Some of you may or may not know that in May 2024 the Central Route piloted and tested a new communications system for on-road communications while underway during our Mission from Ontario, CA to Washington, DC. GMRS Radios were used, and a GMRS repeater was also tested. This technology has much further range than CB, and with clearer reception and transmission.
The CB radio service was originally established in 1949 and their usefulness and heyday of the 1970s has been outlived. A new replacement was needed for the unique communication requirements of RFTW. Motorcycle manufacturers have been discontinuing installing or offering CBs, or if they do, they are very expensive. And third-party motorcycle CB radio manufacturers, like J&M have also stopped making and supporting them.
The results of the test in May 2024 was positive and exceeded expectations in most cases. Communications were clear with no relays needed to pass messages and the comms range was significantly extended with no outside interference.
At the July 20, 2024 BoD meeting, the BoD changed the SOP and left it up to each Route Coordinator’s discretion and decision to use CB or the new GMRS Comms for the Run in 2025 for his respective route.
On July 29, 2024 all of the 2025 Route Coordinators (Central, Southern, Midway, and Sandbox) met in a separate RC only meeting. ALL FOUR Route Coordinators are in lockstep, and unanimously decided that GMRS Radio Communications is the way to go and decided that all routes will use GMRS in 2025 as the primary mode of on-road communications for RFTW.
This means that ALL PACK Leadership WILL BE REQUIRED to have and use a GMRS Radio in 2025, i.e. All Platoon Leaders, APL’s, Tail Gunners, Road Guards, Chaplains, Medics, and Chase will need a GMRS Radio. Pack riders and FNGs are also certainly allowed to get a radio and listen.
**Regarding outrider and forward crews and teams such as Fuel, Staging, Ambassadors, and Outreach, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you start to use and get on the GMRS bandwagon as you will be able to hear the pack miles before they get to your location.
There are numerous off-the-shelf radios available that can be made Bluetooth capable if you have a Bluetooth helmet headset, like a Sena or a Cardo. If you do not use a Bluetooth helmet set-up, there are some wired solutions available, as well.
Option 1: (This option is a HIGH recommendation. Bluetooth.)
The radio is available at the BTECH website, and at Amazon.
- Radio: https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-pro/ref/gmrs/
- Get the wireless PTT Button, and maybe a spare.
https://baofengtech.com/product/bs-ptt/ref/gmrs/ - Multitude of Radio Holders and Mounts - Here
Use Coupon Code: RFTW
You will get both the Radio and Wireless PTT button for $152.44.
Add both items to online cart and then apply code.
Deal ONLY Available at the the BTECH Website, not Amazon.
To get “More Range” out of this handheld, it’s all about the antenna quality. Consider a higher quality antenna, or even an external antenna.
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-701g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=5.5inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-na-771g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=15inchAntenna
https://baofengtech.com/product/nagoya-ut-72g/ref/gmrs/?campaign=mountedantenna
Midland MXTA26 Antenna – need an adapter, NMO mount and coax with this option. This antenna has the most GAIN.
Option 2: (Also a High Recommendation, but does take skill to install. Bluetooth.)
Vero VGC VR-N7500 High Power 50W/40W Transceiver. This a PERMANENT MOUNT Bluetooth unit. It transmits at up to 40W on UHF (GMRS) frequencies. 4X the power of the above handheld.
Get the Bluetooth button for this radio - Here
This unit requires an EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna. I like this antenna for a permanent install (or a handheld radio with an NMO Mount and Adapter).
An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.
Kirk Olson – Central Route RC is running this set-up on his BMW K1600GT. The radio is Bluetoothed directly to a Sena 50S helmet set-up. The included mic shown in picture is not used.
(See a Picture of the set-up here)
** Currently, the VR-N7500 DOES NOT Bluetooth Connect to a Harley Branded Sena. It does connect to a regular, non-Harley Branded Sena. It must be something to do with the HD Firmware.
** There is a rumor that BTECH is coming out with their version of this radio in the very near future.
Option 3: (Non-Bluetooth Radios, and not ideal)
Any GMRS Radio like these:
TID Radio H8 GMRS Radio:
https://amzn.to/47klXzu
Amazon.com or here
Amazon.com **Recommended (Value Pack)
Video on the TID Radio H8: https://youtu.be/8HXSlHT84yQ
Baofeng UV-5RTP: Amazon.com
*These radios ARE NOT Bluetooth capable to a headset from the manufacturer, so would best be used with a wired set-up, and an earpiece or earbud.
A company called Rugged Radios are the BEST wired harnesses for those that do not have or want a Bluetooth helmet set-up, and they also offer Bluetooth for any radio, and are built for motorcycling.
Wired & External Bluetooth harnesses options from Rugged Radios. These harnesses work with almost any GMRS.
Option 4:
If you are an Amateur Radio Operator (HAM), you may be interested in the Anytone ATD878UVII Plus. This is a HAM radio, and can be unlocked for GMRS use, and has Bluetooth built-in that will pair to a Bluetooth helmet set-up. This option does require good computer skills to program the radio.
Option 5:
Any Four-wheel vehicle can use a GMRS handheld or any Mobile Car/Truck Mounted GMRS radio.
Manufacturers of these are: Midland, Wouxun, to name a few.
These also require:
An EXTERNAL Antenna, like the Midland MXTA26 Antenna
An NMO Mount, and Coax are REQUIRED.
Licensing:
Lastly, listening to a GMRS radio does not require a license from the FCC.
Transmitting on a GMRS frequency currently, technically does require a license from the FCC and is easy to get, and is $35 for 10-years.
One license can be used per family.
Video on How-to get a GMRS license:
Click here to establish your FCC FRN Number: FCC Registration - Login
Click here for the FCC Universal Licensing System: Universal Licensing System | Federal Communications Commission
Thank you.
See you in May 2025
Kirk Olson - Central Route Coordinator
Eric Fort - Midway Route Coordinator
Ken Ley - Southern Route Coordinator
William Brehler - Sandbox Route Coordinator
