Hi PDX MINI Club, I'm wanting to go on some of the PDX MINI Club Runs this year, but I need information on the Upgraded Radios I've seen mentioned on PDXMINI.org. Reason I ask about the Upgraded Radios (?), I don't do anything small (well except Molly of course!! ). So if someone could get in touch with me that would be great.

Thanks and hope to meet and be Motoring with you all Soon!!

 

The reason they recommend those radios is because they seem to work the best for runs. With the external antenna, they get far better range which is really important if the group gets split. I use this and a backup hand held and it's pretty clear which one works better over longer distances. The only drawback to them is they only support FRS frequencies. No problem for the runs, but if you want to use it elsewhere with people that prefer GMRS frequencies, it won't work. I also don't like how it won't work with a cigarette lighter for power, but the 3 AA batteries usually last the whole year (I go on most single day runs).

I also recommend getting the Midland headset they mention. Doing that allows me to put the radio in the cup holder and forget about it. Just clip the PTT button on the seat belt and you're all set!

I'll be cleaning my MINI tonight to prepare for the Papa's Toys run tomorrow. I don't want to bring a dirty MINI to a car show now do I!

 

Thanks DG!! Do you have a Link so I can research these options and possibly make a purchase??

Thanks again...I look forward to Runnin' with the Crowd soon!!

 

I got the radio at this place (Midland model 75-510XLM):
http://www.westcoastmall.net/75510xl...na-p-1390.html

Not may places sell them, but West Coast Mall is in Oregon so shipping should be pretty fast. The headset (Midland model 25-540) you can Google and find listed at many places, but you can also order it from West Coast Mall along with the radio.

To join a run, you just need any FRS radio (the club has loaners if you arrange it ahead of time). I used a different one for a few years just fine, so you don't have to get that particular model. However, once I got the one above, it's pretty clear how much better it is when I run them side by side.

 

Thanks again DG...I found those 2 things, fairly reasonably priced as well as the Hand Held Microphone (not so fairly priced)...any comment on that??
I'm thinking I would maybe get one of each, the Headset for Me, the Microphone for my Hubby, or is the reception in the Headset so much better than the Mic.??

Like I said I don't do anything small (except Molly of course), so I want the best value for my $$!!

 

When you refer to the hand held mic, are you referring to this:
http://www.westcoastmall.net/midland...84-p-1349.html

If so, I would not recommend it. Holding up something like that to your mouth while driving on a tour could be a bit distracting and not really any better then just holding up the radio itself (won't provide any improvements to reception either). Instead get the headset. That way you can clearly hear what's being said and just have to press a button on the cord (has a clip so you can attach it to your seat belt strap) to talk. Just remember that if you have a headset, only you can hear the radio and your passenger will need their own radio to listen to.

What I do is have the radio and headset for myself. If I have a passenger, they get a second basic hand held radio (no headset or anything special). If they need to talk, they can easily grab the radio and talk into it. Remember, it's all about the driver so they get the good stuff!

 

Roger That!! Ok, well I thought Hubby would feel left out if I had the Headset and all he had was a Radio!! So we'll discuss things and make some kind of compromise!! Thanks you've been a big Help!!