Radio - GMRS ?

Where do you mount your communication, FRS, GMRS, HAM?

 

FRS here, it would just be a walkie talkie in the cupholder!

(That’s all I got, didn’t delve much into radio so I’m sure others will know more)

 

Same here, looking at console and dash mounts for ham but still have lots of research to go.

 

GMRS, This is how I install initially. Now I have the main unit under driver’s seat.
https://youtu.be/YDXOgqfC_Ws?feature=shared

 

Do you do anything to prevent strain on the handset cable where it plugs into the unit?

 

Some GMRS units are small enough to do a completely stealth install underneath the console. It’s a little extra work, but it’s nice and out of the way.

 

I did but not very visible. Few rounds of the cable is tucked in the plastic so it's not putting tension on the connection point.

When I move it under seat I did the similar not to put tension.

 

I can see that’s a Midland radio, but you got a model number?

 

Not sure which this is but the MXT275 seems to be very popular.

 

With a little help from my sons erector set:

 

which one gives the best range?

 

Thats’s the one!

 

The antenna and its placement. lol

I have a MXT275 but the MXT525 has more power.

 

I bet Midland MXT575VP4 kit would have the highest range is you mount the antenna on the roof. The range would even more with some of their high power antennas in accessories page.

 

It all depends. It's not just about "power", but about the type of terrain and antenna. Some antennas allow for more range, but they don't cut through stuff, so they only work where there are open/flat terrain, while other antennas work better cutting through trees as an example. So, you want whatever amount of "power" from the unit, then you want to choose the right antenna for the type of terrain you're going to use the radio in. It's not a one-size fits all sort of a thing. Best to buy the unit you can afford, with the most features (that you'll actually use) and power and pair it with the right antenna.

Midland has, or used to have, a nice graphic that showed how their antennas worked with the terrain. I'll look for it.

ETA, found it. You'll see the distance, but also how the "shape" of the range works in "terrain":











When I put together my radio(s) and antennas, I didn't really understand "gain" and terrain. I live in the PNW and thought range was all about gain. My system worked fine when in a tight(er) group, but I really should have looked at less gain and better coverage in a more dense terrain/environment, less distance but better coverage in forests.

 

that is some awesome info. More stuff to study.

 

On last question, is there such a thing as diversity set ups? In FPV flying you can have various gain antennas, curious if such thing exists in the communication world for our trucks.

 

I haven't seen those in GMRS, but Midland might know.

 

I have an MXT575. It is significantly bigger than the 275 and doesn’t hide away as easily. After much noodling to make it fit in the center cubby, and some back-and-forth with Midland about heat dissipation, I’ll be putting my 575 under the seat.

I’m toying with the idea of running an Ethernet cable from the box to an RG45 pass through fitting which will replace the switch blank to the right of the steering wheel, and plugging the handset in there.

 

Installing the MXT575 with a ghost antenna today.

If I run into range issues I may upgrade to a MXTA26 antenna. For now the form factor of the ghost antenna is quite appealing.

I like that the 575 uses wideband unlike the 275. Still though I recommend the 275 for most people who want a simple way of chatting with a convoy without burning through a handheld's battery. For SHTF a Garmin in touch or similar satellite communications device is needed imo.

 

I have the MXTA26 antenna when i need more range on my MXT275, and the ghost antenna for my daily highway driving. I would say i can increase my range by an arbitrary 35% with the MXTA26 antenna.

 

What I've found is you're limited by the person with the least capability. They can hear you, but you can't hear them.

 

Here is yet another option. I am not affiliated with these folks.
https://www.ruggedradios.com/produc...erproof-mobile-radio-for-tacoma-4runner-lexus

 

Rugged is a good company. They do a lot to support the off-road race and overland industry. A little pricey, but they tend to take care of their customers if you have any problems.

 

Sounds like my setup.
I use Garmin app so I can use my phone instead of touching the Garmin inReach. (I should have bought the Mini if I knew about the app before )

 

Part of the reason for diversity antenna setups in FPV drones and RC aircraft is that the 2.4GHz band (4.8" wavelength) is very line of sight and easily blocked by any solid conductive surface. the small 1/4 wave antennas typically used on hobby RC receivers are just over an inch long and the signal is easily blanked by the carbon fiber frame coming between the line of sight to the transmitter/receiver set. So they use multiple antennas with diversity circuits to switch to whatever antenna has the best signal as its flying around an maneuvering.

GMRS, on the other hand is in the 460MHz range. This band s much less line of site than microwave transmissions and now we are talking a wavelength over 2 feet. It takes a lot more to complete blank these signals and the longer wavelengths can bounce around obstacles better. So probably no real need to use multi-antenna diversity setups. Just stick a big whip antenna on the roof and go.


Source: I have been flying RC planes and working with both 2.4GHz spread spectrum and 72MHz FM radios for decades + I am a general class Ham license holder.

 

Nah I like your setup.

The Mini is great *if you have a charged phone that works. As soon as my phone is down the mini becomes difficult to use.