- First Name
- Pat
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2022
- Threads
- 44
- Messages
- 606
- Reaction score
- 691
- Location
- Las Vegas, NV
- Vehicle(s)
- Ford Bronco 2022
- Your Bronco Model
- Big Bend
- Thread starter
- #1
So I just upgraded my Radio system in the Bronco to a proper MOBILE setup 
But first, some history, which I hope will help all you starter radio peeps out there! (I was SO LOST AND CONFUSED....OMG).........So, I started (in 2022) with a pair of HANDHELD BAOFENG 5VR(s) (as most do) and equipped one of them with the NAGOYA whip antenna. Worked great and then decided to upgrade a little and got a HANDHELD BAOFENG GMRS 9R. This is more GMRS specific and was easier to use on rides and I didn't have to keep memorizing xxx:xxx addreses, etc....just "tune to GMRS __" and you were done. Easy Peasy! Eventually, after being on rides where I kept getting "scratchy-talk-reception" AND had to deal with a massive antenna hitting the roof each time, I decided that hard wiring the handheld would be a good idea. So - bought a "radio-cupholder-holder" (Cupholder Mount)....Got and an external antenna, attached the microphone handset and hardwired everything, including getting a Battery Charger-Eliminator to hook up to the 12v outlet. Groovy Worked Fantastic and it was all I needed at the time = More Range + Battery Life + Ease of Use.
The Stuff (in order of appearance):
Fast forward to 2024.....I wanted to up my game -After comparing B-Tech, Woxun, Midland, etc.....(like 5 more brands) I decided on the TYT-9800. I initially was thinking....."Well, GMRS is great cause it's so easy! I'll likely ever ever need HAM frequencies." However, the more comfortable I got on the trails, the more I would go out and adventure by myself.....and I figured "I don't want to be THAT person who can't call for help if needed". Therefore
!!!! - I Got a nice, solid MOBILE unit = More Range + More Frequencies + More Power. It isn't as easy as a direct GMRS unit (which is "turn on and use"). This one required some advanced programming, which I DID NOT DO (had a buddy do it who is a radio expert and programmed all the channels for me). BUT WOW. When done it is crazy awesome. The unit is literally like having TWO radios in one, each side with its own separate controls, big screen and HAM FREQUENCIES!!!....Now I just have to learn more and I automatically got a new hobby (HAM RADIO!!!). Also got a TRAM Antenna that has Dual-Band capabilities and also mounted everything on the passenger side of the center console w/ a MOLLE PANEL. Clean install and the grab handle does not get in the way I would HIGHLY recommend this setup!!
The Stuff (in order of appearance):
I hope this helps out anyone who was LOST like I was in the beginning Still kinda lost, but eager to learn!!!
But first, some history, which I hope will help all you starter radio peeps out there! (I was SO LOST AND CONFUSED....OMG).........So, I started (in 2022) with a pair of HANDHELD BAOFENG 5VR(s) (as most do) and equipped one of them with the NAGOYA whip antenna. Worked great and then decided to upgrade a little and got a HANDHELD BAOFENG GMRS 9R. This is more GMRS specific and was easier to use on rides and I didn't have to keep memorizing xxx:xxx addreses, etc....just "tune to GMRS __" and you were done. Easy Peasy! Eventually, after being on rides where I kept getting "scratchy-talk-reception" AND had to deal with a massive antenna hitting the roof each time, I decided that hard wiring the handheld would be a good idea. So - bought a "radio-cupholder-holder" (Cupholder Mount)....Got and an external antenna, attached the microphone handset and hardwired everything, including getting a Battery Charger-Eliminator to hook up to the 12v outlet. Groovy Worked Fantastic and it was all I needed at the time = More Range + Battery Life + Ease of Use.The Stuff (in order of appearance):
- Baofeng 5VR - https://a.co/d/7Mjhh8D
- Nagoya Antenna - https://a.co/d/gB0xYwX
- BAOFENG GMRS 9R - https://a.co/d/e4ebe47
- External Antenna- https://a.co/d/4KPOONh
- Bronco Mount - https://a.co/d/cYddIin
- Antenna Cable w/ NMO adapter - https://a.co/d/iG8S5LN
- Antenna Adapter (to COAX) - https://a.co/d/hlGvmfq
- Battery Charger-Eliminator - https://a.co/d/duWZqST
- Cupholder mount - https://a.co/d/duWZqST
Fast forward to 2024.....I wanted to up my game
-After comparing B-Tech, Woxun, Midland, etc.....(like 5 more brands) I decided on the TYT-9800. I initially was thinking....."Well, GMRS is great cause it's so easy! I'll likely ever ever need HAM frequencies." However, the more comfortable I got on the trails, the more I would go out and adventure by myself.....and I figured "I don't want to be THAT person who can't call for help if needed". Therefore!!!! - I Got a nice, solid MOBILE unit = More Range + More Frequencies + More Power. It isn't as easy as a direct GMRS unit (which is "turn on and use"). This one required some advanced programming, which I DID NOT DO (had a buddy do it who is a radio expert and programmed all the channels for me). BUT WOW. When done it is crazy awesome. The unit is literally like having TWO radios in one, each side with its own separate controls, big screen and HAM FREQUENCIES!!!....Now I just have to learn more and I automatically got a new hobby (HAM RADIO!!!). Also got a TRAM Antenna that has Dual-Band capabilities and also mounted everything on the passenger side of the center console w/ a MOLLE PANEL. Clean install and the grab handle does not get in the way I would HIGHLY recommend this setup!!The Stuff (in order of appearance):
- TYT-9800 Mobile Radio (get the D PLUS) - https://a.co/d/htYLhnU
- TRAM Antenna (Dual Band) - https://a.co/d/bD0CxIh
- MOLLE PANEL - https://a.co/d/isw3pwa
I hope this helps out anyone who was LOST like I was in the beginning
Still kinda lost, but eager to learn!!!
Sponsored
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