Radio and accessory suggestions
Multiband Radios
Amateur/GMRS/FRS/MURS
Baofeng UV-5R
The most popular wheel chock. Inexpensive, practical everyone has a couple... Under 30.00 on Amazon or Ebay. DON'T PAY OVER $30.00 shipped.
TYT 8000
10W and has cross band repeat built in. 128 channels, around $80.00 Like a Baofeng on steroids. Same but different.
QYT 8900
The mobile (Not a handi talkie) unit QYT mini KT-8900 (new version v2) is an ultra-compact transceiver dual-band VHF and UHF, covering in RX and TX 144-146MHz and 430-440Mhz in FM analog mode with 25 watts (VHF) and 20 watts (UHF) and VFO button for changing channels or frequency. Around $90.00
Antennas and Toys
An external antenna will increase your range significantly
Nagoya GPK-01
Includes: Base NMO/UHF bracket, Mounting clamps, 4 Ground Radials (x2 Sections), Mounting bracket. Requires Coaxial Cable to Radio (SO-239 Connector).
This was the antenna at the meeting. $40.00 on Amazon.
Ed Fong WB6IQN
I use these all the time. Great for base station or repeater. Available in dual band UHF/VHF or cut specifically for your desired frequency. Comes as a wire that you just slip into a PVC sleeve you provide and mount anywhere. 5db gain Excellent antenna. On Ebay. Under $50.00
Diamond X50A
A real dual band antenna. 7db gain on uhf. With a good antenna feed, this and the similar Comet brand dual band base antennas will cover amateu2m/70cm MURS/FRS/GMRS . $100.00 and up. They get bigger with 13db gain for 500.00ish. Ya gets what ya pays for.