Radio Communication for 4 runners...or any truck really (CB, HAM, ???) - Page 2

rah1420 · 05-22-2004, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Figit090

I wonder if the FCC could ever really do anything in terms of findingyou if you transmitted without a license... can they precisely track your signal down and bust you??

You mean a ham license? Many places won't sell you ham gear without a license, and who are you gonna talk to anyway? Sounds like you were leaning more towards the CB anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Figit090

oh, and what about boosting the power for a CB...i know it's illegal, but are there chances anyone could find out without inspecting your unit??

Yep. The FCC has vans that can target your rig. Of course, it all depends on how much of a PITA you're being. And "Shoes" (a colloquial term for an illegal 27MHz amplifier) can be noisy as hell, generating all kinds of TVI and harmonics and crap. Annoy enough people, and you'll get a visit from the Friendly Candy Company (FCC.) And amplifiers aren't cheap anyway.

I think you need to re-examine what you're looking for from your comms gear. If you need to run a 1KW signal, do yourself a favor and take the bloody test and get your ham ticket. If all you're doing is looking for trail comms and some road chatter just get yourself a CB. Go to your friendly neighborhood truck stop and get a Cobra 29 and an antenna, a Firestik is a good choice, and an appropriate mount. It'll set you back about $150 for the whole setup.

firemaniac · 05-24-2004, 09:20 AM

I have both (well actually all three; CB, HAM, and FRS) plus a cell and havent had to use any offroad yet (knock on wood) but i like the security of haveing them if needed

turboale · 05-24-2004, 09:47 AM

Then there is also gmrs...

I'm with the CB croud. Most truckers use it so its something to entertain you on long trips, as well as hear about where cops are (big plus for me). Then they are also pretty standard so a good amount of ppl have them when going off road, but now that FRS radios can be had in cereal boxes those are getting more popular. I always carry 2-3 FRS radios with me so if others don't have one while off-road they can use them (and another one for a spotter) I don't know if your interested in a GPS, but I just got this and absolutely love it. Its a Garmin Rhino 120.

The cheapest place to get it is amazon.com and they are $208. They have a cheaper one that doesn't have a basemap that you can get on ebay for a little more than $100. They just came out with another one for $300 with tons of space for downloading maps and it also has a mechanical compass/altimeter for more acurate readings. They are GMRS (5Mile) and FRS 1-2Mile. If you get your buddies to get them too then you can beam your locations to eachother and they even have a few games you can play with that. Its a great unit, but I have a cb as well for the hiway. Just thought I would throw that out there.

Also, my cb is a cobra C75. For the guy looking for a radio for his 4th gen, I would recomend this. Its all in the hand set so you can un-plug it and put it in the glove box when your not using it.

Good luck!

Figit090 · 05-24-2004, 10:28 PM

thanx for the help! sounds good... i was just curious how safe it is to amplafy your signal...i probably wouldnt do it...

fish · 07-21-2004, 05:51 PM

Great info. Any advice on antennas for gen4 runners? I don't really want to drill a hole in the side of my new truck. Is there something I can mount to the rack? How to route the wiring?

boy, it's tough being a n00bie.

denverbikeguy · 07-22-2004, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseshoeing

How much money do you want to spend? Goto a cb shop. Whatever you get, get it peak and tuned. A stock cb puts out 4 amps. My cb puts out 30 amps. I talk over most people and can talk about 15 to 25 miles. you can get a cb that has an amp on it and you can go up to 1500amps or so. You start melting ant. that way. A ham radio is not a cb. That cost way more. Go there if you want to spend your life around in.

That's also illegal. Using anything more than the FCC-allowed 4 watts is not only against the law, but is highly annoying to anyone who happens to want to use the thing too. Other problems with CB: Echo mikes, rednecks, retards, and generally annoying people. Out of 40 channels sometimes it can be a trick to find one that isn't occupied by stupidity.

Advantages to CB: It's cheap, and you can get one anywhere. If all you need is trail communications, it's fine.

As for HAM (amateur) radio: Power isn't as limited. I've talked well over 100 miles on a simple 2-meter transceiver. Also the radios are made better (will hold up to more abuse and just work better, I've gone over 50 miles on a 5-watt handheld). Downside is you need a license to use it (not that hard really) and the rules are a little more stringent, i.e. you need to identify yourself by callsign and can't swear, etc. You can also find cheap ham radios for the cost of a CB so don't let cost be your only guide.

I've also used the FRS radios on the trail, and they work ok. Very limited range (though I programmed my HAM radio to use their frequencies, no range problems now!

)...

-dbg (KC0CSO)

fourwd1 · 07-22-2004, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E1

Kind of CB is 26 -27 Mhz with max 5 watts AM and 12 watts SSB. Ham radio depending on what licence you get can be alot of different frequencies over the AM/FM spectrum. CB = fun, cussing, general BSing. Ham is more structured kinda geeky, and polite. Ham relies on repeaters to carry your signal farther, and CB relies on conditions surrounding you. CB's signals may go 1 mile or many miles? There are things you can do to boost your output with the CB but the FCC doesn't like that kind of stuff. I'd say go CB it's less hassle more fun, and anyone can have one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 4RUNR
<random thoughts>
They were referring to FRS. It operates in the upper 400mhz range and allows for 2 watt maximum.

CB is high 30mhz and allows 4 or 5watts of maximum power if I remember it right from 10 years ago.

Ham is usually upper 140mhz and 50(?) watts or so of power.

The higher the operating frequency the less it bounces off the atmosphere, ie. low frequency far, high frequency line of sight. If you could output a megawatt through a CB you could very well talk to Africa.

Just get something that the other guy is using, just not anything that outputs amps.

FWIW,

CB is 4 Watts AM / 12 Watts PEP in SSB mode. The "5 W" figure goes back to the old days of tube radios, when the spec was 5W in to the final RF amp tube and the resulting output was 4 Watts (the legal limit) due to the inefficiency of tubes.

FRS is 200 mW out put (that's .2W) at 462 MHz.

RF amplifiers, illegal for CB use, are rated in Watts not AMps, as previously pointed out.

keyster · 07-23-2004, 07:23 AM

Like other activites, it takes at least two to tango.
There has to be someone on the other end.

CB and FRS are not expensive and common in most areas and groups.
If you really need to get a message out, Ham is the way to go.

No one radio is the best solution for every situation.

73

K.

expeditionswest · 07-23-2004, 08:12 AM

I spent the first 10 years or so using CB, as it is the most common, and when properly tuned, still pretty effective (unless you are in a high traffic area).

Then about 2 years ago I switched to FRS and GMRS (with license) as that has gained a pretty strong following, and is a cheap way to communicate. I even bring a few extra along for those who don't have an FRS unit.

For about the last year, I have gone almost exclusively to expedition type travel, and the small group that I typically run with all use HAM radios. So now I use a 2m (HAM) radio with 65watt output. The range is awesome, and the group can communicate for 30-40 miles in open terrain. They have proven invaluable in Mexico on extended adventures where several miles may separate members of the group. My Yaesu FT-2800m is a very rugged unit.

Of course the biggest issue with HAM is that you have to have a group of people that you run with that use those units. They are worthless on most local club runs... so I still have a CB and FRS in the truck too.

Just a few thoughts.

Jeff B. in Michigan · 07-23-2004, 09:08 PM

Good day,

I see that you are receiving a lot of good feedback regarding your question. I am a licensed “ham”. I have an ICOM 2 meter radio installed in my 4Runner. I never use it…. The range depends on what repeaters are available in your area. In west Michigan, I can access repeaters that cover most of the state. One thing to consider is the fact that if you are using a repeater system only one conversation at a time is possible and most of the time, many other people are “waiting” to use the system. You can use the radio in “simplex” mode, which means you don’t go through a repeater but the range is much less, like 3 to 10 miles from mobile to mobile.

Before I got my “ham” license, I used a COBRA GTL-148-DX. This was a very good radio. This particular radio could transmit and receive the normal 40 CB channels but it could also transmit and receive on 40 channels above and below the normal 40 CB frequencies. I used an amplifier that produced 350 watts and could talk on sideband for over 30 miles mobile to mobile. The same set up could reach around the world, which was really cool.

My recommendation is to go with the CB radio unless you only plan to chat with folks that also have an amateur radio license. I would not recommend using a “ham” radio without the proper license, to be honest, you would have better luck running a CB radio and amplifier, unless you get crazy you won’t get into trouble.

I am still very active in amateur radio, it is a blast for distance communications but for what you are looking for I believe CB is the way to go. If you are interested in checking out my amateur radio station, feel free to look up my webpage which is located at http://N8RWS.COM . If you have any questions about amateur radio, feel free to drop me a line.

Take care,

Jeff B. in MI

Figit090 · 03-01-2005, 08:14 PM

sorry for my late reply...i must have missed my thread update in all my emails....thanks for all the useful info, i read it all. I have 2 ham enthusiasts for friends, but only one has successfully earned his license, the other i believe failed the test 2 times now... didn't know enough the first time, and got nervous the second.... three times a charm... lol

But anyway, i'll probalby get both, considering there are 1-2 offroading clubs in my area, i just need to get a truck!! lol... it wont be long...i just saw a nice land cruiser roll by in my town and i just need to find it parked some where to read the details on the for sale sign and see if i can afford it....

I'll take a look at your site! And maybe i'll work on my lisence..... it cant be too hard...i started and took practice tests on www.QRZ.com but got tired of it and was too busy so dropped it... that and the fact my funds to buy a radio are limited...it was illogical to pursue another hobby at the time.

mtnmuse · 03-02-2005, 09:50 AM

If you decide to go with a CB, checkout this link of Recommended CB's...

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=40819

I have the Cobra 18WX ST II. It has a speaker on the front of the radio, weather band, scans all 40 channels, and fits the din slot for 3rd gen. Drawbacks include lack of SSB (single side band) and no PA speaker. Try running a search on CB to get more info.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...4%3A3947%3A4510

This link has this Cobra 18 for about $60 shipped. Buy an antenna (Firestik or Wilson about $20), coax cable (in 3 foot increments) and after a little tuning help from your local CB shop (radio and antenna SWR), your on the airwaves.

The link below has some great info on where best to mount an antenna, how to tune your CB for maximum performance, and coax cable info.

http://www.can4x4.com/articles/comcorner/index.htm

leebee · 03-02-2005, 06:30 PM

i have a uniden and k40 ant, the radio is stuck between the console and pass. seat, mic is stored under drivers seat and the ant. is mounted on the rear left side of the hood. i just pull the radio forward a bit and tip it up so i can hear the sound from the speaker, attach the mic, attach the quick disco ant. and im good to go. coax is coiled under the pass. seat, all cables come up through the carpet by the seat belt anchor point. when im done, i disconnect the mic, ant. and slide the radio back between the seat/console, out of site but easy to set up.

lee

Ducky · 03-02-2005, 08:18 PM

I have the Cobra 18WX ST II in the dash under my radio, and I have this:

the remote display is mounted where my overhead console was. removed the door (sunglass holder) and mounted it up there..

FirstToy · 03-02-2005, 08:31 PM

I have a Midland 7822/Wilson 100 magmount- sounds great and no swr tuning needed, just plug-n-play.

Question for the CB experts:
can you cut and add a connector to the antenna line? Reason being I would like to leave the cord in the truck all tucked away and just disconnect the actual antenna at the rear hatch- just to make life a bit easier.
Will this screw up my antenna or??

Next question is there a specific connector I can buy to do this?

Thanks

Expat · 03-03-2005, 06:45 PM

So am I correct saying most people here have CB without SSB?

Thanks
Mark

05-24-2004, 09:47 AM	#28 (permalink)
turboale Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 4,809	Then there is also gmrs... I'm with the CB croud. Most truckers use it so its something to entertain you on long trips, as well as hear about where cops are (big plus for me). Then they are also pretty standard so a good amount of ppl have them when going off road, but now that FRS radios can be had in cereal boxes those are getting more popular. I always carry 2-3 FRS radios with me so if others don't have one while off-road they can use them (and another one for a spotter) I don't know if your interested in a GPS, but I just got this and absolutely love it. Its a Garmin Rhino 120. The cheapest place to get it is amazon.com and they are $208. They have a cheaper one that doesn't have a basemap that you can get on ebay for a little more than $100. They just came out with another one for $300 with tons of space for downloading maps and it also has a mechanical compass/altimeter for more acurate readings. They are GMRS (5Mile) and FRS 1-2Mile. If you get your buddies to get them too then you can beam your locations to eachother and they even have a few games you can play with that. Its a great unit, but I have a cb as well for the hiway. Just thought I would throw that out there. Also, my cb is a cobra C75. For the guy looking for a radio for his 4th gen, I would recomend this. Its all in the hand set so you can un-plug it and put it in the glove box when your not using it. Good luck! __________________ --Austin 06 M45 Sport - Beauty 96 4Runner - The Beast Last edited by turboale; 05-24-2004 at 09:49 AM.

05-24-2004, 10:28 PM	#29 (permalink)
Figit090 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 406	thanx for the help! sounds good... i was just curious how safe it is to amplafy your signal...i probably wouldnt do it... __________________ <<Figit090>>I'm looking for a MR2 near my location, if you have one to sell PM me! For now i'm driving my 1986.5 Supra which is pretty nice as well

07-21-2004, 05:51 PM	#30 (permalink)
fish Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, CA Posts: 104	Great info. Any advice on antennas for gen4 runners? I don't really want to drill a hole in the side of my new truck. Is there something I can mount to the rack? How to route the wiring? boy, it's tough being a n00bie. __________________ '04 V8 4WD Limited

07-23-2004, 08:12 AM	#34 (permalink)
expeditionswest Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Basecamp: Prescott, AZ Posts: 113	I spent the first 10 years or so using CB, as it is the most common, and when properly tuned, still pretty effective (unless you are in a high traffic area). Then about 2 years ago I switched to FRS and GMRS (with license) as that has gained a pretty strong following, and is a cheap way to communicate. I even bring a few extra along for those who don't have an FRS unit. For about the last year, I have gone almost exclusively to expedition type travel, and the small group that I typically run with all use HAM radios. So now I use a 2m (HAM) radio with 65watt output. The range is awesome, and the group can communicate for 30-40 miles in open terrain. They have proven invaluable in Mexico on extended adventures where several miles may separate members of the group. My Yaesu FT-2800m is a very rugged unit. Of course the biggest issue with HAM is that you have to have a group of people that you run with that use those units. They are worthless on most local club runs... so I still have a CB and FRS in the truck too. Just a few thoughts. __________________ Scott Brady Expeditions West.com 2004 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Expedition Community Last edited by expeditionswest; 07-23-2004 at 08:14 AM.

07-23-2004, 09:08 PM	#35 (permalink)
Jeff B. in Michigan Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Southwest Michigan Posts: 102	Good day, I see that you are receiving a lot of good feedback regarding your question. I am a licensed “ham”. I have an ICOM 2 meter radio installed in my 4Runner. I never use it…. The range depends on what repeaters are available in your area. In west Michigan, I can access repeaters that cover most of the state. One thing to consider is the fact that if you are using a repeater system only one conversation at a time is possible and most of the time, many other people are “waiting” to use the system. You can use the radio in “simplex” mode, which means you don’t go through a repeater but the range is much less, like 3 to 10 miles from mobile to mobile. Before I got my “ham” license, I used a COBRA GTL-148-DX. This was a very good radio. This particular radio could transmit and receive the normal 40 CB channels but it could also transmit and receive on 40 channels above and below the normal 40 CB frequencies. I used an amplifier that produced 350 watts and could talk on sideband for over 30 miles mobile to mobile. The same set up could reach around the world, which was really cool. My recommendation is to go with the CB radio unless you only plan to chat with folks that also have an amateur radio license. I would not recommend using a “ham” radio without the proper license, to be honest, you would have better luck running a CB radio and amplifier, unless you get crazy you won’t get into trouble. I am still very active in amateur radio, it is a blast for distance communications but for what you are looking for I believe CB is the way to go. If you are interested in checking out my amateur radio station, feel free to look up my webpage which is located at http://N8RWS.COM . If you have any questions about amateur radio, feel free to drop me a line. Take care, Jeff B. in MI __________________ Webpage: N8RWS.COM 1998 SC 4runner SR5 5 speed TRD CAT back exhaust Stock injectors, fuel pump ACT 6 puck race clutch (removed 1/2008) ACT Street Disk clutch (installed 1/2008) Kenne Bell BAP Split Second FTC-1 9.8psi pulley INNOVATE MOTORSPORTS LM1 Wide band O2 with datalogger Detroit Truetrac LSD (rear diffie)... Yipes its BROKEN Best 1/4 mile time = 14.89 @ 89MPH.

05-24-2004, 09:20 AM	#27 (permalink)
firemaniac Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Granite Falls, WA. U.S.A. Posts: 106	I have both (well actually all three; CB, HAM, and FRS) plus a cell and havent had to use any offroad yet (knock on wood) but i like the security of haveing them if needed

07-23-2004, 07:23 AM	#33 (permalink)
keyster Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chico Posts: 1	Like other activites, it takes at least two to tango. There has to be someone on the other end. CB and FRS are not expensive and common in most areas and groups. If you really need to get a message out, Ham is the way to go. No one radio is the best solution for every situation. 73 K.

03-01-2005, 08:14 PM	#36 (permalink)
Figit090 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 406	sorry for my late reply...i must have missed my thread update in all my emails....thanks for all the useful info, i read it all. I have 2 ham enthusiasts for friends, but only one has successfully earned his license, the other i believe failed the test 2 times now... didn't know enough the first time, and got nervous the second.... three times a charm... lol But anyway, i'll probalby get both, considering there are 1-2 offroading clubs in my area, i just need to get a truck!! lol... it wont be long...i just saw a nice land cruiser roll by in my town and i just need to find it parked some where to read the details on the for sale sign and see if i can afford it.... I'll take a look at your site! And maybe i'll work on my lisence..... it cant be too hard...i started and took practice tests on www.QRZ.com but got tired of it and was too busy so dropped it... that and the fact my funds to buy a radio are limited...it was illogical to pursue another hobby at the time. __________________ <<Figit090>>I'm looking for a MR2 near my location, if you have one to sell PM me! For now i'm driving my 1986.5 Supra which is pretty nice as well

03-02-2005, 09:50 AM	#37 (permalink)
mtnmuse Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns, CA Posts: 49	If you decide to go with a CB, checkout this link of Recommended CB's... http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=40819 I have the Cobra 18WX ST II. It has a speaker on the front of the radio, weather band, scans all 40 channels, and fits the din slot for 3rd gen. Drawbacks include lack of SSB (single side band) and no PA speaker. Try running a search on CB to get more info. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...4%3A3947%3A4510 This link has this Cobra 18 for about $60 shipped. Buy an antenna (Firestik or Wilson about $20), coax cable (in 3 foot increments) and after a little tuning help from your local CB shop (radio and antenna SWR), your on the airwaves. The link below has some great info on where best to mount an antenna, how to tune your CB for maximum performance, and coax cable info. http://www.can4x4.com/articles/comcorner/index.htm __________________ 2000 4Runner SR5 Sport ARB lockers * 4.88's * OAR Manual Hub Kit ARB Sahara bar * Demello rear bumper & sliders * Warn XD 9.5 Camburg coilovers & A-arm, OME 891/N86 Sonoran Steel diff drop, e-brake & panhard drop brackets Iraggi 280 amp alt * Optima 34R * 6 KC Ti SlimLites AOR brakelines * Wilderness Sport Rack Deck plate mod * Amsoil airfilter Alpine CDR-9833, Image Dynamics CXS6, IDQ10 Cobra 18WX & 4' Wilson

03-02-2005, 06:30 PM	#38 (permalink)
leebee Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: marlbank, canada Posts: 1,821	i have a uniden and k40 ant, the radio is stuck between the console and pass. seat, mic is stored under drivers seat and the ant. is mounted on the rear left side of the hood. i just pull the radio forward a bit and tip it up so i can hear the sound from the speaker, attach the mic, attach the quick disco ant. and im good to go. coax is coiled under the pass. seat, all cables come up through the carpet by the seat belt anchor point. when im done, i disconnect the mic, ant. and slide the radio back between the seat/console, out of site but easy to set up. lee __________________ 93 sr5 v6 auto, 4x4 http://tlca.org # 15118 www.of4wd.com # 2270 www.phoenixrising.ca

03-02-2005, 08:18 PM	#39 (permalink)
Ducky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marysville Posts: 670	I have the Cobra 18WX ST II in the dash under my radio, and I have this: the remote display is mounted where my overhead console was. removed the door (sunglass holder) and mounted it up there.. __________________ - Ducky "Stupid a$$ VSC!!!" www.djducky.com '01 4Runner SR5 Sport. Amsoil 2Stage filter, Deckplate, Rear Diffbreather, SAW's in front, OME's in rear, Revtek Diff Drop, BFG Mud Terrain, 4' K40, Cobra 18WX, DRL Mod, ARB Tacoma Bull Bar, 6x Lightforce 170's, Demello Sliders, Sylvania Silverstars, Custom Roof Rack, Viair 450c, ARB Air Locker in Rear, Warn 9.5XP, Optima Yellow, Custom Framerail End's, ORS Manual Hub Conversion, Icom 2720H

03-03-2005, 06:45 PM	#41 (permalink)
Expat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Agoura Hills, CA Posts: 454	So am I correct saying most people here have CB without SSB? Thanks Mark __________________ Mark 04 4Runner SE,275x70x17 MTR's, Shrockworks Bullbar, Shrockworks Rock Sliders, 1.5" 4Crawler Body Lift, Kurt trailing Arms, OME Suspension, MagnaFlow muffler, 60" High Lift Jack, Yaesu FT-7800 Ham Radio, Diamond Magnetic Mount Antenna, Cobra 75WX ST CB radio, Wilson 5000 Antenna, Sirius Satellite Radio, Garmin iQue GPS, On-board CO2 system.

03-07-2005, 11:07 PM	#42 (permalink)
Figit090 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 406