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Two Way Radios and Communication at the Dragon
Ken requested a thread for the radios that I was assisting people with, so here is a thread for information about radios I recommend, and what I can help you get. I'd love to see others post what radios and accessories they use, with exact model numbers or links! Others need to be able to buy the exact unit you are recommending.
When you have data service on the road or when at Fontana, your phone can be a good way to communicate. Here is a link to the Hangouts thread I created ages ago. You might want to put it on mute. https://hangouts.google.com/group/Fy3nd8FW7d9agY0j2 Radio I use: BaoFeng BF-UV-5RE Reasons I like it: Its programable for many channels, removable antenna, cheap, well supported, powerful. Lithium Ion battery lasts days. Kenwood accessory compatibility Accessories I use: BAOFENG Speaker MIC Reasons I like it: It has a full size headphone port to output signal to my stereo system. Mic port has to be drilled out to pick up in noisy environments. Kenwood KMC-21 Reasons I like it: Much better sound quality than the cheap handsets Nagoya NA-717 Antenna Reasons I like it: It looks dang cool and retro, plus it actually works better than the stock one Configuring your radio:
I can order a Baofeng and configure it for you with the channels you need, with or without accessories. I can help you get it setup along a caravan or at a meet at the Dragon. If you already have a setup, please see me to ensure it is setup properly. |
This post is reserved for others recommendations.
Radio Lovetodrive2000 recomends: Midland GXT To turn the ROGER BEEP tone off, press the MENU button until the display shows an “rb” icon while on the right of the “rb” display, an “on” icon appears. Select “oF” by pressing the "arrow" buttons and push the PTT key, or press MENU button to move to the next feature setting. Accessories Lovetodrive2000 recomends: Midland AVPH3 Transparent Security Headsets with PTT/VOX Roll hoop strap, made by his wife |
1 Attachment(s)
Its not me... but my wonderful wife who makes these....
Started off making one for me, to get my radio up from my lap, to a higher position to hopefully get a little better reception. Need to use a headset with your radio, or forget using one of these. Attachment 79733 |
So which mic do you use the $6 one or the $42 one. You can almost buy two radio's for the price of one mic.
What is that 5R option for like a dollar more and the 5RA option for 3 bucks more? If you were to upgrade to a better radio what would it be? https://www.amazon.com/GT-3-Transcei...ywords=BaoFeng Thanks for this info, it is great to get advice about different equipment via S2K. We have our cars in common but we all have different hobbies. |
A number of us just use the Midland GXT radio with this headset....
https://www.amazon.com/Midland-AVPH3...Midland+AVP-H3 |
:iagree:
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Originally Posted by DaGou
(Post 24066345)
So which mic do you use the $6 one or the $42 one. You can almost buy two radio's for the price of one mic.
Originally Posted by DaGou
(Post 24066345)
What is that 5R option for like a dollar more and the 5RA option for 3 bucks more?
Originally Posted by DaGou
(Post 24066345)
If you were to upgrade to a better radio what would it be?
https://www.amazon.c...eywords=BaoFeng Lots of good info here: http://codegreenprep...uccessor-uv-5r/ If I were to get an upgrade, I think I would get a variant on the v3 board which is the F8HP. This item on Amazon appears to have the new board with the higher power levels. I'd put a better antenna on it. If I didn't have an antenna and wanted the high power levels, this one appears to be the full newest package from the manufacturer: https://www.amazon.c...ing/B00MAULSOK/ It comes with both better antenna and bigger battery, and no goofy modifications from 3rd parties. |
Originally Posted by Lovetodrive2000
(Post 24066351)
A number of us just use the Midland GXT radio with this headset....
https://www.amazon.c...=Midland+AVP-H3 |
Originally Posted by Lovetodrive2000
(Post 24066351)
A number of us just use the Midland GXT radio with this headset....
https://www.amazon.c...=Midland+AVP-H3 |
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by batguano
(Post 24066952)
mounting strap for the radio is a dog collar on the roll hoop.
I picked up a yellow model of the the UV-5R to replace the one I sold, its quite a nice colorhttps://www.s2ki.com/s2000/public/st...fault/argh.gif Attachment 165763 |
2 Attachment(s)
I'm thinking that these radios would probably be adequate as well: BaoFeng BF-888S https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B00ECW9DB4/
Originally Posted by DaGou
(Post 24066345)
So which mic do you use the $6 one or the $42 one. You can almost buy two radio's for the price of one mic.
Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys
(Post 24066851)
I use the cheap one beacuse it has the larger headphone jack. The name brand ones are smaller and proprietary, the the mic and speaker are vastly superior. The name brand mics are more expensive, but occasionally you can find deals like this on ebay, but you'll never know if its a fake until you try it. I'll pass on the savings to buyers if this 3x set is legit.
Attachment 165601 Attachment 165602 |
1 Attachment(s)
Using this one. For the money it works great. Can't go wrong. Also bought an extended battery.
Baofeng BF-F9 V2+ 8-Watt Hi-Power (USA Warranty) Dual-Band 136-174/400-520 MHz Hand Held Ham Radio Two-Way Transceiver - With Battery, Earpiece, Antenna & Charger (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PTJ43FU..._orZ6xb8PZAN94 |
I use the Midland GXT-1000 with the transparent security headset.
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Wah huh, I can't add these suggestions to second post, will later. https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/forum-49/...y-unavailable/
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Originally Posted by kgf3076
(Post 24072857)
I use the Midland GXT-1000 with the transparent security headset.
Same here .... :rolleyes: |
Originally Posted by kgf3076
(Post 24072857)
I use the Midland GXT-1000 with the transparent security headset.
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Originally Posted by Lovetodrive2000
(Post 24072957)
Originally Posted by kgf3076' timestamp='1475180883' post='24072857
I use the Midland GXT-1000 with the transparent security headset.
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Bump for Hangouts thread: https://hangouts.google.com/group/Fy3nd8FW7d9agY0j2
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I normally use Motorola Talkabout EM1000r. Purchased headsets a few weeks ago. At the dragon, their range is very limited. And for some reason, I'm always running out of battery. Therefore, yesterday I installed one of these:
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I thought I read somewhere that you would be on channel 4? From what I am reading you need a license for most of these radios?
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Originally Posted by gephelps
(Post 24195195)
I thought I read somewhere that you would be on channel 4? From what I am reading you need a license for most of these radios?
Pedro (Edited for accuracy: My radio does not transmit on FRS channels). |
Originally Posted by gephelps
(Post 24195195)
I thought I read somewhere that you would be on channel 4? From what I am reading you need a license for most of these radios?
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Just remember..... the higher your radios are in the car, the better reception/signal they will have.....
Altitude (higher up).... and less shielding (out of the car cavity).... will help. |
Originally Posted by kgf3076
(Post 24195403)
Nope, there are both non-license and high power licensed channels. Channel 4 doesn't require a license.
Originally Posted by PJCC
(Post 24195200)
I will be on channel 4. This is just a high power (5 watts) 2-way radio (frs/gmrs) for vehicles. And yes, I did get a license for it.
Originally Posted by gephelps
(Post 24195195)
I thought I read somewhere that you would be on channel 4? From what I am reading you need a license for most of these radios?
The Baofeng radios need proper programming to stay legal, and set for low power. You also need to make sure you are not broadcasting on receive only frequencies. Here is a sample programming file that happens to also contain the proprietary "privacy" codes for the major manufacturers. Preset #3 is FRS4 that we use. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_q...ew?usp=sharing https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...66adaccbb1.png |
Originally Posted by kgf3076
(Post 24195403)
Nope, there are both non-license and high power licensed channels. Channel 4 doesn't require a license.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both GMRS and FRS. Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that: |
Originally Posted by Lovetodrive2000
(Post 24195423)
Just remember..... the higher your radios are in the car, the better reception/signal they will have.....
Altitude (higher up).... and less shielding (out of the car cavity).... will help. |
Originally Posted by PJCC
(Post 24195460)
That's a good point. The unit I installed comes with an external antenna, therefore is always outside. Although it's only 6" tall. :egads:
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Originally Posted by PJCC
(Post 24194916)
I normally use Motorola Talkabout EM1000r. Purchased headsets a few weeks ago. At the dragon, their range is very limited. And for some reason, I'm always running out of battery. Therefore, yesterday I installed one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
where did you put it? Pictures man pictures ..... |
Originally Posted by CitadelBlue
(Post 24195479)
where did you put it? Pictures man pictures .....
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Did You say "LAP" here piggy! piggy!
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Originally Posted by PJCC
(Post 24195453)
Straight from the FCC.GOV:************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************
"GMRS and FRS Dual Service Radios Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both GMRS and FRS. Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that:
If you operate a radio that has been approved for both FRS and GMRS, and if you limit your operations to the FRS channels with a maximum power of ½ watt effective radiated power and an integral antenna, you are not required to have a license. (Note that some dual-service radios transmit with higher power on FRS channels 1 through 7; these radios can be used without a license only on FRS channels 8 through 14.)" ************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** So, it really depends on what kind of power you are transmitting with. The radio I installed won't even select channels 8-14 unless I lower the transmission power of the unit first. |
Originally Posted by CitadelBlue
(Post 24195479)
where did you put it? Pictures man pictures .....
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...a3947c8ea9.jpg |
Originally Posted by PJCC
(Post 24195710)
5 W Gmrs Radio Installed.
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Originally Posted by kgf3076
(Post 24195964)
Not an issue with the Midland "walkie-talkies".
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Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys
(Post 24196161)
Are you planning to leave it installed? Should be pretty easy to tuck those wires. Power it by adding a socket behind the radio or in your secret compartment.
It should. I just didn't have the time. |
I just bought a set of the cheaper
, wow these are incredible value for money! No reason not to have a couple of these laying around, especially if you can get me to program them for you.
They function the same as the more expensive ones, have a decent wattage, certified by the FCC (for some uses), and water resistant! I like the style of batter pack |
Do they set up like the Kenwood/Baofeung or like the Midland?
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Originally Posted by JoePhotographer
(Post 24205179)
Do they set up like the Kenwood/Baofeung or like the Midland?
I reprogrammed them yesterday for my friend's children, locking them to channel 8 only. Tested to impressive range as well. |
Gave away the BF-888S models to a friend and got some
, they do seem a bit better. Fits in your hand way better and the mushroom knobs are easier to grab. No idea if they are more powerful or not, but at $11 to $13 each, who cares?
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Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys
(Post 24203381)
I just bought a set of the cheaper BF-888, wow these are incredible value for money! No reason not to have a couple of these laying around, especially if you can get me to program them for you.
They function the same as the more expensive ones, have a decent wattage, certified by the FCC (for some uses), and water resistant! I like the style of batter pack |
Originally Posted by Derka
(Post 24209077)
what does the programming do?
Programming sets them up to work properly with the more expensive but lesser quality radios from Wal-Mart. Which are also made in China probably next door to the Baofeng radios. We use USA FRS channel 4 at our events. |
Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys
(Post 24209080)
One of reasons these radios are low cost but decent quality is that they must be manually programmed to be compatible and legal for use on USA channels.
Programming sets them up to work properly with the more expensive but lesser quality radios from Wal-Mart. Which are also made in China probably next door to the Baofeng radios. We use USA FRS channel 4 at our events. awesome. If I bought a set could you program them before the next event? |
Originally Posted by Derka
(Post 24209104)
awesome. If I bought a set could you program them before the next event?
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The programming cable is inexpensive and the CHIRP software is free (downloaded). Channel lists are downloadable as well. Programming should be done with caution as some of these radios can be set for too much power for the FRS channels and shouldn't be enabled to transmit on most other frequencies -- but the radios will. An advantage with the more expensive radios like the BF-F8HP ($40?) is better antennas for better operation at legal power output.
Most-of these can also monitor non-trunked public safety channels as well which may include your favorite highway patrol. :) Just switched mine on while typing this and there's a bumper in the fast lane on the interstate the local PD is addressing. In stormy weather the local school buses report the flooded areas. The blister pack Motorolas work fine out of the box. Get a 2-pack. Someone is always missing a radio or has a dead battery. -- Chuck |
Been very happy with my blister pack Motorolas from Amazon......
No programming needed, legal, and if I have a question, most people have the same ones, and can help me out. |
I bought the zastone x6. Little guy but the battery lasted for the whole trip down and more! (1300km) and comes with an earpiece, belt holster and charging base.
Tried to program them to the frs band but I could only broadcast, could not pick up anything from my Cobra, so I must be missing something? |
Originally Posted by starchland
(Post 24210036)
I bought the zastone x6. Little guy but the battery lasted for the whole trip down and more! (1300km) and comes with an earpiece, belt holster and charging base.
Tried to program them to the frs band but I could only broadcast, could not pick up anything from my Cobra, so I must be missing something? Supported Radios – CHIRP Radio Software |
Originally Posted by AaronCompNetSys
(Post 24210333)
No idea. Looks like it has Chirp support. Send me one to test if you like.
Supported Radios – CHIRP Radio Software |
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