Recommended GRMS two-way radio

[PaulD]

My current set of two way GRMS radios are getting old and do not perform as well as others I have seen at TBN events. I am now shopping for a new set before TBN Ten Thunder in Nashville. Looking for any recommendations on brand/model within currently available models.

For those of you who have seldom attended a TBN event, these radios are extremely handy to stay in tune with the group during the twists, turns, stop and go action we experience when cruising in a group. I think my old radio was rated for 5 miles but I seldom transmit that far on anything but open level ground in good weather. The newer radios are rated for 36 miles (FCC legal limit) thus they are obviously a better choice when our caravan can sometimes stretch for several miles ..... or more when someone in the middle is "not keeping up" thus creating a big gap in the caravan.

I am also thinking about one of the set that supports a external headset or lapel speaker/microphone so I can keep my hands free for driving. I would be interested in any opinions on those items if anyone has used either of these setups before.

If you are attending TBN Ten Thunder and do not have a set, try to buy or borrow a set.

[maskedman]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

Last time I checked, technically speaking you need a easy to obtain license for GMRS (general mobile radio spectrum) operation if you are over 500MW output. FRS (family radio spectrum) requires no license but can't be over 500MW and must have a permanently attached antenna.

I had a GMRS license which I let expire. they're good for 5 years.
You basically get on the FCC web site and pay the fee.

In the bay area in California they are using icom frs model IC4088A handhelds for emergency comunication if everything goes down in an earthquake. They're more pricey than the walmart variety. The 36 mile range claim is hokum. unless your 36 miles apart on two mountain tops with clear sight to the other unit - maybe.

What really makes the difference is the quality of the receiver in the unit and icom has the quality.

You get what you pay for sometimes, but you never get what you don't pay for.

Below are two links for info on icom GMRS & FRS handhelds.

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downlo...px?Category=61

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downlo...px?Category=70

Hope I didn't muddy the waters to much.

Regards

[PaulD]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

Thanks Larry. I am familiar with the reality of the 36 mile range and the license requirement with the FRS/GMRS. However, I am not familiar with the the icom units so I will check them out.

[RustyFrye]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

No license required.....

[PaulD]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

After a lot of research, the choices came down to a radio from Motorola or Midland. I have had good luck with Motorola radios in the past so I decided on one of their consumer units because the higher end units do not operate in the FMS/GMRS range which would defeat my purpose. I was about to order one of their MR350 series (best they currently offer) but I discovered that Motorola was coming out with a new MT350 series that is waterproof and can transmit at the maximum legal power plus they offer some improvements over the current radios they sell. The MT350R has a yellow face and the MT352R has a silver face so I am going with the MT352R shown in the picture below. Unfortunately, this new radio will not be shipping until mid May so I will need to wait to get one....hopefully in time for TBN Ten Thunder.

[BJHEN]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

Paul, where are you ordering from?

[PaulD]

Re: Recommended GRMS two-way radio

Paul, where are you ordering from?

I like to buy from Amazon when possible. They normally have the best price plus they have an excellent return policy if the item is supplied by Amazon (vs third party sellers on Amazon).
If you google for "Motorola MT352R", you will see a number of sellers already have it listed in their web site ....but show it as backordered or out of stock. I called several to check and they all said the item was new and they expected to get their stock around mid May....but they were taking orders. List for the unit is $100 but I saw one seller listing it at $74. I am hoping it becomes available on Amazon quickly but I am prepared to order elsewhere if I need to in time to get it before TBN Ten Thunder.