Are these operational lights or reflectors?
Last edited:
Builds 2002 HZJ76 Build
- Thread starter Rigster
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #382
Uh oh Charles... I will try to be gentle as I answer this, but you had asked this of me already earlier on in my build thread. While that was at least 2 years ago, they are STILL just reflectors.
I suppose it would not be all that difficult to make them lights as well, but ever since owning my 40 series land cruisers, I have not been a huge fan of bumper lights because they are prone to problems with all the junk and abuse they take from the road grime kicked up from the tires.
I think visibility is still sufficient as the spare is not blocking the lights in any way on the right side.
My bad, but bear in mind that I struggle to remember what I had for breakfast this morning.Uh oh Charles... I will try to be gentle as I answer this, but you had asked this of me already earlier on in my build thread. While that was at least 2 years ago, they are STILL just reflectors.
I suppose it would not be all that difficult to make them lights as well, but ever since owning my 40 series land cruisers, I have not been a huge fan of bumper lights because they are prone to problems with all the junk and abuse they take from the road grime kicked up from the tires.
I think visibility is still sufficient as the spare is not blocking the lights in any way on the right side.
I‘ll try to not ask the same question 2 years from now.
Bumper lights with working turn signals, brake lights, and back up lights are nice to have in my opinion. It also brings more awareness to those behind you so you don't get rear ended but of course nothing will 100% prevent a rear end collision these days.
- Thread starter
- #385
More light, better visibility is always better of course. Not arguing that at all... I agree with you 110%. I was simply stating I do not prefer the lights in the bumper because of the pointed out issues.
Ironically, the only time I was rear ended was in my 1981 BJ42 with the lights down in the bumper. I had to stop and wait for traffic on the highway, not uncommon down in Vancouver. I did not stop suddenly, and was actually stopped for over a minute waiting on traffic ahead of me to start moving again. Totally saw it coming in my side mirror, braced for it... 2 fellows in a Honda accord rammed me from behind, then they were hit by a Toyota camry behind them. Officer on scene figured they hit me around 80km/hr (50MPH) based on the skid marks.
Both cars were totaled, 2 of 3 people taken to hospital. I continued on my way to work. Though I did need to replace the lenses on the bumper lights. It generally strikes me odd when people say the older land cruisers are not safe because they lack air bags and ABS and all that kompewtery stuff.
So I guess that makes tanks unsafe as well.
- Thread starter
- #386
Decided to finally put my 2-way radio antenna on the cruiser, but this time I am not installing my Kenwood radio.
This time I am just going to use a portable in the cruiser, but use the external antenna when traveling.
This time I am just going to use a portable in the cruiser, but use the external antenna when traveling.
- Thread starter
- #388
This setup is portable as I have set it up. I have a couple of those radios, and this makes the most sense for me... no need for a big clunky radio in the cruiser when I can get away with the portable and a quick connect for the external antenna.
These radios are 2-way - for use with SAR. So they are not CB, or GMRS. Though you could certainly do something similar with those.
To be clear, they’re not HAM either?
- Thread starter
- #390
To be extra clear, they are setup to use the higher frequency commercial channels, so they ARE considered HAM radios, requiring an amateur radio license to use, OR be part of a group like SAR that utilizes these.
While the range is superior with these frequencies and radios, a good GMRS radio with an external antenna will be far more cost effective, and obtainable by all members of a group heading out together, without the need to go get the license required to run the 2 way (HAM) radios. Or just use the old school CB radios. It really depends what your local group uses the most of. Whatever you and your group(s) decide on, good communication is key to smooth running expeditions.
Nice explanation I would like to get for myself something like you mentioned GMRS that can be walkie and "CB" at the same time since I have not made an expedition in whileTo be extra clear, they are setup to use the higher frequency commercial channels, so they ARE considered HAM radios, requiring an amateur radio license to use, OR be part of a group like SAR that utilizes these.
While the range is superior with these frequencies and radios, a good GMRS radio with an external antenna will be far more cost effective, and obtainable by all members of a group heading out together, without the need to go get the license required to run the 2 way (HAM) radios. Or just use the old school CB radios. It really depends what your local group uses the most of. Whatever you and your group(s) decide on, good communication is key to smooth running expeditions.
I run HAM and GMRS in my Land Cruisers but find that GMRS is more popular for the same reasons you mentioned above. I remember as a kid my dad turning on his HAM equipment, which took up a large portion of a wall in our basement, and having to wait on the tubes to warm up. He only communicated via Morse Code. Today that same equipment would fit in a shoebox and virtually no one is fluent at Morse Code.To be extra clear, they are setup to use the higher frequency commercial channels, so they ARE considered HAM radios, requiring an amateur radio license to use, OR be part of a group like SAR that utilizes these.
While the range is superior with these frequencies and radios, a good GMRS radio with an external antenna will be far more cost effective, and obtainable by all members of a group heading out together, without the need to go get the license required to run the 2 way (HAM) radios. Or just use the old school CB radios. It really depends what your local group uses the most of. Whatever you and your group(s) decide on, good communication is key to smooth running expeditions.
- Thread starter
- #393
For sure, communications are a must have for more than one vehicle heading out. It stops those annoying "pow-wows" on the trail that can be very time consuming, and generally require repeating the same information several times over.Nice explanation I would like to get for myself something like you mentioned GMRS that can be walkie and "CB" at the same time since I have not made an expedition in while
The first step is to set a standard... what technology to use, then go from there. I chose a relatively inexpensive product (I have an icom portable that is around $6-$700 and the one in the picture is a product from China that I got for under $100 and is water-proof as well.)
The 2-way commercial radios also require programming, so this is another reason to go with CB or GMRS if this is not something you want to deal with. If you go with a portable option, get the tough one that is waterproof as well.
- Thread starter
- #394
Haha, yes the old tube radios!I run HAM and GMRS in my Land Cruisers but find that GMRS is more popular for the same reasons you mentioned above. I remember as a kid my dad turning on his HAM equipment, which took up a large portion of a wall in our basement, and having to wait on the tubes to warm up. He only communicated via Morse Code. Today that same equipment would fit in a shoebox and virtually no one is fluent at Morse Code.
All it takes is one fellow that does not have the HAM license, then everyone needs to bump to GMRS so everyone can communicate, so it does make sense to just go this route, and it is very cost effective. And if you take the trouble to install an exterior antenna, then the range and clarity are greatly improved. A win-win.
- Thread starter
- #396
Sure, and again, it really depends on the people you will/may travel with. Don't worry, I have spare radios I lend to friends that head out with me, so I have you covered when you come and visit... lol.
Sure, and again, it really depends on the people you will/may travel with. Don't worry, I have spare radios I lend to friends that head out with me, so I have you covered when you come and visit... lol.
Those Baofang's can be had for less than the going rate for a dozen eggs lately.....
JDM Journeys
Moderator
GMRS FTW in the US but not Canada. Not yet.
- Thread starter
- #400
I am not sure what you are referring to Phil, but I have a couple of gmrs radios I let the kids play with, and have had them for some time now.
