CB Radios?
- Thread starter Boswalt
- Start date
Jeff B
Well-known member
I used the same Cobra radio listed above till I got my ham license. I haven’t used it since. A tech license is super easy to get and a 2m Yaesu costs the same as that CB but you get a ton more range, clarity and utility out of it.
UnfrozenCaveman
Well-known member
I've got two ancient Uniden 510 sets that have been in use since the 90's
They're not perfect, but small enough to fit in the map pocket above a Disco sun visor.
...just my two cents.
Having said that, there's a Yaesu HF unit heading for the Defender this Spring.
They're not perfect, but small enough to fit in the map pocket above a Disco sun visor.
...just my two cents.
Having said that, there's a Yaesu HF unit heading for the Defender this Spring.
Ray_G
Well-known member
As others have noted, CB is still in use but the tech has stagnated.
I prefer GMRS these days; well worth the $ for the lic that then allows you to grab one of the MXT series radios Midland has out now that increases power.
HAM is even more preferable, with a little more investment both in terms of time to get through the test and then learn the system. I also have that in my truck(s).
r-
Ray
I prefer GMRS these days; well worth the $ for the lic that then allows you to grab one of the MXT series radios Midland has out now that increases power.
HAM is even more preferable, with a little more investment both in terms of time to get through the test and then learn the system. I also have that in my truck(s).
r-
Ray
LRNAD90
Well-known member
So 4+years later, is CB use on the Trail dead? Out West HAM seemed to be more prevalent years ago when I was on the trail regularly, but not so much in the east. Most Trail communications are pretty short range, maybe a mile or two max. Has the off-road community adopted FRS/GMRS to the point now that this is the preferred trail communications? In the end, doesn't matter how great your set-up is, if no one else around you is using it, it kind of defeats the purpose..
CBs went out with cassette players and fondue parties.
LRNAD90
Well-known member
So what kind of antenna's are people using? Looks like the little stuby 'ghost' antenna's might be a good trail option, and keep a longer Whip Style for highway, or out in the open?
Antenna Test
Edit: Was thinking I could use one of the light tabs on the NAS windshield Hoop..
Antenna Test
Edit: Was thinking I could use one of the light tabs on the NAS windshield Hoop..
Last edited:
LRNAD90
Well-known member
This thing looks beefy, thinking I could just replace the existing CB Antenna with this and use the same mount. Its not clear of the rear cage section though, so not clear how badly that will or will not affect performance..
Melowave Overlander GMRS Mobile Antenna
Melowave Overlander GMRS Mobile Antenna
Attachments
^^^One could replace the wing vent blank with one made of steel and stick a mag mount to it.^^^
LRNAD90
Well-known member
"The GMRS antenna base hole is 3/4 of an inch. Those little stubby things rely on magnets to hold on. That’s a problem.
A permanently mounted antenna is a better solution."
All the Antenna's I am looking at are NMO base mounts, and I was going to bolt it on, not magnet mount..'
"^^^One could replace the wing vent blank with one made of steel and stick a mag mount to it.^^^"
Yeah, I've seen photos of this done, but prefer to leave that open as a way to vent underhood heat in the summer months..
A permanently mounted antenna is a better solution."
All the Antenna's I am looking at are NMO base mounts, and I was going to bolt it on, not magnet mount..'
"^^^One could replace the wing vent blank with one made of steel and stick a mag mount to it.^^^"
Yeah, I've seen photos of this done, but prefer to leave that open as a way to vent underhood heat in the summer months..
CB is great. Repeater network aside, I could never get an answer from anyone why is VHF/FM better than CB. Even the sound quality is better from a factory speaker (not on the handheld job mentioned earlier).
That said, a $40 job from a truck stop store will perform accordingly; a SSB-enabled CB unit like a bigger Cobra or Uniden with a 4' Firestik will connect across hundred miles easily - let alone the skywave that can, in theory, propagate around the globe.
GMRS is rapidly shaping up like CB of 20 years ago. All channels busy, lots of interference, you name it. Try using GMRS close to any popular ski resort in winter.
That said, a $40 job from a truck stop store will perform accordingly; a SSB-enabled CB unit like a bigger Cobra or Uniden with a 4' Firestik will connect across hundred miles easily - let alone the skywave that can, in theory, propagate around the globe.
GMRS is rapidly shaping up like CB of 20 years ago. All channels busy, lots of interference, you name it. Try using GMRS close to any popular ski resort in winter.
Had fondue on the weekend. And rock a CB...