Communications radio questions

[chris51080]

I want to jump in and do a few of the Raptor Runs, and other get-togethers. I've already got my GMRS license, and will be working on my HAM license as well so that I stay legal.

I am thinking that I want to pick up a mobile radio for communications, particularly while participating in group runs. I believe I want to pick up the ICOM IC-2730B with the MARS mod and an STI-CO flexiwhip antenna.

Am I on the right track here? Is this equipment that I will grow into, or am I going to be pissed off with it once I've been using it a couple of years?

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

just about every offroad group uses vhf. dont know of many that use uhf. vhf is what is typically used for just about every outdoor comms equipment. generally it has more range and less interference with obstacles. most offroad groups use weatherman 151.625. i know trey at trr uses 152.000 and the glre uses higher frequency of vhf. i dont remember their channels, but i believe they use 4 different ones.... unless thats changed over the years. i use a motorola 110watt vhf. no uhf. i use a full 49inch whip antenna with a 3db gain. height is really important with vhf so i prefer the taller antennas. you can use a shorter one just fine though, (anything is better than a handheld) but i like to reach out and touch somebody. especially the back of the pack on offroad runs. dont need to use a relay (someone in the middle) to send and receive messages. also, with your license you can use repeaters (if available) to give you even more range. however most dont have one. if/when you do get one, its good for 10 years and easy to renew.

 

[csantarcangelo]

If you need both, you can get a decent handheld GMRS radio relatively inexpensively. Radioddity sells a 5W handheld for $30 on Amazon that gives you the basics and can be programmed for repeaters.

In New England, all of the groups use GMRS so I installed a Midland 15W in my truck. It is installed in the console and I have a bulletproof mount on the dash where an external speaker is mounted. I currently use a 12V plug for power, but would like to hardwire in the future and possibly tap into the rear 12V outlet from inside the console.