Hi. Just wondering if anyone has ever programmed and installed a mobile radio on the GMRS frequencies (the frequ's that the talkabout handheld radios use). I know that it is legal to have up to a 50 watt mobile radio on these frequ's but I haven't been able to find much info from anyone who's done it. I'd like to install one in my new FX4 when it arrives just to improve communication with my hunting buddies. Any thoughts?

 

Get a HAM radio and mod it if needed.




I've got an Icom 706MKIIG, i use it for CB, and everything else a sort of all in one.



Joel
KD0BRK

 

Is that the barrel of a shotgun I'm looking down?

Anyway, here is the radio I'm thinking of installing: Vertex Standard VX-4207 45watt UHF 450-512 MHz band split w/dual band UHF/VHF receiver.

 

Okay - for anyone interested - I've done some pretty thorough research on this and here's what I've found so far: a mobile radio (one that mounts in your vehicle like a CB radio) in the 450 - 470 MHz band can be programmed on the same channels as the Talkabout and other handheld GMRS radios (like the ones you can get from Cabela's, etc...) You are required to buy a radio license from the FCC that costs $75. A mobile radio can have transmit power up to 50 watts (compared to a handheld that is limited to just 5 watts). With a vehicle-mounted external antenna this would increase the effective range of use for these frequencies considerably. A basic UHF mobile radio can be purchased new for about $250. A UHF vehicle-mount antenna runs about $25. Professional installation I am guessing would be around $200. So, I am looking at a total cost of about $550. What I get in return is another techy toy with pretty lights to play with and - more importantly, obviously - a far greater usable range on the GMRS frequencies when I need to communicate with my hunting buddies in the field.

I may just move forward on this ... I'll post pics and give feedback if I do.

 

Be sure the radio u get can transmit on the freq u want not just receive on which the one u have selected should be able too and its a good radio the one u chose is made by Yaesu which is a good radio. I would recommend just getting a technician license HAM radio 14 dollars if i remember correctly and install the radio yourself, its easy just mount it somewhere run the power wires to your battery with a fuse in the negative and positive and get an antenna either magnetic if u dont want to pemament mount it or drill a hole.


later
joel

 

GMRS frequencies require a license as does amateur radio. FRS does not but you are limited to 500 milliwatts output on a handheld antenna. Get your GMRS license and a type accepted transceiver. An amateur radio license will not cover the business band 450-470mHz. the Vertex radio pictured above is an excellent choice and is the parent company of Yaesu.

 

I've got both a HAM license, and a GMRS license.... they are totally different from each other.

I've got a set of 5 watt Midland GMRS HTs... I've also got a Yaesu FT-2800 75 watt 2 meter transceiver... and a Yaesu VX-7B Quad band 70cm/1.25m/2m/6m HT.

I'm working on upgrading my HAM license to a General class next month so I can get some HF in my hobby... not to mention get some more radio equipment so I can do more than just the techy bands... gets kind of boring talking to the same people in the local area using close-by repeaters...

I plan on getting a nicer unit for my truck this December... and using my FT-2800 at home as a base with a nice antenna setup... and possibly get into HF in January with some more rigs.

It's addicting......

 

Thanks for the info, everyone.

I applied for my GMRS license via the FCC ULS online system last week. Don't know how long it will take for them to process and issue my license.

I've found a dealer here in Denver who has quoted me $345 for the VX-4207 - seems like a fair price. I'm still waiting delivery of my new truck so I don't know for sure where 'bouts I will mount the radio but I'm thinking it might fit where the ashtray is located in the center column. The VX-4207 is 6.5" wide and 7.5" deep, if memory serves. I would have to fabricate some sort of faceplate surround but that shouldn't be too difficult.

Any thoughts or suggestions for mounting?

Also, any experience with Antenex products - specifically the Phantom and Phanton Elite antennas?

Thanks.

 

Good choice on the radio... Vertex Standard makes EXCELLENT reliable radios... especially since they are the owners of Yaesu, which is Vertex Standard's HAM division.

As for an antenna, I highly recommend Cushcraft antennas along with some Quad-Sheild Belden Coax.