THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Here is a real bargain for GMRS/FRS capability
http://www.ebay.com/itm/181970803719?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
Typically your well north of $200 for a radio like this at this power level and rock SOLID ICOM engineering at $75 a pop this is cheap.

Although GMRS is a licensed band it only requires $65 to the FCC and you and all your family members are free to use.
If your sick of the noise on CB from truckers and bandits pushing over 500W to 1,000W on this band GMRS is a great
alternative -- there are some repeaters on the system as well, although limited.

Incidentally and IMPORTANT -- This radio does require programming software t configure ICOM CS-F100, supports XP and Win 7.
Without this software it's a brick. There are a number of sites you can download, https://hamfiles.co.uk/ for one. PM me if
your thinking about this rig and have Q's.

Since GMRS is restricted (requiring a fee) is there anything you cannot do on the band? Like is there a specific purpose for this band vs normal CB?

There are rules/restrictions for GMRS and in fact all bands for that matter.

For GMRS you need a license to operate, but no test just a $65 payment and then anyone in
your immediate family gets to play on this band using your lic. The restrictions are POWER
level 50W max, a restriction on antenna height (above that certain height you typically need a license
to operate as a repeater), restrictions to operate close to the Canadian border as that can interfere
with frequencies assigned there for different purposes and the typical keep the language clean and no
promotional stuff on the air.

In general this is more like a "gentleman's" CB, for mobile use, it was first introduced as Class A Citizens Radio Service
in the 60's.

The advantage I see is there's no clutter from the obnoxious noise heard on CB from illegally overpowered CB'ers
swamping you out.
There are some repeaters, typically on mountain tops, which effectively extends range.
Hand held units e.g. from Baofeng such as their UV-5R are dirt bag cheap.

Filming in Flint Michigan for peanuts... now you are going to make me spend those peanuts! Nice find.

Don't drink the water up there, it'll be more than a bad case of diarrhea.

Just to add in my $0.02 here, those units are capable of more than just the GMRS/FRS frequencies, they will operate on a spectrum of UHF bands. Purchasers would be well advised to get their HAM license. It opens up a world of communication options and will ensure you don't inadvertently run into problems operating on other frequencies illegally.

I'm not a radio guy, I use them just for Search & Rescue, but have found that the quality of HAM communication, whether on a mission or just on a day wheeling with friends, is light years better than CB. I can't go back

I run a series of Icom radios (F1721 and F1821 for VHF and UHF, F5121 VHF on my ATVs, F3161 and F4161 handhelds for in the field) and have been really pleased with their performance. They have held up really well to the abuse SAR puts them through. Great radios.

Ben
K1NCT

Mounting bracket for UV5R
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ckets-quot

TechMOGogy wrote:Mounting bracket for UV5R
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/t ... ckets-quot

Those are nice! Ordering a couple for my ATVs...

Although a tad more expensive, the BaoFeng BF-F9 V2+ is functionally
the same as the UV5R but 2X the power at the antenna. You should also
invest in the programming cable. Programming these puppies from the
keypad is a PITA. Amazon is the place to go...

Just finished the install of this ICOM IC-F221 UHF radio. Bought 2 off eBay at a great price (one for the house).
A bit more to it to program and set up but one heck of a buy at $75 and 45Watt output, good programming features,
covers UHF HAM, GMRS and FRS bands all in one rig. Ended up mounting on the side of the dash, it's low profile
and light enough. The dash shroud is plastic, but relatively thick -- put fender washers on the inside to reduce stress.
Wasn't my preferred location, overhead is pretty cramped already though
Antenna was easy, simple mounting flange and a Warn swivel clamp for 1.66" pipe not DOM.
Anyone interested PM me and I'd be happy to help Seller on eBay still has a few left.
Beats the heck out of CB. Ham obviously requires a lic. but GMRS lic. is just a fee -- no test.