SAS SAS #10 Official Page 8/03/26-8/07/26

[RevISK]

If you’re a HAM (I am) and you’re really into it (I’m not) you might find the simplistic controls all on the mic, well, to simple, not enough functionality or something. Not radio enough.
I just wanted something to turn on and work and this fits the bill for me.

Not HAM.
Just want a reliable and simple form of a communication device.
The BaoFang handhelds I’ve got are expandable to a degree and I’ll probably go that route honestly for the time being. I think the key is a better/bigger antenna for more range within whatever power these are.

But if this unit comes up for a great deal I’ll probably snatch it up regardless.
It’s $200 currently on scAmazon.

 

[JohnnyFish]

You can also just disconnect the driveshaft at the diff end and zip tie it up to the frame. Saves putting a dirty driveshaft in the passenger compartment and makes reassembly easier. It’s a good approach to try out in case you need to do this on the trail at some point too.

I was reminded last Sunday on arriving home from Lone Star Roundup that if your drive shaft is zip tied to the frame and you try to move your 40 into your driveway using front-wheel-drive, your driveshaft is likely to yeet itself onto the pavement. I had looked at the loop and imagined the shaft just spinning inside it. It didn't.

 

[Ditcherman]

Not HAM.
Just want a reliable and simple form of a communication device.
The BaoFang handhelds I’ve got are expandable to a degree and I’ll probably go that route honestly for the time being. I think the key is a better/bigger antenna for more range within whatever power these are.

But if this unit comes up for a great deal I’ll probably snatch it up regardless.
It’s $200 currently on scAmazon.

Sorry, didn’t meant to indicate this was a ham or you needed a ham, just that someone who is really into radios make think this is too simple.

Last year on the trail we could tell who had baofengs vs a stronger radio/antenna, many times the baofengs were harder to hear and understand.
Not that they don’t have the power, they just need the antenna outside IMO. Just like you said. A quick google search showed car antenna adapters from $6 to $105.

 

[Mesa Woman]

I just want one of those fancy mic holders that spring back up to the roof…

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT5OL6?tag=ihco-20

And a speaker that works, I bought one for like $20 and it never worked with my midland 275.

I have a hard time hearing a handhelds and wonder now if ppl have a hard time hearing me when I’m using my handheld.

Can we get antenna for the handhelds that go outside the rig?

Oh the things we NEED!! Lol

 

[RevISK]

Can we get antenna for the handhelds that go outside the rig?

I have one from another set up that does extend to a magnetic base antenna. Only kind of played with it so far.
Last year in our goodie bag we had clips that went on the seat belt to hold mics from gamiviti (I think?) In my 40 I have a magnetic tool holder that I clip my walkie to on the B pillar under the light. I can hear well and respond without removing it.

I am out of town but when I get back I'll share with pics...

 

[Ditcherman]

I just want one of those fancy mic holders that spring back up to the roof…

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JT5OL6?tag=ihco-20

And a speaker that works, I bought one for like $20 and it never worked with my midland 275.

I have a hard time hearing a handhelds and wonder now if ppl have a hard time hearing me when I’m using my handheld.

Can we get antenna for the handhelds that go outside the rig?

Oh the things we NEED!! Lol

Here’s your search;

Google Search

Lots of choices, choices go down and $ goes up if you have a fiberglass roof and don’t want to use a mag mount.

ETA Also we have those mic holders in all of our big trucks and they really are great. I don’t have one on the 40 because the radio is under the seat so there’d be a cord from top to bottom right in my way. Lots more room in a big truck.

 

[CruiserTrash]

@cruiserdan any of those Midland units in the $150-200 range get the job done very well. That’s the no-thinking-required easy button.

I run the MXT115 and it’s been great. Lots of people like the 275, those are great too. Both come in various packages with different accessories. All you really need is the in-dash unit itself, a cable, and a magnetic antenna to slap on the outside of the vehicle somewhere.

 

[Skniper]

Almost pulled the trigger on a Midland GMRS a few years ago, definitely going to grab one now. @CruiserTrash looks like the main difference bt the 115 and 275 is the 275 has all controls on the mic/handpiece and the 115 is controlled from the box itself, same $ on the Midland site. Any pros/cons to either controls?
I need to convince some guys on our W.Tx deer camp to radio up, way too hard to rely on cell signals there.

 

[Ditcherman]

Almost pulled the trigger on a Midland GMRS a few years ago, definitely going to grab one now. @CruiserTrash looks like the main difference bt the 115 and 275 is the 275 has all controls on the mic/handpiece and the 115 is controlled from the box itself, same $ on the Midland site. Any pros/cons to either controls?
I need to convince some guys on our W.Tx deer camp to radio up, way too hard to rely on cell signals there.

I was worried about the quality of the buttons and the mic, but wanted to avoid dash mount and took the risk. I like it. More than the cb of the same style in my tundra, it seems more robust.

 

[The Machinist]

Whatever radio you end up going with, having an antenna that sticks up above your roof line is the key to consistently clear signals. Over the years at SAS it was always noticeable when someone had a short antenna. Signal strength generally degrades when it has to pass through a vehicle cab and when on a trail run the shorter antennas that are mounted on a fender or rear bumper are constantly getting blocked then unblocked as you drive. "Line-of-sight" between transmitting and receiving antennas is probably more important than the actual radio unit you are using.

 

[Broski]

I use a fender mounted antenna with great success
Never noticed any issues I do have a high-powered mounted radio

 

[RevISK]

Ultimately, finding a clear channel can be quite the challenge regardless of your equipment.

 

[Trigger6]

Almost pulled the trigger on a Midland GMRS a few years ago, definitely going to grab one now. @CruiserTrash looks like the main difference bt the 115 and 275 is the 275 has all controls on the mic/handpiece and the 115 is controlled from the box itself, same $ on the Midland site. Any pros/cons to either controls?
I need to convince some guys on our W.Tx deer camp to radio up, way too hard to rely on cell signals there.

As @Ditcherman said.. I think it comes down to whether you prefer a dash mount or remote mount. I preferred to mount it in my center console and havent had any issues with that.

I use the “portable” magnetic” antenna. It has worked well at SAS where the trail groups tend to stay in fairly close proximity.

I dont currently use an auxilary speaker, but could see how that could make hearing better…. especially as loud as my 40 can be inside the cab. But not sure where I would mount it without it adding to the “clutter”.

 

[CruiserTrash]

Almost pulled the trigger on a Midland GMRS a few years ago, definitely going to grab one now. @CruiserTrash looks like the main difference bt the 115 and 275 is the 275 has all controls on the mic/handpiece and the 115 is controlled from the box itself, same $ on the Midland site. Any pros/cons to either controls?
I need to convince some guys on our W.Tx deer camp to radio up, way too hard to rely on cell signals there.

That’s my understanding. I figured I’d mash the buttons of the 275 mic while wheeling and accidentally change the channel or whatever, so I went with the 115. Controls on the dash, and the mic only has the push to talk button. Comes down to preference.

FYI, pro tip for 60 owners: the “vintage” looking speaker in some of the kits fits directly below the speaker grille on the dash. There’s a piece of HVAC ducting under there, you gotta get the speaker on top of it and then you can zip tie it in place.

 

[kody472]

That’s my understanding. I figured I’d mash the buttons of the 275 mic while wheeling and accidentally change the channel or whatever, so I went with the 115. Controls on the dash, and the mic only has the push to talk button. Comes down to preference.

FYI, pro tip for 60 owners: the “vintage” looking speaker in some of the kits fits directly below the speaker grille on the dash. There’s a piece of HVAC ducting under there, you gotta get the speaker on top of it and then you can zip tie it in place.

My Midland lets you lock the buttons so that doesn’t happen.

 

[sogncab]

Still tying to figure out how to bring both rigs...

Clustertruck FTW.

 

[mtn biker]

Your dad is right Dan, if you leave the drivetrain intact. You'll need to be sure the front hubs are free/unlocked, and you'll disconnect the drive shaft from the rear axle, pull it off the transmission, and hurl it onto the driver's side floorboard. Don't lose the bolts.
This has something to do with lubricant circulation within the transfer case. If the engine isn't turning the tcase, bearings run dry and eventually sieze up. Someone will explain it better I'm sure.

Well the flat tow trailer debate has been solved and there is definitely one better choice than the other. The best choice being trailer it. I was doing a relic run today that I had planned before I knew that I was going to SAS and on the drive I kept a constant eye on the the temperature, and oil pressure everything was good until it wasn't. I lost power then I had a loud rattle. Kinda like those videos of the mechanic pranking his friend by hitting wrenches together. Luckily my son was on the run with us so he came back to get me and my daughter and I left poor Uma on the side of the road. We continued the run because I was the one who planned it. After we got home I grabbed my wife's highlander and flat towed it home. My confidence was way up there flat towing it UNTIL it started to fish tail all over the place. So I continued at a cautious pace the rest of the way home. It was 99 degrees today and I had the A/C going and at one point I was hot and cold at the same time because I was so nervous.

 

[muttsinapig]

Well the flat tow trailer debate has been solved and there is definitely one better choice than the other. The best choice being trailer it. I was doing a relic run today that I had planned before I knew that I was going to SAS and on the drive I kept a constant eye on the the temperature, and oil pressure everything was good until it wasn't. I lost power then I had a loud rattle. Kinda like those videos of the mechanic pranking his friend by hitting wrenches together. Luckily my son was on the run with us so he came back to get me and my daughter and I left poor Uma on the side of the road. We continued the run because I was the one who planned it. After we got home I grabbed my wife's highlander and flat towed it home. My confidence was way up there flat towing it UNTIL it started to fish tail all over the place. So I continued at a cautious pace the rest of the way home. It was 99 degrees today and I had the A/C going and at one point I was hot and cold at the same time because I

Well the flat tow trailer debate has been solved and there is definitely one better choice than the other. The best choice being trailer it. I was doing a relic run today that I had planned before I knew that I was going to SAS and on the drive I kept a constant eye on the the temperature, and oil pressure everything was good until it wasn't. I lost power then I had a loud rattle. Kinda like those videos of the mechanic pranking his friend by hitting wrenches together. Luckily my son was on the run with us so he came back to get me and my daughter and I left poor Uma on the side of the road. We continued the run because I was the one who planned it. After we got home I grabbed my wife's highlander and flat towed it home. My confidence was way up there flat towing it UNTIL it started to fish tail all over the place. So I continued at a cautious pace the rest of the way home. It was 99 degrees today and I had the A/C going and at one point I was hot and cold at the same time because I was so nervous.

That was a bummer seeing her (Uma) broken down on the side of the road but glad you all made it home safe!

 

[mtn biker]

View attachment 4107204

I am glad you got that picture too bad I couldn't run it yesterday.

 

[cruiserdan]

@cruiserdan any of those Midland units in the $150-200 range get the job done very well. That’s the no-thinking-required easy button.

I run the MXT115 and it’s been great. Lots of people like the 275, those are great too. Both come in various packages with different accessories. All you really need is the in-dash unit itself, a cable, and a magnetic antenna to slap on the outside of the vehicle somewhere.

The 115 seems more like my vintage 2-way days. I've had a CB radio with mic controls and It was not at all reliable. Coincidentally it too was a Midland. I went through 2 mics before I pitched it into the bushes off to the side of the carport

I'm torn about power. To get to 50 watts increases the cost dramatically. As a retired dude, I need to consider that. On the other hand, I feel the need for speed