GMRS low power problems.
Why are you using your GMRS radios and low power problems are an everyday occurrence? Not surprised as I and a few members of our group had this low power problem and this is how we solved it. It was actually a learning experience for all and just a lot of fun!
12 volt power vs. Constant 12 volt power.
We got this idea from an American Farmer. He hooked up his GMRS radio to a battery and left a 12 volt trickle charger on it and the radio worked good enough for them. They never said they checked their power output or SWR but they did buy an all inclusive GMRS radio and Antenna package and just put it together in the building. GMRS radio is great two way communication on any farm and they do talk a lot of miles in their area.
That set up is just providing power to the radio and not giving it the energy it needs to use that radio in a high power mode. Maybe the radio may put out 5 to 10 watts total and not the full 40 watts the radio was designed to put out.
GMRS and your Alternator
Your alternator will play a big part in how well your GMRS radio will perform. Yes a big 12 volt battery charged up will power up your GMRS radio BUT only for a period of time. When you are using your radio or just listening to it, You are using power from that battery. If you are going to use a battery that you will charge it up when it gets low, You will need a high amp hour battery and keep it hooked up to a battery charger that will keep the high amp hour full. We strongly advise a Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt Battery and follow all safety rules and regulations!
Now getting back to your Alternator, Your Alternator puts out AMP’s of power to charge your 12 volt battery. Amps are required to power your GMRS radio’s Watt’s Output. The more amps from your alternator the better for your GMRS radio equipment. So if your alternator is in good shape, Powering your GMRS radio from your battery should be fine. If you are not sure, Ask your favorite auto mechanic for their advise and even ask them to run a 12 power supply directly off your battery to somewhere safe inside your car on the passenger side and you can hook up your GMRS radio to this. You have to remember to turn off your radio all the time!
A dual battery set up is our favorite way to power your GMRS radio and be safe. You can hook up your GMRS radio to the aux battery and not worry about draining it dead or not being able to start your engine! Again your auto mechanic can help you with this.
GMRS Dual Battery Set Up.
When it comes to GMRS radio, A dual battery set up is the best set up I feel to keep you on your GMRS radio without having to worry about starting your engine to charge your main starter battery!
A dual battery when installed correctly will have your alternator charge your starter battery and your second battery. When you use your GMRS radio, You would be able to get power from your second battery. This will save your starter battery to start your engine. You could leave your GMRS radio on until you drain your second battery dead and still start your engine!
Deep Cycle AGM Battery
We do suggest a Deep Cycle AGM 50 to 100 amp hour battery BUT a Deep Cycle boat battery mounted correctly would also work.
I strongly advise to talk to your favorite auto mechanic about installing it correctly.
What do you think? Did I miss something? Let me know!
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