CB, Ham, or both

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by opg4759 on October 15, 2010 at 10:00pm

In my personal opinion you can never have enough communications, I always have at least HAM and FRS as well as CB. It comes down to what you want to do. I personally would rather listen to FM VHF over AM CB any day of the week.

While a CB and FRS will get you by in most cases it's very limited just due to the equipement design and the lowest common dominator users out there (aka truckers).

It doesn't hurt to get a ham license it only takes a little bit of time to study and the testing fee is 15 bucks. It will open up a world of options from local repeaters to long distance DX work. I am currently working on a APRS (see the APRS thread) to do real time tracking on trail runs and at our larger events.

Permalink Reply by DWH on October 15, 2010 at 10:26pm

Like OPG I have all three, HAM, CB & FRS. It seems like most of the time we end up using the FRS radios, though we keep pushing for CBs. HAM is the best communications option as far as clarity, range, etc. But not many people have them yet in the group. HAM requires more time and money commitment as well.

In short, I would recommend a CB and FRS first, then work on the HAM. By the way if you take one of the one day crash courses, the HAM test is mighty easy.

Permalink Reply by USA4X4 on October 16, 2010 at 4:20pm

Thanks for all of the replies.
Looks like I do need to get a CB at a minimum. What seems to be the most reliable and best bang for the buck?
I have been looking at the hand held cobra and midland's but am wondering if others on the forum have used them and how do they hold up, get out and receive?
I am not adverse to getting an under dash type CB either. Just need a compact one.
I have noticed that some of the CB's also have weather....is this useful or just another trick that is not used much?
On the Ham side of things what meter band are the off roaders going to?
I know...lots of questions...but just thought I would ask the ones that have gone before me.
Mike

Permalink Reply by opg4759 on October 17, 2010 at 11:50am

as far as CBs honestly it doesn't matter what you get, get what fits you install needs. All CBs are 4 watts so your coax and antenna choices are going to be the biggest factor. While most of us run a Boztec (preferred) or a bandi mount (has falling out of favor due to poor manufacturing) it's a great location for antenna protection and ease of install, but the trade off is a performance hit due to a limited ground-plane. THe middle of the roof or hood is your best install location for a HF antenna, but the hood is generally not used and the roof install is dangerous to your rig off road since the chances of tearing the antenna out and damaging the roof is high.

On the Ham question we use mainly 2 meters and/or 70cm(440). A good dual band HT like the Yeasu VX-7 or VX-8dr are good choices since several of us use these. They are all mil spec and built to take the abuse that off-roading tends to place on equipment.

Permalink Reply by USA4X4 on October 17, 2010 at 3:02pm

Thanks for the information. I ended up ordering the cobra hand held unit that seems to be in favour with a lot of off roaders. I ordered the wolcot package for the FJ less the bandi-mount. I am getting the Boztec unit. I am hoping to have things in and working before the Pozo meet & greet.
I am going to research what I need to do to get a 2 meter license. Are there any links that are informative to get me going?
Thanks again for all of the help.
Mike

Permalink Reply by Boss73 on October 16, 2010 at 6:28am

I also have All three. I agree with everything these tow guys have said..

CB and FRS are great for line of sight communication. Ham has more power, more distance, and more options (ie FM VHF, UHF) and the ability to use repeaters.

Get CB or FRS and then look into getting a HAM Lic and radio..

Permalink Reply by USA4X4 on October 23, 2010 at 9:28pm

Well I spent a few hours today doing the 12V access mod to the rear of the center console and installing my cobra 75 wx st.
It has been many years since I installed a CB and was surprised at how quick I was able to get the SWR in. I set it for channel 20 and when I activate the mic it jumps to about .5 then drops to about .1. Is there something I am missing?
Guess I will find out Tomorrow on the Pozo run.

Permalink Reply by opg4759 on October 24, 2010 at 11:18am

I will have to do some research on this model but it sounds like you have a high SWR 5 to 1 which is not good, The radio might be going into protect mode.

When I get my antenna analyzer back I will setup a NorCal tune your antenna day.

Permalink Reply by USA4X4 on October 24, 2010 at 5:49pm

Well the radio seemed to work well at the Pozo Meet today. Maybe my SWR is correct at .5?
I seem to receive and transmitt ok.