Mike Dalton became interested in two-way radio after discovering that the little handheld radios his family carried on camping trips rarely worked as far as the package suggested. That curiosity eventually led him into GMRS radios, mobile units, repeaters, antennas, feed line, programming, and a continuing collection of radios that his family insists is larger than necessary.
Mike is a licensed GMRS user and has spent years experimenting with handheld, mobile, and base-station setups in real-world conditions.
For GMRS Guide, he concentrates on the questions ordinary radio users actually ask: How far will this radio really reach? Does a better antenna matter? Is the expensive model actually better? Can it reach a repeater from inside a vehicle? And what does that specification on the box mean in the real world?
His reviews and guides emphasize practical testing in vehicles, neighborhoods, open terrain, and other everyday environments rather than relying solely on manufacturer range claims.
Mike also believes radio advice should distinguish clearly between personal experience, technical theory, and FCC requirements, particularly when discussing power, repeaters, frequencies, and licensing.
Areas of experience
- GMRS handheld radios
- Mobile radios
- Repeaters
- Antennas
- Coax and feed line
- Radio programming
- Range testing
- Emergency communications
- Practical radio setup
Guides by Mike
- Baofeng UV-5R vs Quansheng UV-K5: which cheap first ham radio should you buy?
- GMRS channels and frequencies: the complete chart
- GMRS radio range: what to expect from handhelds, mobiles and repeaters
- GMRS repeaters: how to find one and use it
- GMRS vs FRS vs CB vs ham radio: which two-way radio service is right for you?
- GMRS vs FRS: same channels, very different power
- Ham radio for beginners: from zero to your first contact
- Ham radio license levels: Technician, General and Amateur Extra explained
- How to get a GMRS license: the whole FCC process in five steps
- Is GMRS worth it, or should you just use FRS radios?
- Midland vs BTECH vs Wouxun: which GMRS brand should you buy?
- The best GMRS antenna for handhelds, vehicles and home
- The best GMRS radio for beginners: simple, certified and ready out of the box
- The best GMRS radio for every use: handheld, vehicle and base
- The best GMRS radio for preppers and family emergency plans
- The best GMRS radio for your Jeep, from first install to 50 watts
- The best GMRS repeater for a family, farm or club
- The best handheld ham radio for beginners: eight radios for your first call sign
- The best mobile ham radio for your vehicle, from 25-watt starters to APRS rigs
- The best two-way radios for family camping, from kids' walkie-talkies to GMRS
Every guide shows how it was researched. See how we research and our affiliate disclosure. Questions or corrections? Contact us.