The Ultimate Two-Way Radios for RVers! GMRS
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2022
- It's about time for all of us travelers to get connected! I want to talk about GMRS and what a great service that is for RVers and to show you a new system by Midland Radios, the MXT500 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio and a very cool ammo can it fits into and operates out of as sort of survival base station, powered by a lithium battery that can be charged with an optional solar panel.
This may be the ultimate portable two-way radio system - it certainly is expensive! But GMRS radios are available at much more affordable prices so don't let this deluxe system and its price tag scare you off.
The link to the MXPW500 Portable Base Station Ammo Can is midlandusa.com/collections/po... (the can is sold WITHOUT THE RADIO)
The MXT500 Base Station Radio is midlandusa.com/collections/po.... You have to buy the Radio AND the can. They are sold separately.
Apply for a GMRS license at www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/...
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By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos, how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle.
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Notarubicon is advocating for channel 19 as a hwy channel. He also advocates channel 16 for off road use. I myself just started getting back into radios for traveling.
I agree with you 100% about GMRS. Like yourself I am a HAM. The RV channel is great.
I like your idea of a standard channel for RVers. Consider adding a decal to your merchandise inventory that says something like "Monitoring GMRS 19". RVers could then put this on the back of their RV and let other RVers know that they are monitoring that radio channel. That would help spread the word faster and give you feed back on how well it is being adopted. You might even suggest that Midland provide something like that with new radio sales. As long as it is large enough to see while driving past another RV. Might also have one for FRS channels because so many RVers already use the handheld units and could easly monitor one of their handheld while driving down the road.
GMRS channel 19 is already the same as FRS 19
@@eijentwun5509 if the RV in question is using a FRS only radio, a sticker saying "FRS channel 19" speaker isn't a bad idea. A FRS radio is limited in transmit power compared to a Gmrs on ch19 and letting people know your transmit range is more limited could be useful?
I printed some gmrs channel 19 of the web just search for it
As a fellow HAM, and a GMRS license holder I agree with you. GMRS is an important alternative.
Finally, explained for the beginner, clearly and thoroughly. Thank you sir..
Mike, I love that new GMRS radio! I've known about the existence of GMRS for years as I have owned FRS handy talkies all that time. Being an active Amateur radio operator for years, I can see now where this new radio would have its applications to the general public. I will look forward to chat with you on GMRS like we did on 2 meters back in Michigan Great video and information. Karl/KO8S
I like your video, thank you for mentioning the license requirement, I enjoyed the educational value. Very well done.
Great info. I am a Amature Radio Operator (K6YOS) and in the RV and Jeeping communities. Within my friends there is still not a consensus on what to use, this is info I can share.
The Midland radios are great. They work when cell towers are down and can keep RVers updated with storm conditions. We will be broadcasting an episode on Midland and how to deal with weather events. Nice job.
I too have my radios in my RV and the Jeep, been using Channel 19 since I first install the radios, have a sign on the back of the RV saying GRMS Channel 19. Been called a couple of times by another user. We just need to keep pushing Channel 19 with RV's as we travel.
Great video Mike. I have a Midland GMRS radio permanently mounted in my Jeep. I promote GMRS to all my friends whether they're Jeeping or RVing. I think it's a great tool to have on board. I have found that a lot of repeaters need prior permission to use. But that just takes planning on where you're going.
Thank you for explaining this so clearly! Thanks
Nice explanation for newbies and non-technical folks. I use amateur radio on the road but this will come in handy for most RVers needs.
I am a RVer and own a Jeep Wrangler and use these two frequencies all the time. Spread the word
I love nerdy stuff! :) Thanks!
Excellent video.
Outstanding information. I'm new at Rving and was looking into purchasing a cb but this sounds great for safety and communicating with other Rv'ers. Thank you for the information!
Very well spoken video. Thank you ( W2TU)
Wish we could use that in Canada. As I understand, only the maximum two watt handheld transceivers (bubble pack radios) are permitted. We can also use Resource Road radios or Logging Road radios in the remote areas, but they have to be professionally programmed and licensed.
I've had a ham license for over 40 years and a GMRS license for 5 years. GMRS is becoming quite popular around here, especially to those who have no desire for a ham license. I think a national "call" channel is a great idea. Those inexpensive FRS radios, the kind that come 2 in a pack at stores like Dick's, etc. are great for traveling also.
great job congratulations terrific
I'd never heard of GMRS. Looks very useful.
I had just purchased a B-Tech GMRS 20V2 several days prior to your video release. I used to muddle with CB back in my younger days. I have enjoyed learning about the new format and have found many others in my area, (NC). I think this would be a great idea and look forward to how we RV’ers promote it. Thanks as always for the great content and I sure look forward to the next video! Leonard, WRUX977
A bunch of us RVers traveling the country to meet up in one location used DMR to communicate while we were on the road. Driving down the interstate I could talk to a friend halfway across the US while he was traveling down the road. It was awesome. There are numerous RV channels on DMR.
Thanks for a great video. I agree with you about channels 16 & 19. Randy from NotARubicon has been saying the same thing about channels 16 & 19.
I've been using a CB since I was a child and still have one in my truck. Currently studying for my Ham license. When traveling I keep GMRS radio on 19.
I agree with you completely about gmrs being a much better option over CB but for highway travel I still have a CB in my vehicle and my wife's car. Being a truck driver I see everyday that truckers still use CB. In my personal car while on the highway CB is still useful for hearing road conditions (especially helpful in the winter) and getting a early warning about a backup up ahead.
Thanks for sharing. I might just jump on the wagon too. 👍
Great idea
I've been a ham myself for 35 years. I'm in GMRS now for the second time. The Midland mobiles can be quirky sometimes but they're acceptable. The handheld radios however are not. They aren't repeater capable and really fall into the category of throw away kiddie-talkies. Wouxun would probably be a better choice all the way around, especially for the HT's. It is a fact that Wouxun is the world's largest manufacturer of dedicated GMRS radios. 73
We have a class B and I had an old Cobra CB laying in the garage so I installed it in the van. There is not much traffic except an occasional trucker. We also have a pair of FRS/GMRS walkie talkies we use when we are on road trips with friends or family. Never thought about what chanel to use. I usually kept both preset to the same chanel and handed the spare to the another party on our group. We will move now to chanel 19. Great idea!
There doesn't need to be a specific channel agreed upon strictly for RVs but there should be a highway channel on gmrs that everyone knows about.. kind of like channel 19 is on citizens band.
Love your desire to I bring better technology for RVers. You didn’t mention the weight. For van dwellers that seems like a big commitment given size and weight.
Being a gmrs license holder for 20 years the travel channel use to be 462.675 but some groups may have changed that , there also was a travel tone of 141.3
The A line runs from Maine to Washington state and I think it is within 50 miles of the US Canadian boader. You cannot use frequencys between 420 and 430 MHz.
Great video! Wish I had the $ for this exact model, but it inspired me to build my own ammo can radio out of a radioddity DB-25-G, Believe it or not, my buddy and I have gotten 8.5 miles simplex on our handhelds. Conditions must have been perfect, his elevation is slightly higher than mine, but there is a “hill” in between us. I understand the line of sight, and other conditions that lead to good or bad signal, but I was pretty dang surprised on our 5 watt handhelds that we did 8.5 miles in the northeast rolling hills.
Another really good option for GMRS is the Anytone AT779. It is around $100 on Amazon and works on all the GMRS channels and can be programmed for other services as well. (Ham, MURS, etc - just not all at the same time) (FCC Rule) The radio really works well and has great Anytone audio. It is 15 watts output but you'll never see the difference. I agree too that we should start a campaign for 19 as a national RV channel. (One downside, tho, is that 19 is one of the Repeater channels and may have strong signals on it, especially in urban areas)
Careful with those Chinese radio's like the Anytone and Boefangs. They cause harmful interference to other services like law enforcement. Have to make sure they have the FCC certification stamp on them.
I believe 19 vs 19-Repeater would be programmed to separate channels.
The AT779 is not legal to use for MURS or GMRS. MURS and GMRS radios need to be type accepted by the FCC to be legal, the 779 is not type accepted. Further, MURS is limited to 2watts of output.
Years ago in days before cell phones, navigation or computers I had a CB Radio when towing a pop up and then driving a Class A.
I'm a ham in my 30s. Also have a gmrs license. I would like to see RVers active on gmrs (or ham) we just got our first travel trailer and look forward to finding some others in the radio hobby that also share the camping/ rv hobby
It is a nice and comprehensive video. I enjoy the way you talk as it makes it easy to follow. The idea of using frequency 462.650 better known as just channel 19 is not new. We have been using it for a while. Now, I know which person you got the idea from because he said it before in almost the same way. But either way, it is a good way to get more people in the know. Yes, the idea was taken from CB channel 19. CB radio has changed a lot and in a way died out. However, it is still the king of the road. I get more people on the road with CB than GMRS. Now this is not a rule, but it is how people active in GMRS have somewhat agree on. But again there are no specific rules or ways to enforce it. Channel 16 off reading, Channel 19 on open road. Channel 19 has a restriction for people north of line A and east of C. What that means in simple words is, that channel 19 can not be use close to the border with Canada (assuming you are in the USA). channel 21 has the same problem. So people close to the Canadian border have to use an other channel. And I have no idea what the general agreement would be upthere. 15 mountaineering/Hiking/General outdoors. Channel 20 at some point back in the day was the emergency channel. but for a long time it has not been monitored. Although you may find some old articles referring to it as the monitored emergency channel, GMRS does not presently have one emergency channel. When using a GMRS frequency for general purpose, for example driving the open roads and communicating using channel 19, Do not use tones. There are more unreadend rules or agreements but to get people started that should be good enough. And just remember these are not rules it is more like ideas floating on the air that people has been adda[pting at a slow rate. Most people uses GMRS/FRS for small groups, kinda personal communication. There are GMRS clubs and GMRS repeaters users but for general purposes it's not needed at this point.
I think someone was listening, the ammo can system is sold out. I have a GMRS license, and currently using Midland HTs. So when I'm rolling down the road, I'll keep a unit on channel 19 and see if we get any traffic. I may spring for a mobile rig with more wattage output.
I would love to watch an episode on ham radios
Hey Mike. Great video and I completely agree about GMRS. I will add a sticker to the back of our Solitude to say we monitor GMRS 19. The one thing that I would add is that you don’t need a $600 radio to get started. You can start with a $30, 5 watt handheld off of Amazon. For instance, a Baofeng GM-15 Pro. Maybe someone could come up with a standard sticker for our RVs.
WRVE871
I think using GMRS is a great idea. We are both hams and my thought originally was to use 2 meters for RV's but, GMRS makes more sens
We purchased the Midland radios for our toy hauler and to give to our kids given we live in earthquake country. I love the idea of getting more range. Do you know if there is an option to have a secret/private channel with this system?
There is a 100 mile band on the border with Canada where you cannot use channel 19 and 21. The line is called Line A. It has something to do with Canadian Border Patrol.
I live in Michigan, and the line runs through the center of the State. So much for me living on the Canadian side of Line A.
That price is NUTS! $650 without the radio??
Cb radio channel 19 is a must if you are in the road
Thanks Mike!
I’m new to the GMRS world. When on the road, I plan to keep my GMRS radio on channel 19. In case of an RV breakdown, am I correct in being sure I had inputted the repeaters in my route (keeping on channel 19?) to ensure the help I need can be communicated to, i.e., “Coach-Net”, or do I not mess with repeaters and just use channel 19? Thanks ahead for your advice!
Are you planning to suggest a a tone (pl) or carrier sq?
I have had a repeater up since the 70’s. My original license was KAB8301 on 462.575 and I used 127.3 pl. And back I was licensed on Cb class A.
Dean
Try to buy a MXPW500 or it's little brother. Out of stock on Midland and everywhere else. I hope both are back in stock soon.
Good idea, and Randy (NotARubicon CZcams channel) has already suggested channel 19 for monitoring while on the road, in his video back on January 6, 2022! So... a sort of consensus.
Me and my wife are thinking about that real soon selling everything and live in a RV and just travel but I still want land that I can go to that’s belongs to me but I’m in the CB radios so found your channel I like a GMRS radios I have several of them don’t have license yet can’t figure out where to send the money I don’t read very well I live in Indiana I’ll listen a lot on these radios and also CB radios 11 m I like talk on side band radios 11 m but we are thinking about getting a camper and just travel different camp areas I wanted to wait till three more years when I retire that’s ifIf the government don’t destroy our retirement
Was doing a search today on what the "common calling" channel was, and came across some debate. The consensus was channel 20. Primarily I think because use of channels 19 & 21 is prohibited north of "line A." Looking at a map it looks like "line A" parallels the US/Canadian border 80-100 miles south of the border. There's a similar "line C" that parallels the Alaska / Canadian border.
Good video, thumbs up! BUT, The earth is not a spinning ball. LOL
Hey, how long did it take for your Rekon G5 to ship from Hardened Power? I'm still waiting after 68 days :(
I just always heard ch 16 was the go to channel
Now that the fcc allows fm mode on the us cb band frequencys a lot of cbers are going to fm mode now there are amfm mobiles n handhelds
I remember when RV channel was #13. I'm wondering if it's possible to transfer my old KZT3136 CB license to GMRS?
No different services entirely
Well It seems or might Channel 19 is already the Standard Highway Channel for GMRS so maybe channel 19 for RV's might not be a good idea... or perhaps it is as a dual purpose as RV's are often on the Highway.
If I’m caravaning with three other camper vans, do we all have to have a full “ammo box” system in order to communicate with each other?
No... the inexpensive little Family Radio System walkie-talkies should work for that short distance.
Great video 73 DE K7LZZ and Full timenRVer
Where to purchase this set up?
Hello! Since many rv’ers are also boaters, how about using the same call channel number as in maritime vhf ( call channel 9 ) even if of course it’s not the same frequencies ? On the old CB world, I remember that REACT service was using channel 9 as a call channel for emergencies. Thanks for your great videos ! Too bad that here in Canada GMRS is not available legally for public use… we are left with useless CB and FRS on talkies. 73’s
Channels 8-14 are basically .05 watt channels for use with frs. Channels 1-7 are 5 watt channels and 15-22 are max 50 watt channels. Midland mobile units don't have 8-14 loaded on they're radios.
@@davidb.turknett4447 Yes channel 9 is a super low power useless channel.
@@davidb.turknett4447 Besides that little fact, they are way over priced.
@@acidreign8551 I like my MXT 275 for what it is. I'm new to radios and not into programming them, so a Midland radio is great for newbies. I did a trail ride today with a friend who's not into radios and handed him one of my unlocked uv-5r's and we were able to communicate easily.
I agree with you the east coast is flooded with G M R S radio's there net takes 2 hr's to compleate
I have had a license since 6=3=24
My one concern is that it seems the GMRS is only as good as there are people listening within range. I hope it gets very popular but there still seems to be way more CB users who could hear your call for help if needed.
No the RV should use channel 19 like you said on the road but if you park somewhere in a park or someplace like that what’s wrong with 22
Far too expensive for me. Midland makes a 15w version for about $150 that plugs into the 12v lighter socket in the car. There are also some 25w GMRS radios for about $125. Having a better antenna usually helps more than using more power. The most important thing is to get the antenna outside the vehicle.
I have my GMRS radio
The only thing I find interesting is how on earth your radio pulls 23 amps when your volts read 12.4 and you're not even keying the mike??? Did you know the specs on this radio at 13.8 volts will draw 13 or 14 amps max? I own this radio and run an Astron 20 Amp power supply running through just 18 feet of LMR 240 coax to a Comet 9 dB tuned base Antenna and as the specs state on the best channel, it draws only 12 Amps. That Recon G5 box needs to be calibrated your using because your getting bad readings. I do love my MXT 500 Midland radio, most of the time I only need to run Lo or Med power.
When I watched the video, he put up a correction text box that said it was really .23 amps.
it's .23 amps... not 23 amps
I;ll stay with my RCI 2950 and sweet 16
Channel 19. Done.
So went to the link on the radio, doesn’t take me to the radio you profiled, only 4 radios shown, search for the radio and returns nothing found.
Not good advertisement!
Sorry you had trouble: The link to the AMXT500 Portable Base Station Ammo Can with a lithium battery midlandusa.com/collections/portable-base-stations/products/mxpw500-ammo-can-base-station-for-mxt500
The MXT500 Base Station Radio is midlandusa.com/collections/portable-base-stations/products/mxt500-micromobile%C2%AEtwo-way-radio
@@RVLifestyle the link works but It says it is "SOLD OUT" ???
When cell phones became widespread, I realized that CB radios were a bit like having a party line back in the early days of telephones. The advantage was that you could talk to anybody nearby on the same channel. With CB radios running on AM, you do overcome some of the line of sight issues that radios on FM have, and an AM signal will tend to travel farther than an FM signal of the same power, as well as overcoming the curvature of the earth problem. In the end, if there's an emergency, connecting with someone because you have a radio is better than not having a radio.
@@RVLifestyle The link works but it does not take you to the radio you show in the video, in fact neither of the two Ammo Can radios open opposite for what your video shows and neither of them have the MXPW500 or the RECON 65 shown in the video. The web links you provided list MXT500 and AMXT500 - different radio's. Also the way yours opens VS what Midland shows is different.
@@mpomedic1 You can have it open on whatever side you want...depends on how you load the module in the can
I think that a great idea to make 19 the channel
Great video… KC7NRI
Sir: Question why is it 35dollars more to the FCC!, why is this license not combined with your Technician license? JohnBoyUtah KJ7TBR 😎🇺🇸🎙📡
So if the license is just a fee to the FCC , with no Enforcement and no shared privileges with the technician class license then GMRS is glorified CB!!!!!!!
channel 19
GRMS is ~CB 2.0. "Bubble Pack" cheap GMRS are great for the FAM at fairs and events. Yeah, it would be nice for designated channels. Way better than CB. Repeaters make the service long range. There are better radios than Midland.
I agree 100%! I use ch 19 when traveling. WORJ548
CB radio is just as good maybe better. FM is now legal in the US for use with CB radio. If you have a good high gain antenna they work great. Their are nor licensee fees. That is what I use. FM carries father at around the lower channels of CB radio.
You are not wrong, but.
Cb on fm runs the danger of becoming a platform for hobby “rag chewing “ especule since it will have the characteristics of ham 10 meters skip and band openings will be appealing to hobbyist but could annoy rv’ers.
I’m a ham and enjoy the ham bands. But passengers with me are usually more interested in function.
So it is sold out, $599 and it doesn’t come with the radio? How much for the radio? Well it’s $399.99 so at about $1000.00 + tax and shipping. I think it’s a good idea but a little pricey.
Agree a little pricey… but a nice self contained unit. I roll with my anytone 878 most the time!
Gmrs is great. As far as the ammo can setup it is made by a company called hardened power systems, unfortunately they make garbage. No quality control, no customer support. Every piece of equipment I have purchased from they has failed with no resolution from the company. Do your own research before purchasing anything made from hardened power systems. I am sharing my personal experience so you don’t waste your money
I see on your hat that your have some kind of association with Michigan and you say your are a Ham. Are you aware that GMRS 19 is not legal in much of Michigan due to FCC's "Line A"? In fact GRMS 19 can not be used legally in about 10% or our country.
Waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy too expensive. I rather a Wouxan KG1000G for $299 which is the Best Mobile GMRS Radio in existence, Get my own Ammo can and done.
That is simple, just use channel 1, I monitor it all the time. Do not use ch9! It is only 1/2 watt compared to 2 watts FRS & 5 Watts on GMRS. So go to Channel 1 for monitoring!
Do not use your CTCSS either! Ch 19 is a Repeater Channel, and folks will be using CTCSS, and they will not hear you with CTCSS enabled if they use a different code. If everyone on Ch 19 used no CTCSS it would be ok, but they use CTCSS tones or Private line.
OFF ROAD USERS USE CHANNEL 16 FOR THIER REPEATERS AND SIMPLEX . SAFTY FIRST OFF ROAD. HIGHWAY IS 19 . AND PREPPERS USE CHANNEL 3.
I am game… GMRS ch19. W6MHZ Ham. I see some DMR talk groups for RVs but never anyone on.