Jeep Comms
- Thread starter paul.mecj
- Start date
wjtstudios
Hooked
A lot depends on who you are running with and what they have.
I run a standard 5 watt CB because most everyone has those, but they are short distance comms.
I also run a 40 watt GMRS and a couple of my friends run those. It is much much more affective. I’m talking miles and it’s as simple as plug and play. No tuning, classes etc. you can also carry a couple 15 watt handhelds if you want have mobility. They are repeater capable, so you can extend your range with that. But the only drawback is not many people run them. But I love them.
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I run a standard 5 watt CB because most everyone has those, but they are short distance comms.
I also run a 40 watt GMRS and a couple of my friends run those. It is much much more affective. I’m talking miles and it’s as simple as plug and play. No tuning, classes etc. you can also carry a couple 15 watt handhelds if you want have mobility. They are repeater capable, so you can extend your range with that. But the only drawback is not many people run them. But I love them.
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12-mile
Member
So if I wanted a gmrs, what should I look for? I know nothing about them
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bhaner
Active Member
Do you need a license to run GMRS?
BaddestCross
Active Member
Technically but it's a no test, 10 year license.
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wjtstudios
Hooked
12-mile
Member
Houndy95
Member
How do you like it, any complaints? Also what are you using for an antenna setup?
wjtstudios
Hooked
None. It’s a super simple install. No grounds, tuning, etc. I am easily able to talk to my brother-in-law from my house to his 2+ miles away with multiple subdivisions between us.
The antennas are much smaller.
Just a little whip.
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wjtstudios
Hooked
I just wish more people would move in that direction. Only a couple of us have the GMRS, so I run a standard 5 watt CB too.
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Houndy95
Member
Nice thanks for the info. I like the pros to a system like this. But like you said its not something everyone has. I have a cobra 75 and while I like it, it has its cons and have been looking into other alternatives to run with it.
wjtstudios
Hooked
The nice thing is the 75 packs away nice and clean. You can set it up when you need it. If you can get the guys that you run with to move in that direction, it’s well worth it.
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Steve Williams
Caught the Bug
In the groups I run with out here in the Southwest a CB is required comms. Everyone has one. The Cobra 75 is a great unit for the Jeep. You just have to make sure the antenna is properly grounded and you use a small six speaker so you can hear the thing.
I also carry a GMRS and have had the unit and license for a year now. My issue is that I have never found anyone else that has one to talk to. I carry two GMRS handhelds and use them to have comms with a friend that I give one too at distances up to about 3 miles.
I am also carrying a new ham handheld I just picked up a couple months ago. It’s more likely to find some to talk to. Many of the groups I run with have one or two folks on the run with a ham radio. The baofeng Chinese 5 watt handhelds are becoming more common in Jeep groups. At $65 or less they are the crack for amateur (ham) radio, they get you started and before long you wish you had a $1000 Icom 50 watt touchscreen. A technician ham license is required to operate but it’s not too tough to get. It took me a week of study to pass. There are a number of free apps that help you study. It only costs $15 and that’s for the test. The license is good for 10 years. It allows you to communicate on most common simplex radio bands and you’re good to go.
Sorry this is so long, let me summarize. I highly recommend you get a CB for group runs. If you want a little longer range pickup a ham handheld and get the license. Check with the groups you might run with there and see if they normally use the GMRS radios.
Happy to answer any questions.
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I also carry a GMRS and have had the unit and license for a year now. My issue is that I have never found anyone else that has one to talk to. I carry two GMRS handhelds and use them to have comms with a friend that I give one too at distances up to about 3 miles.
I am also carrying a new ham handheld I just picked up a couple months ago. It’s more likely to find some to talk to. Many of the groups I run with have one or two folks on the run with a ham radio. The baofeng Chinese 5 watt handhelds are becoming more common in Jeep groups. At $65 or less they are the crack for amateur (ham) radio, they get you started and before long you wish you had a $1000 Icom 50 watt touchscreen. A technician ham license is required to operate but it’s not too tough to get. It took me a week of study to pass. There are a number of free apps that help you study. It only costs $15 and that’s for the test. The license is good for 10 years. It allows you to communicate on most common simplex radio bands and you’re good to go.
Sorry this is so long, let me summarize. I highly recommend you get a CB for group runs. If you want a little longer range pickup a ham handheld and get the license. Check with the groups you might run with there and see if they normally use the GMRS radios.
Happy to answer any questions.
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Houndy95
Member
Yeah that is why I went with the 75 to begin with, since its not very intrusive. I'm definitely going to keep the GMRS in mind. Thanks again.
wjtstudios
Hooked
MericaMade
Active Member
I went Icom race radio since everyone in my group uses them. Its 65 watts output and I just purchased a rugged radio antenna kit. Simple install and works great.