Radios for trail comms on TTB rides

[paul65]

I have a handheld "walkie talkie" with an earpiece and it worked on the Matewan ride but seems to be pretty down on power. I'm interested in a built in radio but don't know much about them. I have heard the guys out west like the VHF type, east-coast prefer GMRS. TTB uses GMRS channel 16. 

I am interested in a upgrade replacement for the walkie talkie. 

Will something like this work on TTB rides: www.ruggedradios.com/products/rugged-gmr25-mobile-gmrs-radio-kit?pr_prod_strat=description&pr_rec_pid=4609844510816&pr_ref_pid=4609778581600&pr_seq=uniform

Rugged says a GMRS license is required. Let's talk about that. 

Is there something else you recommend?

This site has been recommended to me: www.theantennafarm.com but I don't see GMRS hardware there. 

[Larry M]

Paul,

The GMR25 Waterproof GMRS Band Mobile Radio is what I have in my SxSs. I also have the bluetooth module so I can listen to music and take calls on my phone.

Below are the Rugged Radio part numbers I have ordered in the past.

SS-WM1 Single Seat Bluetooth Module $211.65
PTT-HM-CCXL Hole Mount w/ coiled Cord (Intercom) $42.50 < or you may get the velcro version for the steering wheel.
CS-OFF-12 (CS-OFF) 12' Off-Road (Intercom) Cable $50.00 < if you get the Bluetooth Module
AUDIO-FILTER-WP Audio Filter for RM25R-WP Radio & Intercom $40.00 < if you get the Bluetooth Module
HK-OFSP-AA Alpha Audio Off-road Helmet kit $105.00

I have my electronics above me underneath the roof near the rear view mirror.



GMRS radio on the right
Bluetooth module in the middle
Fuse block on the left
Audio filter next to fuse block

I also have a dome light and microphone clip in case something happens to my helmet mic/headphone/push-to-talk.

Larry

[Ken K]

I just did a similar setup in my KRX except I did the dual headset Bluetooth intercom and the 45watt gmrs radio.

[paul65]

Thanks guys! 

Did you get a GMRS license before buying this equipment? 

[Mike C]

Jul 28, 2021 15:19:34 GMT -5 paul65 said:

Thanks guys! 

Did you get a GMRS license before buying this equipment? 

Lol, that's funny.. you ride "outlaw" trails and your worried about a gmrs license. No offense to those ham radio guys.


I wouldn't be too concerned. We ride in mountains and hollers. 45watts won't go very far. So I don't think You have to worry about feds homing into your signal.

[paul65]

Ha ha, that’s right. Rugged says you have to have one to buy the equipment is why I asked.

[Mike C]

Thought this was interesting:

www.xoverland.com/overlanding-blog/overlandingcommunications/

[Nelson B]

Paul, don't know if you've pulled the trigger yet, but I bought this radio (same one Tyler bought and installed), and it works great. It's the same TYT radio that Rugged Radios sell (and less $), but not sure what you're looking for in accessories and if SxS Radios sells everything. Just another option. In Idaho, we transmitted a long distance (many miles). I use the mic plus a remote speaker that I mounted near my head on the underside of the roof, but headphones (like Ken's) or a helmet headset (like Larry and Tom) might be more audible when running fast.

www.sxsradios.com/products/25w-waterproof-dual-band-mobile-radio-bundle-with-ngp-antenna

[paul65]

Hey Nelson, thanks for the reply! I appreciate you thinking of me. I hope to ride with you again. I have not done anything yet and this helps!

[David B]

The helmet headset lets you hear the best and makes you use the helmet. If your brain is worth protecting…….or not.

[paul65]

I hear ya Doc. Thanks!