vehicle mounted (12v, hardwired) FRS/GMRS radio?

[hillstrubl]

Hello All, since Greek peak my family's use of FRS radios has skyrocketed* fueled by my 9 year old... I was looking to mount one in my 110 and finally utilize the external antenna mount plate that I was going to use for CB, which apparently is dead . Anybody got any recommendations on a basic/cheap 12v GMRS/FRS radio? I can't get a clear indication if any of the one's I'm finding support FRS channels they seem to only support GMRS (which I'll get a license for concurrently).

 

[John Z]

this is what I had. it has channels that a blacked out "for hand held use"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P92Z2BB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FRXC04RT6RYZ27MGH86K.

I ended up securing it to the ladder, but o may use that CB mount instead, just have to drill the hole out larger(antenna should be roof mounted but im not too worried about the range)

 

[hillstrubl]

Nice thanks, that's what I was hoping but the descriptions weren't explicit

 

[4RF RDS]

Baufeng UV 5R is your friend and its portable. Have used it for years with zero issues. No need for vehicle mounting.

Amazon.com

 

[hillstrubl]

Baufeng UV 5R is your friend and its portable. Have used it for years with zero issues. No need for vehicle mounting.

Amazon.com

I like the idea of it always being where I left it... part of that motivation is my 9 year old's affinity for taking the radios... then forgetting where he put them.

 

[mitherial]

These days, Baofeng is the long-reigning value brand; Midland remains the quality option.

 

[hillstrubl]

These days, Baofeng is the long-reigning value brand; Midland remains the qua

I'll grab another one of those. This is rapidly becoming the default method of communication on my street with my kids.

 

[hillstrubl]

I'll grab another one of those. This is rapidly becoming the default method of communication on my street with my kids.

update, got that Baofeng, compared to the two midlands I have its a mess from a UI perspective, I get that it has more features, but 99% of the time this will be used to talk to my kids on a fixed channel. I think I'm going to try out @John Z 's suggestion and see how that works out.

 

[mitherial]

update, got that Baofeng, compared to the two midlands I have its a mess from a UI perspective, I get that it has more features, but 99% of the time this will be used to talk to my kids on a fixed channel. I think I'm going to try out @John Z 's suggestion and see how that works out.

For more serious use, Midland recently released a vehicle-mounted model that has the digital screen and all on the hand unit itself, which is cable-tethered to a smaller base/power unit. It's a little pricey, but if I were starting from scratch, I'd probably go with that because it does not matter as much where you mount the base unit, since you don't have to be able to access or view it once everything is installed.

 

[uc4me]

If you haven’t already done this, tweek the Baofeng’s with programing software like Chirp..helps as there are some features you can’t initiate without it and makes it easier to set the radio up.

Like locking down frequencies you don’t wanna inadvertently be transmitting on such as local police dispatch and fire when used as a police/fire scanner (when set to those frequencies).

Home - CHIRP

Redmine

chirp.danplanet.com

 

[javelinadave]

Not that the FCC is out looking for violators but using a Baofeng radio as a FRS/GMRS radio you are approaching potential legal issues.

Worth reading

 

[John Z]

This was how I did mine.

 

[hillstrubl]

For more serious use, Midland recently released a vehicle-mounted model that has the digital screen and all on the hand unit itself, which is cable-tethered to a smaller base/power unit. It's a little pricey, but if I were starting from scratch, I'd probably go with that because it does not matter as much where you mount the base unit, since you don't have to be able to access or view it once everything is installed.

I just got one, mounted it and despite saying it is FRS compatible, I can't get it on FRS only channels despite going into low power mode. Its fine because there is overlap with my handheld FRS radios, just something to note.

 

[LRNAD90]

This was how I did mine.


View attachment 27908

Isn't the antenna supposed to be clear of metal around it? This is a genuine question, for those in the know, given my understanding, it seems your antenna performance is going to be far from optimal?

 

[dkemm]

I use the MXT275..mounted on cubby next to seat. all controls are on the handheld mic, which is mounted on the fuse box panel. small, out of hte way. I have a small external antenna mounted on the roofrack behind the sunroof

 

[John Z]

Isn't the antenna supposed to be clear of metal around it? This is a genuine question, for those in the know, given my understanding, it seems your antenna performance is going to be far from optimal?

Yes lol. I went the lazy route and didn't wanna drill any extra holes. I have infact made it worse because it's now mounted behind the ladder on that metal plate.

 

[LRNAD90]

Well, it looks good there at least!

I was thinking I might try to use one of the light mount tabs on the NAS windshield hoop for the little stubby 'ghost' antenna. I technically have the same issue with my CB Antenna, in that it is mounted on the back corner, and 90% of it runs parallel to the rear cage hoop, most likely making it far from optimal as well.

I guess it is always a challenge to protect the antenna from off-road obstacles, but still have it as efficient as possible..

 

[rocky]

I recently replaced a Midland 6db(?) antenna after it was killed by one to many tree branches. Keeping the same set up.