What's the Best Off-Road Communications?
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- Are you a new to off-roading and trying to figure out what communication device to buy, or maybe you’ve been using CB for many years and thinking about switching to something else, well there is a lot of confusion about what communication device to buy for your off-road adventures, what are the rules, do I need a license? I know years ago I had many of the same questions and in this video I just want to share with you some practical information about some of the communication options you have available and some of the pros and cons so you can decide what might be best for your needs.
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My neighbor growing up was a Ham operator and he had a big tower in the back yard with an aluminum can line (he called a signal trap). He would talk to people in Russia, Japan, Australia/New Zeland, and all over the world.
@@godzilla6490 Google.
What radio was he using?
@@Morcego538 I drove trucks for four decades and some truckers had ham units in their trucks with a couple thousand watts of power coming out of some kind of booster they built and they could talk what is called Skip and it was done with a regular CB radio for a vehicle tuned to match the booster or a ham radio tuned to a booster you need the proper coax cable and antenna and the 3 foot rule and tuning the antenna is another absolute for talking around the world and no they definitely did not have a license or registered call numbers these are the radios you have probably heard through your antenna tv or FM radio in your car
@@Dirtydigger Not to mention that using a linear amplifier in that power range for CB is illegal and carries a hefty fine and confiscation of the equipment and jail time if caught. Amateur radio operators can legally use them on amateur radio spectrum frequencies only.
@@Dirtydigger Not to mention that using a linear amplifier in that power range for CB is illegal and carries a hefty fine and confiscation of the equipment and jail time if caught. Amateur radio operators can legally use them on amateur radio spectrum frequencies only.
You left off:
- Pigeon with note tied to its leg
- Telepathy
- Ethereal plane
- Coconut radio as used in Gilligan’s Island
😆😆
My grandfather was a pigeon handler during WW1 off a roof in Paris
Coconut radios rock!
And 2 cups with a string
Maryann was hot!
Lol. You were the guys in the Nissan.
I have had my HAM for a while now. That was the best presentation on communication I have seen. Real easy to understand. Great job.
Thank you , knowledge for people with no knowledge
Thanks for a handy synopsis about 2-way radio communications for off-roading.
Thanks, great discussion on communications Brad. I too have quite a go-bag of radios so that I can pick from, as well as a mobile Ham radio in my rig. It's always nice to be able to communicate with the group no matter what they are running... I also recently picked up one of the Garmin InReach Mini's and I look forward to that extra level of communication & protection on future adventures...
I have watched a lot of communication overland vehicles. You are the first to reference FRS as walkie talkies. Thanks for referring to them as such. Makes it easier to understand
Thanks again Brad. I;ve probably thanked you a few times before for publishing this vid. I refer back to it often. Got my HAM license last year. Loved the information I studied. I felt like an Electrical Engineer by the time I was done
GMRS with the right antenna on a mounted unit can transmit like 25 miles...sometimes. The handheld won't go that far, but they're better than most CB's and almost as good as most handheld ham radios. GMRS is the best radio for longer distances without studying up and taking a ham test. GMRS is as simple as a CB with much better range on a normal day.
I have a GMRS radio and a GMRS license and in my rural area I haven't yet heard anybody on any of the FRS or GMRS channels or even on any of the GMRS Repeater channels. So I use it along with my normal scanner radio base station to just listen in upon the State Highway Patrol calls. Oh well, so much for a useless GMRS brick because in my rural area that's all it has become. I haven't hooked up any of my CB radios in years ( not since I retired and got off the road as an owner/operator OTR Truck Driver 12 years ago), but if I did, I'd probably get more use and hear more out of them than I do my useless GMRS radio.
A thing about Privacy mode: It is not private. Privacy mode is more of a filter. It allows you to hear others in your group on the same privacy channel. Anyone else on the same channel, and not in a privacy mode, can here everything you say. But if they talk, you wont hear them, because your radio on a privacy mode is filtering them out.
ok so it's more like a "quiet" mode ? to not be disturbed by other voices...
@@rlynotabot yes
@@rlynotabot It is tone squelch. Squelch is the radio feature to reject unwanted signals. Carrier squelch is based on the received signal strength, and is what CB uses. As you increase it, it increases the signal threshold to allow through.
GMRS "Privacy" uses CTCSS or Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System. When you turn it on, the radio transmits an inaudible tone alongside your voice, and it ignores transmissions which do not include the same tone. If you turn it off, you can still hear everyone, but if it's on, you can only hear people with the same tone.
Privacy is a tone activated squelch (technically called CTCSS Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System). It limits who YOU can hear. Legally when you use it, you're supposed to monitor the channel BEFORE you transmit so as not to interfere with others on that channel.
Great vid, MC Brad! Back in the 1970's I had a Radio Shack 40 channel CB walkie-talkie (about the size of a brick!) I would take while venturing out with others or on solo multi-day hikes into the Colorado wilderness. Took some ribbing from friends about it and had to carry the extra weight (About 3-4 Lbs with batteries!). But the assurance of having the chance of contacting help sooner in case of emergency totally offset those inconveniences. And I don't mean just help for myself but, more importantantly, in case I came across anyone else who needed help. Now, approaching 50 years later, I am in the process of outfitting my 2012 WK2 to cover all of the communication options you mentioned in this video. Being able to reach anywhere with satellite texts now instead of 'maybe 5 miles' like back in the '70's sure shows how far we've come. While I've never had to use a radio in a life-or-death situation in the back country, It sure helps me sleep better in the tent knowing it's there if I need it. Thanks for your service and always look forward to your next vids.
Brad, I just got my Jeep Rubicon Gladiator, and have learned soooo much from your channel in all aspects of off-roading. (just bought a GMRS radio...) Wish I could say "thanks" in person on some epic adventure..... I'm in New England. Keep doing what you're doing!!
Always the best timing! Was in the market for one!
Excellent coverage to get new folks thinking. We have always groups and to be able to chat along the route is vital. Bio breaks, issues or general chat bands the group together. We migrated to Ham and along the trail use our handheld units also one of us always has a Spot running as well to post our location
Greetings! I look forward to all your videos as I always learn something. The real benefit of studying for a HAM license is the knowledge you gain that applies to ALL radio transmission! Even if you don't pass the test (almost everybody does) you are a winner from the knowledge you have gained. It is time well spent.
And, then, the FCC knows who you are and where you live.
@@qanononabong8491 the government already knows
@@qanononabong8491lol dude if the FCC really needed to know they would've just called the FBI.
@@qanononabong8491 So what. FCC does not care trust me. If anything they are on the side of the Ham radio operator.
Note that "ham radio" as a nickname for "amateur radio" is not an acronym, so the letters are not capitalized. I have no idea when people started doing this, but it's not correct, so I try to set things straight whenever I see it. That all said, it's nice to see rekindled interest in the hobby.
I just bought the Midland MXT275 GMRS. I like it so far. I plan on getting their whip antenna and A pillar mount. Right now I am just using the magnetic one the kit came with.
Best video on comms I’ve seen so far. Ima beginner and really appreciate you breakdown on this.
Thank you so much for this! Up to this point we have just been using some very basic midland walky talkies but eventually we will want to add something a little more.
Great video, I think many folks who have been wondering what to do will get something useful out of this.
Thank you Brad for the topic I know I asked atleast once for discussion on it ☺️ I am a ham operator base only atm but plan to go mobile once I can afford a proper antenna for low band ☺️
Such a great and informative video. I feel like this had everything I needed all in one well organized package! Thanks brad
Brad, I used CB for many years, and now use GMRS, but also carry a NOAA 406 MHz Beacon as a safety net in the event we are truly stuck or injured and need help. My wife and I had an 'aha moment" on one of our simple day trips, and now we have one in our JK at all times. They require a registration every two years, but our ability to get a message out is virtually assured.
Exactly what I was looking for, Brad. Thanks.
Hey perfect timing! I'm putting a gmrs in my truck within the next couple weeks, and i already have a cb setup from an older rig that I no longer own so I might as well throw that in too! Need to get my ham license as well.
I love the size of GMRS antennas, the Midland 15 Watt radio plugs into your "cigarette lighter" ports. I gave my son one, and I run the Midland 40W, he and I have talked well over 10 miles with those 2 radios. - I am also a Ham. I have CB radios, but the antennas are really a hurdle on vehicles. GMRS is the tech that works when your friends are not licensed.
Great video Brad. Thanks for breaking it all down for us.
Good job explaining the differences. I'm a HAM guy, and I chose it because I wanted something I could use everyday in my Jeep, not just on a trail with friends. Besides reaching a repeater for local communication, some repeater systems are linked together to cover longer distances (I'm in Phoenix and can talk to you in San Diego through multiple linked repeaters, for instance). But, for simplex work within a group on a trail or spotting, a hand-held HAM radio would work great with the mobile radios, too. Nice to see you include the Garmin inReach mini. I use mine for communication outside of cell service, and like you said, family/friends can check progress and location along the way. Cheers! Pete - KI7LIL
Peter: In your post you mentioned multiple linked repeaters that allow long-distance HAM radio communication (you used Phx and SD as an example). I use a linked system in So AZ (EAARS), but I’m not up to speed re the one you mentioned. I would appreciate your input. Cheers. //Brent KG7UYD
@@brentbrown51 Good morning, Brent. Here is the info you requested. The linked system between Phx and SD is called the CalZona Link, and the East County Repeater Association (ecra-sd.com) website has the participating repeater names/locations/frequencies/pl tones under the CalZona Link tab. For Arizona linked systems, search W7ARA - Arizona Repeater Association, and click on the PDF selection. You'll get two pages of all the ARA repeaters, plus info on: Rimlink (links most of AZ), Metrolink (links Phoenix/Prescott/Payson) and Northlink (links Phoenix with Scottsdale), and how to use the Autopatch system. If you're interested in a larger linked system, check out the Win System (winsystem.org) with over 100 linked repeaters which covers a lot of the U.S., and digitally to many countries around the world. When I go fishing at Roper Lake I have listened to the EAARS system on Heliograph Peak. Lots of good systems, and still lots more out there to explore and communicate. Hope this helps. 73 Pete - KI7LIL
@@peterkunka2694 Hi Peter. Thank you so much for the info. Really valuable! //Brent
Thanks for breaking this all down. Makes the decision much easier.
Good info. Thanks for the commo update. I'd really like to do the HAM radio lic test.
Great timing Brad! Looking at GRMS system for my setup. Saw SD Jeep club switched as well! Bring a retired Marine it’s funny to run across “hot mic” situations on the trail!
I have been a ham operator since 1990 this is a great video keep up the great work 73 from KB7PPW
great video! I don't do any of the things you do and I was still able to understand and relate. Thanks for knowledge!!
👍. Good info. Been a “ham” operator since 1975. 73s, KI4G
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!!
1. For GMRS a single license can be shared by a whole family. Your cousin Leroy who you haven't seen in 20 years can work via your license. The FCC is really generous here.
2. Also, I suggest you mention that GMRS Includes provisions for repeaters. They're not as common as Ham repeaters but you may get lucky or the Jeep club may want to sponsor a portable battery unit for special events.
In my area we have a GMRS repeater that is likely more active than the 2m repeaters in the area. Its a good thing for chatting and sometimes just listening to.
Great video! Just bought my first Jeep! Can't wait to start overlanding!
There are lots of radio videos out there with some not so great advise, but you did an awesome job.
Great video, it gave me alot of insight in helping me make my decision for the communications I'll be going with. Thank you.
Wow this was great! I'm newcomer into the radio hobby. This was a great place to start. Looking forward to learning more!
Good information. Years ago my young daughter(Adult now) wanted, we’ll call it “My Little Pony” I can’t remember. Just looking at them I put them back and found some Cobra micro talks US Army version, GMRS good for 5-30 miles. I just got them for a better quality option that would last longer than a week. They have lasted quite awhile but are rarely used. All along I didn’t know that you had to be registered.
Wow finally a concise video on radios
Best equipped mall crawler that can handle the trails... from VA3MED great info Brad. I am re installing my yeasu ft 7600 back in my Jeep Grand Cherokee after having work done. Yes mine is a mall crawler but it does see some feild action. When I'm working my EMS duties when covering a horse jumping event.
Great video Brad. I ordered some stuff in your website also. Very convenient. Thanks.
Ham APRS is a good alternative to the Garmin InReach without the monthly service fee. Family and friends can see your location via a web page. Most APRS radios offer a QSY frequency message which changes whenever the radio frequency changes. That way, any ham operator can talk to you. And APRS is able to send/receive text messages and email. I'm willing to wager I can get emergency help faster with a ham radio than the InReach. Great video!
Why choose? I have CB, GMRS, and HAM in my Chevy Silverado. As discussed in the video, GMRS covers the FRS frequencies.
I like to use CB for long distance highway trips, GMRS for offroading, and HAM for emergency preparedness.
Ghostbusters Effect: Who ya gonna call? I use ham with a friend, have those same GMRS radios for around town/camp/spotting, and an Inreach for emergencies (the latest add). I tore out my CB after awhile. Even with all that, hiking up a hill for cell signal was how I self recovered this year.
On GMRS, they’re called “privacy codes” but in reality it’s actually a travel tone for GMRS repeaters. There are a a lot out there but not nearly as many HAM repeaters. But a lot of GMRS repeaters are privately owned either by an individual or a radio club. You usually have to ask for permission to get the frequency and travel tone required to access said repeaters. I was just given access recently to a couple as I joined a GMRS group “Empire State GMRS Repeater” so much fun
-WRNE342
This is a great video. Thank you for explaining the differences in all of these devices. Great work.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for your Ham recommendation. I first got my Ham Tech 30 years, and did not renew. Scheduled a new test last week and after $35 fee I am license as Technician again. Mounted a 5/8 wave 2M/.70 antenna on my Tacoma SR5 and a permanent dual band. You got me to get back into Ham, driving to Great Basin Lehman caves area in a couple of weeks
Ham radio is great but not many local people in the group when I’m off-roading. Mobiles are great but take a portable with you when you’re out of the vehicle. Good info. Thanks for sharing
Great help. Thanks Trail Recon
Another amazing and insightful video.
Good job explaining the differences!
for someone that's not a communication expert you did one of the best vids about the subject I've see n in a while. GMRS is what people are going to in my area and like HAM it has repeaters. Having JEEP make the switch helped GMRS a lot. CB is even getting some new life with them talking adding FM frequencies not sure if they have done it yet.
Thank you! I agree, Jeep has played a bit of a role in the GMRS movement.
Thanks Brad, this is exactly what I’ve been trying to decide on
Great video.
I have 2 stories where 2 meter ham radio via repeater worked very well for us.
As a test with my buddy in Indio, we agreed to use the Catalina repeater for a few minutes.
My buddy in Indio has a mid size tower at his house and has a pretty clear shot through the Banning Pass. He can hit the island repeater when things are perfect.
I on the other hand was half way up San Marco's Pass road overlooking Santa Barbara.
I can hit the Catalina repeater from a certain spot up there.
So we set up and tried it out.
It's nearly 100 miles for each of us that repeater. And sure enough we were talking without and issues. That was right around 200 miles overall.
Second one was pretty cool as well.
I was driving from Santa Barbara to Big Bear in my Jeep.
My buddy in Indio was driving up to Big Bear and we both used one of the Big Bear repeaters. Granted I couldn't hit the repeater till got to Rancho Cucamonga. Then to top it off one of our other Jeep buddies was at a campground near Huntington Beach, so all 3 of us had a brief conversation while traveling in southern California.
Some pre-planning was necessary, but it worked out very well.
Thanks buddy for the video I’ve been thinking about picking a set up I decided to go with this one but I really appreciate you going through everything, growing up we had a CB in the truck all the time Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio - decided to go with this one I sure do appreciate it ok 👌 🔥🤠🔥Camping Russ out
This was very helpful. I've been using cb and frs but interested in gmrs.
like your hints and tips, just starting in Jeeps (have 2)...keep it up! also am Navy vet. myself E-5 ADJ A-6E's CV-59 AW-2 VA-85
Good overview: Just a few helpful additions. You can put an exterior antenna on your GMRS radio. A magnetic base antenna can be put on your vehicle and taken off, along with your radio, when not used (protection against theft.) Also, repeaters, while not as available as HAM, are part of GMRS. And they are growing. GMRS is booming and becoming more universal.
@@tivowillieb He didn't claim otherwise.
@@tivowillieb That's what he said.
@@tivowilliebyou should work on your reading comprehension
Touché
Note that "ham radio" as a nickname for "amateur radio" is not an acronym, so the letters are not capitalized. I have no idea when people started doing this, but it's not correct, so I try to set things straight whenever I see it. That all said, it's nice to see rekindled interest in the hobby.
This was very helpful! Thanks for going through the options
Glad it was helpful!
As kids we used my friends dad's radio and could talk in cone to Germany on a good night. Old tube set black front and lots of dials and switches and 2 light up meters.
Very nice and helpful summary.
Thank you.
Nice job on the video man. Thanks for all the good info. You seem like a really cool dude 👍
Great video! I’be been race radio’s for a long time and going to switch over to GMRS here soon.
So informative! Thank you Brad!
I used to run a CB with 165 watt amplifier years ago. I could dim other people's lights when i keyed up. Now i have my ham license and GMRS license. I like the chinese radios that allow one radio to use both. You can also program FRS in so that one mobile or handheld radio could do everything except CB.
Fun fact... when I was trying out CB and switching out Attenas, I was able to hear someone from 9.5 miles away (which is pretty far for a CB) , but I also had a giant 5 foot fiberglass antenna, and that was a monster right there!
More fun facts...
I have no problem getting 10 mile range from my mobile CB setup... Just a standard half breed antenna and 4 watts.
@@sahhull well yeah.... all CBs are at 4 watts. unless its SSB, then you can use 12 watts
@@artrucking4142 permitted output depends on the country.
Not every country is 4watts.
Hi @TrailRecon, great info on the radios! I'm relatively new to the off-roading scene and just got my first 4x4 pickup truck, generally had an SUV before. Do you have a playlist or videos for a beginner off-roader interested in getting into all this, what are some things I might be able to do with a stock 4x4 or what types of mods or gear are absolutely required. Any nicer beginner trails in the CA regions to get some experience on and go see some nice scenery. Thanks!
Thanks this is great information! Just getting into the off-road trail lifestyle and you answered a lot of questions I had and also taught me a few things I did not know! Thanks!
Super helpful! Thanks for sharing
Good stuff brad I have a couple cast iron pots climb up the highest ridge bang them together an yell help 😂😂 ,,,,,seriously I have gmrs works very good thought about ham but solo 99 percent of the time,the mobile cb an 600 watt linear has been in a box in the garage for years hope all is well as always be safe 👍👍👍👍
Great info here Brad, forwarding to some friends. For anyone considering the lime green Motorola T600s, they are IP67 rated so also great for wet climates.
Hi Brad, thank you for another good video. I do have to ask because I thought one of your previous videos mentioned you had the Wouxun kg-1000g. Which is more useful and practical for what we use it for? Would the Midland MXT500 or the Wouxun KG-1000g be better for us off-roaders that travel to multiple states searching for the "best" trail? As far as price goes the Wouxun is running a little cheaper, but that doesn't mean it would be the best fit for off roading to multiple places. Any thoughts?
Really great tips ❤ these information must be shared ...
CB radio is by far the very best. It delivers clear voice over mountains, in valleys, through wooded areas, buildings, etc. and range is at least 30 miles. I know this to be factual because when I was a kid, I watched The Duke's of Hazzard.
Great info. I do wish that you had talked more about the Rugged radio option.
Good video, nice job. I'm a ham. I do emcomm and I have 2 GMRS repeaters.
Yes my vehicle looks like a porcupine LOL
Great video! I have a GMRS radio. I am new to it but it says in the instruction book that you can link up to repeaters. I haven't done it but am interested.
Well done, I've been planning to get my ham license.
I like having t by e CB in Oregon with lots of log trucks and equipment running around out in the woods. Especially during the weekdays. Log trucks win every time on the backroads and knowing where they are can be a safety issue. Not as big of a deal on weekends but I like having it.
Okay, so I went to the ARRL website and found some online options. I made the mistake of looking on FCC instead of Amateur Radio site. lol thanks, Brad!
so much great info in this video!
Thank you! This helps a lot!
love your videos! thank you!
I just this weekend opened a repeater from 13.4 miles away with a baofeng uv5r and a generic Nagoya 15in whip
Very very interesting my friend. used a CB a lot. Had a base station. and had them in valley vehicles. where a ton of fun. even on a ski mountain. OMG. :-)
Good brief. I have been a HAM for 18 years now (damn that went by quick...) and that's what's in the truck. I do carry GMRS handhelds as well and they're great for mixed groups.
The InReach is a very nice tool. I recently picked one up and have to say it's a really nice thing to have both for the camping/fishing trips in the Jeep and the cross country flights in small planes. Much better option than an ELT or EPIRB, or even than a PLB for emergency use.
I am an advocate of mobile ham radios if you travel in very remote areas. I like being able to hit repeaters in an emergency and to send text messages and automatic position reports home using APRS. My setup does not require mounting the mobile radio. I have a dual band radio with a removable control head. When I choose to use it for a trip, I stash the radio body under the rear seat and power it using a ‘cigarette lighter’ plug. I mount the control head to the windshield with a suction cup mount. I add a Cat-5 cable extension to the microphone so that it easily reaches the front seat. I stick a magnetic mount antenna on top of the truck. It takes 5 minutes to set up.
Nicely done. I still do alot of monitoring in and around the pine lands of New Jersey. There really is no privacy.
with a general HAM license you can get HF as well as VHF and UFH. I have talked to Estonia direct on 20m with 200w from a vertical antenna from my garage!
I regularly get into Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, and Russia with my compromised 20 meter ham antena. The greatest limiting factor is how much money you want to spend. Ham radio is by far the way to go.
GMRS can also connect to repeters as well so long as you get one that you can get into an program to that freq.
thank you for your service
Thanks for the informative video. Question: I am an ATVer and obviously dust, water, rain and just general dirtiness is an issue. On your vehicle mounted radios, how water proof are they? Can they hold up to a pressure washer? How about rain or wet and/or muddy trails?
Gmrs radios also have repeaters in some areas. Not as prevalent as ham repeaters in my area but from what I've heard, they're getting more common. 73!
My setup is that I use my Ham radio in the Jeep but it's limited to me since I'm the one with the license. I have a pair of GMRS radios in the Jeep for spotting. I have the license for the GMRS so I can hand the second radio to anyone who wants to spot. For communications far off the beaten path with no cell signal and possibly no one else to listen on radio, I go to satellite communication with a spotX device. I think I've covered all of the bases. I love Ham and what can be done with Ham but it's limited to me and honestly in a tough situation it might be difficult to impossible to use for someone else in the vehicle who has no ham experience.
Love this Brad!
Ahh radio nuts. I'm fastly becoming one. My pastor wants me on HAM as well, and I would love to. [Channel Clear]
Great information, thank you!
Use the 980 bearcat it has ssb this will get out far legally up to 12 watts it also has 40 channels CB.. I always put them in my jeeps pair it with a 5 ' fire stick tuneable tip. Lov ur videos
Great video. Thanks for sharing.