It's time to replace my old 2-way radios. I'm looking for something reliable that will not break the bank.
They will be used mainly on driving tours and fun runs.

What do folks have?

What would you recommend?

Where to buy them?

Thanks!

 

CB

You cant go wrong with a CB radio - so much fun

 

get a ham radio license.

no more morse code requirements.

go up to 300 watts for the most basic license.

 

CB and Ham license are both good ideas as long term solutions. However, I need something short term that will be used mainly on driving tours and fun runs so that I can communicate with others on the same drive.

Thanks.

 

Well, a whole pack of us have them and it does rule for caravaning

I even have one in my WRX now, and we're putting one in my GF's Outback too

 

i know target, walmart, or best buy has some. ive seen them for about 30 bucks or so.

-Ave

 

I bought a set of Cobra 12-mile two-way radios, and they have handled the past few drives/meets quite well! Only like $30 or so at Wal-Mart.


But as for the CB radios, I'm kinda intrigued. Models to look for? Price range?

 

CB radios are more finicky.

usually, you can get away with a handheld.

i have been using a midland handheld for over 10 years now when i go 4 wheeling.

the trick is tuning the mag mount antenna to the radio. otherwise, if you dont, you loose range or even damage the radio itself.

you can go hard mount too.

sometimes frys has a refurb model cobra model for around $20. it's the basic model.

if you folks do decide to go with CB, lemme know. i can dig up my SWR meter to help tweak antennas.

CBs are maxed out at 5 watts. though illegal people will go in the hundreds to overload some channels.

FRS radios are maxed out at 1/2watts.

all those FRS radios that claim 10+miles are using GMRS frequencies which require a $80 license from the FCC. the small print on the packaging will tell you that...

ham radios are the king of comms. my handheld radio is rated at 5 watts. but i can legally add an amp to it to increase the range. when i worked the RIM rally last year, i was in a blockage point where in the mountains, my 5 watter was really barely going out to hit the end of the stage radio. i was hoping to buy a new radio this year's rally but alas... they aint using the same stages...

 

CB's are 4watts I believe and I am using a glass-to-glass mount antenna with a $30 Midland in the WRX, and I dont have any problems at all. It works crystal clear across town(5miles) and these days the 40 channels are dead anyway.

I run some power in the Landcruiser, and it walks the dog

 

here are the ones I have and they have been great. yeah they cost a little more but then again you get what you pay for. but for real... is 50-60 bucks alot of money?
and i got mine at best buy

http://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT600...7349475&sr=8-2

 

http://www.thenerds.net/index.php?pa...age&pn=T5500AA

$29.99+$10 Shipping
$10 off with Google Checkout

 

GMRS radios were cool when they were first coming out, but now the channels are too busy in the city since since all of the major dept stores and gas stations use them too. Ski slope areas are the worst.

 

Check out MURS band radios. No license. Very little traffic. WAY more power and range than FRS radios.

 

only problem is...

who has MURS hardware?


spend a day learning ham radio rules, then spend $12 to take a 26 out of 35 questions test...

then buy as much geeky gear as your wallet can afford... lol...

my geek gear of choice:
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd...5&isArchived=0

i can go portable with it or with some stuff added, go mobile in the car.