Off-road Radio: CB vs HAM vs GMRS

[octanejunkie]

Looking to add an off-road radio to the rig for summer wheeling fun and coms when cell towers are nowhere to be found.

Seems like CB is a thing of the past and has distance issues, so it's either HAM or GMRS.

Thinking about a headunit-style radio mounted under a single DIN radio in my 3rd Gen and an external speaker.

None of my friends have anything specific already and I'm not looking to study for hours to get an FCC license, so leaning GMRS...

What says the off-road community?

What are you folks running?

Pros / Cons?

 

[RAD4Runner]

For comms among team members (i.e., between lead and sweeper), GMRS / Baofeng FRS, because not everyone has ham license.

For communication outside the team (i.e., emergency), at least someone in team should have a ham radio. For those with limited budget like many of us, I think a handheld, plus external antenna (i..e, magnetic mount) is biggest bang-for-buck and more flexible than an installed "mobile". Ideal is a handheld that works on both digital and analog technologies. Currently, I only have analog dual-band (144/440) that I've had since the 90's.

 

[cl4Rk]

Looking to add an off-road radio to the rig for summer wheeling fun and coms when cell towers are nowhere to be found.

Seems like CB is a thing of the past and has distance issues, so it's either HAM or GMRS.

Thinking about a headunit-style radio mounted under a single DIN radio in my 3rd Gen and an external speaker.

None of my friends have anything specific already and I'm not looking to study for hours to get an FCC license, so leaning GMRS...

What says the off-road community?

What are you folks running?

Pros / Cons?

I was really starting to look at CB but I think you're right, CB is a thing of the past.

Interesting to see what Cruise Moab has said regarding their communication equipment requirements. Supports what [MENTION=80771]RAD4Runner[/MENTION] says.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS - Cruise Moab

From the Cruise Moab website:

"New for 2022: all vehicles are required to have an FRS or GMRS radio.

"Yes, after 25 years, we are moving away from CB radio. We will not be using CB radio as the communication method on the trail at Cruise Moab 2022.

"We tested this at the 2021 event. The latest FRS handheld radios are entirely sufficient for communicating on the trail. Plus they are cheap and easy to buy, require no set up, and the batteries last a good long while.
We’ve had good success with the Midland T71VP3 FRS radios (but any brand/model is fine so long as it works).

"[...] FRS radios are essentially good “walkie talkies.” They do not require a license from the FCC to use.
GMRS radios are acceptable as well, but not required. These radios operate on the same bands as FRS radios and can broadcast with more power. However, please note: You must have a license from the FCC to operate a GMRS radio (currently $70).
GMRS radios are more expensive than FRS radios and may require more set up.
GMRS is great, but it’s not needed or required for Cruise Moab.
Please note: If you have a Ham radio, you also must have at least a hand-held FRS radio, since many trail leaders will not have Ham. (We love amateur radio, but we recognize that only a small portion of our attendees will have it)."

 

[octanejunkie]

Looking at this Midland

MXT115, 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio - 8 Repeater Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert & External Magnetic Mount Antenna (Single Pack) (Black) Amazon.com: Midland - MXT115, 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio - 8 Repeater Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert & External Magnetic Mount Antenna (Single Pack) (Black) : Electronics

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[cl4Rk]

Looking at this Midland

MXT115, 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio - 8 Repeater Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert & External Magnetic Mount Antenna (Single Pack) (Black) Amazon.com: Midland - MXT115, 15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio - 8 Repeater Channels, 142 Privacy Codes, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert & External Magnetic Mount Antenna (Single Pack) (Black) : Electronics

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Oh that could be cool. Looks like this one would fit in the ashtray location? (EDIT: ashtray location of our 3rd gens. Like this guy did Installing CB radio in ashtray location *lots and lots of pictures* | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com] )

FWIW, as cool as an installed unit would be (I'd love it), I think for me personally I'm starting to lean towards a 4-pack of portable FRS radios, just for the versatility of being able to hand them out in a group of family/friends regardless of the activity/situation/vehicles. Maybe ham down the road for me.

Portability/versatility is also why my roof basket fits on the other car, and why my air compressor isn't mounted. I've used it to air up friends/family, and have taken it on road trips with other vehicles.

Anyway, excited to continue following your build!

 

[Bumbo]

MURS -
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) uses channels in the 151 – 154 MHz spectrum
Multi-Use Radio Service - Wikipedia

Free, Unlicensed, multi-use VHF. Almost all the benefits of HAM radio simplex operation without the hassle, and easy to stay legal.

Add a mag mount and tune a cheap HAM VHF antenna by cutting it down a little if you want increased performance.

…and that is advise from a licensed HAM.

I have CB, GMRS, and FRS... but I dont use it. I think it's pointless when MURS is an option. It's also illegal to use those frequencies on non-type accepted equipment.

 

[tx_shooter]

I have been using GMRS for a couple of years now without any complaints. I can pass out cheapo handheld FRS radios that are compatible as needed to other rigs. The range and clarity make CB radios look like toys from Toys-R-Us.

 

[Bumbo]

Compared to CB... even a string and can starts looking pretty good.

 

[octanejunkie]

Compared to CB... even a string and can starts looking pretty good.

Just the one can or two? Lol

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[jcaino]

For comms among team members (i.e., between lead and sweeper), GMRS / Baofeng FRS, because not everyone has ham license.

For communication outside the team (i.e., emergency), at least someone in team should have a ham radio. For those with limited budget like many of us, I think a handheld, plus external antenna (i..e, magnetic mount) is biggest bang-for-buck and more flexible than an installed "mobile". Ideal is a handheld that works on both digital and analog technologies. Currently, I only have analog dual-band (144/440) that I've had since the 90's.

This.

Most of the folks in my area do use the GMRS/FRS radios. Note that GMRS does require a license, too - just no test.

GMRS/FRS/MURS are good options, but just cannot beat what you can do with ham. You can program most ham radios to listen on the GMRS/FRS/MURS frequencies (disclaimer: transmit is an FCC violation but probably wont get a visit from the feds if abiding by power limits) plus things like APRS or the ability to leverage an in-vehicle radio as a repeater while you are out exploring with an HT. Better chance in finding/hitting a repeater for ham vs the others as well.

Have yet to do the in-car install, but normally take a Baofeng UV-82HP (w/ whip antenna plus external antenna if necessary) along with a couple Motorola GMRS/FRS talkies. Audio clarity/quality and battery life is much better on the Baofeng unit.

 

[DAW89446]

In the past few decades I ran both a CB and FRS radios. Both worked well enough for vehicle to vehicle conversations.

I bought a cheap GMRS a decade ago and was disappointed. I gave it to the thrift shop.

I’ve wheeled with 2-Meter HAM enthusiasts and am impressed. There are repeaters on numerous mountaintops so have extensive coverage. There are classes and tests, but comparatively easy with no Morse Code necessary. I’ve never done it and likely never will at this stage of my life, but if I were young again that is the way I’d go now.

In the past I also ran a 200-channel programmable scanner. I programmed all the local government agencies as well as CB, HAM and other frequencies. I’d keep them organized into seperate banks for quicker scanning through desired categories.

Nowadays one would be surprised at where one can pick up a good cell phone signal compared to the past.

 

[Bumbo]

Nowadays one would be surprised at where one can pick up a good cell phone signal compared to the past.

That is true, but I still wouldn't rely on that... never there when you NEED it.

Nowadays I just use a Garmin inReach Mini... satellite gear is pretty affordable and well within the reach for general consumer use now. It's also far less stressful to use under pressure in a real emergency than HAM radio... especially if you are traveling to new areas.

For on the trail car to car, radio is still best.

 

[04rnr]

I was really starting to look at CB but I think you're right, CB is a thing of the past.

Interesting to see what Cruise Moab has said regarding their communication equipment requirements. Supports what [MENTION=80771]RAD4Runner[/MENTION] says.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS - Cruise Moab

From the Cruise Moab website:

"New for 2022: all vehicles are required to have an FRS or GMRS radio.

"Yes, after 25 years, we are moving away from CB radio. We will not be using CB radio as the communication method on the trail at Cruise Moab 2022.

"We tested this at the 2021 event. The latest FRS handheld radios are entirely sufficient for communicating on the trail. Plus they are cheap and easy to buy, require no set up, and the batteries last a good long while.
We’ve had good success with the Midland T71VP3 FRS radios (but any brand/model is fine so long as it works).

"[...] FRS radios are essentially good “walkie talkies.” They do not require a license from the FCC to use.
GMRS radios are acceptable as well, but not required. These radios operate on the same bands as FRS radios and can broadcast with more power. However, please note: You must have a license from the FCC to operate a GMRS radio (currently $70).
GMRS radios are more expensive than FRS radios and may require more set up.
GMRS is great, but it’s not needed or required for Cruise Moab.
Please note: If you have a Ham radio, you also must have at least a hand-held FRS radio, since many trail leaders will not have Ham. (We love amateur radio, but we recognize that only a small portion of our attendees will have it)."

This, is why most of my friends (fellow wheelers) dont join clubs or go to these "events" just to many rules and regulations just to hit the trails with friends and have a good time.

 

[DAW89446]

That is true, but I still wouldn't rely on that... never there when you NEED it.

Nowadays I just use a Garmin inReach Mini... satellite gear is pretty affordable and well within the reach for general consumer use now. It's also far less stressful to use under pressure in a real emergency than HAM radio... especially if you are traveling to new areas.

For on the trail car to car, radio is still best.

My point in making that statement was that cell phone coverage has expanded greatly in the three decades that I’ve owned one, not for reliance in an emergency. In areas that appear to be dead zones, a text can often go through even if voice calls are not available.

Devices such as your InReach is invaluable in an emergency. There’s been a lot of advances in devices like these over the original SPOT device. An InReach is also handy for simple communicating in the outback. A friend of mine has one and travels regularly in remote areas of Nevada and eastern California and sends me daily updates via his InReach. I can also reply and often we have a brief two way conversation via texts over his InReach.

The OP lives in the southern California area and I assume wheels in the Mojave Desert, maybe the eastern Sierra Nevada (I was born and raised in the Mojave, lived in the Eastern Sierra 1976-2008). Those areas were cell phone dead zones in the 1990s, but almost completely covered today.

 

[octanejunkie]

[MENTION=409677]DAW89446[/MENTION] good points and info, I will look at InReach

I'm looking for truck-to-truck coms, the ability to monitor channels and yes, emergency outreach if necessary.

Most of the areas I've wheeled in my 2WD had cell coverage, but several did not. With my 4WD I plan to go to more of those no-cell areas and am considering all options.

Thanks!

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[RAD4Runner]

... A friend of mine has one and travels regularly in remote areas of Nevada and eastern California and sends me daily updates via his InReach. I can also reply and often we have a brief two way conversation via texts over his InReach....

Would you know if INReach allows subscription only as needed? For example, if not trip is planned for months no subscription, then subscribe again to cover month or so of trips?

 

[sierrahiker]

Would you know if INReach allows subscription only as needed? For example, if not trip is planned for months no subscription, then subscribe again to cover month or so of trips?

Garmin offers "Freedom Plans" on a month-by-month basis that can be suspended and reactivated as needed. The basic Safety level plan includes unlimited SOS activations and 10 text messages for $14.95/month. Sending track points for online display is extra at $0.10 per track point. The Recreation level plan includes unlimited SOS activations, 40 text messages, and unlimited tracking for $24.95/month. See details here.

 

[DAW89446]

Would you know if INReach allows subscription only as needed? For example, if not trip is planned for months no subscription, then subscribe again to cover month or so of trips?

I don’t really know. I’ll have to ask him. He and his wife are leaving again in the morning for another few days, so I’ll be getting nightly updates on where they’re camping.

 

[Bumbo]

Would you know if INReach allows subscription only as needed? For example, if not trip is planned for months no subscription, then subscribe again to cover month or so of trips?

They do offer that, but there is a minimum annual cost just to keep it alive on the network.

$34.95 + taxes/fees = $37.32/year even if you never use it.

With that said, you can suspend/activate on a month to month basis at your convince using the monthly service plan that suites you needs.

I typically just get the saftey plan, because you can use unlimited pre-set messages (which also sends location data to your contacts list). Sometimes I use tracking, but I set the interval every 30 min or so it doesn't rack up a bill. If I used it for 12 hours it cost $2.40

On a couple occasions I have paid for SAR insurance when I did some off-grid camping trips with travel across multiple states. Optional Search and Rescue (SAR) Benefit ($29.95 USD /Year) $50,000.00 USD per incident with a maximum of $100,000.00 USD per membership period. Basically covers the use of the "panic button".

Terms and Conditions here:
https://www8.garmin.com/iercc/Standard_SAR_TC.pdf

 

[octanejunkie]

They do offer that, but there is a minimum annual cost just to keep it alive on the network.

$34.95 + taxes/fees = $37.32/year even if you never use it.

With that said, you can suspend/activate on a month to month basis at your convince using the monthly service plan that suites you needs.

I typically just get the saftey plan, because you can use unlimited pre-set messages (which also sends location data to your contacts list). Sometimes I use tracking, but I set the interval every 30 min or so it doesn't rack up a bill. If I used it for 12 hours it cost $2.40

On a couple occasions I have paid for SAR insurance when I did some off-grid camping trips with travel across multiple states. Optional Search and Rescue (SAR) Benefit ($29.95 USD /Year) $50,000.00 USD per incident with a maximum of $100,000.00 USD per membership period. Basically covers the use of the "panic button".

Terms and Conditions here:
https://www8.garmin.com/iercc/Standard_SAR_TC.pdf

And a $30 activation fee at inception

Garmin inReach(R) Satellite Communication | Garmin | United States

Seems neat tho

Which plan of the 3 do you guys have?

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