Wyoming Red Desert Run - August 8th-9th (Pre-run Jul 31st-Aug 1st)

[Nodak_Raptor]

Any recommendations on the tyt 9000 vs an icom f5021? Have read several threads that cover the two but was hoping to get some personal opinions from you guys.

Ordered a GPS for the run and now looking to get the radio lined up. Decided to go big and get a Lowrance HDS 7m Gen2 Touch w/ the Point-1 external antenna. Got a sweet deal + $300 rebate.

 

[ironside]

I have had good luck with my icom f5021.

 

[dogknat]

What I have seen is that people have their opinions on either radio and have never seen a true "this one is better" reason. Some folks that run the TyT love it and have no complaints and the guys that have the Icom seem to have no complaints..... well I think I remember reading somewhere that @Wilson had some problems with his. The problem is most of the time when you get one or the other it just works so most people don't go out and buy the opposite to try it. I'm with @ironside I have had no complaints with my Icom, all my problems have been self inflicted. I desired to not do a "Permanent install" so I mounted mine to a spare dash tray and used a mag mount antenna. Well finally had a low sweeping branch take my antenna off on my last outing and put some really deep scratches down the side of my truck and nearly broke my side window. So I get to bite the bullet and drill a hole in the roof to just do it right. That being said I plan on running a lot more so that is why I just want to finish doing the permanent install. And not sure because @WyoStorm would know better but you're probably not going to see any low sweeping branches on this run?

 

[Wilson]

@dogknat it's not that the icom is bad at taking in what you need to here it's that you can hear the tyt a lot bedder. I have both on the farm you realy have to put the mic up too your mouth and yell in to the icom tyt you can hear ppl in the passenger seat. I do have one tyt that I'm having trouble with now and Karnakry stoped selling them. Or is not going to do anymore about it! I sent it back he had it working then it gos out and I don't have time in the spring fall to work with it. If anyone wants that radio to try and get it working pay for the shipping and have at it. So out of the 4-5 tyt I've bought from Jason one never worked right from the start. I have 3 icom type radios I bought locally they all work but are hard to hear the way they are.

 

[Yukon Joe]

@Wilson, I had an issue with a tyt out the door. I had it replaced under warranty and its been good ever since. Find out who Jason purchased the radio through and see if they can help, or contact tyt directly.
@WyoStorm - I highly recommend that you at least upgrade to an external antenna with mag mount for your Wouxun while you are lead. This run sounds like it will have the possibility to spread out. You need that extra range to reach your chase truck.

At a minimum the lead truck and chase truck should have a solid radio and GPS for the routes.

A good chase truck should perform the following responsibilities:
1. Always be the last truck on and off the trail, no matter what.
2. Have a powerful radio and solid gps system.
3. Always copy back what the lead truck announces. I.e.
Lead: Left at tee
Chase: copy, left at tee
It's important to repeat the directions for those who do not have the routes and who may have not heard the lead's announcement.
4. Provide feedback to the lead regarding group dynamics.
5. Provide feedback to the lead regarding trail conditions at the back of the pack I.e. dust/visibility.
6. Keep track of landmarks the lead truck is passing and provide feedback to lead as to how far spaced the chase truck is from the lead.
7. If the group gets split, chase must lead the group back to the rest of the pack.

Depending on the size of the group, It can also be helpful to ask someone to be a mid chase with the following responsibilities.
1. Always stay in the middle of the pack.
2. Relay comms from lead or chase when one of them doesn't "copy" back (indicating that they didn't hear the transmission)
3. Have the routes on GPS.
4. Provide feedback to the lead regarding how the middle of the pack is running and trail conditions.

Wyo - @DocSpooK would be a good candidate for chase truck or mid if you need one. He's got run experience, medical expertise, very willing to help and is overall a great guy. He's also got the radio and GPS.

Help out the family's that these heroes left behind fighting for YOUR Freedom.
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/showthread.php?p=840845
Donate now!

Yukon Joe
Great Lakes Raptor Excursions
www.runraptorrun.com

 

[WyoStorm]

What I have seen is that people have their opinions on either radio and have never seen a true "this one is better" reason. Some folks that run the TyT love it and have no complaints and the guys that have the Icom seem to have no complaints..... well I think I remember reading somewhere that @Wilson had some problems with his. The problem is most of the time when you get one or the other it just works so most people don't go out and buy the opposite to try it. I'm with @ironside I have had no complaints with my Icom, all my problems have been self inflicted. I desired to not do a "Permanent install" so I mounted mine to a spare dash tray and used a mag mount antenna. Well finally had a low sweeping branch take my antenna off on my last outing and put some really deep scratches down the side of my truck and nearly broke my side window. So I get to bite the bullet and drill a hole in the roof to just do it right. That being said I plan on running a lot more so that is why I just want to finish doing the permanent install. And not sure because @WyoStorm would know better but you're probably not going to see any low sweeping branches on this run?

We'd really have to work to find some low hanging branches on this outing lol! And I'm no expert on radios as this is my first radio that I bought just before SDBR because it was required. It worked fine and so I was happy. With our small group limited to 10 trucks, I think we'll be fine with whatever radio everyone has or chooses. Most of our run is pretty wide open.

 

[IRONMAN]

OK, you mention Radio, can anyone recommend one please? - Thanks

Check with Keith @Kmandoske, he deals in radios for people and can set you up.

I know. I still need a chase vehicle.

I really wanted to come to this run but it's so close to another run I was committed to plus our family vacation is directly after that run.
Sucks!
Make sure you guys take lots of pics and video.

 

[WyoStorm]

@Wilson, I had an issue with a tyt out the door. I had it replaced under warranty and its been good ever since. Find out who Jason purchased the radio through and see if they can help, or contact tyt directly.
@WyoStorm - I highly recommend that you at least upgrade to an external antenna with mag mount for your Wouxun while you are lead. This run sounds like it will have the possibility to spread out. You need that extra range to reach your chase truck.

At a minimum the lead truck and chase truck should have a solid radio and GPS for the routes.

A good chase truck should perform the following responsibilities:
1. Always be the last truck on and off the trail, no matter what.
2. Have a powerful radio and solid gps system.
3. Always copy back what the lead truck announces. I.e.
Lead: Left at tee
Chase: copy, left at tee
It's important to repeat the directions for those who do not have the routes and who may have not heard the lead's announcement.
4. Provide feedback to the lead regarding group dynamics.
5. Provide feedback to the lead regarding trail conditions at the back of the pack I.e. dust/visibility.
6. Keep track of landmarks the lead truck is passing and provide feedback to lead as to how far spaced the chase truck is from the lead.
7. If the group gets split, chase must lead the group back to the rest of the pack.

Depending on the size of the group, It can also be helpful to ask someone to be a mid chase with the following responsibilities.
1. Always stay in the middle of the pack.
2. Relay comms from lead or chase when one of them doesn't "copy" back (indicating that they didn't hear the transmission)
3. Have the routes on GPS.
4. Provide feedback to the lead regarding how the middle of the pack is running and trail conditions.

Wyo - @DocSpooK would be a good candidate for chase truck or mid if you need one. He's got run experience, medical expertise, very willing to help and is overall a great guy. He's also got the radio and GPS.

Help out the family's that these heroes left behind fighting for YOUR Freedom.
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/showthread.php?p=840845
Donate now!

Yukon Joe
Great Lakes Raptor Excursions
Run Raptor Run | Great Lakes Raptor Excursions (GLRE)

So noted Yukon! Thanks for your expertise. Will do my best to make this a comfortable and safe run for all. It is pretty wide open so signal should carry well.

 

[Huck]

I can add to the radio thing.

The icom has the ability to scan multiple channels. this allows you to listen and respond within a set time frame to one channel, and then default back to the main channel you are communicating on. the TYT does not have this function.
If anyone wants this function on the F5021, send it to me and i can program it

Also as others have said, the Icom is quiet, its 50 watts instead of 60. BUT, the icom is clear.

The tyt is loud but it is very distorted when it comes across.

The issue with volume is you get a mix of the two on a run, and you have to turn up your radio for the icom guys, but then the tyt guys come across blaring and its a battle back and forth.

also keep in mind with handleds, they run at 5w, and can easily be talked over by the mobile base radios.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

regardless of which radio you prefer, i have found that having at least 3 high power radios is a necessity. one in lead, one in the middle as a relay, and one in rear. its very easy to get out of range of the handhelds even with less than 8 trucks. when you have to stop or slow down for dust to settle, you can have over a mile gap inbetween you and the person in front of you. and if someone break down the chase truck can radio to the relay truck who can then radio the front so everyone is not scattered everywhere