More Cheap Off Road Radio Hacks!

[guzman]

Instruction worked have my radio programed like all the other on our riding team. Can wait to try it out on the trail. The forum was a big help.

 

[Rucardocdd]

The FCC has cracked down on the "programmed" mobile radio deal. And if you need a new radio you end up having to pay for extra software and program yourself, or pay some third party for the programming. The 60+watt radios are more powerful radios but are also hundreds of dollars. If you just want to talk with your people out in the dirt over a few miles of distance, and save a few bucks, this 25 watt radio might be for you.

I can't take full credit for this one as I read about bits and pieces of it so I bought another product and experimented with a similar method, and luckily it worked. So I'm just passing it along but what you end up with is a fully functional off road radio that is intercom ready, waterproof, and no programing software to buy. Rugged makes all kinds of mounts for this radio, so you can put it in almost anything easily.

If you want a radio you can use WITH and intercom this is for you. If you don't need the intercom you can buy these on Amazon without the intercom dongle.

What we are doing is taking a Rugged Radios 25Watt waterproof GMRS mobile radio (Part # GMR25) locked down to 16 GMRS channels only, and flashing it with different firmware to completely unlock it to transmit and listen on a wider frequency spectrum.

It is on sale now for $157. You will need some sort of antenna and antenna cable as well. Don't buy the GMRS antenna from Rugged, because we aren't transmitting on just GMRS anymore.

Rugged GMR25 Waterproof GMRS Mobile Radio

With multiple pre-programmed channels, 8 repeater channels, 15 GMRS channels, and 7 weather channels, the waterproof GMR25 radio is loaded! In addition, we've programmed listen-only race frequencies to monitor your favorite races. The keypad hand mic provides quick and easy access to functions...

www.ruggedradios.com

Buy this $11 cable to program your radio

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H92F4RD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Go to the TYT support website and download 2 things -

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

www.tyt888.com

• 2021-07-05
  TH-8600 firmware
• 
  
• 2017-10-19
  TH-8600 software 170817

Your computer will likely freak out and tell you that you are going to die if you install the firmware and software. go ahead and tell it you want to proceed anyway.

Install the firmware open the included firmware file in the firmware tool, rig up some way to get your radio 12V power, follow the instructions for the firmware tool, and 2 minutes later you will have an unlocked, unprogrammed radio.

Now install the software and you can program your radio. If you get this far, I can send you a program file with all the popular frequencies, and in another 30 seconds you'll be done.

Or you can program the radio yourself like this:
Select Channel in RED
Type your frequency in GREEN, click or hit enter and the rest of the fields will populate
Type your frequency name in BLUE

View attachment 1052006

And ultimately you end with a fully configured radio like this

View attachment 1052007
View attachment 1052008

*You are only legal to transmit if you are licensed*

Hey dm me how much would u charge me to do this to mine

6192793165

 

[4Waters]

Hey dm me how much would u charge me to do this to mine

6192793165

You're going to have to wait, he's on vacation right now

 

[Bpracing1127]

Hey dm me how much would u charge me to do this to mine

6192793165

I think he has another week and a half

 

[Rucardocdd]

You're going to have to wait, he's on vacation right now

Yep till after memorial weekend

 

[merc_400r]

Hey dm me how much would u charge me to do this to mine

6192793165

First post? Troll account. Good try LOF

 

[Rucardocdd]

First post? Troll account. Good try LOF

My first radio rugged radio got wet and they couldn’t fix it then got this one and gmr25
But none of my friends have gmrs trying to sale it but no bites if I can reprogram it I’ll keep it and it water resistant

 

[Bpracing1127]

My first radio rugged radio got wet and they couldn’t fix it then got this one and gmr25
But none of my friends have gmrs trying to sale it but no bites if I can reprogram it I’ll keep it and it water resistant

Yes you can program that one

 

[Rucardocdd]

Yes you can program that one

Thanks for the reply let me know if you can help when you come back from your vacation

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Hey dm me how much would u charge me to do this to mine

6192793165

Yea I can help you out. I’ve done this for a couple members now.

Thanks for the reply let me know if you can help when you come back from your vacation

 

[Rucardocdd]

Yea I can help you out. I’ve done this for a couple members now.

Let me know when u have a chance to give me a hand

 

[cmfled]

The FCC has cracked down on the "programmed" mobile radio deal. And if you need a new radio you end up having to pay for extra software and program yourself, or pay some third party for the programming. The 60+watt radios are more powerful radios but are also hundreds of dollars. If you just want to talk with your people out in the dirt over a few miles of distance, and save a few bucks, this 25 watt radio might be for you.

I can't take full credit for this one as I read about bits and pieces of it so I bought another product and experimented with a similar method, and luckily it worked. So I'm just passing it along but what you end up with is a fully functional off road radio that is intercom ready, waterproof, and no programing software to buy. Rugged makes all kinds of mounts for this radio, so you can put it in almost anything easily.

If you want a radio you can use WITH and intercom this is for you. If you don't need the intercom you can buy these on Amazon without the intercom dongle.

What we are doing is taking a Rugged Radios 25Watt waterproof GMRS mobile radio (Part # GMR25) locked down to 16 GMRS channels only, and flashing it with different firmware to completely unlock it to transmit and listen on a wider frequency spectrum.

It is on sale now for $157. You will need some sort of antenna and antenna cable as well. Don't buy the GMRS antenna from Rugged, because we aren't transmitting on just GMRS anymore.

Rugged GMR25 Waterproof GMRS Mobile Radio

With multiple pre-programmed channels, 8 repeater channels, 15 GMRS channels, and 7 weather channels, the waterproof GMR25 radio is loaded! In addition, we've programmed listen-only race frequencies to monitor your favorite races. The keypad hand mic provides quick and easy access to functions...

www.ruggedradios.com

Buy this $11 cable to program your radio

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H92F4RD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Go to the TYT support website and download 2 things -

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

www.tyt888.com

• 2021-07-05
  TH-8600 firmware
• 
  
• 2017-10-19
  TH-8600 software 170817

Your computer will likely freak out and tell you that you are going to die if you install the firmware and software. go ahead and tell it you want to proceed anyway.

Install the firmware open the included firmware file in the firmware tool, rig up some way to get your radio 12V power, follow the instructions for the firmware tool, and 2 minutes later you will have an unlocked, unprogrammed radio.

Now install the software and you can program your radio. If you get this far, I can send you a program file with all the popular frequencies, and in another 30 seconds you'll be done.

Or you can program the radio yourself like this:
Select Channel in RED
Type your frequency in GREEN, click or hit enter and the rest of the fields will populate
Type your frequency name in BLUE

View attachment 1052006

And ultimately you end with a fully configured radio like this

View attachment 1052007
View attachment 1052008

*You are only legal to transmit if you are licensed*

Any chance you can send me the file you mentioned? Just bought this radio not realizing it doesn’t transmit to m1 radios which is what all my friends are using. Going to give this a try.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Any chance you can send me the file you mentioned? Just bought this radio not realizing it doesn’t transmit to m1 radios which is what all my friends are using. Going to give this a try.

Shoot me a PM with your email. https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/conversations/add?to=LargeOrangeFont

 

[25Elmn8r]

Is this still the inexpensive intercom/radio solution?
Looking to setup 3-4 different cars.

@LargeOrangeFont you mentioned a parts list way back when this thread started, do you have this list still?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Is this still the inexpensive intercom/radio solution?
Looking to setup 3-4 different cars.

@LargeOrangeFont you mentioned a parts list way back when this thread started, do you have this list still?

Shoot me a PM! I have a few ideas for you.

 

[bad05ford]

Would anyone be able to tell me what radio the rugged m1 is and if it could be programmed to operate on gmrs also v2 handheld they said you have to buy the cable and software through rts. Do they have it locked or is there another way?

 

[Nordie]

I'm guessing you got here from a Google search?

 

[bad05ford]

Yeah, I bought the M1 and the handheld for a backup/spotter radio then found out they're rebranded. Now I'm trying to figure out what's needed to program both without their "official " cable's and software.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Yeah, I bought the M1 and the handheld for a backup/spotter radio then found out they're rebranded. Now I'm trying to figure out what's needed to program both without their "official " cable's and software.

Where did you buy the radios from? Rugged?

 

[Nordie]

I have no idea what rugged is using now, but I believe TYT was making them for a while, and the handheld is Baofeng.

Someone will come along soon and know better though. They are definitely chinesium rebranded radios though.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I have no idea what guts are in the M1.

At least RT Systems is an option.

 

[doitalldad]

@LargeOrangeFont I just picked up this unit Can You share the program file to load it? Here is my email.
[email protected]

Thanks in advance

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

@LargeOrangeFont I just picked up this unit Can You share the program file to load it? Here is my email.
[email protected]

Thanks in advance

@LargeOrangeFont I just picked up this unit Can You share the program file to load it? Here is my email.
[email protected]

Thanks in advance

Just sent you an email with a couple questions.

 

[doitalldad]

I just want to say Thank You to LargeOrangeFont and everyone else on this thread for sharing this hack. Got me a whole intercom and radio setup for my Canam X3 max for all 4 seats for $692+tax! I was able to keep all the GMRS channels plus I added most of the race channels that Rugged and PCI sets up. Only thing that the intercom doesn't have is a separate Vox adjuster and if you play music via the intercom the music doesn't adjust down but you can still hear the other person speak. This doesn't bug me at all (so far. lol) If you really want that feature were the music volume goes down when you speak RR has a deal for the 696 with 2 headsets for $600 with 15% discount on special sale days on their eBay store. But for now this is what I got
1.) RR GMR25 Radio $122.
2.) Programming Cable $9.
3.) Antenna $20.
4.) 364 intercom with 2 helmet kits for $350.
5.) Extra cable and 2 more helmet kits for $133.40.
6.) Canam X3 dash kit $68. (no side panels)

 

[MPHSystems]

Does this work to get me a PCI?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Does this work to get me a PCI?

It will work with a PCI intercom, yes. But PCI does not have an entry level intercom like the 364.

@doitalldad I’m glad it worked out and you got a good setup for a good price!

 

[Zoomon43]

First off I want to say thank you to LargeOrangeFont for the great write up and idea. This was exactly what I was hoping to find. I know this is my first post so please don't think I'm a troll or anything. I am just a person that searches and researches solutions to ideas I have.

I had a 2 seat Trail 1000 and used a Rugged RRP242 with a CC-Ken plug to use my GMRS radio. I never trailed in a group so never got to fully use the system other than it helped my wife and I talk. I sold that buggy and bought a General XP4 1000 and went on a group ride with two passengers. I was using a Baofeng UV-R5 with stock antenna that worked ok. It really got me wanting more. I have the 5R hacked for VHF/UHF and GMRS and I wanted a radio that could do the same with more power / reach. I am going to drop the 242 and get the STX for 4 headsets for the rear seat.

I noticed that the GMR25 has that mini usb on the back for that cable to update. Is there another radio that has it with more than the 25watts? If not I'm sure that will work. Also what antenna would you recommend for this set up?

Thanks again and what a great forum.

 

[Zoomon43]

Also I find it funny that I found what I am looking for on a boating site. I searched all the radio forums, Polaris and Can-Am forums and nothing. Kudos to this group.

 

[DLC]

Also I find it funny that I found what I am looking for on a boating site. I searched all the radio forums, Polaris and Can-Am forums and nothing. Kudos to this group.

Welcome Aboard !
@Zoomon43


We are a boating site that has a winter problem….
A lot of Desert Peeps are in here! Although kinda slow when it’s summer.

I am more of a Desert guy than a Boater guy, but both kinda go together Winter / Summer

Sorry, I can’t answer your questions about antenna and radio

Stick around and read some threads -

Tons of Absolutely great info
some head scratching info
and
The Good Morning Threads are just beautiful !!

Large Orange Font is a Great Guy!
Currently on a Time Out - for promoting…. Ya, Promoting is a good word, Speed cars in a Speed car thread….
so don’t think he is ignoring you

LOL

 

[Zoomon43]

Yeah we winter in Surprise and summer Montana. Feels like year round summer. Hope the time out is not to long.

 

[DLC]

Yeah we winter in Surprise and summer Montana. Feels like year round summer. Hope the time out is not to long.

I sent your message to him.

 

[BHC Vic]

Welcome Aboard !
@Zoomon43


We are a boating site that has a winter problem….
A lot of Desert Peeps are in here! Although kinda slow when it’s summer.

I am more of a Desert guy than a Boater guy, but both kinda go together Winter / Summer

Sorry, I can’t answer your questions about antenna and radio

Stick around and read some threads -

Tons of Absolutely great info
some head scratching info
and
The Good Morning Threads are just beautiful !!

Large Orange Font is a Great Guy!
Currently on a Time Out - for promoting…. Ya, Promoting is a good word, Speed cars in a Speed car thread….
so don’t think he is ignoring you

LOL

I don’t think that’s what it was

 

[sambo1123]

The FCC has cracked down on the "programmed" mobile radio deal. And if you need a new radio you end up having to pay for extra software and program yourself, or pay some third party for the programming. The 60+watt radios are more powerful radios but are also hundreds of dollars. If you just want to talk with your people out in the dirt over a few miles of distance, and save a few bucks, this 25 watt radio might be for you.

I can't take full credit for this one as I read about bits and pieces of it so I bought another product and experimented with a similar method, and luckily it worked. So I'm just passing it along but what you end up with is a fully functional off road radio that is intercom ready, waterproof, and no programing software to buy. Rugged makes all kinds of mounts for this radio, so you can put it in almost anything easily.

If you want a radio you can use WITH and intercom this is for you. If you don't need the intercom you can buy these on Amazon without the intercom dongle.

What we are doing is taking a Rugged Radios 25Watt waterproof GMRS mobile radio (Part # GMR25) locked down to 16 GMRS channels only, and flashing it with different firmware to completely unlock it to transmit and listen on a wider frequency spectrum.

It is on sale now for $157. You will need some sort of antenna and antenna cable as well. Don't buy the GMRS antenna from Rugged, because we aren't transmitting on just GMRS anymore.

Rugged GMR25 Waterproof GMRS Mobile Radio

With multiple pre-programmed channels, 8 repeater channels, 15 GMRS channels, and 7 weather channels, the waterproof GMR25 radio is loaded! In addition, we've programmed listen-only race frequencies to monitor your favorite races. The keypad hand mic provides quick and easy access to functions...

www.ruggedradios.com

Buy this $11 cable to program your radio

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H92F4RD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Go to the TYT support website and download 2 things -

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

www.tyt888.com

• 2021-07-05
  TH-8600 firmware
• 
  
• 2017-10-19
  TH-8600 software 170817

Your computer will likely freak out and tell you that you are going to die if you install the firmware and software. go ahead and tell it you want to proceed anyway.

Install the firmware open the included firmware file in the firmware tool, rig up some way to get your radio 12V power, follow the instructions for the firmware tool, and 2 minutes later you will have an unlocked, unprogrammed radio.

Now install the software and you can program your radio. If you get this far, I can send you a program file with all the popular frequencies, and in another 30 seconds you'll be done.

Or you can program the radio yourself like this:
Select Channel in RED
Type your frequency in GREEN, click or hit enter and the rest of the fields will populate
Type your frequency name in BLUE

View attachment 1052006

And ultimately you end with a fully configured radio like this

View attachment 1052007
View attachment 1052008

*You are only legal to transmit if you are licensed*

Would you be willing to give some help on getting my gmr25 to do this

 

[Bpracing1127]

Would you be willing to give some help on getting my gmr25 to do this

He doesn’t post here anymore but I can get you in touch with him via text or something.

Let me know

 

[sambo1123]

He doesn’t post here anymore but I can get you in touch with him via text or something.

Let me know

Yea that would be awesome

 

[sambo1123]

He doesn’t post here anymore but I can get you in touch with him via text or something.

Let me know

My number is 4236083491 i just have a few questions for him if you could get me in touch it would be much appreciated

 

[Bpracing1127]

My number is 4236083491 i just have a few questions for him if you could get me in touch it would be much appreciated

I gave him your number.

 

[sambo1123]

I gave him your number.

Thank you