Remote Base Station using Midland MXT-550

[studnick]

I have a MXT-550 radio and I am a member of a k9 search and rescue team and we use GMRS radios (yes we have licenses) for training for about 4 hours. I am looking at my best, easiest and cheapest option to use my radio out of my car at a remote base location. I am guessing I need a power source, antenna, and connections for up to 4 hours. Remember we are sometime setting up in very remote locations. I appreciate any input.

Edited May 28, 2022 by studnick
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[kidphc]

I would say the Wouxun KG-1000G is a better option and cheaper. It is the sister of the Wouxun KG-UV980P (which is the ham 2m/70cm version. The UV980P can be unlocked, haven't found the files for it. The KG-1000g no one has seamed to unlock it yet. Hell the 2x Wouxun KG-1000G can be configured as a makeshift repeater using 2 antennas (you would need to space them appropriately), the PC cable. One is set to receive and the other to transmit. 

 

Personally, I would research ammo can SHFT ham or ammo cam SHFT gmrs radios. These guys have setup systems that use lipo, solar or generator power to quick deploy. Kinda like this for a quick $$$ commercial unit https://shack-in-a-box.com/. Better yet make your own.

As far as antennas quick slim jims and jpoles come to mind, like Ed Fongs antennas. You could use a slingshot with mono filament (fishing pole) to quick deploy the antenna up trees. Crap even tethered helium balloons could hold up the antennas. On flat terrain a pushup pole with tripod could elevate the antennas.

https://youtu.be/xRmLJUzOPRg

[studnick]

Thanks. I already have the midland so trying to make the most of it. We deploy with professional equipment. This is just for our weekly training. 

[OffRoaderX]

You could use something like a Jackery Portable Power station - I have the Jackery 1000 and it lasts for hours even when transmitting a lot.  If the radio isn't going to be doing a lot of transmitting you could also use something like a NOCO GBX155 which is MUCH smaller and lighter, but wont provide power for quite as long.  Also be sure that if you plan on using the radio on high-power that whatever power source you use can provide enough electricities. I would recommend putting the radio on LOW power as HIGH power will suck your power source dry much faster and it likely will not make that much of a difference in how many FARS the radio can transmit assuming you have a good antenna location and dont need to punch through miles of forest or anything like that.

For the antenna you could use any mag-mount antenna stuck to a pie-pan or something larger like a Tram 1486 on a fence-pole or something...

The only connections you'll need is some coax from the radio to the antenna, and the appropriate power connections..

 

[SteveShannon]

52 minutes ago, studnick said:

Thanks. I already have the midland so trying to make the most of it. We deploy with professional equipment. This is just for our weekly training. 

Maybe I’m misunderstanding your phrasing.  When I hear “We deploy with professional equipment. This is just for our weekly training” it makes me think that you’re training differently than you expect to actually deploy.  Why wouldn’t you train with the exact same equipment you would deploy with? Or am I misunderstanding?

[gortex2]

 

3 hours ago, studnick said:

Thanks. I already have the midland so trying to make the most of it. We deploy with professional equipment. This is just for our weekly training. 

As said a Jackery is a quick way. I run the 300 on my 275 while at camp. It's on the entire weekend. A 1/4 wave VHF mag mount on the roof of the car or a pizza pan would work well. 

As mentioned above I'd train with your VHF gear but know some SAR folks line the simplicity of GMRS for training.