Who's still running both a CB and HAM
- Thread starter Beowulf
- Start date
I had not thought of traffic updates. I will have to try that. Sadly, or fortunately, depending on how you look at, I have not been on any trail runs where it was not just my brother and I, besides the Overland Certified Alumni Trip to Baja. And, as you can guess everyone had HAM on that trip.
But as you mentioned more have CBs and if I was solo, I'd like to think that maybe I could reach some by CB if I had too.
But as you mentioned more have CBs and if I was solo, I'd like to think that maybe I could reach some by CB if I had too.
mountainpete
Spamicus Eliminatus
I run both CB and HAM, although the CB is only turned on if I have a specific need for it.
Pete
Pete
tperkins
Observer
Will be running both; I take my HAM test July 2nd. I started with the CB for two reasons; no certification, and it was cheap. Beginning setup ran me about $60, and it works great for what I need (short range comms). The 2m/70cm setup I'm looking at, with a Yaesu 7900R and a good antenna setup, around $350.
Although some disagree, as with any controversial subject, I think having a CB in addition to a HAM makes sense, as not all people have a HAM, and not all have a CB. Yeah, you can get the immature idiot on the CB playing music or loudmouthing, but they can be good for short range comms between those without HAM, traffic/road updates, and emergency usage.
Also, my CB is our EMA's volunteer backup, after our VHF radios, and I also use mine for a PA.
Although some disagree, as with any controversial subject, I think having a CB in addition to a HAM makes sense, as not all people have a HAM, and not all have a CB. Yeah, you can get the immature idiot on the CB playing music or loudmouthing, but they can be good for short range comms between those without HAM, traffic/road updates, and emergency usage.
Also, my CB is our EMA's volunteer backup, after our VHF radios, and I also use mine for a PA.
1911
Expedition Leader
+1, have both but never turn on the cb unless I am in a trail group that needs it.
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
That's what I used to do, but then 4 or 5 years ago, I just stopped using it. I relied on the 2 meter exclusively. Then, a year ago, I sold the Jeep, and haven't bothered to put a radio in the truck. So, if someone wants to talk to me, they can either call me on my cell phone (which I am likely to ignore, since I hate talking on it while driving), or they can wait until we stop. I kind of enjoy the silence . . .
Rallyroo
Expedition Leader
My friends are too lazy to take the test for the ham license. I've been a licensed ham for over 15 years. Before the popularity of cell phones, many of my friends were on ham. Now they've dropped off like flies. I only installed a CB rig less than 2 years ago.
So now I'm running the trifecta of ham, CB, and FRS. The worst part is when I have to serve as relay since I have all three. A job better suited for my co-driver when I have one.
troyboy162
Adventurer
I agree with everything said above. if you want good coms with everyone on any given day then you have to run both. I encourge my friends to get ham but in the mean time we are still the minority on the trails. some clubs are adopting faster then others. I have a jeep group near me that are probably 50/50 or better. it stinks but it wont change untill a ~$100 set up comes out that is worth a darn. I thought that wouxon mobile was going to be the game changer but the latest rumers is that it might be a extremly full featured premium radio rather then a bang for buck wonder like the HT's
I've got both but after getting my license I dislike the CB because of all it's pitfalls. Most people I run with have CB's or FRS so I've got to keep it.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I wonder if there will eventually be a "split the difference" option: Mobile FRS. If I understand correctly (corrections welcomed ) the FCC allows GMRS mobile units but does not allow FRS mobile units.
IOW, by law all FRS radios are HTs with the mike and antenna attached to the hand-held unit. There are also power restrictions. But the advantage of the FRS is that it is (again, I'm going on my recollection here) a VHF frequency FM unit instead of an HF frequency AM system (which is what CB is.)
EDIT: Just checked the web, FRS/GMRS is actually UHF (462 - 467 MhZ) not VHF.
(by "mobile" I mean a radio set that can be permanently mounted in the vehicle with a separate microphone and antenna like a 2m Mobile)
For me, Mobile FRS would be a perfect system: FM/UHF for better sound quality, and a simple non-repeater (simplex) 'channel' system like CB for ease of use.
I have to be honest, I'm not a "radio geek" and that's why I let my HAM license expire in 2004 (KB0LOG if anyone's interested.) Besides the 4x4, I also have a motorcycle, and I like to shoot/hunt.
I also have a wife, a dog, a house and a job, all of which occasionally require some of my attention. So the reality is, I just don't have the time for another "hobby" which is what HAM would be to me. Even without the CW requirement (which I passed in 1993, although I couldn't today) HAM requires too much "commitment" and that's not what I need a radio for. I just need a radio to be able to talk to other people on the trail.
So I say: Bring on the decent priced, decently featured Mobile FRS units in the $100 - $200 price range. Once they catch on and everybody has one, I'd love to have one in my rig.
) the FCC allows GMRS mobile units but does not allow FRS mobile units. IOW, by law all FRS radios are HTs with the mike and antenna attached to the hand-held unit. There are also power restrictions. But the advantage of the FRS is that it is (again, I'm going on my recollection here) a VHF frequency FM unit instead of an HF frequency AM system (which is what CB is.)
EDIT: Just checked the web, FRS/GMRS is actually UHF (462 - 467 MhZ) not VHF.
(by "mobile" I mean a radio set that can be permanently mounted in the vehicle with a separate microphone and antenna like a 2m Mobile)
For me, Mobile FRS would be a perfect system: FM/UHF for better sound quality, and a simple non-repeater (simplex) 'channel' system like CB for ease of use.
I have to be honest, I'm not a "radio geek" and that's why I let my HAM license expire in 2004 (KB0LOG if anyone's interested.) Besides the 4x4, I also have a motorcycle, and I like to shoot/hunt.
I also have a wife, a dog, a house and a job, all of which occasionally require some of my attention.
So the reality is, I just don't have the time for another "hobby" which is what HAM would be to me. Even without the CW requirement (which I passed in 1993, although I couldn't today) HAM requires too much "commitment" and that's not what I need a radio for. I just need a radio to be able to talk to other people on the trail. So I say: Bring on the decent priced, decently featured Mobile FRS units in the $100 - $200 price range. Once they catch on and everybody has one, I'd love to have one in my rig.
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