We need to buy a radio for the MINI runs so we're asking the vets what radios you all use and which is the best. I have a hard time making things out over the radio so clarity is most important to me. Any suggestions?

Thanks to Bill for loaning us one on the Burtonsville run.

Glenn

 

Any of the FRS/GMRS radios you can get at BetsBuy, Costco, or any other place will be fine. Just make sure you get the ones that have the sub channels.

As for clarity, well, good luck on that. The best way is to close all the windows, turn off the radio and A/C, and use an ear piece. It may be slightly clearer than.

The issue is that the makers just don't use high end electronics and hardware for these type of radios. If we, DCMM, went a different route, than than the price for high end radios would be in the hundreds.

Best thing to do is pay attention to what is going on around you. I still use the radio on runs, but because I can barely understand the transmitter, I just use it for communication and not for what turn is coming up.

Here is the thread I started some time ago about the subject of the radios we use.

 

Ok, I just looked at the old thread and did some research. I think I am going to try and purchase 2 Garmin Rino 110's before Spring. They are not very expensive and transmit location via the FRS band on the radio. If others go this route, than I don't see how any of us can get lost.

Well, I just looked at the site more and I think I am going to get the 130's instead. It says it has 8 GMRS repeater channels.....

• [SIZE=2]12-channel, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Transmit power: 1 watt on high power (for GMRS channels*), .5 watt for low power (FRS channels)[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Transmit distance: up to 2 miles using FRS, up to 5 miles with GMRS[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]14 FRS channels, 8 GMRS channels*, and 8 GMRS*-repeater channels[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]38 sub-audible squelch codes per transmission channel for semi-private radio communications[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Electronic compass displays accurate heading while standing still[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Barometric sensor with automatic pressure trend recording[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Detects up to 7 NOAA weather channels with weather alert mode[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Calendar for best times to fish and hunt, plus clock, stopwatch and alarm[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]1.4" x 1.4" display size, 160 x 160 pixels[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]External voice activation (VOX)[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Waterproof to IPX-7 standards (immersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes)**[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Ergonomic design for one-handed operation, with Call and Press-To-Talk (PTT) and Page mode buttons on the side, Power/Backlighting button on top, Volume and Zoom buttons on front, and center Thumb Stick[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Vibration mode for silent call alert[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Unique Thumb Stick for channel selection and volume adjustment in FRS/GMRS mode, and quick map panning, enter and selection functions in GPS mode[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Sends and receives GPS location using FRS channels and shows them on the map[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Stores up to 500 waypoints with graphic identification; 20 reversible routes with up to 30 points each with TrackBack®[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Robust track log: 10,000 trackpoints and up to 20 saved tracks to retrace user’s path or companion’s path via location-reporting feature[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Trip computer with speed tracking, sunrise/sunset read out, trip time, and trip distance[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Includes a polling feature which allows a user to manually request GPS location information from other Rino units[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Sends and receives short text notes for quiet communication[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Built-in basemap for North and South America[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]24-MB internal memory for loading MapSource detail, including U.S. Topo 24K™, U.S. Topo™, Recreational Lakes™, BlueChart®, and MetroGuide®.[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Battery life of 14 hours (typical use) on three AA alkaline batteries[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Backlit display[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]More than 10 position formats and over 100 map datums[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Multiple grid formats including MGRS and Loran TD[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Weighs only 8 oz. with batteries and 5.4 oz. without batteries.[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Meets rigid IEC 529 IPX7 submersible standard[/SIZE][SIZE=1]**[/SIZE]
• [SIZE=2]Works with all other Garmin Rino units[/SIZE]

 

My pleasure

Like I said, mine came from Costco so the selection was, well, nil. I was in Bass Pro Shops in Arundel Mills last week and they had one of the biggest selections I have seen. I imagine any sporting goods store ( D ick's, Cabela's, etc.) should be similar in variety.

 

I have my old faithful Motorola T-6530.
It worked flawlessly, until................

 

I LOVE Bass Pro Shops

Lotsa great toys for big boys

 

+1.

 

Bass Pro got tons of my money including a Tracker V-17 back when I was fishing hard, I gave up when MD water users started piloting boats like cars on the Beltway........

 

+1

I've been an active boater (sailing, racing, power boating, canoeing and kayaking) on the water here all my life, and have seen the quality of boaters go from indifferent to belligerent. On the highways, at least folks have some lines to ignore But on the water, even though we have some pretty specific rules for boats crossing and passing each other, the majority of folks don't know them, and the rest choose to ignore them. Sorta like the parking lot in a shopping center during holiday shopping

 

Hey JustJay, I just saw the 530 model for $320 at Amazon! Soooo tempting!

Thanks for letting me know of the Rinos, I'm really intrigued by them. I was going to just get a $50 pair of Midlands but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger. Guess we need to see how many runs we do before we justify an expense like that. Thanks again.

 

I think this one is ok as well.
http://www.motorola2wayradios.com/ta...tt9500xlr.html