CB or FRS?

[CaliMobber]

Its funny how everyone acts like Ham is a tough test. Its been almost 10 years since I got my ham license. All the answers are free and readily available online. I started memorizing the questions Wednesday and passed my test sat. I basically read through all 300 questions and answers 2 times and was able to pick out the answer and passed. not really learning just recognizing the answer and picking it out from the group. They also have the common sense study guide that basically re writes all 300 questions in to a statement. so you just read 300 true statements a few times.

 

[nwoods]

I did the same. I cycled through the test bank of questions on HamtestOnline.com on Saturday, took the test on Sunday. Passed easily Then then encouraged me to take the next level (Extra class), and though I hadn't studied it, I missed it by only a few points. I was pretty surprised how close I came to passing the Extra test, but I did learn a lot about propagation as a sonar tech in the Navy I guess....

 

[Voodoo Blue 57]

I think it really depends on what the group you travel with uses. I travel with a group of 3 and we use FRS's. We use FRS's because we can choose our frequency and for us it is the simplest method to communicate and we all have different setups in our rigs. One of us has a mounted CB, I have a 2M ham and a handheld CB, the last of our group only has a handheld CB. I only use the CB when it is required during a sponsored event.

I've been on sponsored events where CB was only used, others where Ham was only used. But I have noticed that a lot more off-road clubs that use to require a CB in my area are moving to Ham radio and are encouraging their members to get their license.

As a side note: Most cities have Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) which are funded by FEMA. RACES works closely with a cities emergence management organization to provide communication and support during emergencies and knowing your local cities emergence HAM frequency or frequencies may be the quickest way to get current information during an emergency.

Here is a link if you are interested in getting more information on RACES.

http://www.arrl.org/chapter-4-ares-and-races

 

[Martinjmpr]

Its funny how everyone acts like Ham is a tough test..

I don't know anybody who says the test is tough (at least not for the Tech license that used to be called Tech plus.)

The equipment, OTOH, can be intimidating to a novice user especially when compared to the simplicity of CB. Not that that is a flaw - it's just that HAM radios are designed for hobbyists who are really into radio, they're not designed for casual users who just want to be able to talk and who don't care about radios, programming or setting them up, determining what frequencies to use, etc.

 

[Jerry]

I definitely prefer CB over FRS. CB usually has a stronger signal and farther range; a larger speaker, thus easier to hear; loggers, hunters, fishermen, farmers, ranchers, 18-wheeler's and other off road groups use CB so you are more likely to reach someone in case of an emergency. Not many oncoming log truck drivers use 2-meter or FRS. But, the best form of communication is ham radio (some modes of ham radio are even better than satellite phones in canyons) and the more bands you can communicate on the better. Check out ham radio when you are ready to to take the next step. The groups I run with usually use CB for driving directions and ******** chat on the trail. Personally I carry all of the above (except a sat phone) as well as a SPOT Satellite Messenger and each unit has it's place.

 

[pugslyyy]

For a casual group, FRS is a much better choice - doesn't rely on folks doing a vehicle install, tuning the antenna, getting the ground plane right, etc. A good CB is going to work better than an average FRS, but reality is you end up with a bunch of poorly installed rigs (or heaven forbid handhelds) that really don't work.

Another advantage to FRS is that you can monitor it on your ham rig so you will be able to pull in really weak signals - even though it is illegal to transmit on those frequencies.

I do like CB for use on the road / talking to truckers. But these days it seems more useful on blacktop and slab than on dirt.

 

[troyboy162]

Voted CB

long story short I think most 4x4 situations, among those two choices, would be best suited by a FRS/GMRS radio rather then CB, but CB is the 4x4 standard right now and has a few benefits when properly used and maintained. I hope Ham becomes the standard soon because truly that's a radio system that really compliments off road travel and remote locations.

 

[SoCal_80]

Get your ham license and don't look back.