Commo guru's, I have a long winded question

[RobertJ]

I just read a couple of posts on communication and realized... I have none:eek:. What I do have is :
1. A cell phone. useless in short order, and opsec nightmare. (older version smart phone)
2. Grundig FR-200 AM/FM/SW 1,2 world band receiver. Batterie/crank generator powered.
3. Cobra CB radio (not set up correctly) in my Jeep.
4. Batterie powered boom boxes/transister radios. Several diferent sizes / batterie types etc.
5. 800MHZ PRO 23 hand held scanner (50 channel). Batt operated

Clearly I can recieve on a few different means/freq. But can not put out/talk (CB the exception, but very limited distances). I have 3 FM transceivers. Kenwood TK-2100 That are business radios from a defunct business we had. The Rechargable batteries are now long expired, but attainable. I know I can not use them due to FCC regs. so dont even want to tred that water, but still an option post SHTF, maybe.
I am very limited on spending cash right now. I have very limited long term "bulk" food supplies and am now working on that. A little to little a little to late im affraid. I feel I need some sort of commo but am at a loss as to what when why and where's of it. I have used those family radios ( FRS ) and they seemed crappy at best, and being near a couple of major theme parks you get talked over quite frequently. Pluss opsec again.
Is there anyting out there (i want to stay legal) that will help me or should I just concentrate on foodstuff right now? then later down the line get into my ham license, etc.? Any help or pointers appriciated.

[qrprat77]

PM'd you,
Short story: I would consider having friends who specialize in communications to be more important than having a lot of gear if you are on a budget.
Also, what's do you mean by "CB not set up correctly"?

[RobertJ]

Thanks replied to PM. My CB is in the jeep just laying under the seat. It is hooked up and working but the SWR has never been set on the antenna and im lucky to push 1/2 mile at best with it line of sight. Jeep Beach last year my buddys jeep was in eyesight but I could not speak to him but was recieving him fine. He has a much better unit then mine etc.

[qrprat77]

Ok, your antenna setup could be the main culprit there. Making sure your antenna is high, and your SWR low are the primary concerns with CB stuff. That and getting all the metal pieces on your vehicle electrically connected to form a good ground plane. What sort of antenna do you have?

[EX121]

Can the kenwoods be re-programed to a MURS frequency? I don't know that model. while checking the antenna make sure the coax is in good order, and connected securly to your cb.

[RobertJ]

4' firestick antenna, mounted on tailgate. quick pic here. Im the green jeep.

[RobertJ]

Holy sipersized pic. batman!!!!! ??????? thoght I did that right?????

[qrprat77]

Looks awesome to me! :)

[EX121]

Looks good but if I remember my cb stuff, by having it mounted on the back bumper you will be able to transmit further to your front than to the rear. Not a lot you can do unless you move the antenna to the top center of the rig.

[Jeep]

RobertJ,
Borrow someone's mag mount CB antenna and put it right in the center of your hood and see how that works for you when you transmit. The metal hood will be your ground plane and that way you may be able to have a stronger transmit signal.

[RobertJ]

Thanks everyone