GMRS and cab tractor

[RadarTech]

I’m curious. Has anyone here put a GMRS RADIO in your tractor cab?

We are fairly mountainous. And cell coverage is not so good… so I’ve considered it…

Thanks.

 

[bmaverick]

I’m curious. Has anyone here put a GMRS RADIO in your tractor cab?

We are fairly mountainous. And cell coverage is not so good… so I’ve considered it…

Thanks.

Midland makes a 50W GMRS Farm & Ranch mobile unit for either a vehicle or cab tractor. It is very pricey though. It is as srong as a Ham 2M radio for power. It will require a license too.

Amazon.com

Now, if looking at Ham radio, 2M simplex (60 mile radius coverage max @ 50W) is very clear and clean, lower cost license renewable every 10 years and the radios are 1/2 the price. Plus, with the Ham usage, you are not restricted on antenna heights, placement and sizing.

 

[bmaverick]

I’m curious. Has anyone here put a GMRS RADIO in your tractor cab?

We are fairly mountainous. And cell coverage is not so good… so I’ve considered it…

Thanks.

oh, and the Radioddity is reasonable should you stay in the GMRS realm.

Amazon.com

 

[Topzide]

I have a Radioddty in my truck and a Midland MX115 for plow truck. $35 for 10 years on license. If there are nearby repeaters to access, the range is greatly increased! Helps out with little to no cell service. You could also get a Wilson Amplifier for the cell to use on tractor. They have mobile and home units. www.wilsonamplifers.com
I also have a Wilson setup for the house as we're on the fringe for cell service. Once they turned on the 5G, coverage went south! Has helped with keeping a signal.

 

[ponytug]

If you can make a cellphone work, it means that the other parties don't have to be monitoring the radio, which can be a big help, depending on what they are doing.

The Wilson amplifiers and antennas are game changers, but only if you have some signal. They aren't magic.

The GMRS will work better if you can have a repeater on whatever hilltop or ridge overlooks your area. If not, more height at the base station antenna makes a big difference, it is fundamentally a line-of-sight radio system.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Topzide]

Very correct on needing a cell signal! Doesn't give you more signal. it just helps you to be able to use that signal better.
A well placed repeater helps with radio range, wattage of the radio helps line of sight, but with a repeater, 2 handheld can talk a good distance.

 

[oosik]

I have a pair of Kenwood GMRS radios. They are the portable type - look like cell phones. I used them for communication on my property.

All I ever got was a continuous weather broadcast from the US Weather Service on one channel. I never had them set up to receive any type of radio service.

 

[5030]

Been thinking about getting a Midland 50 watt for in the tractor and another for in the house so my wife can get a hold of me when she wants to....lol Pretty flat here and really no obstructions.

 

[deserteagle71]

Been thinking about getting a Midland 50 watt for in the tractor and another for in the house so my wife can get a hold of me when she wants to....lol Pretty flat here and really no obstructions.

For terrain like you describe 50 watts is overkill. Actually, for your usage I'd say find some old CB radios and save a lot of money...stay off Channel 19 where all the crap is and they would work just fine. Too bad you are so far away...I bet I have a dozen old CBs that I acquired through the years stashed in my garage; I would just give you a couple no charge.

 

[JDSimmons]

I’ve been using GMRS radios for a while now, and I’ve found them pretty handy, especially if you’re out and about with a cab tractor. It’s great for keeping in touch with folks in remote areas.

For something more robust, I’ve had much success with the icom handheld radio. It’s reliable and has a good range, perfect for all outdoor work.

If you’re looking at GMRS radios, it’s worth noting they can be a real lifesaver in places where cell service is spotty. They’re also fairly straightforward to use and don’t require a license, which is a bonus. So, if you’re working with a cab tractor or need something solid for communication, try GMRS and consider checking out the icom handheld radio, too.