Karma,
You make somewhat of a valid point as to keeping one's CB working or effective. As you have stated 50% or more don't. But then how well is their rig maintained as well?
Hardest part about CBs is getting them installed properly and then the antenna tuned optimally. Most never or don't know how to tune their antenna and there in lies the rub...no range or very little range. Range is the most common issue with CBs even when tuned. They are basically line of site with lowest power settings (<5W), most don't even get a mile in range. Granted, CBs are generally significantly less expensive than a ham nor do they require a license (at least most of the people I know don't have a license for a CB or GMRs/FRS - even though in the USA one is required for GMRS). GMRS/FRS have come a long way from CBs and their range is significantly better (up to 20 miles I have heard) with less things (antennas, tuning, cables, etc.) to fuss about.
A used or cheap CB will be had for about $20-$50 and new up to $100-$150 plus. Most do not come with an antenna and depending on what you get, most go cheap here, when here is where the money should be spent. Antennas again run the gambit of $10-$15 at truck stops and up to $100 plus. Then there is the cable (which should not be cut as it is made to the correct length). Again, this goes from $20 to $35+ depending on quality...again the noobs go cheap here, when again the money should be spent here. Get a good coaxial cable as it will reduce the RF noise. Next a stud may be required and that goes for about $15-$25 for stainless steel. lastly, a mounting bracket is required for the antenna, this again is relatively cheap item ($15-$25). Correct me if my estimates are out of line. So, lets add this up:
CB($20-$150+)+ Antenna ($15-$100+)+Cable ($20-$35)+Stud($15-$25)+Bracket($15-$25)=Final total cost $85-$335. you may get lucky and get all of this stuff for around $50 plus, but remember you're lucky!
GMRS/FRS can be had used for $25-$50 depending on condition and if they come with a working charging unit. New these are $35-$100 or so. Keep in mind you need to study and pass a test and what costs it might have...say $20 plus your time. Again a reminder, these units are more portable (read take with you when you hike) and have a better range than a CB, but are also line of site, hence no going around corners - unless you are really close to each other and can probably yell just as well - or in canyons, et al.
Hence why we chat about HAMs! They have by far: a better quality of sound, range (1000s of miles, yes that is correct via repeaters), about $150-$350 all in (unit, mike, antenna, cable, stud, bracket, and license) for a reasonable set up, no antenna tuning (they come the right length for the band(s) your Ham has), very well regulated by various Gov't agencies, distinct preassigned call signs so you KNOW who you are talking to and roughly where they are from (call signs are assigned by state/province), as well as some other features: memory banks, weather stations you can actually hear in the bush, APRS, and more.
The range is phenomenal with a HAM! I am participate in a regional network which spans all of Canada and regularly chat with a guy in Nova Scotia from Calgary...yes that is 1000s of miles via a network of repeaters. I am sure the USA has similar. Most trail hands use 146.46 so you can usually hear someone on that frequency or monitor the recognized and approved 911 frequency which I believe is 146.52 which I have pre-programmed on one of my 5 hyper-memory buttons on the face of my ham. When have you ever heard anyone on CH 9 on your CB??? HAMs also give a wider range of bands/frequencies to use when you are in an area or an event that has many people using the same frequency.
So with out going on too much more, you can see HAMs give you way more bang for your buck! Please be a bit more constructive in your future posts. Negative criticism is good if correct and said in the right way/tone and is more appreciated. Hope this helps you all.
You are correct, Canada dropped licensing a couple of years ago for GMRS, I never made mention about FRS requiring a license. Also please note GMRS doesnt have channels it has frequencies, so CH1-7 and 15-22 are not validate designators for GMRS while many combo radio's have similar channels, there is no FCC law that defines channels. YOU also need to look at the radio and HOW the radio was certified. I have a combo radio that channels 1-14 are FRS no US license and 15-22 require a US license and yet another radio is the more common 1-7/15-22 GMRS US license and 8-14 FRS.
