GMRS Radio DIY Install & Testing Against CB Radio For Distance

Detailed install of a mobile GMRS then we test it against our CB for range and clarity. The results are AMAZING! We also test Midland Radio's rugged handheld radio units. Even they blow the doors off of our traditional CB radio communication! See all the details of the way we installed our GMRS radio by hiding the base unit away, out of site. All that's showing is the hand unit. Making for a clean, less cluttered dash and console in our overland / offroad vehicle. We also review the basic operation of the Midland MXT275 radio controls.
In our opinion, Midland makes the best GMRS two-way radio units, along with 6db antenna, antenna cable with NMO connectors, and mounts. Below are links to all the products, Midland technical support/ owner's manuals, and the extra cables we used in our DIY installation project.
Links to all the Midland products we used:
Midland MXT275: amzn.to/3bj8f4T
For all the tech & details about the MXT275 we didn't have time to talk about in the video. Here's the owner's manual: midlandusa.com...
midland x-talker two-way-radio: amzn.to/3py5D8j
midland 6db-gain-whip-antenna: amzn.to/2ZqomYS
midlandusa.com...
Link to the FCC General Mobile Radio Service Licensing website: www.fcc.gov/ge...
Links to the extra cables we used in the install:
Antenna Extension Cable: amzn.to/37tEywV
Antenna Ext. Cable Adpt: amzn.to/3jZgpDD
Exterior Speaker Ext, Cable: amzn.to/3dr0rRu
USB Charger Ext. Cable: amzn.to/2NIdAug
RJ45 Handset Ext Cable: amzn.to/3s7qfWE

[@WanderlostOverland]

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST BEFORE COMMENTING. This video has obviously reached a much different genre of enthusiasts then what out channel is aimed for. It's reaching the "radio heads". The content in this video is geared to benefit those who simply want to communicate with the people they're traveling with, not someone 1k miles away. We don't have a desire to get involved in a whole other pastime or hobby. We just want basic communication. Unfortunately we had to set all comments coming in to be reviewed before making public. Many comments coming in are either; extremely technical. Again, most of our subscribers and followers just want "out of the box" communication. Some comments are incredibly rude. We will not put up with that nonsense on our channel. And, this is the big one, WATCH THE VIDEO! We're amazed at how many people chastised us for not stating there's a license required for GMRS. Please refer to 7:10 in the video. Please read through this list: Our CB antenna has been tuned by a professional shop. Our helper's antenna, the same. No, we can't mount antennas on the roof. We're constantly having to squeeze under tree limbs and rocks. The rear bumper is the only practical spot for us. The GMRS radio we installed is 15W, not the 25 or 50 many have assumed. We are not going through a repeater. In the video we joked about being afraid to take the Ham test. The truth is, at this time we have no desire to go Ham. After watching the entire video and reading this post, if you have a constructive comment please post it.

[@GiantKiller1]

Wanderlost Overland, first off I was really really surprised when I seen Rodgers in the background when you were testing Cb vs gmrs , So hello neighbors! I’ve been into radio since I was 13 years old, at 16 years old I got into “Ham” radio, now I’m currently 32 years old and Knowing that I can communicate just about anywhere on earth is mind blowing from when I first started out, however CB and gmrs are great “steppingstones” into radio. Nice installation video!

[@bradmann85]

I admit I'm one of those that will backup a radio such as the cb knowing what it's capable of doing. I am a fan of all radio. They are all great to have. Just like anything else. There are pros and cons.

[@davidbrock4104]

I'm ham & GMRS licensed but am a big fan of GMRS for the person who isn't interested in radio as a hobby. It offers the average person more than enough options as far as local comms are concerned. Great video, thanks for promoting GMRS, I'm hoping it grows enough to attract some investment from additional suppliers. Hoping for a follow-up video someday? Thanks again

[@aqua.scape69]

Great video guys. Exactly what I was looking for. I’m subscribed to your channel now. Great content. Thanks for sharing.

[@robopam]

I have just been getting into radios over the last 3months. I to was very surprised about the, shall we say "cordialness" of the ham community. I get the feeling that they want it to remain a mysterious and exclusive hobby.

[@Sam2sham]

I am an extra class amateur, but am moving to GMRS, because I want to be able to communicate with my family and the personal communications on GMRS meet our needs. Nice video, thanks.

[@MarkyShaw]

I'm a ham as well and encourage everyone to have some type of backup communication! GMRS is a fantastic solution and all families should have it. I still like my CB as well, but due to power limits and solar conditions, there's only so much distance you can get with it. Either way, I'm really glad to see folks like yourselves informing the masses about alternative forms of communication. Great job on the install too!

[@ApocGuy]

FRS/GMRS are cheap enough to buy each family member one (they came in pairs anyway :P ), with CB as backup, handheld VHF/UHF (even cheap baofengs are good enough for general use (would still prefer Icom or yeasu if going upper tier of quality and technology provided)), mobile rig in "base car" (we did this in our prep group; mobile rig was base, and rest of the handhelds only received audio, no transmit due to low power TX) and if finances allow, HF is way to go :) . more is better, AS LONG as you know how to use it properly :)

[@craigbushby515]

I love having my ham license and I'm going to apply for the gmrs one but I will always keep the good ol CB in all of my vehicles also! Nice video.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Good call!

[@ozon8r]

You guys are awesome contributors to the wheeling hobby. Always enjoy your videos. Quick tip I learned in the navy on radios, place the mic to the side of your mouth so it still picks up the sound waves but avoids the force of air coming out of your mouth onto the mic potentially interfering with your comms. When the mic is directly in front of your mouth, the mic will pick up both air noise and sound. Cheers.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! Excellent advice, thanks for sharing that with us!

[@flpirate45]

The Ham test is very easy. 2meter and 70 cm are great . Now there's Digital to ware you can talk across the country and world. CB is still great with a better antenna. I did like your video on the other option. My 12 year old grandson passed his FCC test and got all 34 questions correct.

[@kd0duj]

I have been a ham radio operator for 12 years and my call sign is KD0DUJ

[@XterraRob]

Fantastic video! I am convinced! I have a CB in my truck and it is as I would call, it basically functional. It works if I am in a convoy with other people with hardwired setups and squelch all the way up. The thing that has me interested here is that I find myself wheeling with more new people these days without radio setups in reasonably close proximity. These GMRS radios can communicate with the blister pack hand helds on FRS / GMRS so it makes it easy to let new people borrow a cheap hand held for the day. This is going on my wish list!

[@johngolding4229]

I’m an old CBer as well as a ham. Enjoyed your video. Radio forever. KF7WZS. Each has it’s place and are fun to use. I’ll be investigating GMRS soon.

[@mikehammer4546]

Great job on the review and installation of the GMRS ration 👍👍 btw, it was no easy task applying for the GMRS license online with the FCC Update: just got my GMRS License. Applied 2/10/20 at 11 PM got notification, granted 2/12/20 3AM. WOW that was quick 🤗

[@rallypoint1]

That was fast!! I just applied and I agree it’s not the easiest application. All the different screens and such. I hope mine comes in as fast!!

[@hollytimlick2465]

My boyfriend had the license paper sent to him for his gmrs license. No test, just paid 70 bucks. He got his in 7 days by mail. Way easier then the ham tests he tried to pass, and failed sadly.

[@zr2zamboni906]

Your video inspired me to not only buy the same GMRS radio but do a hidden installation! 👍👍

[@michaelphennicie6419]

Thanks for a great video. I have a Midland 40 watt GMRS using the same 6db antenna. Love it, crystal clear, excellent range. For family and group offroad activities it's perfect. 1 license covers the entire family and it's easy to use, basically plug and play. Ham is awesome but for the layman its intimidating and soooooo many people dont want to bother with the class and test, including me.

[@rickvia8435]

KD4AFP here. "Ham" radio is great and has been in my blood for 30 years. CB got that blood going for me in the early '70s. Midland's GMRS mobile radios provide another dimension to radio communications that has been lacking for years in the handheld-only GMRS market. Properly licensed stations (as I have) can upgrade antennas for better range. If needed, GMRS is authorized to operate w/ 50 watts ERP. Do I make contacts on GMRS as I do on HAM radio, or even CB? No - it does however provide a reliable way for stations to communicate over decent ranges with the right setup.

[@Evan-lx9lw]

In the last two weeks I've watched a lot of tests and they always go to the top of hills. Thank you for driving across flat ground. I'm thinking of buying GMRS to talk with a house 6 miles away (as a car drives, I don't know how far, straight) I don't want to buy two radios just to find out it doesn't work. Thank you

[@zalleywaalley8227]

I would easily bet that your CB antenna is out of tune. (I have been a “CBer” for 40 years and a ham operator for about 15 yrs) no condemnation at all that’s not what I’m saying. It’s just information. Also thank you so very much for getting a license and doing the right thing. In today’s world that is very admirable.

[@LM-sc8lu]

I am a Ham Operator, AND I enjoy CB & GMRS. MY wife and I are avid campers, (5th wheeler.). So. I have separate rigs for my truck, our trailer, AND rigs I set up outside! Yeah, way too much money on "toys", but we can't take it with us, & we're not going to be someone else's piggy bank. We've been able to use our rigs in emergency rescue situations four times, so we feel that made the expense worthwhile. Really enjoyed your video and am now a subscriber!

[@richc8253]

Great video. I am a ham operator but enjoy cb more and can pretty much talk on any frequency out there with the radios i have. I also have my GMRS license and wish more people used it.

[@goobermintheretik1454]

I too wish for more GMRS operators. I enjoy my Baofeng UV-5R handheld radios; but far too few jacket-jaws around.

[@AatakFearless]

what would be better for hitting the trails? cause we use normal 2 way radios but aren't good enough. i also do hunting what would you recommend?

[@freepressright]

Although I'm probably what you would call a "radio head," I found your video to be informative, detailed, extremely helpful and well done. Even though I LOVE my CB radio, and am not ashamed to admit it, lately GMRS has been something I've become interested in. Without going overly detailed, I know the UHF band (where GMRS is classified) in general is just more distance friendly, watt for watt. GMRS is just more refined and sophisticated. That won't kill my love for CB, but it certainly will give me something else to play with and learn about.

[@tdc8795]

I operate on GMRS & HAM currently. Think about installing a Ham radio for monitoring repeaters in the area. And 146.520 simplex operations while traveling. No license is required for "Monitoring" ham radio traffic. More incoming information is always a good thing for disaster preparedness. Also it will allow you to slowly learn & enjoy ham radio. Loved your video :)

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! Great advice on using the ham.

[@joseenrique582]

Dont forget the MURS.

[@shalicgraw5280]

Jose Enrique I think MURS has a 2 Watt max

[@flpirate4565]

The Ham test is very easy to pass. Even a 10 year old girl past the test with flying colors. Give it a try,it only takes a little study. Thanks for your video.

[@garygembala306]

Well - thank you. We completed our purchase or two radios, cables and 1/2 wave antennas (no Ground Plane). Installed in our Corvettes and bingo, similar results to yours. After years of 1 to 1 1/2 mile range with the CB, we are GMRS. We are now introducing to the Corvette Club and seeing a couple members already finding your and our testing as satisfactory to make the change. I really appreciate the review and testing of the units, as that is what sold me.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped!

[@Maine307]

i do both, avid CBr and GMRS with the license. i use my GMRS for property management, due to living in the woods of Maine, winter snow plowing, and maintaining contact with my elderly parents, and use the CB for chit chat with friends and fun. bot radios have good uses. repeaters are very important, and a lot of repeaters are needed in the area to talk.

[@o2bnov0307]

Thank you for a great video. I'm an Extra Class ham operator. I earned my license around 1997. I have CB and HF mobile. I haven't given GMRS a try, but, thanks to your video, I am going to look into that facet of the communications hobby. Safe travels.

[@peterkahapea8536]

Thank you both, for telling your "followers" about the GMRS License that is required unlike CB operations. Safe travels.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching the video Peter!

[@josiahhaifley2839]

I’m 18 and have my general class amateur radio license. The test really isn’t that bad and you can talk around the world too

[@JB-po3rb]

73" DO5JB

[@Johnyrocket70]

GMRS your whole family shares 1 license with no test. Easier to get your friends into it.

[@atomiklan]

Don't give up on ham. Great video as always guys.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks Anderson! Yup, our moto (one of many) is Never Say Never.

[@loelthorpe3793]

GMRS radios for outdoor adventures are great. been using them for years, car to car on the way to camping spots. Setup a antenna on pole at the camper with a mobile. We can stay in contact out on the lake or hiking in the hills or in town with a HT. GOOD VIDEO AND INSTALL. I am also a Ham operator, but not very practical, unless you just want to talk to hams. With a GMRS license it covers your whole family, kids, grand kids, parents, in laws, brothers, sisters, etc. They also make 50 watt mobiles for GMRS.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching!

[@SiMahDan]

In years past, on my mobile CB, I was able to connect to Alaska from N Calif. In daytime. '68 GMC has 4 ton of iron and steel providing excellent ground plane mass

[@ericletts4072]

I have a C.B. with a Wilson 5000 antenna and in my car I can talk 12 miles without any problems. My friend I talk to at 12 miles is also in a mobile. Your radio is only as good as your antenna. By the way the "HAM RADIO" test isn't hard to pass, if I can do it anyone can. Get the current book, study it until you feel good about it and take the test. The book has the same questions with the same answers you will be asked on the test, telling you why this one or that one is right. Almost forgot if I am on the C.B. and I am on ssb, then I can talk about 25 - 30 miles away.

[@fortwaynefamily]

right out of the box, with very little in the way of upgrades (They did upgrade the antenna) they got 10 miles. However, they won't get over a hill because 460MHz is primarily line of sight, whereas the the CB band will perform a little better in taraign, but not at the legal 4 watts. GMRS is legal to 50 watts.

[@carls.6746]

i looked at the book and what the license allows. and have to ask why does it require a fairly in depth understanding of things you are not allowed to use unless you get the other licenses? why cant it just give me a brief explanation about those things just in case i would be interested in getting the required license for it?

[@indridcold8433]

I have given serious consideration to getting the entry level amateur radio license. I likely do not have to even pick up any study material. However, my interests lay in HF the bands. The entry level license offers no HF privileges save for a tiny segment of 10 meters where only CW upper and lower side band can be used. With current solar flux indexes of 60, 10 meters is closed tighter than Fort Knox. There are also three other CW band segments on 15, 40, 80 meters. Nobody would buy an HF transceiver just to use those tiny CW bands and a closed 10 meter band. 6 meters is closed hard also. The 2 meter and above bands do not hold a lot of interest for me. It is mainly FM and repeater services. I never hear SSB, AM, CW. Thus, I just stick with lowly CB, MURS, GMRS. MURS actually allows data communications. I will be experimenting with that soon. 49 megacycles with a modified 6 meter yagi antenna become extremely fun with such low power. But you would not believe how far the humble 49 megacycle walkie talkie can travel with a 6 meter antenna with a few extra reflecting elements and a few extra directors. I guess when the entry level license gives real HF privileges, I will get the amateur radio license. I can experiment without a license on the public band. I just acquired an old 2 meter yagi antenna. If I shave a few bits of metal, it will be a MURS yagi. I do not understand why one may have a detachable antenna on MURS and not on FRS. But you can have it on GMRS.

[@indridcold8433]

Oh, by the way, try SSB on high solar flux days. You may be able to talk to England from Canada. It is incredible what a worthless 12 watts can do on those days with a humble ground plane, or vertical dipole.

[@konijntjesbroek]

@@carls.6746 Electricity and EMF are fairly efficient at doing nasty things when you fiddle with it. It is good at interfering with other services, starting fires, causing burns, cancer, genetic defects, and just outright killing. And it can do those things to not just you but others that wander too close to it. That is why it is important to understand how it works and where you can and cannot be safe when fiddling with antennas and radios and how propagation works at various frequencies. Plus, you are now accepting the responsibility of setting up and managing your station. If it is out of spec, you are responsible for knowing, stopping transmissions, and correcting the defect.

[@mikehoffman3690]

We have a ham Radio due to the remote travels we take. GMRS Technology is amazing. May need to finally pull the trigger. Only hesitation is the current lack of others that are using the GMRS platform.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching Mike! We're finding the radio platforms groups are using vary greatly across the country.

[@mikehoffman3690]

Wanderlost Overland. Own a 2016 JK but love your content.

[@SFPhilo]

Late in this thread, but they'll be a whole lot of Jeepers soon joining the GMRS club. The folks that run the Jeep Jamboree are changing from CB to GMRS. You'll need to have GMRS in order to participate.

[@Bob814u]

I am not going to beat the Ham Radio drum but it is one more way to communicate in an emergency. Personally I prefer having a cellphone, CB Radio, Ham Radio, and a Satellite Phone in my truck. I keep some FRS radios for when we are around others that prefer them so in the end, use what you have. The "GoBox/Bag" for me is about medical and communication. Ok lots of food too. Great video and a very good example of the differences between GMRS and CB. Thanks for pointing out the licensing requirements.

[@indridcold8433]

My old Jeep has CB all modes, FRS, MURS, 49 megacycles. I have toyed with getting my entry level amateur radio license. But the entry level offers so little in HF privileges. It just has a tiny segment from 28 to 28.5 CW and SSB. Then it offers some token CW segments in 15, 40, and 80 meters. My interests are in HF frequencies. The dead 10 meter band and a few token CW bands just are not enough for me. 6 meters is dead, 2, 1.25,. 70, and 23 centimeters are mostly FM repeater with some simplex. I want SSB, AM, FM, data, CW, things rarely used on 2 meters and higher.

[@3madeamps]

im cb all the way ...

[@benjamincardenas6106]

Yeah, I’ve got a sweet spot for CB as well. So much so, that I installed one underneath my car radio in the Double DIN size bezel. Sweet setup. Pioneer up top, Uniden Bearcat 980SSB on the bottom.

[@bass779]

Why is that?

[@Johnyrocket70]

CB is no good in my area. Ther's literally thousands of truckers on the radio at the same time. GMRS 50 watts legally with repeaters all over the place. Definitely worth it. Now it's only $35

[@ferdinandtorres3930]

Great video. Love the chemistry between you both. Love the way you hid the base unit in the console. Very inventive and neat. Awesome review and tests. Thank you.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dru24334]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelroot6064]

Great video I love both cb and gmrs radio

[@darrensmall4313]

I think I will be adding GMRS to my comms. That was cool.

[@DotsonTravels]

That range test was the selling point

[@rustyrails3225]

The cb is is better for greater distance. But a lot of the time that greater distance is hindered by static noise or skip. But these gmrs radios are crystal clear up to 3 miles. Then they drop off sharply after that. Both radios have a place in your vehicle. Thanks for the video

[@macgyver5108]

A LOT of mobile ham radios are 50,75 even up to 80 watts for VHF and even with just a short 1/4 wave mag mount antenna will have a lot better range than a 15w GMRS radio. It's worth it to take the test! I did it with very poor short term memory from a TBI, you can do it too!

[@skyfly51]

Your results were very interesting. My friend and I did a similar test. Both vehicles using tuned roof mounted cb antennas vs in vehicle handheld gmrs radios. We found the cb to have much more distortion but longer range. I was unfamiliar that they even made vehicle mount gmrs radios, good video

[@zapityzapzap]

In theory, CB should outperform. Lower frequency, longer wave length, less path loss. The reality is, it takes a lot of work to get a CB install just right to do that on “legal” power levels. GMRS uses tech that’s been proven reliable over the last 30 years and is much more forgiving but 5-8 miles is more realistic in terms of open area range (radio to radio).

[@michaelt.9372]

I'm a ham and you've already been bombarded with why ham can be better. But in regards to your install, it was awesome and super clean and creative. I loved it. That Midland radio is pretty cool also.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks Michael!

[@Robnord1]

Excellent video! I got a couple of VHF/UHF HTs and figured I'd study and get my tech license and one radio (VHF/UHF) for the car. Wrong! Now my head is spinning. I need a CB (preferably with SSB) and a CB HT or 2. I need a GMRS and a GMRS HT or 2. I need a VHF/UHF ham and a least already have 2 HTs.. I need a HF set for frequencies on ham (to get many miles) and a stinking general ham license to go with that. It's all a little much, and I'm overwhelmed. To cover all my situations, I truly need 4 different types of radios! I did enjoy your video though. 🙂

[@ApocGuy]

maybe you could stick with general HAM and build from that up? not sure for US, but here in europe CB is free to use (up to certain power of transmit) as are PMR (446mhz, up to half watt). if you dont need two way option for long(er) ranges, why not buying reliable world receiver radio? even countrywide system is enough for most cases imho.

[@k9policexj]

Nice clean install! It's nice to see someone do a proper installation of a radio and antenna set-up.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks!

[@RandomBitsRV]

As a full-time RVer, current CBer, current HAM licensee, and GMRS licensee, I think you did a great job with this. The proof is in the pudding. I have been entertaining mobile GMRS radios, but did not want to part with the cash to buy 2 of them. If it really becomes a thing, I will. But for now, 2 handheld work just fine. But the range was pretty nice on the mobile units. Well done.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnm.4141]

Thank you for the video. I was looking for a video on cb vs gmrs range from average people. Covered what I was looking for.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickhernandez9597]

Great info! I’m seriously thinking of going GMRS. After using Citizens band radio (CB) for over 35 years as an over the road truck driver.

[@goobermintheretik1454]

Great reception over the flat Iowa corn field terrain with GMRS. Of note is the 50W power allowances of some GMRS channels. And repeaters that can enable coast to coast communications with GMRS. But, CB is my goto for local info and road conditions. GMRS is for family and friends to maintain contact over relatively flat and open terrain. Obstructions are not your friend. And it didnt cost me a dime for the license, applied for online.

[@2147jarhead]

Thanks for the review I just purchased the 275 and will be installing in my Jeep TJ this weekend. Have license and ready to test this out

[@TexasADV]

Outstanding video. It's nice to see some more gmrs love on KZbin.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Hey, thanks!

[@TheSulross]

The huge advantage of GMRS are GMRS repeaters; in 2017 FCC opened up GMRS to text messaging and GPS location info usage - that's still not there but I for one am studying how to implement it (and no, am not going to replicate the HAM packet radio stack to GMRS - will keep the substrate super dirt simple and just go with, say, analog Morse Code as encoded/decoded by a Raspberry Pi Zero SBC and then hang dedicated computer servers listening on repeaters, filtering out and processing text messaging traffic - where said server will be connected to Internet and use an SMS gateway to relay text messages to cell phones)

[@K6TJO]

Don’t be at all afraid of the Technician Ham exam. Only 35 basic questions and need only 27 to pass. Prep using you tuber classes (w4eey or Dave cassler) and usually only $15

[@carlfalk7251]

Tim Odell de: N9SMJ

[@fortwaynefamily]

Just like GMRS is great tool to increase your Comms options, Ham radio is as well. Tech, and General is not hard to study for, and it's OK to fail a test. You can take it again. As Tim Odell says... Don't be afraid. Ham radio is a wonderful hobby in and of itself. KN4HYN, WQYR514.

[@indridcold8433]

I have actually passed every question on practice exams. But my interests lay in HF band. The entry level license offers very little HF band privileges. It just gives 28 megacycles to 28.5 megacycles CW and SSB only. There are some token 15, 40, and 80 meter CW segments that mean almost nothing as well. The entry level license gives some HF previleges on dead 10 meters and CW on tiny segments of other bands. I have chosen to wait until something relevant is offered on HF. Chances are, if anything is added to the entry level license it will likely be the equally dead 12 meters.

[@benjamincardenas6106]

The Ham Study app helped me out tremendously to pass. Keeps track of your progress, and shows you the content areas where you need to focus on. Best $4 app I’ve bought in a long time.

[@stevenwlowe4186]

I have a Tec license for HAM. Will that be enough for the GMSR radio?

[@fortwaynefamily]

thank you for this real world comparison of GMRS radio with CB. while GMRS radio does make a great alternative to CB, and can outperform CB in a lot cases (But not all circumstances) the thing we love about GMRS is the Family aspect. Your GMRS License covers all of the members of your family, including children, spouses, parents, in laws, etc. As Hams, we can't share the radio hobby like we can in GMRS. Another point, which you weren't able to get to in your video, is that with repeater coverage, you can get from ten miles or so, to well over 100 miles. here in North Georgia, we enjoy a vast network of digitally Linked GMRS repeaters which provides coverage of approximately 31000 square miles, including parts of the North georgia mountains, as well as all of the metro Atlanta region. I would love to link to your video on our North Georgia GMRS Network channel, and invite you to explore our website at NGGMRS.org for a lot more information on GMRS radio, Linking, and networking information. And if your in the area, please tune in to one of our Thursday Night Nets at 8:00 PM. and visit our Facebook page facebook.com/groups/NGGMRS/?ref=group_header, as well as our KZbin page to see one of our live streams of our Thursday evening Nets. Thanks again Wanderlost Overland! Great job.

[@polishpicl]

I liked your video with one exception,,,,,ham radio is again getting better with more and more taking the test and passing it...plus it is more powerful and that gives distance....we do have travel channels too...but anyways,nice video!!!!

[@n4gix]

One can never have too many options! Thanks for promoting the license requirement for GMRS! Yes, as one commenter here stated, when SHTF who's going to check licenses. But my counter to that is that just as one needs a driver's license, one should also have the correct license for whichever radio service they routinely use. In my tiny Toyota Camry I have a dual-band 2m/70cm installed with the radio body under the pax seat, a dual-band DMR radio remote head installed on a flexible stalk, which can do both ham and GMRS, and an HF radio also remote mounted on that same flexible stalk, and am soon going to be adding a 220MHz (1.25cm) ham radio once I figure out where I'm going to put it! 73 de N4GIX / WQWU626 / Bill Leaming

[@JwcubTHS]

Great video! I have GMRS handhelds; I need to apply for my license.

[@josephpuderer1368]

I have an old Cobra from the 70s it's cobra XLR 138. AM with upper and lower sideband. I used talk everywhere on it especially when skip came in hello Australia, Hawaii, Canada. All I need now is my 102 inch whip.

[@stefanpuffer]

Great video. Not interested in getting a HAM license and GMRS is perfect for my needs. Besides, when SHTF is anyone really going to be checking licenses? Nope.

[@jayrogers8255]

That’s for the best: amateur is about experimenting with radio, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I see many preppers/survivalists wanting to get a ham license, when the service really isn’t suited for that. CB/49MHz/MURS/FRS are fine for that.

[@mellikatt]

Liked and subscribed just for mentioning the GMRS FCC license!

[@indridcold8433]

The CRCT requires a license for GMRS also. The frequencies are identical to the FRS but one can run a lot more power with the license. However, the CRCT severely lacks the ability to enforce the GMRS license requirement. One must show the GMRS license to obtain GMRS equipment but merchants see someone interested in GMRS equipment and they sell it, no questions asked. The enforcement only happens if there is a jerk destroying the airwaves with lots of noise or jamming repeaters. Callsigns are heard on the bands but not as often as they should be. Many do not use them regularly. The band will likely be deregulated officially soon. It is rather like the Americans talk about the clandestine CB channels above (41 to 99.) How does one go to channel 41. What exactly is channel 41? Is it 27.415 megacycles? Is channel 99 27.995? It seems Americans abuse CB and Canadians abuse GMRS.

[@jayrogers8255]

@@indridcold8433 what is the CRCT? I’ve heard of the CRTC in Canada which regulates broadcasting, and Industry Canada regulates the radio spectrum up there.

[@davidbrock4104]

For those interested, there is a vhf band available, MURS, with no licensing. I'm sure someone mentioned it in the comments. Nice video

[@jayrogers8255]

2 watts output on 5 frequencies: 151.82, 151.88, 151.94, 154.57, & 154.6 MHz. The 154s are wider in bandwidth. I use them for video production.

[@notwrkn2mch]

I am going to get a GMSR system but for highway road conditions while traveling channel 19 is a wealth of information from travelers (truckers) coming from where you want to go

[@johncramer99]

My son and I have CB radios in our cars. Both have wilson 1000 antennas and bearcat 980ssb radios. No problem 8-10 miles. 12-15 tops when frequency is quiet and squelch off. Like another person said. It is the antenna setup that does the work for you. I do use the gmrs radios for camp they are wonderful radios to have also.

[@ACEventure]

I just did this install, the video and parts list was very helpful. Only difference is I ended up mounting the antenna on right right side of the CBI bumper in that hole that seems like it was made for an antenna.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it helped

[@rEdf196]

I Hope mobile GMRS rigs of this type becomes a thing in Canada we only have low power handhelds. I am impressed by the compact well optimized GMRS mobile antenna as compared to the slightly larger but compromised CB stick since a properly optimized CB antenna needs to be 102 inches, too cumbersome for most.

[@mnsterbruiser]

I thought you guys were on the MXT400. After watching this definitely going to the route of the MXt275 clean setup and more than enough tail gunner power for my needs. Thanks for being so thorough with the review.

[@Fotosynthesis858]

I’m just now being introduced to your channel. Your videos are kinda quirky & cheesy... BUT I LOVE IT! Very entertaining & unique! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@WanderlostOverland]

Welcome!!

[@TravelingTaylorsontheroad]

Great video! I had a CB in my previous vehicle, but I've been considering GMRS for my new one. Years ago, I had some hand-held FRS radios but GMRS seems much better. Subscribed.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks!

[@indridcold8433]

The FRS are the same bands as GMRS. But GMRS allows a lot more power and repeater use allowed. You may talk to FRS walkie talkies using the GMRS equipment. Still keep the CB radio as it can talk a lot further without repeaters if you use sideband. Consider VHF MURS also. All of these frequencies on HF, VHF, and UHF are completely free to use. There are just a few rules to follow. The CB will have a long antenna. The MURS will have an 18 inch antenna. The GMRS can have around a 6 inch antenna. What fun! GMRS does require a mail-in license. FRS does not. I have been considering amateur radio but the entry level license offers little in the bands I find myself interested.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

I enjoyed the work that went into this video. Good information. Was very glad that you mentioned a license is needed to operate GMRS. Actually, I stay quite diverse in my Jeep. I'm a general class Amateur radio operator and have handhelds also that can be programmed for family service radio and general Mobile Radio Service. I also play around a little bit with MURS. Stay safe on the trails. Thanks for all the effort that went into this presentation.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks James!

[@benjamincardenas6106]

Great video and information. I think I’ll pick up one of these radios for solid family communications as well. I already have a CB in my vehicle with a Firestick antenna. The range isn’t what I’d like it to be, though. GMRS is very promising for my needs. By the way, the ham exam isn’t too hard. I studied for it for about a week, and passed it on the first try. Still waiting for FCC to issue my call sign, so I can communicate on the local 2 meters/70 cm frequencies as well.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mykalbee]

Well this definitely helps me as I have been doing some lite research on what radio system I wanted to venture into. CB was really on the bottom of the list and I too didn't want to take any tests. I am unable to mount in the same place due to a safe in my console but no worries. I have been leaning towards Midland so this just solidifies it for me.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! We're very happy that you got some useful info from it. Midland makes great products!

[@pumaspaw]

GMRS is a really good way to go. 15 watts is pretty powerful on GMRS, the 0.65ish meter band. And 7 miles using simplex isn't bad. The placement of your antenna however is letting the metal from your vehicle interfer with your signal. Having said that though, If you're happy with the 7 miles I wouldn't change it. Your vehicle has a beautiful reflective plane one it's roof that would redirect any downward radiated power from your antenna.... outward. There is more to it than this, but in effect, it's like skipping a rocks off the water verses letting them just sink into the water. Putting your antenna on the roof with metal below on all sides will improve your signal and distance for both receiving and transmitting. Y'all did a great job with this video. I'd love to see y'all do one where you explore GMRS repeaters.... If you liked the distance you got with radio to radio... You'll totally love what the repeaters will do for you. In our area the GMRS repeater has about a 35 mile radius, giving about a max coverage of 70 miles in the extremes. Using ham 2 meter band and 70 cm (GMRS is nearly identical to 70 cm), it's very normal to get 25 miles using a repeater. 25 miles is the norm with exceptions being much further. GMRS can expect similar results. And when repeaters are linked, which is the case with many ham repeater, than you talking about ranges in the several hundred miles. There are always the exceptional radios. Like the little radio on top of Mount Mitchell NC, THE HIGHEST POINT on the east coast. A couple years ago, using a 2 meter mobile radio I talked to the 6600 repeater that has a 10 watt transmitter that relayed my signal to a guy that was 250 miles away. It was like talking to someone in the same room.

[@ThePOWERtoRULE]

New subscriber, great video! I wouldn't mention it since others have, but YOU did open the door at the end-- go for ham! Experiment with it, and look into the distance that the HF bands can accomplish. 99% of HF requires a test for the General (2nd up) license, but the propagation is very impressive. Midland, Cobra, Yaesu, Kenwood, I-COM, etc should hire you guys to do installs and reviews; loved the whole video!

[@danjparsons80]

I might recommend that you rotate the RJ45 jack around. Right now the pins are down and could get dirty from dust or spilled coffee while the mic isnt connected. Great video!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Good idea!

[@keithbrown1300]

Thanks Mark, just what I need...another project on my plate! I guess I'll schedule this one for my March "things to do" list. See you guys at Overland West? ;-)

[@WanderlostOverland]

LOL, thanks for watching Keith! Nope, not going to make it to West.

[@davep6977]

good testimonial to basic performance from band to band. UHF FM will out do CB (5 watts AM ) any day. If you add a repeater to the equation 30 to 50 miles unit to unit if the repeater is in the middle. News flash- CB will soon be getting a face lift. Looks like the FCC is about to approve FM mode for CB. Still 5 watts (unsure) but less noise and better quality. But GMRS will still win. And more good news,,FCC GMRS license just was reduced from $70 to $35.00. Good video

[@dru24334]

The ham test is easy. You’ll do just fine 🤘🤘

[@munsters2]

How many HAM operators are on the road and within distance that could warn you of an accident ahead or some other traffic condition? And if your vehicle is disabled in the woods how likely are you to be able to reach a HAM operator and how close would he have to be?

[@joewoodchuck3824]

It's hard to beat ham radio for versatility and coverage.

[@djzman]

at night time when the skip goes down. AM side you can do about 20 miles. SSB you can do 35 to 40 miles when there is no skip. GMRS will go 10 to 15 miles and 2 meter will go 10 to 15 miles. now i know you can put repeaters on GMRS and 2 meter to go more. but i will admit in day time GMRS and 2 meter are the best. CB radio gets to much static in day time.

[@MartyFischer]

I totally agree, but this might be good for the family and friends that are not hams. ~KE8DMQ

[@yeomanlawyer2300]

@@MartyFischer That's right. People often suggest "just get your ham license", but gmrs licenses let members of a family all use the radios on the single license and you can communicate with FRS handhelds.

[@ryantoomey611]

Yes but not everyone wants to take a test. Although ham is easier now then ever before with the morse code requirement eliminated. I have both a HAM and GMRS license. They both have pluses and minuses. The advantage of ham is much more spectrum you can use including HF, which the signal can go thousands of miles and allow to talk around the world! Also, with ham radio not only can you transmit voice, but there is a whole slew of digital modes. You can transmit GPS position, text-based messages, images (using SSTV), as well as morse code. The advantage of GMRS is the simplicity, you don't have to be technically minded to use it unlike ham radio. Also, the license covers your entire family unlike ham radio where each person needs their own license. The bottom line: If you just want simple communications for your family - go GMRS. On the other hand, if you want to get the most out radio and are technically minded - go HAM. Also, I originally only had a HAM license and the main reason I got my GMRS license was so I could talk to my buddies who only have GMRS licenses.

[@jayrogers8255]

Amateur is for experimenting; GMRS is the way to go for people who just want to use a radio as a tool.

[@grega5059]

I have the new portable President Randy FCC 40 ch cb in my car and its all i need for cb radio. But I'm also going to look at the Midland in your video. That might come in handy at the hunting camp.

[@seanyunt]

Antenna and elevation is king

[@luisandluisgabriel6778]

As always.. love your videos. I’ve been considering both ham and CB. I’m part of a local Jeep off roading group that run cb’s. But I thought that for traveling the country ham would serve me best. Thank you for this alternative, I’ll research it more.

[@georgeadolf666]

Just to add - GMRS provides great versatility but don't forget that it's far younger than it's CB/HAM counterparts, and therefore despite it's increasing use, many many people still prefer CB and HAM for basic communication. A lot of people don't know how easy it is to get the license but that's still a huge deterrence and so you just won't find many people talking on GMRS as you would with CB.

[@patrickgerth4570]

This video is more for off-roaders, campers ect. I myself am a hobbyist. I love talking skip and being able to talk for miles from an HT. You talked 3 miles on a CB. I have talked to Europe on one. But the sky is the limit on ham. You can take it as far as you want!

[@bruno-vicious]

GMRS is good and I am looking into getting a mobile radio. I never knew they came in small packages like that which is good because I have a small car. However don't overlook ham radio. A simple technician license is all you need and the test is extremely simple. It gets harder when you go for the more advanced licenses but really that's if you are interested in HF communications. For the most part the technician license is in the VHF/UHF realm and you'd be surprised how many new hams are getting their license even to this day. I am 35 years old and I got my license around 2013. Because there are more younger hams coming onto the scene you are seeing more digital communications and radio over internet communications. That means you can make contacts with people around the world without the need over HF. Some of the other benefits is using AMSAT which are basically satellites acting as repeaters orbiting earth and when it comes in range you can try to make contact with whoever is on the AMSAT at that moment. OR you can try to make contact with the ISS (International Space Station) who frequently make contact with hams as they pass orbit. Both of which are VHF communications. If you are more adventurous you can make your own radio projects. I've done CCTV using two cheap Baofeng radios with a computer on one end and an android on the other. You can do RTTY contacts as well. You can configure a VoIP phone system and make contacts using a Cisco IP phone. You can mix and match these systems to make them interoperate with each other. You can build your own repeater if you want. But let's say all you want is a daily driver radio on the ham radio system. Because digital is gaining much momentum in this country and worldwide you are seeing more and more DMR repeaters. This is good now because all you need is a DMR radio pre-configured to work with your local repeater and you can talk to people nationwide and possibly worldwide from the comfort of you car while driving. Believe it or not ham radio is a very active scene on the digital space.

[@garychisholm2335]

Just purchased a pair of Midland gxt 1000 gmrs radios.Not bad much better than my old Motorola t 6500 radios.so far car to car we've talked probably 3 miles.depends on terrain

[@HalfAHandyman]

There are an absolute ton of people on ham radio. So many people are getting their Amateur Radio license right now its crazy. How would you like to talk to someone on the other side of the earth without the internet or phone line? What about 30 mi ( flat land, est.) or if a repeater is on a mountain 200 mi ( est.)? Its an awesome hobby and can be used without reliance on infrastructure. CB freqs are longer than GMRS, antenna gain has alot of affect here. either way you can use more wattage on GMRS plus youll likely have some gain on that antenna. Good video btw, thanks for making it.

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Thanks for the info and video . I'm an enthusiast to both CB and GMRS but I lean towards CB , just my opinion . Good clean install , and a nice rig . It's nice to see a couple on a channel together enjoying a hobby and the woman involved , plus we know youre in charge ma'am 😁 . Keep it up , look forward to keeping up with your channel . I just subscribed 👍

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks Dallas!

[@bulldogbrower6732]

I don’t know why all of these responders are trying to convince you to get a ham license, or switch back to CB. You want to talk to family and friends while traveling, hiking and camping, that’s exactly what the GMRS service is for. You aren’t trying to make friends in Argentina, you’re just telling you son or daughter to bring back a loaf of bread from the campground store. Did you ever hear the amount of noise on CB channels. Could you imagine trying to get back to your neighbor following you in his car to tell him you are going to stop at he next roadside rest. GMRS with its 10 year license which covers the entire family is tailor made for this type of communication. Some communities have set up GMRS repeaters, and with 50 watts of power for base units you can cover a lot of distance in the 70cm band. Just remember that the placement of the antenna is the key to success. The higher up and away from obstructions will give you the best range. In flat open areas expect to get up to 7 miles, less if you’re grounded in heavy vegetation and trees. If you are camping, establish a base station with a antenna on a mast. Always take advantage of that removable antenna. Stay away from the FRS/GMRS combos, they only transmit on 1/2 watt.

[@WanderlostOverland]

I think you and I are on the same page. We're just looking for simple communication with those we're with, not someone a state away.

[@KI5BEZ]

I agree with you. But if you enjoy talking on GMRS I would say go ahead and upgrade to amatuer radio if you want access to more bands and power.

[@KI5BEZ]

Not saying amatuer radio is better just saying it's fun and once you start talking on it you'll catch the bug

[@ScottyPerkins]

For me, it’s “GMRS is awesome, and ham adds more awesome.” No reason to use CB anymore.

[@hickshomestead113]

In Nevada having a HAM radio when off roading is a necessity. I've been to places where there was not a cell tower, gas station, or structure with a land line phone for over 100 miles. You either need a ham radio or a sat phone to call for help. I could easily cover hundreds of miles using a 2 meter VHF radio via a repeater on a mountain top. Thousands of miles on HF. Also under normal circumstances you need a ham license to transmit, unless there is an emergency then you may use a ham radio unlicensed.

[@SmittieBlue]

I have the same setup that is covered in this video; Midland MXT275 and the The Cobra 75 WX ST. I have looked at and considered getting a HAM license. I was responsible for radio communications in my military career. Properly set up, tuned and maintained and assuming minimal interference CB radio can cover 10+ miles. The advantage of GMRS is the higher power and the plug and play nature of the set ups. The MXT275 with one of the Midland Micro Mobile antennas (other than the wire tie antenna that is included with the radio) is a very quick, easy set up to install. For people who are just looking to install communication capabilities in their rig and are not looking for a new hobby to send time and money on, GMRS is a great way to get something working reasonably well fast and cheap. CB and to an even greater extent HAM require more effort and more fiddling around to get and keep the system working at its peak. Wanderlost Overland, good episode. Decent information. One critique, the "MON" button turns on "Monitor mode" which basically means turning off squelch.

[@ArtofHunter]

I have the exact same setup with the MXT275. I also have a hard mounted Midland 822 CB and it's range is horrible. My group has mostly switched to GMRS as even the handheld ones are better than a hard mounted CB.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! Yup, we were truly surprised at the difference.

[@FireAnt947]

Lot of great comments. I am interested in seeing how the new FM side of CB will be implemented and how it might improve that low power range.

[@wb5tty]

As Commercial and amateur radio operator I fully agree GMRS is sooo much better than any CB. GMRS is UHF FM in the 460Mhz band. Antennas are short but still produce gain. One thing to remember is the smaller the coax the higher the loss in the antenna feed line. I would not use any coax smaller than 1/4 inch such as RG58 for short runs in a car or truck. At home I would use RG8 Coax or larger for GMRS. Also if you have a GMRS Repeater in your area your range could be 50 miles or more depending on the repeater antenna height above average ground level (AGL). CB is in the 27Mhz band and is AM. The noise floor is much lower for GMRS so you can receive weak signals clearer. I am glad to see Midland building GMRS mobile radios. As a side note, GMRS is the same as the old Class A Citizen Band. CB in the 27Mhz band is the old Class D Citizen Band. Fill out a simple form on line and pay with a card and you are licensed for GMRS by the FCC. The entire house hold can operate off of the same license, children included. The license is cheap compared to the potential fine of up to $10,000 for not having a license. I see people being fined $5000 to $7500 for unlicensed operation on GMRS and Marine Band on the FCC Enforcement web site. If you operate GMRS in a National Park be sure to have a license because this is where many people get in trouble. It appears US Park Rangers monitor GMRS traffic and pass along information to the FCC for enforcement if they never hear a FCC Callsign and cannot find your name in the FCC License Data Base as having a GMRS license. Don't take a chance. FRS does not require a license but it is only low power and you cannot use repeaters. Have fun and stay safe.

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

I use cb radio with a good antenna and talk 20 miles no problem and with good conditions talk all over the world .. if you really want to talk far hamradio

[@JL-fly7]

Nice video. Easy, clear instructions and reviews. Awesome!

[@PatrickMoore13]

A CB will generally travel more than 2.5 miles but with a rather large expensive antenna. For most who are trying to achieve what you are, GMRS with a quality antenna like the one you have is the way to go. 1/4 wave length on CB is roughly 9'. Any antenna shorter than that is a compromise. 1/4 wave length on GMRS is about 6". Antennas larger than that designed for GMRS use, such as the one you are using, will provide an even better radiation pattern. GMRS also generally has a much lower noise floor than CB radio and is not as subjected to being blocked by buildings and the like. Put it all together and GMRS is a far better system for what you are using it for. I am a licensed ham and GMRS radio operator who started in CB many many years ago and at this point I wish truckers, off roaders, RV'ers and everyone else would make the switch to GMRS. It makes for much more versatile and clear communication with virtually no atmospheric and electrical interference. In Australia they have already made the switch to "CB high," UHF communications and "CB low" has faded out as many people begin to see the benifits of UHF vs HF for local communications. Good video. Good information. And yes I did see the part where you covered needing to have a license, and thank you for that.

[@overlandnc]

Nice Video I use both daily. An FCC license is required to operate GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a ten-year term.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Yup, we mention all that in the video.

[@JKTrail]

Good side to side comparison of CB and GMRS! About 2 years ago I was going to install a GMRS in the Jeep, but had signed up for Easter Jeep Safari and found out that you really should have a CB for that, so put one one. Since that time we have installed a 2m / 10cm Ham radio , and now have 3 handhelds. Don't fear the Ham test; my wife, with no technical background passed Technician Class on the first try, and as she like to brag, I aced it. As Global Mobile said: "...always within range of a 4 meter repeater..." Not that it's of interest to you Toyota types, but Jeep Jamboree has made CB optional this year (it was mandatory) and announced a partnership with Midland Micromobile; I'm guessing that GMRS will be mandatory in 2021.

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks for watching! Yes, like the Jeepers the Toyota events are beginning to suggest GMRS over CB too.

[@jamesbeemer7855]

I'm working with AM . With none of those Bells and Whistles . The most complicated , the more that can go wrong .

[@zalleywaalley8227]

Getting a technician class ham license today is soooooo ridiculously easy i would bet you money that you would pass it on your first time

[@jcantavella]

I love your built and instructions, I have done most of the mods following your directions, they are so detailed. So what happened with the instructions on how to take apart the center console??? I’m at a loss… 🤪

[@djzman]

New 2022 GMRS has changed its prices its now 35.00 for 10 years (and still covers your immediate family on only 1 license) Just a FYI according to part 95 it does not say immediate family has to live under the same roof. It only says what immediate family is. So this means wife, your kids, and your kids kids, and all your Brother and Sisters, and there kids, and your Aunt and uncles and first cousins all can be under your 1 licenes. (in my case thats over 30 people)

[@v.rev.dr.donjeffreychd.2123]

Thank You so much. Especially for the links too.

[@WanderlostOverland]

You're welcome!

[@freeslave8824]

Thanks for a great video, and don't let the captious comments of Trolls get you down. Keep up the good work!

[@WanderlostOverland]

Thanks, will do!