Anyone using truck mounted radios insted of cell phones? I have been looking at mounting radios in all the trucks for the added benefits of gps and the like. Any opinions would be helpful. :feedbackThanks.
Radios instead of cell phones?
Ron's Asphalt
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
Joined
·
1,085 Posts
Anyone using truck mounted radios insted of cell phones? I have been looking at mounting radios in all the trucks for the added benefits of gps and the like. Any opinions would be helpful. :feedbackThanks.
Joined
·
3,374 Posts
Cell phones are cheaper.
Cell phones have better coverage
Cell phones have a GPS feature with Google... http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html
How much are are you trying to cover.. Cheapest radio is going to be GMRS and that will only cover you for about 5-10 miles...maybe.
GPS positioning with radio... $$$$
Cell phones have better coverage
Cell phones have a GPS feature with Google... http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html
How much are are you trying to cover.. Cheapest radio is going to be GMRS and that will only cover you for about 5-10 miles...maybe.
GPS positioning with radio... $$$$
Joined
·
928 Posts
We have 2 ways in every vehicle we own and our shop too. They are good for around 25 miles radio to radio. We love them but they are just low frequency, no gps or anything. The licence fee is about $30/radio/year which is great but I don't think there is any frequencies left to buy. My dad started using them back around 1973 and we've used them ever since. If I had to pay 30-$40/month/radio, I wouldn't want them though.
Joined
·
1,160 Posts
My dad always used radio, since the 50's. I used to use it but we had to stay in the same general area. Now we can go to opposite ends of the route and call at almost any time (blind spots, radio had them also.) The phones have better coverage here where mountains can play havoc with any signal. Phones take messages when you are in a dead spot, radios don't. I paid $10 for a tracfone with voice dial (very handy). $100 for a year and a bunch of minutes. Pretty cheap!
Joined
·
747 Posts
I have both, and for general conversation, the radios are preferred. For details, addresses, people's names, etc, we call on the cells. Luckily, our radio coverage will reach the whole route and the shop too. My lovely bride just remains to be convinced to put a two-way in the Montana to make our system complete ......
Our radio system basically paid for itself about 7 years ago. A potential customer called, we said we'd have a truck there in 2 minutes, and we did and we scored the account, and we retain that one today. We had code names for many things, and this particular account happened to be two entrances up from the "Goofy Newfy" - no need even for a cell call.
Our radio system basically paid for itself about 7 years ago. A potential customer called, we said we'd have a truck there in 2 minutes, and we did and we scored the account, and we retain that one today. We had code names for many things, and this particular account happened to be two entrances up from the "Goofy Newfy" - no need even for a cell call.
Joined
·
1,085 Posts
I assume I will need to have both. However, we do generally work in a limited area, and I would think the radios (35 watt) may indeed work better for some things. The availability of GPS tracking the truck may be very usefull. However, most newer phones have that capability too. I just worry about employees talking in the off time (drive time) running up the minutes. I burn about 750-1000 in a month myself with mostly business calls. I can only imagine what could happen with more guys. Thanks for the input.
Joined
·
8,604 Posts
Ron, we have 2-ways as backup to cell phones, and for the first time in quite a few years, we used them more than the phones. Of course, during our heaviest storm, there was some electrical\magnetic interference that limited their use, for what I pay for air time, it is cheap backup.
My dad used CB's before 2-ways became affordable, but that was also in the day that AM radio was the only thing on the air too.
If you do go with a system, try to find one with a repeater setup, as I think I can get close to 100 mile range if the trucks happened to be on the far end of the spectrum.
I don't own the frequencies, just rent them. Also go with a trunked system, so you don't have to wait for another user to finish their hour long conversation.
My dad used CB's before 2-ways became affordable, but that was also in the day that AM radio was the only thing on the air too.
If you do go with a system, try to find one with a repeater setup, as I think I can get close to 100 mile range if the trucks happened to be on the far end of the spectrum.
I don't own the frequencies, just rent them. Also go with a trunked system, so you don't have to wait for another user to finish their hour long conversation.
We have 2-way radios in our trucks and loaders. Most of the guys have their personal cell phones with them too. I prefer communicating on the two-way radio just because for me it's alot more convenient. I don't have to scroll down a list of names on the nextel and hold it close to my ear to hear it over the loader. I tell the guys only to nextel me if you can't get ahold of me on the 2-way radio. We just pull out the 2-ways when we sell a truck and install it in the new truck. Haven't bought a new one in years.
Joined
·
1,650 Posts
We have been running two-ways ever since I bought a second truck way back in the day. We have our own frequency and don't have to rely on another Co. and their repeater and add more $ to the cost. To me and my operation they are invaluable. We have them in all of the trucks, both backhoes and even one in the SkidSteer that gets used all storm long.
We use the 2-ways for the majority of our communications during storms. We all still have and use the cells but the 2-way is so much easier seeing the majority of the conversations are usually only brief 15- 30 second exchanges. The thing I like about the two ways is that I can address all 12 drivers at the same time. They all hear the same thing not different or abbreviated versions and it helps everybody stay on the same page and helps everyone know what everyone else is up to.
We use the 2-ways for the majority of our communications during storms. We all still have and use the cells but the 2-way is so much easier seeing the majority of the conversations are usually only brief 15- 30 second exchanges. The thing I like about the two ways is that I can address all 12 drivers at the same time. They all hear the same thing not different or abbreviated versions and it helps everybody stay on the same page and helps everyone know what everyone else is up to.
Joined
·
5,479 Posts
I have my own frequency, have had it for 10 years or so. All my trucks had radios anyway due to me being on the FD. so it just made sense to get my own channel.
My father, brother and sister have my freq in their fd portable radios as well, so it's handy for chit chat. During a storm if a buddy comes to help me we can chat on the radios, as only about 70% of my route is cell phone accessible. The radios are nice for regular communications amongst several people. Beats holding on to a cell and trying to drive and handle a plow control.
Make sure you use a reputable radio shop, they will set you up right and use decent equipment. There's some cheap stuff out there, the good stuff will last for years, the cheap stuff will make nice wheel chocks after a year or two.
My father, brother and sister have my freq in their fd portable radios as well, so it's handy for chit chat. During a storm if a buddy comes to help me we can chat on the radios, as only about 70% of my route is cell phone accessible. The radios are nice for regular communications amongst several people. Beats holding on to a cell and trying to drive and handle a plow control.
Make sure you use a reputable radio shop, they will set you up right and use decent equipment. There's some cheap stuff out there, the good stuff will last for years, the cheap stuff will make nice wheel chocks after a year or two.
Joined
·
1,085 Posts
Thanks again for the input guys. The service I am looking at does have a monthly charge. It covers the entire Chicagoland area, including areas we have not expanded into yet. With a three year contract, the equipment is included and is mine at the end. We run a different number of trucks depending on the season. We can add/remove radios at no additional cost other than the monthly (no added fees, ect). I am planing on runing two service trucks and one full time estimateing vehicle. With me, this makes four. In the winter, next year I am planing on running three to five plow truck ; I run three currently. I and my employees all have personal cell phones already, but asking them to use their minutes for my business doesn't seem right. Having radios in the trucks solves this problem.
The cost works like this: $40 a month each radio. This includes gps, unlimited air time, ect.
The phones can be added to my program for $10 a month. The added minutes for each we would need would be an additional $10. GPS is around $10. Taxes are $10.===$40 month per additional phone.
Radios attached to the truck can not be left at job sites, dropped in the sealer tank, dropped in the water tank, run over by truck, trailer, roller, left at home, dropped an stepped on, ect.
It sounds like those of you actually running them are happy with them.
The cost works like this: $40 a month each radio. This includes gps, unlimited air time, ect.
The phones can be added to my program for $10 a month. The added minutes for each we would need would be an additional $10. GPS is around $10. Taxes are $10.===$40 month per additional phone.
Radios attached to the truck can not be left at job sites, dropped in the sealer tank, dropped in the water tank, run over by truck, trailer, roller, left at home, dropped an stepped on, ect.
It sounds like those of you actually running them are happy with them.
Joined
·
3,374 Posts
Nope "we" are only running 39,000 radios, 187 radio sites:winkIt sounds like those of you actually running them are happy with them.
Joined
·
1,650 Posts
Thanks again for the input guys. The service I am looking at does have a monthly charge. It covers the entire Chicagoland area, including areas we have not expanded into yet. With a three year contract, the equipment is included and is mine at the end. We run a different number of trucks depending on the season. We can add/remove radios at no additional cost other than the monthly (no added fees, ect). I am planing on runing two service trucks and one full time estimateing vehicle. With me, this makes four. In the winter, next year I am planing on running three to five plow truck ; I run three currently. I and my employees all have personal cell phones already, but asking them to use their minutes for my business doesn't seem right. Having radios in the trucks solves this problem.
The cost works like this: $40 a month each radio. This includes gps, unlimited air time, ect.
The phones can be added to my program for $10 a month. The added minutes for each we would need would be an additional $10. GPS is around $10. Taxes are $10.===$40 month per additional phone.
Radios attached to the truck can not be left at job sites, dropped in the sealer tank, dropped in the water tank, run over by truck, trailer, roller, left at home, dropped an stepped on, ect.
It sounds like those of you actually running them are happy with them.
You should really look into getting your own. We just buy them and have them installed. The last one I got was a Kenwood multi channel and if I recall correctly it was about $400 plus the cost of install. The guy we used got me set up with the FCC and everything. It was more than 17 years ago but I belive the initial application was about $125. and we pay virtually nothing after that as I recall.
Joined
·
928 Posts
We pay about $400 for ours also, but we do all the installs ourselves and as far as licensing we only have 4 radio's, not 24.
Joined
·
1,085 Posts
Any recomendations on suppliers for these? I admittedly have not looked around yet, but if someone has had a good experience with a regeonal or national supplier, I would start there. The advantage of a service would be the repeater system, along with the gps. Those of you using radios without a repeater, what range do you have?
Joined
·
1,085 Posts
Have located a dealer 6 miles from the house. Will stop by soon. Any recomendations on what models to look at? Truck mount and hand held. Thanks again.
Joined
·
5,479 Posts
I've spent 20+ years in the fire service. A good quality Motorola is hard to beat. When I was chief we threw out a bunch of different handhelds in favor of Motorola. Since then some new brands have crept into our fleet. Some of the new ones are now being trashed and the old Moto's are fought over.
Every brand has their cheap models and top of the line models. Don't skimp on handhelds. They take a beating. The first time you need one in the rain you'll find out why they make military spec handhelds. They may cost more, but they will last for years. Dust, dirt and moisture is bad for any electronics. W/o mil spec you might as well not bother.
As for mobiles for equipment, I like Motorolas, but even a cheapo Realm I had was a good radio. If it's undecover and treated decent most any radio will work if it has the features you want.
Every brand has their cheap models and top of the line models. Don't skimp on handhelds. They take a beating. The first time you need one in the rain you'll find out why they make military spec handhelds. They may cost more, but they will last for years. Dust, dirt and moisture is bad for any electronics. W/o mil spec you might as well not bother.
As for mobiles for equipment, I like Motorolas, but even a cheapo Realm I had was a good radio. If it's undecover and treated decent most any radio will work if it has the features you want.
Joined
·
3,374 Posts
Mobile Kenwood is fine...
Handheld... Motorola
The GPS throws a wrench in all this, only certain radios are capable of haveing accessories added like that.. usually the more expensive ones.
Hard to say which model because we don't know what type of trunking system you are going to be on.
Your vendor for your monthly usage may require you to buy the radios from them... And program them.
A non trunking Kenwood can be had for 300-450 dollars.
The Kenwood is made better than a cheaper motorola.
Icom scan feature is a PIA... I would avoid an Icom just for that reason.
I have not used a Yaesu mobile.... so no comments.
If you are going to get handhelds, I would really look for a used high tier motorola. Buy new batteries and you won't regret it. For a simple radio an MT2000 or HT1000 is the best you can buy... For something a bit cheaper a HT750 or HT1250. There are places that sell reconditioned radios.. These radios are public safety grade.
Motorola has cheap to really expensive new... Cheap is cheap.
Icom/Kenwood has handhelds. I wouldn't buy an Icom they are fragile. Kenwood makes two different portables that I would recommend. A TK280 or TK290. Both radios are good. The 290 is a better radio, but the LCD display is on the top. It tends to suffer water damage in rain or fire service (think of radio that sits in a top pocket on bunker gear)...
You would be hard pressed to find your VHF frequency today... Probably not doable. The license is cheap.... it just finding one available. You only license the freq... doesn't matter how many radios you have...
BTW you will probably have to pay someone to program a motorola. The cables to do it are about $200 and the software about the same... To properly license the software you need to sign an 11 page document and commit your testicles cause they won't take your first born.
Handheld... Motorola
The GPS throws a wrench in all this, only certain radios are capable of haveing accessories added like that.. usually the more expensive ones.
Hard to say which model because we don't know what type of trunking system you are going to be on.
Your vendor for your monthly usage may require you to buy the radios from them... And program them.
A non trunking Kenwood can be had for 300-450 dollars.
The Kenwood is made better than a cheaper motorola.
Icom scan feature is a PIA... I would avoid an Icom just for that reason.
I have not used a Yaesu mobile.... so no comments.
If you are going to get handhelds, I would really look for a used high tier motorola. Buy new batteries and you won't regret it. For a simple radio an MT2000 or HT1000 is the best you can buy... For something a bit cheaper a HT750 or HT1250. There are places that sell reconditioned radios.. These radios are public safety grade.
Motorola has cheap to really expensive new... Cheap is cheap.
Icom/Kenwood has handhelds. I wouldn't buy an Icom they are fragile. Kenwood makes two different portables that I would recommend. A TK280 or TK290. Both radios are good. The 290 is a better radio, but the LCD display is on the top. It tends to suffer water damage in rain or fire service (think of radio that sits in a top pocket on bunker gear)...
You would be hard pressed to find your VHF frequency today... Probably not doable. The license is cheap.... it just finding one available. You only license the freq... doesn't matter how many radios you have...
BTW you will probably have to pay someone to program a motorola. The cables to do it are about $200 and the software about the same... To properly license the software you need to sign an 11 page document and commit your testicles cause they won't take your first born.
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
