sheeple that ask the government for permission to exercise your God given right of self defense.
@@johngault2439 It's $15... No begging required. Learn a few things, take the test and utilize the network created by all of the hams in the country. Repeaters everywhere that will let you talk for hundreds of miles. Good luck doing anything near that with your unlicensed radios. Not sure what you have against the license? I imagine you aren't driving around in unlicensed cars, or hunting without a license/tag, or fishing without a license... And you can even still exercise your god given right of self defense without a license, the rest of us do even with a ham license...
@@45ColtJD Spoken like a Big Government sheeple apologist who thinks that the government is there to rescue him, what a soyboy.
John Gault not even close. But I’m not here to argue with a random youtuber. Good luck with your 4 watt CB if SHTF.
@@45ColtJD If its SHTF I will use HAM and also fly my plane use my trucks and anything i wish without a license, you are to thick to understand this is about accepting government overreach.
this video should be titled "i spent $85 on a radio im not legally allowed to use"
Exactly. You can do this with cb's. People don't realize cobra and midland make handhelds. My wife and I have vehicle mounted radios and handhelds in case one of us needs to step away and communicate with the person in the vehicle.
"I spend $85 on a $19 radio" you mean...
Actually the FCC does not even care about guys out back using them for offroading. They care if you are being a ass and jamming things and causing problems.
Awesome radios! Buddy of mine and I are just getting our Jeep expeditions started and could really use something like these for the trips as well as spotting one another on the trails!
I would love to try these Rugged Radios on the trail, never heard of them before seeing your video. Never Stop Exploring!
These radios will be the perfect comm gear for my life goal of bringing an end to the reign of the undefeated and undisputed Hide and seek World Champion, Sasquatch. I will find you!
He has read this and is waiting for you.
Your statement: "A lot of these pre-programmed channels on these Rugged Radios are ... you know ... perfectly legal to use without a license" is a little vague, at best.
These radios come pre-programed by Rugged Radios with Part 90, Part 95, and NOAA WX frequencies. Technically the MURS (Multi Use Radio Service) frequencies are licensed "by rule". What that means is as long as you follow all of the FCC rules for using that radio service, you are good. And the FRS/GMRS frequencies require purchasing a license from the FCC. For $75 you get a 10 year license that covers you and your immediate family. BUT the problem with these radios is they are not FCC "type" certified. The potential problem is they have the ability to interfere with public safety systems
Imported radios like these have become such a big problem the FCC has created new Part 95 rules. Effective September 30, 2019 it will be illegal to manufacture or import radios capable of operating under FRS rules and under other licensed or licensed-by-rule services.
Amateur radio is a great option - study a little bit and pass a 35 question multiple choice test and you can run great radios on VHF or UHF frequencies set aside for amateur radio use with more power and fewer limitations - legally.
Awesome info for the product I could definitely use it for when I out off roading or out kayaking with my buddies .. keep the videos coming.
Me and my best friend just recently got into Jeeps within a year ago and absolutely love it. We are still in the fence on communication and we currently just yell out our windows. This would be super awesome set up and then when we run into You and Jeep gear n gadgets we can chat.
San Diego Jeep Club uses rugged and there are two guys who own their own channels. I would use with the group
No can own a channel/frequency.
@@robertbillodeaux8971 Part 90 business licenses sort of facilitate "owning" a frequency.
I'd love it just so I can give one to my father when we are hunting or when we go out on the trails
You and your father need to get your Technicians license to be legal, but get a better HT, or handy talky. Like the Baofeng F8-HT, its a 8 watt radio, and with a good antenna, much better range.
Get your father a GMRS only radio, $60.00-$80.00, BTech or Wouxun. Same frequencies, same power.
On off days from wheeling these will come in handy to use on dog walks. Merry Christmas
Recently bought a jku was looking at cb radios but this seems more usable. I would use these every weekend with buddies. Thanks.
Rugged Radios are on VHF/UHF ( VHF (169-216 MHz), UHF (450-806 MHz) ) frequency operation and CB are on low band 27 mhz which by nature will transmit further . Installing one of these is not hard and CB radios come in hand held units also An in properly tuned antenna will not and can not effect how you receive a signal it has minimal effect on transmit and is only to keep the reflected energy down so as not to damage to the final power transistor in your CB Cobras will take a 25 to 1 miss match and do no damage . Also with the installed CB radio you can modify them so the power out put is about 8 watts RMS with 100 percent modulation . The VHF/UHF radios are line of sight and do not work as well as a low band ( CB) radio as the lower frequencies tends to want to wraparound the earth and are not line of sight . For the Rugged radios to be legal they would have to be on a itinerant frequency to be legal to use with out a license !
Bwahahahahahaha!
It's a baofeng uv model.
If your using these for transmitting without an amateur radio licence, your commiting a federal felony, and it's quite costly too, around 10 grand per violation.
And no, these radios are absolutely not legal for non licenced purposes.
Per FCC, you cannot legally use them for FRS or GMRS period. Not type accepted.
And since the antenna is not within FCC parameters, and is removable, again another federal violation.
There are all kinds of reasons using these radios outside of the accepted parameters are a huge problem, interference to certain services. One example being the military.
You goof up there, both the FCC and the military will hunt you down with extreme predudice.
One minute your yapping with your buddy, next you got the military bearing down on you hard.
Idiots on CB have discovered the hard way that the military has frequency within the range of the 11m band, and there gone sideband and trampled over then military freqs. You won't hear anything, but it doesn't mean they arnt transmitting.
Then there's the very real possibility of messing with law enforcement coms.
Hospital, medical devices, railroad, power stations, airplanes(which will get you in a double whammy as your now crossed with not only the FCC, but the FAA, and if it's military, or law enforcement, then it's a triple gig.)
In my county, the sherriff, and damn near every deputy is a ham. There are some places where their coms don't work, and so it's good for them to have amateur radio capability.
"FCC rules apply at all times" and then there's the fact that the FCC/U.S. government has treaties with other countries as radio coms are not limited to country borders.
(Which reminds me of some idiot offroaders who were using those very same radios your hawking, and we're interfering with NASA coms, telemetry, and a couple satellites, one of which was Russian, which could have caused an international incident.
Here in my state, not only will everybody and their mother track you down, but under law, the law can confiscate your radio equipment and the vehicle it's operating from, as the vehicle was used in commission of the crime.
It's not like it's not super easy to locate the signals. UHF/VHF bring ultra easy as it's near line of site and ultra "directional"
CB being in the upper HF, is only fractionally more difficult to track, having more directional properties closer to VHF.
Lol, a super simple 6" handheld yagi and a handheld radio is all it takes. Point in the direction of the signal and pow, it gets strong, point away, and it gets weaker rapidly.
It's like a sport for us, amusement, to track down rogue radios with a deputy in tow. When we track them down, and they get arrested, the look on their faces are priceless. They thought they'd never get caught.
Jail time, a 10grand fine for each violation, confiscation of all your junk.
Steep price to pay for something you'd have avoided by learning about all this, getting a licence, and operating within the safety of knowing when/how/where to operate.
Not only that, but why not get licenced? Then you can use repeaters that'll get you miles and a far stronger signal ability. My local repeater system gives me local coms for a 60 mile radius, and the other linked repeater gives me state wide coms.
And then there's the ability to make phone calls thru the repeaters.
On top of all that, you'd also be a part of a huge community.
A massive resource.
I disagree with The Patriot on one point. I believe the concept of "FCC enforcement" is a joke, as it has been for about 40 years. It's not a realistic motivator for limiting any on-the-air activity. For instance, if you activate a low-power FM broadcast station and inadvertently start interfering with one of your neighbors who's trying to listen to a fairly weak station a couple of cities away, and if that neighbor complains to the FCC about the interference, then the FCC will check out the situation in a few years. That is the quality of FCC enforcement these days.
There are lots of things about the FCC that are a joke. For instance, there is no victim is you take your 8 watt Bofung HT and ("illegally") use it on an FRS frequency. (Get the FRS channel-plan from Wikipedia so you can save their frequencies in memory.) The laws say something like FRS shall be limited to 0.5 watts maximum, and the antenna has to be integrated into the radio like a walkie talkie, or something like that. The FRS band is mostly empty, there's room aplenty, and if you wanted to interfere with someone maliciously you'd probably have trouble finding anyone to do it to. Also, FRS channels are on UHF frequencies, which don't travel past the horizon, a few miles under the best conditions - the curvature of the Earth stops your signal from going any farther. Whether you're using low power or high power, the coverage is about the same. (The implication is that high power - like a kilowatt -- isn't worth the money to implement. But 5 or 8 watts instead of 0.5 watts may get you an additional few-block radius.) So whatever you plan on doing with your non-certified Chinese radios, it would be rare if you'll affect or bother anyone, if you use FRS frequencies.
All the other frequencies are a different story. They're all assigned to some other radio service. And all the other services have procedures where you'd stick out like a sore thumb, and some of those services are critical, like First Responders. Some are less critical, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want to interfere with any of them.
For instance, the VHF and UHF "Ham radio" bands include sub-bands that are reserved for satellite inputs and outputs, like repeaters, except they're in the sky. The Ham's entry-class license is the Technician Class, whose test is so easy, and there are no Morse code requirements anymore, so you're welcome to get a Ham callsign, and a computer-controlled az-el rotator to track the satellites, and join the 2-way action.
But, to simply unbox your Bofung and willy-nilly pick a frequency without realizing that you're on a satellite input would be pretty reckless. Or who knows what service you might land on if you don't take some care. That's why people are concerned about the proliferation of these radios. If your intention was to simply talk around the block with your buddies, I still say that FRS has the same propagation-properties as everything else from 400 to 470 MHz, and FRS is very empty, considering that everyone's activity gets cut off after a few miles. There's no disadvantage to using FRS frequencies for your purpose, so why not use them? The most exciting thing to happen would be that one of you neighbors who has an FRS walkie talkie hears you and may jump in to say Hello.
In summary, there's no victim if your radio puts out 5 or 8 watts instead of 0.5 watts on the FRS channels. The FCC laws that say otherwise are arbitrary and poorly thought out. If you can reach 3 blocks instead of 1/2 block on empty frequencies, then who gets hurt? If you want more privacy and you only want to talk around your house, you're still free to use a genuine, 1/2 watt, FRS walkie.
In summary, I recommend getting a Ham license. You want frequencies? We got frequencies.
www.arrl.org/band-plan
www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training
The Patriot. I like how you call yourself “The Patriot” but you are a government bootlicker crying about offending the FCC 😂
Yeah, not quite. The FCC's enforcement division is all but shut down; they don't have the manpower to go after anything but pirate FM broadcast stations and idiots who get on public safety or business frequencies and cause interference. Low-power UHF and VHF transmissions are extremely difficult to geolocate depending on terrain - fox-hunting a Baofeng would be a joke in any mountainous area.
I'm in high school and bought my own jeep a few months ago, I'm trying to upgrade it but money is tough to come by. This would be so useful when I'm on the rails with my friends.
ronald flores Every little mod adds up search the Craigslist and Facebook market for used deals you don’t need all the fancy stuff the basics work the best! Every little mod you do will motivate you for the next!
Awesome! Love your channel!
Just getting into Jeepin'. Want to use these with the folks I'll be off road with.
inb4 ten thousand ham autists post "U NEED LICENSE FOR HAM"
you just beat me... :p
Because the FCC is always in the woods waiting with their surveillance vans to get the guy who uses it like twice a month on the trail for a total of under 5 mins Max.
@DannyBoyDDD these are not Ham radios keys we usually that the sand is on our RZR all the time and have no problems and the game wardens are out there.
These are GMRS Radios. There are several low watt channels that you can use without a license. I’m not sure what channels are programmed into these radios yet, I’ll have to wait until I win these to see, but most likely they come programmed with the non licensed required channels. If you reprogram them to add the other higher Watt channels then you would need a license.
You need a license for these, not a HAM, just a Private Land Use license (PLMR (Private Land Mobile Radio) license. Says it right on their website. Only need a HAM license if you operate in those frequencies, which these do not. There is an application process and fee. They also list the frequencies they use on their site.
Just overpriced Baofeng radios, and not even legal to use without an amateur radio license. Better off going
with GMRS, they'll work with old FRS radios which most people have, and you can get 40 watt mobile units if you think you need that much power.
After I asked you about the radio i saw in one of your vids, instantly bought a couple. I've had tons of issues with my CB, Idk if I'm just unlucky or what but its going to be nice to have to options for communication in case one fails. Thanks for the recommendation, and would love to have two more for buddies on the trail. Would not go to waste thats for sure!
Going to overland events with a 7 year old are a blast! With the radios we could have so much fun. Little kids with 2 way radios are too funny!
I watched right up to the 6:43 mark, and then you said "ekspecially" instead of especially... And then I stopped watching.
Sorry but it's a pet peeve that I got.
Haha sorry, it’s hard to talk for that long without making some bloopers 😂
get a life.
@ 00:1 u said "whaz up" in stead of wats up. Slang n abbreviations r kinda a deal breaker for me. 🙃
Fishermen 82 hahahaha oh man.
This would so help me and my family when we are jeeping on trails as well as when I'm on my dad's property that is pretty huge. Good luck everyone.
Thanks for the info. I'd use these on the trail, camping and the usual convoy road trip with friends.
Looks like a nice set. Comunicating off road can be tough with CB. Would like to try these. Camping, backing up my motor home with wifes directions sll great wsys to use a set.
These radios would be great to use out riding in a off road park to keep up with my buddies as we try to keep our rigs in one piece. Thanks Ben for all the great videos cannot wait for your next drop of Barnes
I've used CBs and two way radios and they've been very helpful when hiking or camping with friends and family or even driving down the road as a group. I'd love to get my hands on these to give them a go and upgrade my gear for future offroading adventures!
They are part 90 Business radios and require a business where they are used.
We are new into Jeeping just really started building my wife's Jeep and this would be a cool addition send other people that we know that do Jeeping also use the same type of radio we would fit right in. It's a very cool give away thank you
Good info! Those radios would be awesome to own for wheeling and for other applications. Thanks for the review dude!
Great package. I am a big NASCAR fan and these would come in real handy when someone runs to the concessions or to the car for something.
Looks like a nice little radio. I'd definitely use it on the trails.
I would use it for when me and my buddies go wheeling it gets old having to deal with other people’s cb’s acting up. I’d also use it for camping or hiking when we have no cell service. Love the channel keep up the good work
I need some of these radios🙌🏼
I think they are wayyy better than a hard mounted cb. I can take it anywhere I need to go instead of being stuck next to my Jeep any time I need to communicate.
If I were to win these, I would also use them for exactly what you suggested. Jeep to jeep comes, and jeep to ground coms. They would also be perfect for around the home. When I'm outside wrenching and the wife or kids need me, they would be a quick and easy way to get in touch.
Just bought my first jeep wrangler and am trying to figure out how to communicate with my friends. A pack of rugged radios would be a great start to my new jeep experience. I have already learned alot from watching your videos.
Every year we have a family reunion in Sacramento, we start from LA and drive six hours north. Sometimes we get no cell reception and have no communication. This would be a great addition for the travel...
This would be great for communicating with my buddy when we’re fishing. Often we will be far enough away and eventually meet up on a stream. This would certainly simplify things and make situations safer. Thanks for the chance to win!
These radios wouls be awesome. I would hand these out on trail runs with our club. These wouls be perfect for spotters, and or trail leads and trail vehicles. Clear communication is soo important on the trail. Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck everyone! I would love to use these In two weeks on my winter run! A few guys already have them and it would be the primary way of communication.
I really dig your channel! I recently have started a small group of friends and new off roaders. I’m trying to introduce them to off road camping & trail rides. This would be a great thing to share with my friends!
Nice giveaway!! These are rebranded Baofeng UV5R Radios. However, I will say that you do get some "value" by buying these and paying more because of some points you made. They are pre-programmed which is worth a premium to many people. The second is you get "support" from the company instead of buying from a random vendor that may or may not even understand radios at all. With all that said I have the UV5R and other radios and perfectly comfortable with them but have dedicated a lot of time to understand them. For a plug and play option, these are a great fit for many people.
Love the videos! Would love to win these! I use a CB now but more and more people here in CO seem to be using these handheld radios. It would be great to communicate with them on the trail!
Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope Santa was good to y’all. Unfortunately I didn’t get my rugged radios this year but I guess I can wait 2 more days, ha!🎄❄️🥃🎅🏻
Awesome giveaway Ben! I would use these for out hunting trips. It would be so convenient because most of the time you don’t have cell service.
Borrowed one from a friend and was amazed at the reception and clarity. This will be perfect when out on a hike exploring the National forest trails
As a paramedic in a very rural area these radios would be amazing. Many time I have to split from my partner where we are not in earshot of each other. Using the county emergency channel is out of the question because we don’t want to tie up the air. These radios would work perfect for that.
Awesome giveaway. Really enjoy all your videos. I'd use them while out overlanding with my son.
Another great video.
Step one, two, and three complete.
step 4: what would I use them for, well when we wheel we usually hike a bit too, it would be helpful to give one to the wife when we get spread out. Best case scenario I can radio for a beer when I'm too far from the cooler!!!
Winning these will make going out with friends 1000 times better. Winning or not I do plan to buy some in the near future. I believe they are a must have!!!
comunication is key while offroading and thats exactly what i would do with it!!! hope you ship to Canada this time.
Thanks for the video and the tip. I'm working on a 1st gen 2 door Tahoe for off-roading.
I’m just getting started in trail driving with my 2013 JKU and I don’t have any communication means set up yet. These Rugged Radios would be a perfect starter set!!!
Nice radios, had something similar many years ago that I purchased and used in the Marines. We would use them with the Jeep club while wheeling.
This would be great for my overlanding trips. I have been looking for a radio. Thanks for the video.
just the information I was looking for. thanks
Man, I wish here in Australia can modify our Jeeps like that. Unfortunately too many restrictions on lift height and tire size. Great video.
So I bought my Jeep March 16th, my buddy bought his a couple months later. I think these will be great on the trail for us. Hopefully I win. Good channel
Preparing to order My JL and these radios would come in handy when my family and I start traveling and hitting the trails
I run a cb and am finding less people using them so it would be nice to have a great set. I looked them up after watching your video and I am in agreement with your review.
Awesome giveaway Ben! I would use these for cross country traveling when my wife and I are in two different cars.
Would be a great tool to add to the Jeep no matter where we go. Not sure it will be as good as the 8 function tv/radio/light you posted in your last video lol. Thanks for the added humor even though you said you were taking a break! Love the channel Ben!