My Overland Communication Model

BuzzyBud

Oct 24, 2020

As I prepare for the day my Bronco arrives, I spent time developing a communication model that would work for me. Please remember this model is tailored to the areas of the country I plan to travel, and the equipment used by my overland buddies. This is not intended to be a best practice model.

My analysis consisted of the following step:

Understand my options for both emergency and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
Determine the communicate equipment used by fellow off-road enthusiasts in my area.
Understand where I want to travel and the effects of topography on my equipment.
Identify an equipment model for both radio and antenna.
Determine how the equipment will be positioned in the Bronco.

In beginning my understanding, I found the following video and article helpful.

https://www.overlandbound.com/overland-communication-overview/

As I surveyed my buddies, I found they were moving away from CB radios to GMRS to gain clear communication over greater distances. Also, the off-road training center I plan to use next summer has a mandatory requirement for both a GMRS radio and a GMRS license. See link below.

https://www.northeastadventurecompany.com/trail-rating-guide

As a result of this work, I obtained my GMRS license using the guide in the link below.

https://quality2wayradios.com/store/gmrs-fcc-license

After calling the Northeast Adventures Company (My preferred training school) they highly recommended the equipment listed below. In fact, all their instructors have standardized on this equipment. Their reasoning is based on the topography of northern New England and how the 40W radio coupled with two options for antenna has served them well.

https://midlandusa.com/product/mxt400-micromobile-2-way-radio/

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta25-3db-gain-ghost-antenna/

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta24-low-profile-antenna-cable/

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta26-6db-gain-whip-antenna/

Based on my understanding of the picatinny rail and available power sources of the Bronco, I will be assembling four devices on the dashboard. An iPhone, a GoPro, a Garmin inReach, and a Midland MXT400.

Hope this has been helpful.

BuzzyBud

Slownstddy, IceSoldier88

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2020

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Jan 29, 2021

#40

GMRS

WT HOSS 4dr 2.7 MIC Lux Tow
7/16/20 Res -- 1/22/21, 10/8/21 Order -- 3/24/22 VIN -- 5/9/22, 5/23/22, 5/16/22, 6/6/22, 6/17/22 Build 7/15/22 Delivered

Jan 30, 2021

#41

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

Im probably going to go with this one from Midland

https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta26-6db-gain-whip-antenna/
Its 32" so I think I will rear mount it somewhere around the tailgate. Back in the day, I had a giant CB whip antenna on the back of my CJ. Its a bit of a throwback to that.

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

ChapEJF, BuzzyBud

Jan 30, 2021

#42

Been looking at this thread for a bit, I will be a 2022 delivery so not in a huge rush yet. Great resource. Shout out to @BuzzyBud for all of the solid work he puts into all of the topics he researches. I have been using a CB for over ten years on my Mustang runs. Effective with smaller groups on the open highway but definitely has shortcomings. I used to run the long buggy whip. If you are using the magnetic attachment anten put some plastic wrap or cut out a piece of carpet runner/drawer liner. Helps prevent unnecessary scratching. And an FYI the long buggy whips fall over at 90-95 MPH. Allegedly....shorty has never toppled over. Yet

Mal, ChapEJF

Feb 08, 2021

#43

Mal
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) :)

For what its worth, I have thoroughly enjoyed futzing about with the GMRS system since I got my license. We have quite a good repeater network here in NM and I can range most of the state from my mobile set up in the hybrid (using a Midland MXT275). Its 15 Watts, but its plenty, even using the mag-antenna included in the package. I bet this would work fine with a better antenna installed permanent in the Bronco for the trail.

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

Deano Bronc, BuzzyBud

Feb 08, 2021

#44

Mal
For what its worth, I have thoroughly enjoyed futzing about with the GMRS system since I got my license. We have quite a good repeater network here in NM and I can range most of the state from my mobile set up in the hybrid (using a Midland MXT275). Its 15 Watts, but its plenty, even using the mag-antenna included in the package. I bet this would work fine with a better antenna installed permanent in the Bronco for the trail.

Like this little antenna/signal booster...
https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta25-3db-gain-ghost-antenna/

Mal, BuzzyBud

Feb 08, 2021

#45

meyermi
Like this little antenna/signal booster...
https://midlandusa.com/product/micromobile-mxta25-3db-gain-ghost-antenna/

Yep, very seriously considering that and one of the lip mounts for the rear deck lid on my sedan. Not sure how I'm going to rig the antenna on the Bronco. There are a load of Jeep brackets that will put the antenna on/near the mirrors. I bet the aftermarket will deliver one for the same location. One of the benefits of being MY22 :) #brightside

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

BuzzyBud

Feb 09, 2021

#46

Some information on the different gain antennas.......

TorgSurv, Mal

Feb 09, 2021

#47

Mal
Yep, very seriously considering that and one of the lip mounts for the rear deck lid on my sedan. Not sure how I'm going to rig the antenna on the Bronco. There are a load of Jeep brackets that will put the antenna on/near the mirrors. I bet the aftermarket will deliver one for the same location. One of the benefits of being MY22 :) #brightside

I might get one of these: and try it out on the hood of my old F350. See if it scratches anything on that first.

2021 BadSquatch, 4DR, 2.7/AT, High Package, Oxford White

TorgSurv, Mal

Feb 09, 2021

#48

I was thinking of getting the Midland MXT 400 radio and these antennas.......

https://www.gme.net.au/au/antennas/ae4705btp/
You can get a fold down mount so you can mount up high on a rack for best results and put down when not in use.

Feb 09, 2021

#49

Fold down bracket. Also available in Stainless steel finish.

https://www.gme.net.au/au/accessories/mb042b/

LoneRanger

Feb 09, 2021

#50

[I posted this a while back on Bronco6g]

I have Motorola T600s. They're waterproof and float. I use them mostly for kayaking the Hudson River, Delaware River in NY and the Housatonic River in CT as well as hiking in the Catskills and Adirondacks in NY

Frequency Band: FRS/GMRS 462 - 467 MHz in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Band

#0186

TorgSurv, BuzzyBud

Jan 03, 2022

#51

Anyone mount this on their bronco yet? What did you use for an antenna? Where did you mount it?

2021 Badlands, 4 door, 2.7L, Auto, LUX, SAS, Tow Package, MIC, Velocity Blue.

Jan 03, 2022

#52

Buckin Bronco
Fold down bracket. Also available in Stainless steel finish.

https://www.gme.net.au/au/accessories/mb042b/

That's a pretty nice piece!

L.R.

Buckin Bronco

Jan 03, 2022

#53

SlashRacer
Anyone mount this on their bronco yet? What did you use for an antenna? Where did you mount it?

Mount what? The fold down. Bracket?

L.R.

Jan 04, 2022

#54

LoneRanger
Mount what? The fold down. Bracket?

L.R.

The antenna.

2021 Badlands, 4 door, 2.7L, Auto, LUX, SAS, Tow Package, MIC, Velocity Blue.

LoneRanger

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