2way talking?

[mavrick1903]

Anyone rocking some form of 2way? How useful is it? Recent weather issues here in Wisco have me turning towards a little more prepping mindset.

Who do you talk to? (friends only or?)
How often?
CB Only or are you on HAM or Short wave, UHF-CB?

Links to gear and pictures of your mount are much appreciated.

 

[Krayziekid]

Anyone rocking some form of 2way? How useful is it? Recent weather issues here in Wisco have me turning towards a little more prepping mindset.

Who do you talk to? (friends only or?)
How often?
CB Only or are you on HAM or Short wave, UHF-CB?

Links to gear and pictures of your mount are much appreciated.

I had some radios in my 4th gen, but since upgrading to my 5th gen, I haven't had a chance to swap them over. I typically ran a hardwired CB (Cobra 75), a hardwired HAM (Icom 2370a UHF/VHF) and then a handheld HAM (Baofeng UV5R+).

Started with just the CB which was great for trail rides. Most of the people I went wheeling with ran CB so it was the logical choice. Wanted something hardwired in the car vs a handheld because I thought it was cleaner. Although having a handheld can be useful when spotting.

Then I started wheeling/traveling with some people using HAM and really liked the clarity and range of it. On top of that, some of the people in my normal group started getting HAM setups. So I took the test and got certified and picked up the Baofeng UV5R. Great little handheld that is cheap and can get you started in HAM. Then I eventually upgraded to a full hardwired Icom in my 4Runner. And I love that radio. I think it's fantastic. When out by myself (which I normally am) I just like having peace of mind that I might be able to reach someone with it, and another huge plus is getting good weather reports through it when I am out of cell range.

I've done some longer road/camping trips and have found the HAM to be fun to have. Up in northern Canada, I had my radio scanning UHF and VHF and every once in a while I would pick up someone, chat with them for a little bit, and then move on. Nice way to talk to some random people out there haha.

Old pics of my 4th gen:

http://im.toyota-4runner.org/attach...not-so-krazy-build-thread-picture-heavy-4.jpg

http://im.toyota-4runner.org/attach...not-so-krazy-build-thread-picture-heavy-5.jpg

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

sub'ed, thanks.

 

[jhguth]

I carry a bag of cheap FRS radios for trail rides, a midland 75-822 CB, and a yaesu ftm-400dxr dual band ham radio.

CB is only useful on trail rides or road trips assuming you're travelling on a highway with a lot of commercial OTR truck traffic on a weekday (still plenty of truckers on CH 19). FRS/GMRS is actually a better option than CB if you just want communication for trail rides, but for some reason people hold onto CB.


If you want a radio for any kind of emergency or "prepper" scenario then Ham is the only useful option. A technician license (really easy to get) and a cheap dual band to work local repeaters is a great way to get started.

 

[fourwd1]

Moving to OT.

 

[fourwd1]

Take your pick, there's unlicensed possibilities like FRS or MURS radios, or GMRS radios which require a license, or Amateur radio which requires a test in order to get the license.

If you want more info, just google.

 

[OkieMedic]

No thanks.... By the time i get home from work, I dont want anything to do with a radio...

When I'm working in the field, its either this

or this

Or when I'm driving the EMS system for a major metropolitan area, its this: