Hey Guys! In this email I'll be going over trail comms for the event. I view reliable trail communications as essential. Clear radio communication from truck to truck in a group ensures everyone knows what's happening, has the ability to ask for help if needed, and can listen to others’ observations and sightings around them. Not only are good trail comms a big part of safety, but they are also a lot of fun! Listening to the banter between guys in the group always brings a smile to my face.
Cruisers on the Rockies is a FRS/GMRS-only event. CB will not be used at COTR. For those that don't know, FRS/GMRS is far superior to CB in basically every way. They are very inexpensive to access and require no tuning. FRS handheld radios do not require a license and can be picked up for as little as $20-$30 at Walmart or on Amazon. FRS radios share the same channels as the more powerful GMRS radios. Both GMRS and FRS radios can communicate with each other. While the lower powered FRS radios do not require a license, the more powerful GMRS radios do. This license is available for a fee and does not require a test. Here is a great write up by Midland on GMRS licenses with a link and instructions on how to get your license: WHY DO I NEED A GMRS LICENSE & HOW DO I GET IT?
Again, both FRS and GMRS can communicate with each other on the same frequencies, the only meaningful difference is you need a license to operate the more powerful GMRS equipment. If you are a casual user, FRS radios work great for communication in small groups and there's no need to pay for licensing. FRS will definitely work at the event, however, if you have a dedicated trail rig or wheel more than a few times a year, I highly recommend a GMRS radio. I run a 40W Midland unit in my truck and most trail leaders also run some type of permanent or semi/permanent GMRS in their Cruisers.
Here are a few FRS and GMRS radio recommendations:
FRS
GMRS
I have personal experience with all the above radios and they work great.
The handhelds shine in smaller groups that don't get spaced out further than 1/4-1/2 mile in uneven terrain while the GMRS radios can transmit and receive from 1 mile up to 20 plus miles. I've communicated to other GMRS users 40 miles away with my 40 Watt unit.
There are other brands that work great and there are lower priced offerings as well, all easily accessible at Wal-Mart or Amazon.
Every trail run will have a designated primary channel and backup channel for communications, so please be ready: make sure to test your equipment before the event and before the runs each morning. Make sure you have extra batteries or a way to charge the radios while on the run. It's best to start each day with a fresh charge.
I hope this simple email answers some of your questions and helps you prepare. You can really get into the weeds with this stuff if you want, but it's also very easy just to keep it simple. A great place to ask questions about radios and setups is the Cruisers on the Rocks Facebook Group. There's a ton of knowledgeable guys on there and trail leaders are always lurking too. Don't be afraid to ask anything about the event, large or small; we will get you the answers.
The next email should be on event camping. Hopefully within the next week. Keep your eyes open for it.
See you soon!
Lee