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GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) Thread

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Zero One Actual, Sep 12, 2019.

  1. Sep 13, 2019 at 9:10 AM
    #31
    Porkchop Express

    Porkchop Express Its all in the reflexes

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    I cannot confirm or deny the baoFeng handheld HAM configured to a certain frequency will or will not work with the GMRS radios very clearly and up to 8 miles away .
     
  2. Sep 13, 2019 at 9:19 AM
    #32
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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  3. Sep 13, 2019 at 9:23 AM
    #33
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    My use case doesn't require it. It's just point to point communication for me over flat land and trees right now. I'll pass for now. Maybe sometime in the future.
     
  4. Sep 13, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #34
    P-Factor

    P-Factor New Member

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    I can confirm that Baofeng 888S and all UR5 models can be programed for GMRS and FRS frequencies. UVR5 models are dual band (VHF-UHF) with FM and weather coupled with a flashlight and all are easily programed with "CHIRP" which is a free download software program. You just need a Baofeng program cable found on ebay for about $5.00. https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download

    I have a dozen of so Baofeng's of various models and can contest to them being a great little radio for the money. I can hit a repeaters 35+ miles away with my UVR5+ Baofeng's. Keep in mind that UHF is line of site only so distance is restricted by obstacles, hills, buildings etc... The repeaters I hit are all located on top of mountains which are then linked to a net work of approx 12 others repeaters giving me three state coverage. http://status.nggmrs.net/map
     
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    #34
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  5. Sep 13, 2019 at 9:46 AM
    #35
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    Shhhhh... The black helicopters will hear you.
     
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  6. Sep 13, 2019 at 10:09 AM
    #36
    Porkchop Express

    Porkchop Express Its all in the reflexes

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    too late ...
    i dont think he got it
     
  7. Sep 13, 2019 at 12:30 PM
    #37
    Zero One Actual

    Zero One Actual [OP] Member among Members

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    I think he has the license.
     
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  8. Sep 13, 2019 at 12:54 PM
    #38
    TundraPro2019

    TundraPro2019 New Member

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    The difference in 40W vs 15W is almost nothing in terms of distance reached. There are three things that matter most.

    1) Your antenna - a good antenna will make a world of difference over a bad one. Good means: Low SWR for the frequencies you're interested in, AND a reasonable amount of antenna gain (5+ dB would be nice). Antenna gain doesn't magically make more power, what it does is aim more of the radiated energy towards the horizon, where you want it to go.
    2) Since you're operating at 462 MHz, your range is determined by line of sight (signal can bounce off surrounding buildings or mountains some too). Trees, for example, are excellent at filtering out your signal.
    3) Height of your antenna above ground. But hey, on a car you can only go so high. But this is the reason repeaters love high places.
     
  9. Sep 13, 2019 at 1:07 PM
    #39
    P-Factor

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    There are a lot of hearsay information out there that Baofeng radios are, or will soon be illegal. This is true some of the early generation models but I haven't seen any for awhile. Unless via black market or some cases on ebay all newer models have FCC approval and will have FCC logo and ID number stamped on the inside of the battery compartment.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6YsjAl7KVo&t=540s
     
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  10. Sep 13, 2019 at 1:08 PM
    #40
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    Still cant be on FRS with Baofeng radios. They have removable antennas and are too high powered.
     
  11. Sep 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM
    #41
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    Do you have any thoughts on the following article?

    https://survivalblog.com/baofeng-sales-ban-countdown-continues/
     
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  12. Sep 13, 2019 at 1:15 PM
    #42
    P-Factor

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    Correct and I do not use FRS nor program FRS frequency's due to personal preferences.

    Edit: In addition, FRS allowed wattage is 2 watts, Baofeng UV-5R's have variable and programmable wattage @ 1-5 watts. It's the removable antenna that makes it illlegal for FRS usage.
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2019
  13. Sep 13, 2019 at 3:29 PM
    #43
    TruckyTruck

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    Cool. Because I really like the idea of having the smaller Midland 115 with NOAA access. Have you seen those whip antennas, I believe are sold buy someone on Tacoma world. Would those work for these radios, or does it have to be the bare metal, straight ones like comes with the radio or like they sell?
     
  14. Sep 13, 2019 at 4:03 PM
    #44
    Broncobroke

    Broncobroke Super White Power

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    Great thread guys. I would be in for a group buy.
     
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  15. Sep 14, 2019 at 6:51 PM
    #45
    TruckyTruck

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    So... I've run into someone I really don't like while registering for a FRN. The FCC asks for your SS number when you give your info for the FRN.

    Is this mandatory? You know how it is these days and I really don't want that number floating around.
     
  16. Sep 14, 2019 at 7:38 PM
    #46
    P-Factor

    P-Factor New Member

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    Not sure what FRN is?
    If meaning FRS, then no registration i.e. licensing is required for use.
    GMRS requires FCC licensing and your S.S. is required for obtaining a license.
     
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  17. Sep 14, 2019 at 7:42 PM
    #47
    TruckyTruck

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    Well, I went on the FCC website and it asks you to register for a FCC registration number (FRN). FRN is there term, not mine. After that you are supposed to use that number to apply for the GMRS license.

    But that answers my question I suppose. Just really hate giving that number out.
     
  18. Sep 14, 2019 at 7:49 PM
    #48
    P-Factor

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    Got it, and you are correct. They require you to fill out a form which "FRN" is a government acronym for "FCC Registration Number" and yes your S.S. is required to complete this form.
     
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  19. Sep 14, 2019 at 7:57 PM
    #49
    TruckyTruck

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    Well, if it's got to be done, then I will. I didn't get all excited about a radio in my truck for nothing! :laugh:
     
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  20. Sep 15, 2019 at 7:15 AM
    #50
    Zero One Actual

    Zero One Actual [OP] Member among Members

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    Do it in your wife’s name or a child if you have one. You are direct family. Muhahaha.
     
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  21. Sep 15, 2019 at 7:55 AM
    #51
    lewi3069

    lewi3069 New Member

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    Has anyone reached out to Midland for a group discount yet?
     
  22. Sep 15, 2019 at 8:58 AM
    #52
    TruckyTruck

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    Ha, well I applied for the he license this morning. Now I need to decide on a radio. I'm thinking the Midland 115 may be the best bang for my buck
     
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  23. Sep 15, 2019 at 5:47 PM
    #53
    Zero One Actual

    Zero One Actual [OP] Member among Members

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    Yes, the lady I spoke with said to enter your (or any email from say https://www.guerrillamail.com/) and you will get 10% off and free shipping. They would not be able to offer any better discount than that. Amazon does carry the Midland brand also, so it is possible the pricing could be better there, or already at the 10% off rate.
     
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  24. Sep 15, 2019 at 5:52 PM
    #54
    TruckyTruck

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    It looked like Amazon prices were the same listed on Midlands website. So it would be better to just order straight from them.

    I've been looking online to see if there were any other brands that are meant to be installed in a vehicle. But so far, I haven't found anything. Just making sure before I spend the money.

    I'm still not 100% sure I'm going to go with the Midland 115 over the 400. I used to buy without thinking on my purchase for very long and always seemed to regret not researching a little first.
     
  25. Sep 15, 2019 at 6:47 PM
    #55
    lewi3069

    lewi3069 New Member

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    Thanks for the update!

    What is your use case(s)? What is the area like where you will be using it (woods, roads, trails, etc)?

    I'm going with the Midland MXT275 (15 watt) since I want to install it in my center console so it can be hidden when not in use. That being said I would buy a 40 watt model if I could. I will also mention that I have a 40 watt Motorola on my Polaris Ranger with a low-profile antenna (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIH6HRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) for use while hunting northern Wisconsin and trail riding in Colorado. I usually run it in low power mode (5 watts is what I have it programmed for IIRC) there have been a few times I have used it in high power mode up north, but is rare. Point being a good antenna goes a long way, also mounting higher is better. I think you would be fine with either 15 or 40 watts. Another bonus with the 15 watt models is the weather radio function which can be nice when you are off the beaten path.
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2019
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  26. Sep 15, 2019 at 7:38 PM
    #56
    TruckyTruck

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    I would imagine highways, trails and traveling with family. We do live in hill country, but head to a lot of flat land. I've had my eye on the Midland 115. It doesn't really look like there are to many brand options for a mounted unit. mostly Midland. I'm 99% sure now that I'll get the 115.
     
  27. Sep 15, 2019 at 7:42 PM
    #57
    ramonortiz55

    ramonortiz55 I don't Even Own A Tundra

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    Did someone say group buy?
     
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  28. Sep 15, 2019 at 7:53 PM
    #58
    TundraPro2019

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    Did a bit of googling, this seems like a good GMRS specific antenna, with 6 dB gain. It is 27.5 inches tall.

    https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta11-6db-gain-antenna/

    If that is too tall, you can get the little brother MXTA10, with half the amount of gain. 12 inches tall.

    https://midlandusa.com/product/mxta10-3db-gain-antenna/

    Note there is no free lunch with antennas. If it sounds too good, it is too good. A stubby antenna, or "low profile" will not get your signal out nearly as well as the above ones.
     
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  29. Sep 15, 2019 at 8:08 PM
    #59
    P-Factor

    P-Factor New Member

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  30. Sep 16, 2019 at 2:42 PM
    #60
    lewi3069

    lewi3069 New Member

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    My radio is on its way!
    Now I just need to figure out antenna placement. I looked a a fender/hood mount opposite of the stock antenna. Near the front corner of the bed on the bed rail. On my bed rack that I made. Or making a custom mount that sits level with the roof and mounts to the bed rail (leaning towards this).
    Where have you or are you going to mount your antenna?
    As far as antenna depending on. Location I'll run a full ~27" GMRS antenna. If it sits high I'll run a low profile everyday and swap out the full antenna on trips.
     
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