gps/radio questions

[raptor1001]

I need help on picking a gps and a radio, but don't really want to spend the money unless I'm sure that I'm getting what i need. Ive never looked into them much before so bear with me if i ask a stupid question. From what i hear, Icom is the way to go for the radio and lowrance is the way for gps.
Ive been browsing around the lowrance website and the only thing that they have under the off road tab is the elite 5m baja, but it is out of production. The HDS series are all shown showing fish finding software, but they can be used as a gps as well, correct?
On the radio, i really want to have the faceplate be separate from the actual radio so it can be all hidden. I doth remember who's build it was, but someone on the forum had the radio under their seat and the faceplate in the little sunglass holder up by the sun roof control. Does anyone recommend or not recommend any of their radios with the separate faceplates?
gotta show off a little bit too.. I'm pretty proud of my last cb mount ill upload some pics later

 

[mikehoncho88]

Clean install on the CB! Hardly anyone runs CB's anymore, but I guess I am old school since I still run one.

I am in the same boat as you, I want to upgrade to a ham radio. I am also curious about the benfits of a chartplotter.

Getting a ham radio requires a license. So that is one big strike against it. The range and clarity is hands down better than a CB of course, plus more and more groups are using the ham radios in favor of CB's. I recommend "Ham Radio Outlet" if you have one in your area. they are really helpful with that type of stuff and I will buy from them whenever I decide to get my license.

As for the need for a chartplotter, a used Garmin GPS can be uploaded with topo maps if you are willing to spend some time "hacking" it. Not really hacking since it was designed for it, but it requires some computer knowledge. this provides plenty of accuracy to navigate trails if you aren't competing. Which still leaves me wondering why people are spending over $500 on Lowrance fishfinders for their trucks.

Anyway, I am curous to hear what others have to say on this topic.

 

[raptor1001]

Yeah, I really like the cb cause it's what all my buddies run around town and it's a lot more likely that someone around you will have one. But it seems that everybody that goes on raptor runs and such are running icoms and what ever else. Hell, maybe I'll just run both. Lol
They make any type of radio that can transmit to and receive from both types?

And on that cb mount let me know if u want the dimensions that I cut and broke the metal at. Not hard to build, and the antenna cord can run out of the console to under the driver seat.

 

[All The Way]

They make any type of radio that can transmit to and receive from both types?

Yea... radio requires modification and base price is not cheap

 

[raptor1001]

Yea... radio requires modification and base price is not cheap

ok I'll look into it. U happen know who makes it and what it's called?

 

[All The Way]

YAESU FT-857D. Unless you plan on becoming a ham its to much radio for just UHF/VHF and cb


YAESU FT-857D , YAESU FT857D R&L Electronics