Which Handheld GMRS?

[Java]

I think my radio is still on vacation, I can't find it so I'm going to replace it. If you were to buy a handheld GMRS today which one would you get? Thanks!!

Additionally I think I'm going to get a set of these https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-ACT120B...078708049&th=1

[Max]

I don't have an answer, but I like this guy's videos, so you could do some research there.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheNotaRubi...rch?query=gmrs

[Java]

Got this one, checks off all the boxes and given that this is the third one I've bought and will likely lose too, the price sure is right.

https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-Repea...11&sr=8-9&th=1

[newracer]

My club recently switched to GMRS. Midland and Rugged Radio are the top picks for HTs.

[Java]

Im in the GMJC and they switched over last year too. They sent out a letter with recommendations for various Midlands. I just lost one, still have a Midland T10 but it's very limited. I like the Baofeng so far...

[Java]

Added this mic too, only $9.97. Have to figure out a dashboard mount for the radio now...

https://www.amazon.com/ABBREE-Rainpr...W24ZRUU3Q&th=1

[newracer]

Java previously posted:

[hiimmike]

If you're buying a Midland, I have a 15% off discount code they gave me to share out.

OFFROAD15

[TrailbreakerJl]

I have a pair of these when I need a handheld or for a trail buddy and they are very good sound quality and usually
go on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/GXT1000VP4-Ch.../dp/B001WMFYH4

[FINOCJ]

Thanks for the link to the baofeng GM-15pro....I added it to my kit - I got it in yellow for $0.40 upcharge with the idea that it would be the most visible and maybe help keep it from getting left behind somewhere. This is the first GMRS radio I got - price was right, hand feel is nice, The USB charging is awesome for working in my jeeps, wanted the extra power (online reviews testing transmit power show 3.1W) over FRS, I like the simple access to NOA weather station and FM radio, even the little thing like the flashlight is useful. I gave the FCC my money so I should be good to go with license.....

Although I will be using it mostly with others that will have either FRS or also simple GMRS, and probably use one of the standard CH 1-7 (as I understand it, CH 8-14 are power limited per FCC regulations), I do have a question.... trying to figure out how the generic FRS 'privacy codes' and relate to the GRMS DCS or CTCSS codes on the baofeng. The basic FRS radios I have can use a privacy code, but not sure if that corresponds to the DCS or CTCSS codes on the GRMS? I think the FRS privacy code is the same as the DCS? Also, on this baofeng, it looks like I would need to set-up a DIY channel to match the channel frequency (1-7) and then add a DCS code, or can I add a DCS code directly to one of the pre-programmed CH 1-7?

[Trevor?]

CTCSS is an analog tone outside of audible frequencies. DCS is a digital code, again outside of audible frequencies. Both serve the same function... to signal to other radios whether or not to "unsquelch" and play audio. Both schemes can be used by FRS or GMRS radios... its not really a question of which service, but whether the radio manufacturer has incorporated these features into the radio. When a radio manufacturer's manual talks about "privacy codes" they are really just assigning an arbitrary number to one of the CTCSS frequencies and/or DCS codes. Sometimes this is in order... sometimes CTCSS first, then DCS... sometimes they are all mixed up. Each manufacturer may assign them to different "code numbers", so one radio's code 3 may be another radio's code 38.... and in come cases one manufacturer may not have a particular CTCSS or DCS code available.

It's kinda frustrating that there is no industry standard here, but it is what it is. I suspect they just want you to get frustrated and buy all of your stuff from one manufacturer to avoid the headache.

I am guessing your baofeng menu tells you the actual code..... say 110.9Hz for CTCSS or D073N for DCS. For your FRS radio you can probably look up the manual based on the FCC ID code which should be marked somewhere on it (maybe under the battery) and hopefully that will list a conversion chart. If you want to post that number or a pic of the label we can likely help you with that. If that doesn't work then you can ether use trial and error, or find a radio that can scan for codes (some of my ham equipment can do this....maybe the baofeng can but I am not sure).

Be aware that your baofeng might be capable of being configured to listen to one CTCSS tone or DCS code but transmit another..... (or listen but not transmit or not listen but transmit)... this is typically not something a cheaper radio is not capable of, so some repeaters will use a "split code" scheme like this to prevent people from spamming them because you cannot just scan for the transmit code. I point this out because you may need to change two settings on your baofeng to get it working fully back and forth with your FRS radios.

Lastly.... channels 8-18 are reserved for low power just as you pointed out.... but they are also specified in the regulations to be used by handheld radios only. You should never see them on any mobile radios for this reason. Just an interesting fact I figured I would mention.

Here is just one attempt of many at a conversion chart: https://www.k0tfu.org/reference/frs-...mystified.html Might be able to find another one with a google search if your model/manufacturer isn't listed.

Good Luck. Let me know if I can help. And sorry if this is an overly generic response. Hoping it will be helpful for a broader audience too.

[FINOCJ]

Trevor? previously posted:

[Jim]

FINOCJ previously posted:

[Trevor?]

FINOCJ previously posted:

[FINOCJ]

Trevor? previously posted:

[Spieg]

Not really fond of hand held radios. You can get a lot more power from a mounted radio.

[FINOCJ]

Spieg previously posted:

[Spieg]

FINOCJ previously posted:

[Jim]

Until telepathic communications are the norm, I'll go for one of each.

Just like 4x4's - there is no perfect tool - only compromises / benefits.

(nice spring thunderstorm rolling through - good light show and sound effects [and no hail])