A few questions to those who run CB's

linuxrunner · 10-28-2007, 08:41 PM

Well i had my cb setup for about a year and i would say that I only used it 2 times. Since my mic was stolen i am trying to decide if i should replace it.

In the last few months i have been useing some little had held radios that claim a 25 mile range... I can usually get 5 in a good thick woods area, sometimes as far as 9 miles.

My question is why not replace my cb with the little hand held things?

I don't think i was ever able to get 9 miles out of the cb, (although it may have had more potental then the handhelds)

Also do CB's and Hand held radios share the same channels? (i know it might be a newb question but i would like to know).

I was just thinking it is easer to carry my radios in my pocket and then i have extra's i can hand out to people walking around outside.

rowdy235 · 10-28-2007, 08:57 PM

to answer your question- no radio that I know of uses the same channels. Mine came with a guide that told you the frequencies, they were way off from cb.

Really, it depends on what you want. I run CB because I live in a town where everybody has a cb. We even have a restaurant that takes orders via cb. Another thing is the loggers use CB, so when you are in the woods, you need one (at least around here).

Just my opinion

seafarinman · 10-28-2007, 08:58 PM

CB radios operate in the High Frequency band at around 27Mhz. Those other radios operate in the Ultra High Frequency band at around 462Mhz. You cannot communicate between the CB and FRS/GMRS bands. CB radios need to be tuned correctly to get any decent range out of them. I carry the walkie talkies around in my truck so that messages can be transferred back and forth.

linuxrunner · 10-28-2007, 09:06 PM

Dang,

Most groups require a CB if you want to wheel with them, so i guess if i cannot use a hand held then i will have to stick with the cb.

I know that you have to tune a CB for it to work, Mine was tuned rather well but I was still dissipointed by the low proformance of CB's. (I had too high expectations, like 50 - 80 miles is what i was hopeing for

)

Can a HAM radio communicate with CB?

CJM · 10-28-2007, 09:46 PM

A ham can communicate with a CB AFAIK, you wont ever get more than 20 miles out of a CB period. Its to low powered, now crank up the power and VOILA! But thats illegal..

May want to see if you convince your buddies to use VHF/UHF, we use it in our work vans (I work as an AAA contractor doing batteries) and it will reach 50 miles easy..

ozziesironmanoffroad · 10-28-2007, 09:51 PM

just use a linear... just keep it under your seat so if you get pulled over a cop doesnt see it. thats what i did. im simply stating a fact, im not proposing anyone do anything illegal. and without a linear, isnt it possible to sometimes talk to someone across the continent if the solar flare/whatever its called is JUST right?

apalmer1 · 10-28-2007, 10:00 PM

you know there are hand held CB radios, they basicaly look like an old ghetto cellphone, or a WWII radio. I have on i got from an army surplus store, i keep it with my quad so whenever somebody is on the quad and runs out of gas or gets stuck they can radio back to the CB in my truck.

bruzryoda · 10-28-2007, 10:02 PM

well i use a Uniden GrantXL that has been big time tweeked out. both on AM and on the sideband. i use a 102" whip on the front left fender. i can get about an 20-75mile chat going. u have to remember that an antanna will transmit on "THE BOTTOM BASE" of the antanna..... so the higher that u mount it the farther u transmit... the top of the antanna is the reception. just a little to know.....

ozziesironmanoffroad · 10-28-2007, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruzryoda

well i use a Uniden GrantXL that has been big time tweeked out. both on AM and on the sideband. i use a 102" whip on the front left fender. i can get about an 20-75mile chat going. u have to remember that an antanna will transmit on "THE BOTTOM BASE" of the antanna..... so the higher that u mount it the farther u transmit... the top of the antanna is the reception. just a little to know.....

so basically you can broadcast farther if your base is on your rollbar in the bed, lets say, than if it was mounted on the bumper or the side of the taillight assembly?

CJM · 10-28-2007, 10:09 PM

Exactly, alot mount antennas to the bumper. I chose to mount it on top of my toolbox and get much better distance vs others and can pick up other stuff easier.

ozziesironmanoffroad · 10-28-2007, 10:13 PM

ive seen the toolbox trick done, and was considering doing that until i realized to fit a toolbox in, id have to take out the bar, which is somethin i dont want to do. if i figure out a way to mount it to the roll bar, ill let you guys know. damn this thread was informative.

bruzryoda · 10-28-2007, 10:46 PM

i plan on mounting the 102" on the roof only cuz i do alot of solo wheelin' in this part of Idaho. "don't use the fibreglass antannas cuz they tend 2 break or crack when they hit trees, rocks, ETC.......ECT......

linuxrunner · 10-28-2007, 11:00 PM

The only problem i see with running a HAM or "fixing" a CB is that i will be able to transmitte much farther, but i will not be able to pick up any CB transmissions any better, Is this correct?

So for it to really work i would need to have all my friends run a similar setup.

It would be really sweet if we could communicate 20+ miles away then when i take a wrong turn and drive for 45 minutes they can still get ahold of me

I have seen the handheld CB units. The local Goodwill had one in MINT condition in the origional case for 20.00, i almost bought it... but i realized why would i need it?

4Crawler · 10-29-2007, 10:04 AM

With my old Uniden Grant XL and 4' Firestik antenna, I could get 15-20 miles of range in good conditions (transmit and receive). One time was able to talk to some folks in my group that were up on a ridge while I was down on the highway coming back with some spare parts ( I was about 30 minutes from the start of the trail). The guys on the ridge could talk back to the folks with the broken down rig on the other side of the ridge.

I also have a hand held FRS radio that I usually take along. Have used it 1-2 times on the trail in 6-8 years. So I guess it all depends on what the other folks have/use. Also carry a hand held CB for backup in case the main CB has an issue. Hand held CB is also handy when you need to get out of the truck to help spot a truck through some tough area when you can't get really close to the driver.

bob200587 · 10-29-2007, 10:23 AM

I have 4 cobra GMRS/FRS radios. I love those things. I got tired of never using my CB, because no one I know or go wheeling with has one, so there was no point.

With the radios I can be sure that they have what I have.

I've considered getting a hand held CB as well, just in case.

CJM · 10-29-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozziesironmanoffroad

ive seen the toolbox trick done, and was considering doing that until i realized to fit a toolbox in, id have to take out the bar, which is somethin i dont want to do. if i figure out a way to mount it to the roll bar, ill let you guys know. damn this thread was informative.

Mount it to your stake hole int he bed (they make mounts for them) or the bed rails or something. That way its up and outta the way and high enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob200587

I have 4 cobra GMRS/FRS radios. I love those things. I got tired of never using my CB, because no one I know or go wheeling with has one, so there was no point.

With the radios I can be sure that they have what I have.

I've considered getting a hand held CB as well, just in case.

I dont like them b/c they suck in range and are $$$, they work decently at best too.

bob200587 · 10-29-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJM

I dont like them b/c they suck in range and are $$$, they work decently at best too.

I don't think they're that expensive....I wouldn't have bought them if they were, because I'm cheap.

I've never operated on the GMRS because you need liscencing, but I've gotten up to 3 miles in suburban, and urban areas.....and the buildings are hell on radio range.

I'm sure if I got up in the woods, and some higher elevations I could get 5-7 maybe a little more out of the FRS. Which isn't great, but should be enough for most uses.

CJM · 10-29-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob200587

I don't think they're that expensive....I wouldn't have bought them if they were, because I'm cheap.

I've never operated on the GMRS because you need liscencing, but I've gotten up to 3 miles in suburban, and urban areas.....and the buildings are hell on radio range.

I'm sure if I got up in the woods, and some higher elevations I could get 5-7 maybe a little more out of the FRS. Which isn't great, but should be enough for most uses.

Ive tried GMRS and the FRS (who buys licenses for this junk, I dont see anyone using them that does??). I have some higher end uniden ones, all I got is 5 miles-my cab can pull 25 and it cost me less than the 70 dollar set of radios, and wont go dead on me.

bob200587 · 10-29-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJM

10-28-2007, 08:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,370	to answer your question- no radio that I know of uses the same channels. Mine came with a guide that told you the frequencies, they were way off from cb. Really, it depends on what you want. I run CB because I live in a town where everybody has a cb. We even have a restaurant that takes orders via cb. Another thing is the loggers use CB, so when you are in the woods, you need one (at least around here). Just my opinion __________________ Daily Driver: 1982 Toyota Pickup Base 2WD 22R, TRD Cam,5-sp Manual, Toyota Truck Nation High Miler- 300k+ MPG: 25/32 Off-roader: 1990 Honda H3011SA Riding Lawnmower, 11hp OHV engine, Carlisle SNOW-HOG Tires MPG: 1 Day of "Wheeling" per gallon Come to the 2nd Annual Oregon Yotatech Meetup! June 26-29, 2009: Browns Camp OHV Park http://www.yotatech.com/f5/oregon-yo.../#post50902592

10-28-2007, 08:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
seafarinman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kitsap County WA Posts: 973	CB radios operate in the High Frequency band at around 27Mhz. Those other radios operate in the Ultra High Frequency band at around 462Mhz. You cannot communicate between the CB and FRS/GMRS bands. CB radios need to be tuned correctly to get any decent range out of them. I carry the walkie talkies around in my truck so that messages can be transferred back and forth. __________________ Rome the "Seafarinman" IT1(SW) US NAVY 1994 SAS 2RZ/R151F=244:1! http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a176/seafarinman/

10-28-2007, 09:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	A ham can communicate with a CB AFAIK, you wont ever get more than 20 miles out of a CB period. Its to low powered, now crank up the power and VOILA! But thats illegal.. May want to see if you convince your buddies to use VHF/UHF, we use it in our work vans (I work as an AAA contractor doing batteries) and it will reach 50 miles easy.. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

10-28-2007, 09:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 4,103	just use a linear... just keep it under your seat so if you get pulled over a cop doesnt see it. thats what i did. im simply stating a fact, im not proposing anyone do anything illegal. and without a linear, isnt it possible to sometimes talk to someone across the continent if the solar flare/whatever its called is JUST right? __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22RE 258,000 miles on original motor pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

10-28-2007, 10:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
apalmer1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bend, OR. Posts: 606	you know there are hand held CB radios, they basicaly look like an old ghetto cellphone, or a WWII radio. I have on i got from an army surplus store, i keep it with my quad so whenever somebody is on the quad and runs out of gas or gets stuck they can radio back to the CB in my truck. __________________ 04 taco, 3.4 5spd. loads of goodies, loads of reinforcements, getting really hard to break. 85 pickup, 327sbc, truggy, in progress. 86 mazda b2000 street queen haha. 90 mazda mx-5 all orriginal. when in doubt, tach it out.

10-28-2007, 10:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
bruzryoda Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: So.central Idaho Posts: 92	well i use a Uniden GrantXL that has been big time tweeked out. both on AM and on the sideband. i use a 102" whip on the front left fender. i can get about an 20-75mile chat going. u have to remember that an antanna will transmit on "THE BOTTOM BASE" of the antanna..... so the higher that u mount it the farther u transmit... the top of the antanna is the reception. just a little to know.....

10-28-2007, 10:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Exactly, alot mount antennas to the bumper. I chose to mount it on top of my toolbox and get much better distance vs others and can pick up other stuff easier. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

10-28-2007, 10:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 4,103	ive seen the toolbox trick done, and was considering doing that until i realized to fit a toolbox in, id have to take out the bar, which is somethin i dont want to do. if i figure out a way to mount it to the roll bar, ill let you guys know. damn this thread was informative. __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22RE 258,000 miles on original motor pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

10-28-2007, 10:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
bruzryoda Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: So.central Idaho Posts: 92	i plan on mounting the 102" on the roof only cuz i do alot of solo wheelin' in this part of Idaho. "don't use the fibreglass antannas cuz they tend 2 break or crack when they hit trees, rocks, ETC.......ECT......

10-29-2007, 10:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,213	With my old Uniden Grant XL and 4' Firestik antenna, I could get 15-20 miles of range in good conditions (transmit and receive). One time was able to talk to some folks in my group that were up on a ridge while I was down on the highway coming back with some spare parts ( I was about 30 minutes from the start of the trail). The guys on the ridge could talk back to the folks with the broken down rig on the other side of the ridge. I also have a hand held FRS radio that I usually take along. Have used it 1-2 times on the trail in 6-8 years. So I guess it all depends on what the other folks have/use. Also carry a hand held CB for backup in case the main CB has an issue. Hand held CB is also handy when you need to get out of the truck to help spot a truck through some tough area when you can't get really close to the driver. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club Last edited by 4Crawler : 10-29-2007 at 10:47 AM.

10-29-2007, 10:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
bob200587 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,802	I have 4 cobra GMRS/FRS radios. I love those things. I got tired of never using my CB, because no one I know or go wheeling with has one, so there was no point. With the radios I can be sure that they have what I have. I've considered getting a hand held CB as well, just in case. __________________ 87 4runner 4x4 SR5 22RE ARB Bull Bar, 31X10.50 Mastercraft M/T's, Stock 4.10 Gears, Mellowtone Muffler AISIN Manual Hubs, Marlin Crawler Sliders 181XXX miles 92 Ford Ranger 4x2 4.0L 4 speed auto FOR SALE Needs Transmission And Head gasket work. Contact me for Details. Facebook "An Open Mind is Like a Fortress with its Gates Unbarred and Ungaurded." "There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless: boys and women, and I am neither one." -Greek saying