Possibly VERY stupid question about HAM and CB

[barlowrs]

Ok, first off, if this is a COMPLETLY stupid qustion, I apologize. I got my HAM liscense many many moons ago, and never actually got into it, however, I am about to finally dive into the world of HAM. I actually bought a HAM for dummies book (yes you can laugh, but its actually pretty good:sombrero:.) And I intend to install a Yaesu 8900 into my truck as soon ss funding allows (And once I learn how to use it).

So, I know that many people communicate on CB when they are offroading with eachother. My question, if I have a HAM radio (Yaesu 8900) does that also run CB frequencies, or do I also need a CB to communicate with those ppl that are runnign only CB?

Thanks, and sorry for the stupd question.
Robert

 

[CharlieV]

I have a 10 Meter Ham that has been converted to run CB's forty channels as one of its bands, but the Ham guys I know use 2 Meter radios.

 

[Trail Monkey]

barlowrs

your question is not stupid.. and it seems your headed in the right direction with the for dummies book and the yeasu to follow..

only modified HAM radios can get cb channels,i dont recommend that. i suggest you have both units. cb's are very inexpensive and still are the most widely used in the offroad comunity.. the HAM will perform way better. and many of your fellow Expo members prefer it when Overlanding..

you also dont need a super duper full function unit like the one your propossing to get, its a great radio. but for simplex - radio to radio direct communication a less full featured unit might be easier to master at first. make sure though you get a dual band unit for the most compatibility with others in general..

ive left out a ton of detail here so as not to confuse the issues. if you have more questions fire away. lots of HAM experts on the Expo. im a newby...

 

[gary in ohio]

Ok, first off, if this is a COMPLETLY stupid qustion, I apologize. I got my HAM liscense many many moons ago, and never actually got into it, however, I am about to finally dive into the world of HAM. I actually bought a HAM for dummies book (yes you can laugh, but its actually pretty good:sombrero:.) And I intend to install a Yaesu 8900 into my truck as soon ss funding allows (And once I learn how to use it).

So, I know that many people communicate on CB when they are offroading with eachother. My question, if I have a HAM radio (Yaesu 8900) does that also run CB frequencies, or do I also need a CB to communicate with those ppl that are runnign only CB?

Thanks, and sorry for the stupd question.
Robert

The 8900 is a quad band radio, 10m, 6m, 2m and 70cm. This radio will not operate on CB frequencies. In addition to CB being AM (or SSB) and the 8900 being FM, Its also illegal to use non approved radio on CB channels. A CB must be a separate radio to be legal.

 

[xtatik]

Ok, first off, if this is a COMPLETLY stupid qustion, I apologize. I got my HAM liscense many many moons ago, and never actually got into it, however, I am about to finally dive into the world of HAM. I actually bought a HAM for dummies book (yes you can laugh, but its actually pretty good:sombrero:.) And I intend to install a Yaesu 8900 into my truck as soon ss funding allows (And once I learn how to use it).

So, I know that many people communicate on CB when they are offroading with eachother. My question, if I have a HAM radio (Yaesu 8900) does that also run CB frequencies, or do I also need a CB to communicate with those ppl that are runnign only CB?

Thanks, and sorry for the stupd question.
Robert

Yep, according to the FCC you're license is active, but on borrowed time. You need to re-up or you'll have to test again.... take it from me, I let mine lapse about 15 years ago......it's a drag to have to re-test. I'd get this done ASAP.
Once you re-up your callsign and get a radio, you won't miss CB.
It's illegal to modify the radios for operation outside their specific band.
If you really need a CB I'd just get a cheap handheld, as CB's are nearly useless for anything other than vehicle to vehicle squawking. For that purpose, you wouldn't know the difference between a mounted radio and external antenna and a handheld with a rubber duck antenna. With a 2m/70cm radio you'll have much greater range (40-60 miles, approx.), with an upgrade to General and a radio with HF capability, you'll have a range of 4000-6000 miles approx.

 

[barlowrs]

Yep, according to the FCC you're license is active, but on borrowed time. You need to re-up or you'll have to test again.... take it from me, I let mine lapse about 15 years ago......it's a drag to have to re-test. I'd get this done ASAP.
Once you re-up your callsign and get a radio, you won't miss CB.
It's illegal to modify the radios for operation outside their specific band.
If you really need a CB I'd just get a cheap handheld, as CB's are nearly useless for anything other than vehicle to vehicle squawking. For that purpose, you wouldn't know the difference between a mounted radio and external antenna and a handheld with a rubber duck antenna. With a 2m/70cm radio you'll have much greater range (40-60 miles, approx.), with an upgrade to General and a radio with HF capability, you'll have a range of 4000-6000 miles approx.

Yeah, mine is about to expire soon. I need to renew it. It is on my list of things to do over the next few days.