[Flybynightcru]

Got my Christmas Present - an RETEVIS RA86 - installed today.

View attachment 238333

Credit goes to @FallingDown for the mounting location inspiration shown on this post: https://www.jeepcherokeeclub.com/threads/gmrs-radio.246237/?post_id=2978153

I love a good stealth mounting and it fits perfectly in the center box, though I did change the routing of the antenna wire. The antenna is placed next to the factory antenna with the wire following the FM/AM/GPS/SiriusXM antennas through the hole and into the headliner, running parallel with them until right about the driver's seat where it goes down to the floor under the carpet and comes out the bottom of the center box.

Works perfectly fine and loving it! I know RETEVIS isn't one of the big names but I've had good experiences with the brand in several Search & Rescue operations and it was a ridiculous deal for Black Friday.

Nice!!! Let's see your antenna setup on the roof...🤔😉😁

 

[Flybynightcru]

Yeah, vehicle antenna placement can be a little problematic as to looks vs efficiency. Ideally the center of a metal roof provides the best 'ground plane' for an omni-directional signal pattern, but unless you punch a hole in it, the coax cable does look ugly.

If you're gonna have a "permanent" 2 way communication radio setup, you have to have a proper "permanent" antenna solution. If it were me, I would consider a modified ditch light bracket, and run the coax right under the corner of the hood, and through the firewall...Problem solved...🤔😉😁

Something like this, only instead of the light, you have your antenna, but it would be on the passenger side...😉😎

 

[Flybynightcru]

I just use handheld walkies, except in my "Big Red" Can Am. It has this modified Rugged Radios unit...😉😁😎

 

[Flybynightcru]

Do what I did and get a pair of low-power 5-watt (or less) handheld. Nothing to hide.

Understood....but I want something mobile just like the one @tracy08172002 installed and I want it hidden....doesn't have to be hidden in the center console....I could just strap it to the side of the console next to the shifter....

I have a couple of these, and they are amazing...😉😁

Wouxun KG-935G Plus GMRS Two Way Radio

I also have a handful of cheaper Chinese Amazon units, and though there's an obvious difference in quality, they seem to work just about as well...😉😁

 

[Flybynightcru]

Thanks for the advice....I'll check them out....been on that site also....

It's a lot easier than hardwiring a mobile unit, and then routing coax, after you figure out an antenna solution. The walkies work almost as well as my Rugged Radios mobile unit, with the exception of the mods that were done on it to pick up a wider range of frequencies...😉😁

 

[Flybynightcru]

we've used the the weaker FRS walkies from car to car, on some family road trips w/ 2 cars. not much range but if you're within sight of ea. other, they're OK

Those are toys, but still very effective for short range vehicle to vehicle trail communications. A lot better than nothing...😉😁

 

[Flybynightcru]

I have a small antenna okay, leave me alone 😂

It doesn't matter, as long as it's effective right???😁😉😎

 

[Flybynightcru]

depends on how clear the volume is on the one I do eventually get....never had any mobile radio (CB, GMRS, HAM) before....will it make a hearing it better or same as without?? Thanks!

You're gonna need some kind of speaker...😉😎

 

[Flybynightcru]

my Wife likes the speaker as far away from her as possible

And you obviously need one of these...LOL!!!😂🤣😉😁

 

[Flybynightcru]

Nice setup.....another option to consider.....

Look, Midland even has a "Jeep" branded unit similar to @Flechtight setup...🤔😉😁

Midland MXT575J Jeep MicroMobile GMRS Two Way Radio

 

[Flybynightcru]

Your antenna is almost certainly a 5/8 wavelength design. They perform about 3dB better than a 1/4 wave whip. Both need an adequate ground plane for best performance.

That's a "top loaded" 5/8 that doesn't require a ground plane, which is actually the best for where his mounting point is. Same thing goes with CB antennas, a 5' Wilson Silver Load is the best thing for 10-11 meter. 1/4 wave whips are also for 10-11 meter and UHF, not VHF. I run this 1/2 wave whip setup on my Can Am...😁😉😎

VHF 1/2 Wave No Ground Plane (NGP) Antenna

 

[Flybynightcru]

OK. I'll bite. Why $7.50 a year? Both HAM and GMRS are $35 for 10 years for the license itself. HAM usually has other fees too for training and testing. Is that what you are talking about?

Just curious. View attachment 238842

He lives in Washington state, probably extra tax...LOL!!!🤔😉😁