Replacement for BC LINK 2.0

[IFlyEm]

So I was out riding with my BC LINK 2.0 and my battery only lasted a couple hours. It's a little disappointing that the battery isn't replaceable. But anyway I'm looking at replacement options. I'm familiar with the Oxbow but I see people talking about the Rocky Talkie 5 watt and some 5-10 watt BaoFengs.

What's the best option out there? I don't mind saving money but that's not my #1 concern. I want reliability and range. I have no issues getting an FCC license if need be.

Thanks!

 

[DUKHTR3]

So I was out riding with my BC LINK 2.0 and my battery only lasted a couple hours. It's a little disappointing that the battery isn't replaceable. But anyway I'm looking at replacement options. I'm familiar with the Oxbow but I see people talking about the Rocky Talkie 5 watt and some 5-10 watt BaoFengs.

What's the best option out there? I don't mind saving money but that's not my #1 concern. I want reliability and range. I have no issues getting an FCC license if need be.

Thanks!

I would contact bca. They have a very generous warranty on their products. I bet they will warranty it.

 

[christopher]

So I was out riding with my BC LINK 2.0 and my battery only lasted a couple hours. It's a little disappointing that the battery isn't replaceable. But anyway I'm looking at replacement options. I'm familiar with the Oxbow but I see people talking about the Rocky Talkie 5 watt and some 5-10 watt BaoFengs.

What's the best option out there? I don't mind saving money but that's not my #1 concern. I want reliability and range. I have no issues getting an FCC license if need be.

Thanks!

There is nothing that beats HIGH POWER HAM RADIOS.
If you're OK with getting a HAM Radio License, then by all means, thats the absolute best route.
BUT...

Remember, you will be talking to other people with HAM Radios on the HAM Bands UNLESS you get a radio that is Multi-Band and capable to transmitting/receiving on the GMRS bands that all the other snowmobilers user.

Somewhere here I have a thread I started a couple years back on using HAM Radios for Backcountry Sledding.

Thread 'Anyone know anything about the new 5 Watt ROCKY TALKIE ?'

Dec 13, 2023

Came across this on an ad, curious to know more..

5 Watt GMRS Radio $165.00 ((Seems MIGHTY PRICEY to me))​

5 Watt Radio

A GMRS radio with IP67 waterproofing, 5 days of battery life, and 5-watts of power for optimal range (35+ mile max range). Designed and tested in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the 5 Watt Radio is ideal for adventures that require maximum range or submergible waterproofing, like white-water...

rockytalkie.com

Description
We’re excited to introduce our GMRS radio with IP67 waterproofing, 5 days of battery life, and 5-watts of power for optimal range. This radio is fully compatible with our award-winning FRS Mountain Radio.

Designed and tested in the mountains and rivers of the Colorado Rockies, the radio is rugged with protective rubber padding and a shatterproof LED screen. Each...

• christopher
• Replies: 18
• Forum: User Product Reviews

R

Thread 'Other options to BCA link Radio? (Upgrading to HAM/VHF)'

Jan 16, 2018

Hey Guys,

Looking for another option to a BCA link radio. I am looking for a radio that will operate on the same channels as the BCA radio does, without having to pay for the name. I have found a few different radios which are about half the price. I am working on a budget. Are any two way radios going to be able to operate on the same channel/frequency?

I have attached a link to the ones I am thinking about.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/motorola/motorola-t600.aspx

Thanks guys,

Ryan

• ryculper
• Replies: 85
• Forum: Communications - Radios

Thread 'Ordered a "Ride208" radio system'

Oct 13, 2020

For many years now I have been riding with a BCA Link radio, and for the most part they have served me very well over the years.

This year I wanted to try out something new in my never ending quest for a better over-all solution to back country communications.

Today I placed an order for a pair of the "Ride208" Neverlost Backcountry Radios.

RIDE208

NEVERLOST BACKCOUNTRY RADIOS

www.ride208.net

(Yes, I know, I could absolutely just go out and buy one of the little 10 watt Baofeng radios and all the accessories and built my own kit. And as a HAM radio operator with an Extra Class...

• christopher
• Replies: 87
• Forum: Electronics

• 
• 

Thread '>>>> New FCC Rules that impact Snowmobilers'

Aug 12, 2019

http://survivaldispatch.com/new-fcc-...hs_ovvfSzwUUAk



New FCC Rules that impact Snomobilers

written by survivald <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2019-08-12T08:00:27-04:00">August 12, 2019</time>...

• christopher
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Communications - Radios

 

[trees happen]

Hard to beat the Oxbow renegade, for a small radio, that attaches to your backpack strap. You can hear it, and transmit clearly through your helmet, battery is replaceable, and lasts over 24 hours. They got a Bluetooth one now, with ptt handlebar button, so you don't have to take your hand off now. There's more powerful out there, but for a basic small 2 way, they work good.

 

[CISC0]

5yrs on my Baofeng…… it’s been great. Did have to buy a replacement battery last year.
Amazon …..
YouTube to program

 

[Blainelukens]

To me the oxbow radios are the best bang for the buck. I’m on 3 years of summer and winter use. I also had a run with multiple BCA radios back to back with poor battery life. I got frustrated and switched. Any of my buddies that run the Baofeng have the channels programmed to work with another Baofeng but when trying to use with BCA or Oxbow they are kinda a PITA to pair, this is just my experience.

 

[Axys1234]

So I was out riding with my BC LINK 2.0 and my battery only lasted a couple hours. It's a little disappointing that the battery isn't replaceable. But anyway I'm looking at replacement options. I'm familiar with the Oxbow but I see people talking about the Rocky Talkie 5 watt and some 5-10 watt BaoFengs.

What's the best option out there? I don't mind saving money but that's not my #1 concern. I want reliability and range. I have no issues getting an FCC license if need be.

Thanks!

Was it beeping at you? I thought mine was weak as well due to it beeping after a couple hours. Turns out it's just a reminder to let you know the radio is on.

Checked the unit at home and it still had 2 bars.
If I did it all over again I would go with the Boafeng. My mic to radio tab has broke on both my radios. The others ones are half the price and usually come with frog skin snow covers unlike the BCA.

 

[Pickin’ Boogers]

I’ve used Baofeng and BCA for years without any issues, but the Oxbow sure is simple without the need for a speaker mic. I haven’t tried the bluetooth ptt button yet- it’s pretty easy to find the button on the radio itself. Several riding partners have the bluetooth button and like it.