WSI, RPG and ICON present: The SnoBall 500

[Allied Offroad]

I would consider myself a fairly seasoned offroader, but like shooter said, we typically only communicated on cb freqs. I now want to move into the handheld FRS (or whatever the cool kids use, typically called race radios) mainly due to the possible ranges i can receive. Also cb requires a large ground plane (read , roof of truck) to have best possible range in all directions. Not drilling through roof of this truck.

I guess what I'm getting at is Treypal seems to be the dude to get us set up. I'm waiting on the Snoball radio group buy, I feel we are more likely to be able to communicate with other guys showing up who may already have radios, and programmed freqs.

 

[Big Blue]

So I don't know what VHF frequencies are typically used in this community. My buddies in the Jeep world I know use CB.

That said, those three radios Blue are in the Marine band. From what I can find on the Interwebs, it is illegal to operate Marine band radios on land for purposes other than communicating with sea going vessels.

If everyone on here is looking at using the FRS bands, then those radios won't work.

If people are looking to purchase radios that they will get the most bang for their buck, then find a radio that works for both the FRS (Family Radio Service-Free) and the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service-$10 license for 10 years, works on same Freq as FRS but at higher power).


If I were to buy a couple radios for this type of stuff with my buddies, I would buy MURS (Multi Use Radio Service). It's the old FRS.


Just quick Google and here's a page showing some radios and prices.

MURS Two Way Radio Equipment

Now, this will NOT work with FRS radios. FRS/GMRS=70cm frequency band. MURS=2 meter freq band.


Check out the link below. It's for FRS/GMRS radios at Amazon. There are a ton and would probably work best for something like this.

Amazon.com: CB & Two-Way Radios - Portable Audio & Video: Accessories, Two-Way Radios, Marine Two-Way Radios & More



Note, the "Security Code" is actually an inaudible tone that is sent on a VERY low frequency. When you set your security code on your radio, the radio will only play out audio that is sent with that same frequency tone. I bring this up because there is no standard. Motorola and Uniden may have chosen a different frequency tone and called it Security Channel #1. Point is, security code #1 might not be the same on two radios of different manufacturers. You may have to mess around via trail and error to find the security code that matches.

So, I defer to those seasoned Off Road Raptor vets as to the radio they use. That will allow us to narrow down the best choice Blue.



Todd

Great info! Thanks Todd.

 

[shooterAMG]

I would consider myself a fairly seasoned offroader, but like shooter said, we typically only communicated on cb freqs. I now want to move into the handheld FRS (or whatever the cool kids use, typically called race radios) mainly due to the possible ranges i can receive. Also cb requires a large ground plane (read , roof of truck) to have best possible range in all directions. Not drilling through roof of this truck.

I guess what I'm getting at is Treypal seems to be the dude to get us set up. I'm waiting on the Snoball radio group buy, I feel we are more likely to be able to communicate with other guys showing up who may already have radios, and programmed freqs.

FRS is good because of two things, it's cheap and readily available and that it requires no license. FRS is limited to 500 miliwatts/.5 watts, so the range is decreased due to that, and the fact you generally can't get a FRS radio that will accept an external antenna. A good antenna is 10 times as effective as more wattage. But, you can get radios that also have the GMRS setting, which gives you 2 watts. Technically you need a license, but what the FCC can't prove can't hurt you!


I'm anxious to see what Treypal has. I have two radios that I'll be bringing that work in the entire 2 meter and 70cm range, so I should be covered.

 

[Kanakry]

The radios that we are looking into are the Vouxon KG-UV6D and the KG-UV3D
DO NOT ORDER THESE

TreyPal is looking to see if the 3D will even work. Plus the radios will come programmed from him with the correct Freq. These links are just for reference.
Two Way Radio KG-UV6D
Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band 128 Channel Handheld Amateur Radio
Both 5 W radios.

I am possibly thinking about getting a ICOM F5021 50W for the lead truck so at a minimum everyone will hear me. There maybe spots where the Chase/sweeper truck won't be able to reach the lead and it would have to be relayed back to the mid chase truck.

 

[shooterAMG]

Nice looking radios, although I'm not familiar Wouxun.


If Trey can program those in the MURS range at 2 watts, we'll be legal. Although no one would know if they are transmitting 5 watts. If he could set these up for the MURS and FRS frequencies, whoever buys these would have very nice LEGAL radios.

 

[Big Blue]

The radios that we are looking into are the Vouxon KG-UV6D and the KG-UV3D
DO NOT ORDER THESE

TreyPal is looking to see if the 3D will even work. Plus the radios will come programmed from him with the correct Freq. These links are just for reference.
Two Way Radio KG-UV6D
Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band 128 Channel Handheld Amateur Radio
Both 5 W radios.

I am possibly thinking about getting a ICOM F5021 50W for the lead truck so at a minimum everyone will hear me. There maybe spots where the Chase/sweeper truck won't be able to reach the lead and it would have to be relayed back to the mid chase truck.

Good too know, thanks Jason.

I assume there are other guys in my boat that are looking to pick up one of these, so I will hold off until I see what TreyPal comes up with regarding a group snoball buy. I like the idea that he will program, so were are ready to go!!

 

[Donk74]

X2!

 

[Squatting Dog]

Snoballz!

-Greg

 

[Allied Offroad]

I'm the baddest, coolest , most bearded fella out there.

 

[Kanakry]

The first raffle item has arrived.

Thank you Ducati.