Garmin Rhino 120's GMRS/FRS Question

[Stormfeather]

Ok, ive got a bunch of garmin 120s, they have frs and gmrs capability with scrambler technology built in. What is the best way to utilize these and get some sort of reliable distance out of them? Im talking more than 1/2 mile. I mean, isnt GMRS freq supposed to be long distance or am I just hoping for something more out of what I have? Any of the folks here with radio experience able to chime in would be greatly appreciated!

[exklusve]

a bunch? If you'd like to get rid of one, lemme know.

Well that model outputs at 1W on the GMRS freq's, and .5 W at FRS freq's.
There's a lot of thigns to take into consideration here.
Up to 2 miles over FRS; up to 5 miles over GMRS is what the spec's say on Garmins site. This is going to be under the best conditions possible. Clear line of sight, no interference, etc etc etc.
If you're having trouble with signals not getting out 1/2 mile, what kind of terrain are you on while experiencing this issue?
Reply back with some more info if you can. This might just be a situation where you're wanting more from what that radio can give you.

Check out this article on propagation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_horizon

[Stormfeather]

Well, I bought them for SHTF type purposes basically. I got a great deal on some throat mikes for them and a bunch of rechargable batteries. So I figured with the scrambler/encoded aspect to them, they would be great for a secure style communication. The terrain Im talking about is pretty much wooded slightly hilly areas. I tested them out on a flat region and with clear line of sight, they were pretty much good for 1/2-3/4 of a mile. As I said, I was hoping for a bit more out of them. I may go ahead this weekend and take them out and retry them someplace that I know I can get a good line of sight for approximately 2 miles and work on both modes and report back what the results where. As it stands, I was somewhat disappointed in the range of them thinking they would do a little bit more than what I thought they would! But I do have to admit, I do like the secure communications aspect to them!

[Oshiat]

Keep in mind that the squelch codes are not secure at all. To test this, put 2 radios on the same channels/squelch code. Put a third radio on the same channel but with no squelch code. The third radio will be able to receive what the other 2 radios are xmitting. If I put my gmrs radio on scan, it will display the squelch code of any transmission it receives. My scanner does the same.

UHF radios perform poorly in the outdoors, VHF is a better solution. I have a pair of Wouxun radios that are VHF/UHF. I haven't tried them in the mountains yet but from what I have hear, VHF works much better.

[Stormfeather]

when I talked on the radio, none of my traffic was emitted out of the 3rd radio. Same applied for the squelch aspect you was talking about. I have a pair of BAOFENG UV-3R 136-174 and 400-470Mhz MINI Radio's and they are only good for about a mile themselves. Would it be a better idea to upgrade to the Wouxuns?

[Oshiat]

That's interesting that the 3rd radio didnt receive the traffic. I downloaded the manual and couldnt find any info on encryption other than the privacy codes.

Are you using the MURS VHF ferqs on your Baofeng radios? These are license free, but are limited to 2 watts. I dont think I would bother upgrading, I bought mine for comms while riding dirt bikes with the family but havent had the chance to tes them yet.

[gorn5150]

I bought a couple of the 120's when they first came out. I was luck to get a half mile out of them. They got returned.