I run GMRS and CB in my Gladiator. Repeaters are few and far between where I live(upstate NY). I find that GMRS is great for communicating in my group but not so good for reaching out to other people because they usually can't hear you because they are using privacy codes. With CB I can almost always get someone to answer. GMRS is the better technology but needs to have an official calling channel so you can reach out to someone outside of your group in an emergency.
442.675 (Channel 20) was kind of the national highway frequency many years ago with a ctcss 141.30. That tone will still get you in all 6 repeaters in Minnesota. React groups are gone. Channel 9 CB is best used to listen to Mexican DXers. SHTF radio is a pile of SH#T. Only thing I suggest is start making FRS and GMRS radios with a second secret DCS code that opens the radios up when received so information could be exchanged information in an emergency.
There are numerous amateur radio repeaters in the US. Some repeaters are on installed on mountains providing over a hundred mile coverage. Other repeaters are linked and can provide coverage for an entire state and beyond. This is the reason that many preppers are becoming licensed amateur radio operators. N9UU
im on CB daily from my base stations . One at home and one at my office in Manhattan. Most ppl I communicate with are long distance skip shooters. they are in base stations.
Now that we have FM on CB I just installed a new one in the Jeep. I still have GMRS but I think that because for every one GMRS radio there are thousands of CB radios. If SHTF i can assure you the CB will come out of storage.
I had a cb in my truck in high school. Loved it. Turning it on during road trips was a great way to locate speed traps. You just have to learn the lingo if you want to interact. Truckers really don’t like it if you’re playing around on their cb channel.
GMRS is absolutely a great comms tool, and if you get interested in GMRS enough and enjoy it, I would encourage anyone like that to get their technician amateur radio license. With my Kenwood installed in my FJ, I’m able to use APRS to send text messages to loved ones when camping in remote areas, as well as allow them to see where I am via GPS on the APRS (dot) fi website. APRS is super valuable to me when going into the wild. Several radios also can be MARS modded, so the ham radio is capable of transmitting on GMRS frequencies as well. I’ve been on the air for over 2 years now, and have yet to meet the legendary sad-ham that Randy always mentions. I’ve made several on-air friends and had loads of good conversations. Don’t let the idea that you might encounter some crotchety old Man some day dissuade you from getting your ham license.
You’ve renewed my interest in overlanding. I’ve got a 5th gen 4Runner I wanna outfit for overlanding. Got interested in it a few years ago when I was in nursing school. Sort of lost the desire after life got in the way. Can’t wait to start buying things for the truck and hit the trails!
The Rule of cost change passed on April 16th, and the cost change I hear will be around Oct/21 and be $35, I had dropped a old 2016 GRMS license and the b.s. involved to get it back so I just filed for a new license in June for a cost of $70 for 10yrs vs. 5yrs. Hate to hear you lost your goods, that sucks! WRMT514
Dang it, now I need to learn more about the repeater side of GMRS so that I can take full advantage of my Midland's capabilities. Great video, maybe the next one could be a how-to on repeater usage. I am sure that there are other RU-vid channels that already do it, but I like your style...
Hey man, very awesome video! Thank you for doing this video. I recently got my GMRS license, and I’m about to purchase my first GMRS radio. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to spend about $200, due to the fact that the radio is going to be accessible, (somewhat, to me, as a blind person. It definitely will be better than what I have now, (a few FRS radios. I’m very excited! Again, awesome video!
dunno if you guys gives a shit but if you're bored like me atm you can stream pretty much all the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Been binge watching with my gf during the lockdown xD
Thanks, just frustrating and I should t have gotten lazy on locking the doors. Oh well, gives us an out to make some more content on reacquiring some of that stuff on the cheap.
You mean the "low powered world of *legal* CB radio". From truckers with peaked radios to the ch6 super bowl, there were / are people operating on CB with no range issues whatsoever. I personally feel like it's an important distinction, because no matter how much antenna gain or transmit power you dump into GMRS, you'll never have over the horizon range since it's UHF. Also, older GMRS radios have a slightly different channel scheme. Someone with an older radio is likely aware of this, but if you come across some at a garage sale or on ebay, it's good to keep in mind.
The gmrs seems sweet. I may get a few. But nothing will replace a CB with SSB and a linear. They decommissioned the 10 meter repeaters around me. Don't rely on repeaters. The can go out anytime. Not bashing the new tech like I said I will be trying some I can see that already.
I would like to get the wouxon kg 935G, so hopefully I’ll get it for Christmas this year. I have heard of CB radio, or at least the term, but never knew what it was until I found out. Probably was around before my time lol. I do have a GMRS license as well
I like those GMRS radios. When last I checked (Nov 2021) the FCC still hadn’t changed the license cost. I also have a technician license, and it’s a good thing because here in eastern Idaho, the closest GMRS repeaters are FAR away. 2 meter is by far the most prolific.
Yeah, they seem to be popping up faster in more population-dense areas first. We are kinda fortunate down here in the Southwest to have so much coverage with regional networks like the Southwest Community Radio System.
I really don't believe they're actually going after anyone who doesn't have one. CB Radios required a license years ago but many didn't get one. And not one single user was ever fined for using it.
@@TELEVISIONARCHIVES Show proof no one was fined for no CB license and STOP promoting illegal radio use, opinion are like you-know- what. Everyone has one.
Good info on something I've been hearing about but didn't think I'd need or want. Now I'm thinking I want AND need. Time for more research, and I feel it'll be Midland. Based of course on your stolen radio...that's not there... for the review, that I will be researching. Only because you've explained it so well. I like your style.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. A good GMRS radio is definitely money well spent. I definitely missed mine yesterday when we were out with some friends and I had to fall back on the FRS/GMRS walkie talkies. They're great in a pinch, but their limitations make it definitely worth spending the extra money on a vehicle mounted mobile unit!
There is usually a decent number of folks in decent sized cities, using CB. I am a trucker but rarely use the CB while trucking but I like "shooting skip" on CB sideband.
im on CB daily from my base stations . One at home and one at my office in Manhattan. Most ppl I communicate with are long distance skip shooters. they are in base stations.
I was uncertain on which radio to buy based on power. 15 watt, 25 watt, 40 watt, 50 watt (Midland’s most powerful radio is 40 watts. Other manufacturers make the 50 watt which is the most power allowed by FCC rules). I am glad that you are happy with the 15 watt radio. You helped me make my decision. Great video.
I’m sure there are probably some situations where that extra wattage would help out, but for most people, it’s not gonna offset the extra cost. One thing I will say after having replaced the unit that got stolen with the MXT275 15 watt and I will say that I prefer that form factor with the controls and display in the handset. The only advantage the MXT115 has is a little more volume in the chassis speaker.
Let's put it this way... It takes about 10x the power to double your range. For example, my ham radio in my Jeep capable of 5w, 20w, or 50w can in theory give twice the range if I go from low power to high power. That said, when I bought a GMRS radio from Midland, I went with the MXT275, since the footprint is smaller in the Jeep than their other radios, and I'll get more range out of a good antenna than I would have gotten by just getting the 40w radio.
GMRS = Practical communications HAM/Amateur = Very consuming hobby for technically inclined people I do both. Amateur is a LOT of fun, but not very practical in my outdoor adventures because very few people are setup for this. GMRS is very easy, very practical when you want to communicate. If you are in a repeater area - you can get remarkable range to communicate with large groups.
I am a Ham operator that also uses GMRS. Not too many people in my parts on GMRS, but I still monitor it. Oh, and I like your RODE wireless mic you are using. I have the same setup that I use for my videos.
Thanks, it is a nice setup, the only drawback I don't like is how outwardly bulky it is and that always on blue light. It's kinda distracting sometimes, Feel like.
I too like Midland quality --- it feels almost BuShips/USN Approved. So far I've bought four MXT275s and an MXT575, a four twin packs of Tidradio TD-H5s and now an 11.6 dB gain repeater antenna with a dedicated Retevis repeater. The only qualm with the Midlands is that they use a numerical system for CTCSS setups --- confusing --- and when I read it I understand it, then I forget it and have to relearn it - and forget it again.
Midland makes great GMRS mobiles but their handhelds aren't as nice as other brands. Midland handhelds are unfortunately more like cheap FRS radios like he mentioned in the video. I have Wouxun KG-805G handhelds. They do split tones, and they can hit repeaters 30 miles away on flat terrain with a nagoya na-771g antenna. Split tones are really nice for the repeater owner that wants to limit access. Repeaters cost money to set up and maintain. One way to keep them going is to form a group that pays dues. Repeater output tones can be decoded by a $25 Baofeng. In order to decode the input you have to be physically near someone while they're transmitting to the repeater. This makes it a lot harder to intercept. Using a different tone for the input encourages people to join the group and pay their dues. Some repeaters also can use several input tones in order to give priority to dues paying members during congested times while still allowing general use during slack times. It's not elitist, it's just smart.
You see the new BaoFeng UV-5X? Pretty nice for the price and is FCC compliant, the new April models have been upgraded with the option disliked out there.
@@MattKester I hope u find it. U should make a video of u confronting the person. Give it a few days, they think by waiting a few days it out smarts the owner.. lol
I still enjoy my cb. My GMRS radios, I can't find anyone at all to talk to. I have a BTECH 50x1 mobile, and I have not made one contact at all with this radio. And yes, I do have a Browning mobile antenna and my SWR is 1.2 with a GMRS SWR meter. I don't know how you make contacts with the GMRS radios? I hear people talking and I have yet to make any contact. So my cb actually does better. I can make contact with it.
My first guess would be that you're not transmitting with the same CTCSS/DCS tone set as they are. It might also be that they are transmitting in Duplex via a nearby repeater and could be out of your simplex range, as well as, again, using a different CTCSS/DCS tone. Have you used www.mygmrs.com to locate and nearby open repeaters to find out what frequencies and CTCSS/DCS tones they might be using?
So here’s my problem. After watching many videos just like this, I was able to get my hands on a TYT handheld. I was so excited. Then I realized that I have no idea how to find anybody else on it. Nobody really monitors it and there are no channels dedicated as emergency or off road, so I’m befuddled on what to do about it. Luckily I met a guy who said I could have the radio he had so it didn’t cost me anything. As of now all I think I can do with it is use it if I meet up with another group.
If it seems quiet on there, be sure to look for any repeaters in your local area, search for the GMRS repeater directory on Google, as well as Facebook groups in your state.
I second the Emperor. Check GMRS map, but it does seem like some of the more rural parts of the country can be a little sparse when it comes to repeaters. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea of the community picked out a particular channel to use at the party-line, kinda like how truckers turned channel 19 into their defacto intercom… only we can do without the lot lizards and super truckers on our channel!
I suspect the TYT handheld is a ham radio. I'm not aware of a GMRS radio that they offer. More than likely, you'll need to program it for the frequencies you want to use.
Just letting you know while I like midland and they have been around forever I have there 40 plus year old cb’s which still work. Wouxan kg-1000g is by far the best GMRS mobile on the scene and it’s fcc compliant. Only drawback is it’s expensive but you get what you pay for. Go to RU-vid video on it just plug in model number and it will come up several people did videos on it. It’s awesome it borrowed features from the ham radio community that only hams could enjoy that now the GMRS community can enjoy. So why not take advantage of those cool features and utilize them to our advantage and pleasure. I think not a rubicon does a review and I think it’s great . Nice video by the way. 73’s
When you said the MXT115 was a "Goldilocks" product, I was thinking it was because it was between "bubble pack" GMRS handhelds and the other mobile GMRS offerings like the Anytone AT-779UV or Wouxon KG-1000G. I don't recommend the "bubble pack" radios since there are much better (more capable) radios available at similar prices.
Sux about your stolen radio. Thieves suck and it’s such an awful feeling. Meanwhile, I recently installed an MXT115 also and was up the Beeline Hwy at the junction with the Bush Hwy, and was listening to some people out it Buckeye as if they were sitting in the truck with me. Good stuff!
Yeah, it’s really impressive what you can do with just that little 15 watt radio! I was contemplating going with the 40 watt to replace the one that got stolen, but the 115 is more than adequate for what we need and costs $100 less on average, so it’s kind of a no-brainer!
@@MattKester all good, thank you sir! Absolutely, you’ll have a wonderful time, and people are really friendly! My wife is from Phoenix so I’ll be sure to call out when we’re around next!
im on CB daily from my base stations . One at home and one at my office in Manhattan. Most ppl I communicate with are long distance skip shooters. they are in base stations.
Ha, well, I’ve had the opportunity to review quite a few more awesome radios since I filmed this, so I’m not that mad about it anymore! Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it!
I found this while researching radios and its good content. I did want to share something though, my last backpacking trip In Havasupai someone stole my prescription sunglasses in the night. I was pretty mad considering they were like $400 but also because they are useless to anyone else! ok rant over, good video!
Thanks for the comment, Mark! Yeah, it was unfortunate, but sort-of my responsibility for leaving a door unlocked. It all worked out in the end, we ended up going with a pair of MXT275 and absolutely love them!
I also keep hearing guys continually talking about ham radio on my GMRS. If you want ham radio, then go to ham radio. I also keep hearing what sounds like cw / Morse code. What is this?
A lot of GMRS users that are on the repeater networks are also HAM operators, and it seems like the biggest topic of conversation on every radio net I've ever listened in on has been radios and/or HAM. The Morse code you are hearing is a station identification transmission. All repeaters are required to transmit at a certain interval (I believe ten or fifteen minutes) the call sign of their owner. If you are able to transcribe that morse code message, you could then take that call sign and look it up on the FCC registry to find the owner of the repeater.
Love my midland. We got some really good range. We were talking to people on the rim when we were in young. Also I helped reach people who were in some hilly areas.
That's nice, I just applied for my gmrs license and ordered a handheld radio. I'm excited to start using it while I'm out cruising in the forests of Az.
@@sixstringmetal8559 I'm not sure your even going to need a license soon if I heard correctly. Hopefully it works well for you. What wattage are you going to get? When I'm using mine with a group we find that we have to change to a different channel a lot of time due to so much chatter on certain frequency. There always some old boys on there having a conversation like there sitting around drinking beers
@@chrslefty If I'm not mistaken I believe it's a 5 watt. It's just a Wouxan handheld just for now while I get in the swing of using gmrs. The fee was 35 bucks. I heard it used to be 70.
I’d I have a MXT115 hard wired in my auto does the new MXT 500 use all the same connections so I can just unplug everything g from the 115 and then just plug my existing wires and power into the 500 ?
I'm not quite sure on that, but my initial guess would be no, you'll probably want to upgrade to a heavier gauge wire/fuse set. This thing definitely draws a low more power than the 115.
My Bronco is limited on space to mount a GMRs. I was excited to see your video on the Wouxun KG-1000M MURS Base/Mobile Two Way Radio. Are you saying this is not a good radio now?
It's not that this isn't a good radio, if all you need is two way communication between you and your buddies out on the trail, this is a very good option due to it's simplicity. However, since making this video, I've really taken a deeper dive into the GMRS scene and realized that once you start exploring the repeater side of things or want to monitor more than just GMRS traffic, there are a lot better options available, the KG-1000G being the top dog, in my opinion.
It’s probably your best option that doesn’t require a more in-depth license. However, as I’m finding out in my travels this summer, having a good UHF/VHF ham radio gives you the most options to communicate in an emergency situation.
GMRS bridges the gap between CB and Amateur Radio. I have licenses for both GMRS and ham. Ham radio has turned into a joke so you're not missing anything.
I hear you. The one thing on the ham side of things that really looks appealing to me is the APRS stuff. Our buddy Todd runs it in his Jeep and it allows his wife to get updates on his whereabouts and send two way messages while he’s in the back country, provided he can hit a repeater.
I'm SO PISSED about you having your stuff stolen. Too bad you didn't catch them in the act so that you could give them a proper beating. I got rid of my car because I'm a hard-core bicyclist. I carry my radio on my person at all times. I'm seriously considering a $100 six pound chain for my bicycle. I'll make a sign that says "This chain is for YOUR safety, if you attempt to remove it you will no longer be safe."
Right, yeah it’s really frustrating. That sucks that you’ve actually gotta carry around something that weighs about as much as your bike, just to make sure it stays where you left it!
I was with you until you said "the build quality is crap", regarding all non Midland GMRS radios. That simple isn't the case. I do agree with your Use Case though.
I was with me as well until I realized I was just an unsuspecting newbie who was had by a company that leveraged sexy marketing and freebies to influencers to justify paying more for a Chinese made radio with less features and capability than most of the competition. Out of all the radios I've messed with in the timespan since this video was made, the only one that ever failed was a Midland MXT275. So, clearly, I was wrong.
Yeah, unfortunately, you've gotta catch them and when this happened, I was upstairs on the third floor fast asleep. It did force me to restart a lot of my build and process and get a bit more efficient, which was great.
GMRS is great, no doubt. And there are a lot of hams who are jerks for no reason…unfortunately a lot of GMRS users are now also being jerks. It’s pretty simple though. Ham is more of a hobby. GMRS is more of a tool.
Yeah, unfortunately this video is from over a year ago, and I've definitely noticed a lot of changes in the two with the growth that has come. There are more than a few GMRS jerks out there, that's for sure!
I'm a trucker on Vancouver island. Cb radio isn't great I drive logging truck. Being in the bush all the time we us uhf radios the clear and u can get huge distance with them.
@@sutous4188 no worries! Yeah, I moved some bridge components across the Pacific Northwest a few years back and the pilots we used did a lot of work with Canadian drivers so they all had LADD VHF. Was a real asset to us because the loads we had were required to have 30 minute staggaring and we didn’t have cell service in the mountains. We always knew where each group was because our pilots were able to communicate over such long distances with the VHF.
In the UK we have PMR which is similar to the small hand held 0.5watt and is free. There is a business class version at 5W, that you need a 5year £75 licence for - our Land Rover Club use these for marshalling radios on our speed events. Otherwise you are CB style (but we use FM now and there are a UK band and EU band which most CB’s can use either). I guess due to our little island there are not too many places without mobile phone access. Parts of central Dartmoor (near me), deep parts of the Cornish coast and the Highlands of Scotland have a limited cell signal.
Low power ? I'm pushing 200 watts on my cb so I disagree with the low power jab .plus I don't need to pay 70 dollars for a stupid licenses to talk to my friends 🙃
So I just clicked off. Are you gonna be doing a Flat Earth edition in the near future, cause I was enjoying the video, but you lost me with that whole, water sticking to a spinning ball thing!
@@peverill64 That's kinda how it was where I grew up in Alaska. I'd never lock the doors unless we were parked somewhere in town for more than ten or fifteen minutes.
Fed. If someone has to steal some thing from you, they obviously need it more than you do - so chin up buddy ! Try fixed installation next time mista ? V.
Yeah, and again, I shoulda locked the door! I may try using the MXT275 so I can mount it a little more discrete, just not really sold on having the speaker in the microphone as well. The half-deaf trucker in my really liked how loud the speaker in the 115 was and I’ve heard the 275 isn’t as loud.
@@MattKester you can set the audio to come out of either the hand mic, the base, or both. I like using both. (The settings also apply if you use an external speaker too, which I thought was cool.)