Top Down Doors Off COMMS

[Nordekai]

Ok, so I'm planning ahead. Haven't even gotten the Jeep yet, but the family is stoked. I drove a TJ fresh out of high school when they first came out, so I know what it sounds like and how hard you have to yell at 70 mph on the way to the trails. We'll be doing a good 90 minute drive.

... so I had an idea, not sure if anyone has done this or if it'd even be worth doing. It's myself, my wife, and my 12 year old autistic son (very functional, but spectrum). I want him to have the ability to talk to me while I'm driving to the trail, doors off and top down. How feasible would it be to get a 4 pack of cheap FRS radios with headsets for internal comms as far as hearing each other? Not looking to spend a ton on them, and we're only talking feet apart so signal strength isn't a priority. Was thinking FRS because they're cheap, and run on GMRS frequencies so could double as comms with spotters. MAYBE looking to spend like $200 - $300 on the total setup.

Sponsored

 

[Joe's_Roxy]

Ok, so I'm planning ahead. Haven't even gotten the Jeep yet, but the family is stoked. I drove a TJ fresh out of high school when they first came out, so I know what it sounds like and how hard you have to yell at 70 mph on the way to the trails. We'll be doing a good 90 minute drive.

... so I had an idea, not sure if anyone has done this or if it'd even be worth doing. It's myself, my wife, and my 12 year old autistic son (very functional, but spectrum). I want him to have the ability to talk to me while I'm driving to the trail, doors off and top down. How feasible would it be to get a 4 pack of cheap FRS radios with headsets for internal comms as far as hearing each other? Not looking to spend a ton on them, and we're only talking feet apart so signal strength isn't a priority. Was thinking FRS because they're cheap, and run on GMRS frequencies so could double as comms with spotters. MAYBE looking to spend like $200 - $300 on the total setup.

That would work well enough. You could also look into bluetooth headsets that can be linked together. Sorry, I don't have any experience with one to recommend. One word of caution, some states do not allow headphones to be used while driving so be sure to check your local requiremetns.

 

[flick2614]

Only real solution with that much wind noise is a set of heavy duty headsets like side by sides use. Might be able to find some cheaper or used in your budget:

https://www.ruggedradios.com/produc...MItZH5_YeEkQMVfSRECB0VfQwxEAQYASABEgKiO_D_BwE

 

[Ratbert]

Make sure you look at the price difference between FRS and GMRS. You don't want to be the one person in the group that can't communicate due to not being able to use the more powerful / longer range channel they're on.

 

[Nordekai]

Make sure you look at the price difference between FRS and GMRS. You don't want to be the one person in the group that can't communicate due to not being able to use the more powerful / longer range channel they're on.

Oh absolutely. I’m also looking into a full 50 watt GMRS radio to be hard wired in for group comms, maybe even a CB as well if my group is using that. Thinking about throwing HAM in there as well, but I know exactly how expensive that gets. This is more for just people in the Jeep.

 

[Ratbert]

Oh absolutely. I’m also looking into a full 50 watt GMRS radio to be hard wired in for group comms, maybe even a CB as well if my group is using that. Thinking about throwing HAM in there as well, but I know exactly how expensive that gets. This is more for just people in the Jeep.

When you go that route initially focus on GMRS over CB and HAM. CB is extremely rare in my experience and I've never wheeled with anyone that expected others to have HAM.

 

[Nordekai]

Yup yup. Tis the ‘tism, m’lord. I want switches. All the switches. Planning on an overhead tism board with switches that don’t do anything lol

 

[roaniecowpony]

Ok, so I'm planning ahead. Haven't even gotten the Jeep yet, but the family is stoked. I drove a TJ fresh out of high school when they first came out, so I know what it sounds like and how hard you have to yell at 70 mph on the way to the trails. We'll be doing a good 90 minute drive.

... so I had an idea, not sure if anyone has done this or if it'd even be worth doing. It's myself, my wife, and my 12 year old autistic son (very functional, but spectrum). I want him to have the ability to talk to me while I'm driving to the trail, doors off and top down. How feasible would it be to get a 4 pack of cheap FRS radios with headsets for internal comms as far as hearing each other? Not looking to spend a ton on them, and we're only talking feet apart so signal strength isn't a priority. Was thinking FRS because they're cheap, and run on GMRS frequencies so could double as comms with spotters. MAYBE looking to spend like $200 - $300 on the total setup.

My wife heard me talking with my friend about the issue of spotting and communicating and bought me a set of these Ultralite headsets. Eartec Wireless Headset Communication - Simple Sound Solutions!

They work out to pretty long distances when spotting. So, in vehicle is no problem at all. They are "full duplex" which seems to mean that the mics and speakers work 100% of the time regardless if you both talk over each other. Basically, open mic all the time. Very clear. Last all day long, rechargeable. I highly recommend them.

So, I went back and see that you want them for on-road speeds as well. I'd call EarTec and give them your needs. I expect they'll suggest their industrial dual muff sets. Nevertheless, if it's not this company's headsets that work for you, the technology you want is "full duplex".

 

[Twisted10]

Only real solution with that much wind noise is a set of heavy duty headsets like side by sides use. Might be able to find some cheaper or used in your budget:

https://www.ruggedradios.com/produc...MItZH5_YeEkQMVfSRECB0VfQwxEAQYASABEgKiO_D_BwE

we have these for our SxS and they are amazing. No more yelling at each other and we can listen to music.

 

[flick2614]

we have these for our SxS and they are amazing. No more yelling at each other and we can listen to music.

I need those for around the house too. They come with a mute button right?

 

[Twisted10]

I need those for around the house too. They come with a mute button right?

i just tell mine my hearing is going

 

[Mark75H]

Oh absolutely. I’m also looking into a full 50 watt GMRS radio to be hard wired in for group comms, maybe even a CB as well if my group is using that. Thinking about throwing HAM in there as well, but I know exactly how expensive that gets. This is more for just people in the Jeep.

Ham equipment starts at the same price as GMRS. The price of ham equipment isn't the problem, the problem is resisting the urge to buy more ham equipment.

 

[techdisaster]

I can't recommend this package enough:
https://a.co/d/4NlkzlE
Pre-programmed for all popular GMRS channels, 8 watt radios, USB-C charging, very good batteries, and come with headsets.

 

[Willys41]

I have these and they work great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGL9RDNM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[Eyeball]

…70 mph on the way to the trails. We'll be doing a good 90 minute drive.

RIP the kids in the back, it will not be a remotely pleasant drive. But hey, the are kids and kids are resilient.

Sponsored