My Overland Communication Model

Once you decide on a radio make/model, you should consider what antenna options to consider. I plan to overland in mountainous regions of the country. So, I will choose the external antennas. I have selected two antennas. I will have the ability to switch out one for the other based on my reception needs.

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta25-3db-gain-ghost-antenna/
https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta26-6db-gain-whip-antenna/
Once I receive my Bronco, I plan to test out two different antenna mounts. If the clip method works, that will be my first option. Eventually, I hope to install Baja Design ditch lights and will use the second method for attaching the antenna.

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta27-universal-lip-mount/
https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta22-ditch-light-extension-bracket/
https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta24-low-profile-antenna-cable/
One additional thought to consider. As I have been assembling these components, there have been backorder notices. You may have to deal with supply chain issues, so keep that in mind.

gmrs is simply more efficient than old style CB's (even those with amps). It is readily available, easy to use and is almost as prevalent as some CB bands in certain areas.

new truck should get new electronics.

L.R.

Rgwinn

There is a link in the opening post. You have to fill out a form and pay $70

How long did it take to get your call sign after you applied and paid?
Thanks !!

Wanna1

How long did it take to get your call sign after you applied and paid?
Thanks !!

Just a couple days.

Rgwinn

Just a couple days.

Thanks!
I applied yesterday.

I've been emailing back and forth with Midland because I wanted to know if they'd have their 400 model with weather at some point. I was told they are about to release a 500 model (50watt) with weather alert, but yesterday I was advised it won't be released until after Jan 1. FYI for those looking for a comm solution, you may want to wait until after the first of the year, or after you receive your Bronc, if you care about weather alert (which I do).

AcesandEights

I've been emailing back and forth with Midland because I wanted to know if they'd have their 400 model with weather at some point. I was told they are about to release a 500 model (50watt) with weather alert, but yesterday I was advised it won't be released until after Jan 1. FYI for those looking for a comm solution, you may want to wait until after the first of the year, or after you receive your Bronc, if you care about weather alert (which I do).

Good update. I have a weather alert radio already but it would be nice to have it all wrapped into one.

I registered on their site for their Black Friday deals which are opening early for those who register for it. They are also offering a free gift. Not sure how great that will be? More interested in their deals.

I know this is an old thread, but Midland is having a Christmas sale (Discount codes... JOLLY10 = 10% off $100 / JOLLY20 = 20% off $200 / JOLLY30 30% off $300). I just ordered their MXT115 (15watt) and two handhelds (GXT1000) for $170 (20% off bundle). I'm going to give the GMRS a try.

D190065

I know this is an old thread, but Midland is having a Christmas sale (Discount codes... JOLLY10 = 10% off $100 / JOLLY20 = 20% off $200 / JOLLY30 30% off $300). I just ordered their MXT115 (15watt) and two handhelds (GXT1000) for $170 (20% off bundle). I'm going to give the GMRS a try.

Welcome to Team GMRS!
You might find this other thread helpful if you plan to attach your radio to the Picatinny rail.

Attaching GMRS Radio to the Picatinny Rail. | Bronco Nation Forum (thebronconation.com)

Thanks for starting this thread @BuzzyBud

Back in my 1st Get Bronco (circa 90's-2K) 'wheelin days, we were all using CBs. I got a little Midland sitting the garage all picked out for my Badlands. I've been a licensed ham for years, and really really don't like CB (AM - yuk).

A little research shows that a 2M ham antenna 70cm ham antenna may work just fine for GMRS. If so, 2 radios one antenna is a 'good thing'. I always hated the "porcupine look" on some ham radio owned vehicles. Nothing screams "I've got a bajillion dollars of radio gear in here" than a bunch of antennas. Reminds me of the Russian "fishing boats" we used to see up in the North Sea during the cold war... but that's a different story.

Probably still do a CB with a big, giant-ass whip antenna if for nothing else than, it's a place to put yer off-road flags in situations where that's required or just a good idea.

Just applied for my GMRS license. I think it may be the best of both worlds CB/HAM if it gets prolific enough. So - I'm in. Exact implementation TBD, but - can't hurt.

Again, thanks for raising awareness of GMRS.

73 DE KG4MBU

Edit:
I also carry one of these in my jacket when doing my Adventure Motorcycle thing: https://www.findmespot.com/en-ca/products-services/spot-gen3
Don't think they make the Gen 3 anymore, kinda a good thing because they can be had used for about $50. Subscription fees apply. Thing with this is, much cheaper than a sat phone, and if all yer doing is sending out an "I'm ok" or "SOS" simple is, as simple does.

Edit again: GMRS is UHF. Therefore, a 2M antenna, not the best choice. A 70cm antenna is pretty darn close. So....... if one were to get a dual band ham mobile antenna (2m/70cm) and an antenna switch to toggle between radios, the "one antenna 2 radios" story gets even better: 2M/70cm/GMRS with one antenna (hmmmmm.....)

Hey @BuzzyBud thank you for the detailed write up. As our broncos get closer to becoming a reality I have been looking into communications options and your post has been very helpful. like you I have also decided to get my GMRS license and start there. Looking into this and heading down the rabbit hole it appears it wouldn't be all that hard to get your HAM license. How do you feel about HAM? is it your intention to move that direction after learning the GMRS radios or do you believe GMRS will fulfil all your needs? Thanks again for the detailed post and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

LoboNation

Hey @BuzzyBud thank you for the detailed write up. As our broncos get closer to becoming a reality I have been looking into communications options and your post has been very helpful. like you I have also decided to get my GMRS license and start there. Looking into this and heading down the rabbit hole it appears it wouldn't be all that hard to get your HAM license. How do you feel about HAM? is it your intention to move that direction after learning the GMRS radios or do you believe GMRS will fulfil all your needs? Thanks again for the detailed post and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Excellent questions! Thank you! As a newbie to the sport of off-road adventures, I needed to understand both my options (CB, GMRS, HAM) and the reasons for selecting one over the other or multiple. My primary “playground” will be northern New England and Canada. I will encounter mountainous geography and an existing community of off-roaders who I seek via vehicle-to-vehicle communications. As I located off-road training schools in my area, I settled on one based in Arundel Maine. Their website (see attachment below) was specific in requiring a GMRS radio, license, and externally mounted antenna. The radio model I chose is also the model they standardized on for their instructors. I also chose two different antennas that are easily interchangeable when the geography changes.

Over time my travels will take me to Colorado and the need for HAM may surface. I will research the community of off-road enthusiasts in Colorado and obtain whatever gear and license I need. So yes, over time my needs may change and so will my gear.

TRAIL RATING GUIDE & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT — NORTHEAST ADVENTURE COMPANY

After reading all the posts I'd have to say, A huge Thank you to @BuzzyBud for starting this thread and doing the leg work to getting us up to date. As I read the one thing that stuck out about what to get was, it depends on who your with. So, plan your trip before you head out with the group and coordinate what to use. Im assuming most will use a CB as its a cheaper alternative. I have FRS handhelds but will be getting a GMRS incase of emergencies. Might just throw one of my old CB's in the gear for just incase. So it all depends on your group and your experience using radio equipment. Thanks again @BuzzyBud..

I roll with a quad-band HAM radio, CB and 8 handhelds programmed for FRS, GMRS, MURS, weather... I loan them out to CB guys... thats how much I dislike CB radio.

While I have a HAM license I would not recommend for most, GMRS is easily the simplest and most effective way to go. If you want more then think about your FCC amateur license.

The HAM community is a great resource/hobby, but very dated compared to modern communications.

Worth mentioning that Jeep Jamboree is switching from CB to GMRS starting this year. Pretty big deal as they were a notable holdout.

Funny note: Just FYI... If you have a vehicle with an aluminum body (i.e. 2019 Ford F350 or a lot of new Fords), a magnet mount antenna will not work. :oops: :ROFLMAO:

Just got my GMRS license. I am already looking forward to the ridiculous whip antenna that will be on the Rig. It will fit right in on the old sedan till Bronco Arrival Day (B-A-Day) :)

Whip antenna? The GMRS/FRS radios usually have a pretty small antenna.

I’m sure you can go with a whip antenna, but I’ve seen a lot of packages with a short black stubby post, maybe 4” high, 1” diameter. I figured I’d attach it to a mounting bracket off the mirrors along with the trail lights.

GMRS is know as the 65cm band, so a 1:1 antenna would be near that, about 2'. Half format 1', quarter 6"... license test kicking in.