Ken requested a thread for the radios that I was assisting people with, so here is a thread for information about radios I recommend, and what I can help you get. I'd love to see others post what radios and accessories they use, with exact model numbers or links! Others need to be able to buy the exact unit you are recommending.

When you have data service on the road or when at Fontana, your phone can be a good way to communicate. Here is a link to the Hangouts thread I created ages ago. You might want to put it on mute.
https://hangouts.google.com/group/Fy3nd8FW7d9agY0j2


Radio I use:
BaoFeng BF-UV-5RE
Reasons I like it: Its programable for many channels, removable antenna, cheap, well supported, powerful. Lithium Ion battery lasts days. Kenwood accessory compatibility

Accessories I use:
BAOFENG Speaker MIC
Reasons I like it: It has a full size headphone port to output signal to my stereo system. Mic port has to be drilled out to pick up in noisy environments.

Kenwood KMC-21
Reasons I like it: Much better sound quality than the cheap handsets

Nagoya NA-717 Antenna
Reasons I like it: It looks dang cool and retro, plus it actually works better than the stock one

Configuring your radio:

1. Turn off call confirm. You must consult your manual or the internet for help as each radio is different. If you don't do this, the call confirm blasts at MAX VOLUME to everyone in the group who is wearing an earpiece!
2. Check you have normal FRS channels. Most of us use one standardized channel, see someone there or on your way to find out what it is.
3. If using a Baofeng, make sure you are on low power by default.
4. Test your mic with a friend. You never know when your mic is blocked or defective, swap radios to compare.
5. Turn off VOX, or voice/sound activated broadcast.

What I can help you with:
I can order a Baofeng and configure it for you with the channels you need, with or without accessories. I can help you get it setup along a caravan or at a meet at the Dragon. If you already have a setup, please see me to ensure it is setup properly.

 

This post is reserved for others recommendations.


Radio Lovetodrive2000 recomends:
Midland GXT

Accessories Lovetodrive2000 recomends:
Midland AVPH3 Transparent Security Headsets with PTT/VOX

Roll hoop strap, made by his wife

 

Its not me... but my wonderful wife who makes these....

Started off making one for me, to get my radio up from my lap, to a higher position to hopefully get a little better reception.

Need to use a headset with your radio, or forget using one of these.

 

So which mic do you use the $6 one or the $42 one. You can almost buy two radio's for the price of one mic.

What is that 5R option for like a dollar more and the 5RA option for 3 bucks more?
If you were to upgrade to a better radio what would it be?
https://www.amazon.com/GT-3-Transcei...ywords=BaoFeng

Thanks for this info, it is great to get advice about different equipment via S2K. We have our cars in common but we all have different hobbies.

 

A number of us just use the Midland GXT radio with this headset....

https://www.amazon.com/Midland-AVPH3...Midland+AVP-H3

 

 

I use the cheap one beacuse it has the larger headphone jack. The name brand ones are smaller and proprietary, the the mic and speaker are vastly superior. The name brand mics are more expensive, but occasionally you can find deals like this on ebay, but you'll never know if its a fake until you try it. I'll pass on the savings to buyers if this 3x set is legit.


Almost all the 5R units are essentially the same, its the body that is different. I don't think its worth spending any extra, as when I order I sort by cheapest price and don't necessarily buy the exact one I linked. I like getting them from the Amazon Warehouse Deals page.

The one you linked is the same as the $25 ones but with fancy body and the battery is sealed in. Cool but I wouldn't buy it.

Lots of good info here: http://codegreenprep...uccessor-uv-5r/

If I were to get an upgrade, I think I would get a variant on the v3 board which is the F8HP. This item on Amazon appears to have the new board with the higher power levels. I'd put a better antenna on it.

If I didn't have an antenna and wanted the high power levels, this one appears to be the full newest package from the manufacturer: https://www.amazon.c...ing/B00MAULSOK/
It comes with both better antenna and bigger battery, and no goofy modifications from 3rd parties.

 

Thanks, I added your radio to the second post.

 

That's what I use also but I have trouble keeping the ear piece in. I think my ear canal is too large. Radio works great. Mt mounting strap for the radio is a dog collar on the roll hoop.

 

A man after my own heart.

I picked up a yellow model of the the UV-5R to replace the one I sold, its quite a nice color