Do you use Radios to communicate while traveling?
I know some folks have big rigs and use Radios in addition to cell phones (especially if there is no cell service) to communicate while backing up, pulling out, etc. I myself have a rig that I swear has 8 corners and need help with it.. even with an extensive video system.
SO, I was wondering what you all have on board beyond cell phones - be it handheld and/or mobile radios for that task. And if you use it for more, like communications between RV's in your "caravan" or talking to your group out on a walk.. please still vote.
So in my case, I use a Mobile GMRS unit in the rig to talk to GMRS users, and also have 2 GMRS handhelds that can Transmit to FRS handhelds while positioning the bus or out walking. We also use these GMRS handhelds to talk between ourselves out on hikes or if we need to be in different places. They also come in handy for Safety issues (the GMRS handhelds also do GPS location sharing, and more).
♦ License Required to use
: CBRS (CB) / PMR446 / FRS / MURS / ♦ GMRS / ♦ Amateur (HAM) Radio
The FCC has a stupid little quirk in the certifications for GMRS Mobile (mounted) units, they are not allowed by the FCC to restrict their output to 2 watts so the units are forbidden to transmit to FRS handhelds which use a Sub-Set of the GMRS channels. However the FCC lets GMRS Handhelds transmit to FRS handhelds. Sheesh.
I have actually started working on hopefully getting this changed with the help of our federal representatives here in WA. The manufacturers I have talked with are totally capable of setting up their Mobile units to work on 2 watts, as well as their normal Low 5 watt, and High 50 watt power on the non-FRS shared frequencies. It's just the FCC being silly (again).
We use just regular one mile radius Walkie - talkies to back up the rigs and to talk between the rig and the trailing vehicle when we are going from place to place.
Yes, many folks do Tink, the problem the FCC caused is I have to have BOTH the mobile GMRS unit and the Handhelds.
I can hear you on FRS via the main Mobile rig, but have to grab the Handheld to Talk to you. Both units should be able to talk Directly to low power handhelds.
So instead of being able to use the hands free capability of the built in Mobile unit while maneuvering, I have to tie up one hand with the Handheld... it's so stupid.
I see you're problem. When we're parking Chuck usually doesn't reply he usually just listens, it's when we're driving that he replies or we have a conversation and he has to free up a hand. Still not a good situation.
We do not use any of the above for communications. For backing up or putting slides in or out, we use our phones on FaceTime. That way we can help show each other what’s going on. I tried to park without it, but he couldn’t hear to well with truck noise, so phones are much better for us. We tried walkie talkie’s but he had to have one hand on it to push button in, with phones, just put on speaker. As long as what ever you use works for you, then that’s the best for you.
Very true, everyone has a preference that is best for them. I'm just trying to get a feel for what folks use. Using FaceTime on your phones is a cool idea. I would imaging the video does help a lot. I have a lot of cameras on my rig because of the size and having to deal with fitting onto Ferries often. So I have video inside to help.
We have security camera on our rig, all over, but we usually take them down when traveling on the road and put them back up when stopped. The video on our phones just helps my husband see things outside while he’s inside. Usually when we are taking our slides out. I usually back in him without video. We have been doing this for many years, he is used to my yelling.😂 When I was younger, we did have a CB and we all had call names. Still remember mine.
Yes, I think all of us from the CB days remember theirs.. I sure do.
We still have a CB but only turn it on if we get stuck in backed up traffic to find out what is up ahead holding things up. There is so much foul language on it anymore, I don’t care to listen to all of that.