New to off-roading, or to M.O.E. events? Read this quick-start guide on the basics of radios and lights, and send us a message if you have any other questions!
*NEW*
We now offer an Off-road Starter Pack which includes everything you need for an event (rear amber light + handheld radio)! Just click the link to order one, and leave the rest to us!
For the DIYers…read on.
Radio Info:
- All M.O.E. events use VHF radio frequencies (2m band)
- We highly recommend running a “mobile” VHF radio (mounted in your truck with an antenna), however we understand that it can sometimes be difficult and costly to install one. With that being said, the handhelds most of us use are made by Baofeng. There are several versions ranging from about 4 Watts to 10 Watts.
- The “rule of thumb” is about 1 mile of range per Watt, in perfect flat ground and conditions. Where we run, it is more like one tenth of that…so an 8W radio would only be able to communicate with about 1 mile of range or less.
- A decent Mobile radio is usually in the 50-75W power level, so they have a much better range and sound quality. The one many of us run is the TYT TH-9000D (available for around $130 on Amazon) or the Icom 2730A (close to $300), just make sure you get the VHF model (not UHF) and that it is capable of transmitting on frequencies between 151-155 MHz.
- In 2019, the FCC introduced new laws which restricted the frequencies which many radio can transmit and receive on, so several manufacturers locked their radios to only allow a small frequency band. Some of the radios sold on Amazon or eBay are locked.
- Once you decide on a radio, you can use the corresponding software and correct programming cable to program the radio with the M.O.E. frequencies – this way you can easily switch between the different channels during an event. We use the MURS (unlicensed) frequencies, they can be found online easily.
- With a mobile radio you will also need a few other components:
- Antenna with mount
- Cable from radio to antenna
Cable:
- RG8x cable, 15-20 ft is good for a full-size truck, depending on your antenna location
Radio mount:
There are lots of different ways to mount your radio in your truck, just ask around in the WhatsApp chat or look on the Raptor/TRX forums for some ideas.
Rear suction cup light/antenna mount:
This is an easy way to mount an antenna to your truck and it’s very easy to remove and install for each event/use. We sell them on our website if you’re interested:
We can also add an NMO antenna mount to one of them just like some of our crew drivers use.
Antenna:
After much experimenting, this is by far the best antenna to get:
Browning BR-158-S
( Link )
This is a great antenna and is super flexible. I think you can get cheaper ones, just make sure they are close to 46ish inches and made for VHF radio. I have broken about 8 antennas from different brands, and this one has lasted the longest and has not broken yet.
This will just connect your cable to your antenna, and will be mounted on the suction cup light.
Rear Amber Lights:
- We use these to provide visibility and safety to vehicles behind us, as it can be extremely difficult to see each other on dusty/snowy trails.
- There are tons of rear amber options available; we recommend starting with a suction-mounted one if it’s your first event, before spending lots of money on a full-time setup.
- If you decide to upgrade to a permanent setup, a popular option is a 3rd brake light antenna + amber light mount. There are many different companies that offer these, some require drilling and some don’t.
- You can also mount amber lights to the tops of your bedsides, however we don’t recommend mounting to your rear bumper or anywhere lower than the top of your bed, as low-mounted lights will quickly become covered by snow dust and mud, rendering them useless.