GMRS Power Output?

[Whsky]

I’m looking into getting a GMRS setup, but am debating 15w vs 50w output.

I’m looking at Midland’s MXT275 and MXT575, I like the clean install possibilities, but am wondering is the extra output on the 575 is really worth the extra price for a trail rig.

Has anyone seen a major real world difference between power outputs over 15w?

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[dchemphill1]

Great question. Most of the time you are on the trail you would be communicating with someone near you...so maybe not needed. On the other hand if you like shiny brand new and more power (Tim the Toolman grunt) than go for it....you can let us know how it works.

 

[Whsky]

Great question. Most of the time you are on the trail you would be communicating with someone near you...so maybe not needed. On the other hand if you like shiny brand new and more power (Tim the Toolman grunt) than go for it....you can let us know how it works.

I do like more power, the extra price tag on the other hand….

Not all of my requirements are trail riding, but there’s also coordinating with people out in the boonies (like helping other vehicles find the camp site). That being said, even those would have us all in the same valley, so I’m not sure the somewhat marginal increase in range is worth it.

 

[Jtclayton612]

I do like more power, the extra price tag on the other hand….

Not all of my requirements are trail riding, but there’s also coordinating with people out in the boonies (like helping other vehicles find the camp site). That being said, even those would have us all in the same valley, so I’m not sure the somewhat marginal increase in range is worth it.

Power increases aren’t really going to matter too much with Gmrs, getting the antennae up another 100-200ft would do way better for you than anything else since it’s line of sight. In a valley in heavy vegetation if you’re in the east even 50W will be pretty dang limited, I wouldn’t expect even another mile over a 15W radio because tree cover is so good at effecting the frequencies.

 

[GtX]

Effective distance is complicated. In general, more power is better but only if power is what is limiting. If another factor is limiting then more power does nothing. If distance is your goal pay attention to antenna type and location. Higher is better and antenna height can be cheaper than power.

 

[DaddyEngineer]

I have had the MX275 since October with a ghost antenna. I have no problem picking up and transmitting with my groups on the trail with it. Jeep Jamboree in Moab it worked great. Of course the hand-held seemed fine too. I like not worrying about batteries. So if you only use it for trail groups, like me, the 15 watt seems very sufficient. In my opinion of course.

Scott

 

[Whsky]

Power increases aren’t really going to matter too much with Gmrs, getting the antennae up another 100-200ft would do way better for you than anything else since it’s line of sight. In a valley in heavy vegetation if you’re in the east even 50W will be pretty dang limited, I wouldn’t expect even another mile over a 15W radio because tree cover is so good at effecting the frequencies.

I’m out in CO, so our valleys range from desert to heavily forested depending on which particular valley.

It is definitely sounding like that extra power is going to be pretty limited use for a Jeep application though, so I’m leaning towards saving some money and going with the 15w.

 

[Ratbert]

I’m out in CO, so our valleys range from desert to heavily forested depending on which particular valley.

It is definitely sounding like that extra power is going to be pretty limited use for a Jeep application though, so I’m leaning towards saving some money and going with the 15w.

Thanks for opening this topic. I'm in the same boat and am now thinking that the 50w option would be a waste of money.

 

[SpaceCase]

I’m out in CO, so our valleys range from desert to heavily forested depending on which particular valley.

It is definitely sounding like that extra power is going to be pretty limited use for a Jeep application though, so I’m leaning towards saving some money and going with the 15w.

I would take the savings and invest in a better antenna

 

[Jtclayton612]

I’m out in CO, so our valleys range from desert to heavily forested depending on which particular valley.

It is definitely sounding like that extra power is going to be pretty limited use for a Jeep application though, so I’m leaning towards saving some money and going with the 15w.

Antenna choice can help a lot. The 3db gain ghost antenna midland has created a more dome shaped range. The 6db midland antenna creates more of a flat disc/donut shape.

 

[Whsky]

Antenna choice can help a lot. The 3db gain ghost antenna midland has created a more dome shaped range. The 6db midland antenna creates more of a flat disc/donut shape.

I’m guessing the 6db disc is a significantly larger radius than the dome on the 3db?

 

[landshark99]

I have a 50 watt Wouxun in my jeep and a 20 watt Wouxun in my RV, they both are great but the 50 watt with a good antenna depending on location will reach out further more clearly. I use either the Midland Ghost for low brush areas and a Nagoya NL-770G-NMO High Gain Mobile GMRS Antenna (NMO) for I need more reach in open country

 

[Jtclayton612]

I’m guessing the 6db disc is a significantly larger radius than the dome on the 3db?

You’re correct

 

[DanW]

I've got a Wouxun 50 watt KG1000G and it has been excellent. But I'm removing it and going with a Midland MXT575 just because I don't use all the features of that Wouxun.

I'll post the Wouxun up for sale once I get it out of the Jeep either today or Sunday. It is like new, not a blemish on it. Less than a year old.

d

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