Handheld vs mobile vs base
| Type | Power | Antenna | Best place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld | Up to 5 W | Short, on the radio | Pocket and go bag |
| Mobile | Up to 50 W | Roof of the vehicle | Truck and family cars |
| Base | Up to 50 W | High mast or roof | Ranch house and home |
Source: FCC GMRS rules, 47 CFR Part 95
A base at the ranch
Mast antenna
30 feet or higher, clear of trees
Runs on solar
A mobile radio draws little; your Victron system can power it
Always listening
Someone at the ranch can hear arriving family
Guides the drive in
Reach the truck several miles out
Setting up the truck
- Mount a mobile radioUnder the dash or seat, with the control head in reach
- Magnet-mount antenna on the roofCentered for the best pattern
- Wire to the battery with a fuseNot a cigarette-lighter plug for 50 W
- Program the family channelsSame plan as the handhelds
Remember
One good base at the ranch turns every handheld into a long-range radio.
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Answer key
- What is the max power for a GMRS mobile radio?50 WMobile and base radios can run up to 50 W.
- Where should a mobile radio's antenna go?On the roof, centeredA centered roof antenna gives the best pattern.
- How should a 50 W mobile radio be powered?Wired to the battery with a fuseDirect, fused battery wiring handles the current safely.
- Why put a base radio at the ranch?It can listen all the time with the best antennaA high base turns every handheld into a longer-range radio.
- What can power a base radio at the ranch during an outage?The solar battery systemA mobile radio draws little power; your Victron system can run it.