Does anyone know of a GOOD radio that can be used by clubs? We are interested in getting a set of radios that can be used for communication between the lead MINI and the caboose.

We all use the FRS/GMRS radios that you can purchase at sporting good stores and wholesale discount stores. But we are looking for radios such as police or emergency that have clean clear voice communication with a decent range. It would be nice for the lead MINI and caboose be able to communicate directly, without interference in certain situations such as accidents, breakdowns, serious road conditions or safety hazards. There are times when we have had 30-40 MINIs in a run and find it difficult to re-group and re-enter traffic without clear communications.

The standard FRS/GMRS radios are fine for "run chatter" but for critical communications, we are looking for something better. I would assume that these would cost much more that the "standard" version. I also assume that a license would be required.

Please post something here if you have any suggestions or PM me.

Thanks,

Norm Nelson (mini pooper)
Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts

 

Business or HAM is probably your best bet, Most CB channels are fairly uncrowded (at least in my area), and good for 5+ miles, but they take something of a getting used to as you tune your ear. Business radios are hit or mis on clarity and range, and mountains place great strain and produce a large hurdle with strictly mobile to mobile units.

What kind of mileage are you talking about for realistic commnication?

Having to go over mountains?

 

Motor On,

Thanks,

We do travel alot in the mountains (best place to find twisties). I'd say we can get separated from 3+ miles from lead to caboose depending on the size of the group and conditions.

One problem using the FRS/GMRS radios is that they have a lot of garble.

The other BIG problem is re-entering traffic with a big group. It's my belief to turn the "controls" over to the caboose when you plan to re-eneter traffic. The caboose has a clear view of traffic that is coming from behind. The caboose can advise the group when he sees a clear opening and advise everyone which car to pull out after it goes by, such as "pull out after the green SUV". The caboose can then pull out onto the road and turn on the emergency flashers and "block" or slow oncoming traffic until all MINIs have safely pulled back back onto the road.

Another problem is when a mid-pack MINI decides to pull back before it's clear, or worse yet, when someone yells out "GO! GO! GO!" and we have a bunch of cars approaching.

I realize that I am talking about two issues. One being the radios and clear communication, and the other keeping people from "jumping the gun". However the two can be connected. If there was clear communication from the caboose, unsafe moves could be minimized.

Our club is VERY good about communication and safety, but you can still improve it.

I love a fun spirited run through the twisties, I just want to minimze any unnecessary risks.

 

The answer is, in part, to use a separate GMRS station on a 16+ mileage rated FRS/GMRS radio with multiple privacy codes. The GMRS portion technically requires a license upon which to operate and is clearer, more powerful, and less subject to backtalk chatter interference than FRS.

This means in caravaning using multiple channels. In fact, it may make sense for the caboose and lead to operate a second set of radios on GMRS while group instructions are given on an FRS channel with subcodes.

CB also works well but is dependent upon wattage for strength and is limited by Federal Regulations (although truckers routinely install pre-amps to boost wattage). FRS, GMRS and CB signals are all subject to line of sight and terrain, although CB signals are more apt to skip off the atmosphere for tens of miles than FRS or GMRS.

I'll bring my CB next REME run that we attend and you can check it out. However, I only have one (use it mostly for emergencies on off-road adventures in the 4X4) so Zeid would probably need to find another.

I also have a pair of 16+ mileage rated rechargeable Radio Shack FRS/GMRS radios, that are very clear, that we have used on the runs. Radio Shack pioneered the FRS/GMRS radio. I find their product to be of superior quality for the price especially in this area.

 

Trico,

Thanks. All good ideas and it will be great to try these out and see how they work. Setting up a "secure" channel between the lead & caboose will help alot. We all know how much "chatter" goes on, especially during more critical moments. Depending on the size of the group, it might be a good idea to have a few extra radios (on secure channel) in a few spots in between.

Nothing worse than getting a half garbled message with a bunch of static from someone you are not sure who it is or what they said.

I have a set of CB radios as well. Not sure what the power or range is, but I 'll bring them along as test them out.

Thanks for your input.

Cheers,

 

Came across, this,thought it may help...
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0815.htm.

Note on CBs, they're often heavily dependent on the antenna. I can get about ~5ish mile range with my mobile CB on road trips though.

Sounds like setting a talk around channel for chatter and a run channel for people to listen in on would be a good solution.

I know very delayed response, but figured there is often room for improvements, and that article sparked the thought of this thread.