CB, is it worth it?

[James AKA Lynx]

I have heard some people say CB's are great and others just us the cell phone.<br><br>Ham radio is an option IF I wanted to study and the difference in cost.<br><br>What is real in the world out there???<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[travlinman and wife]

cb are greate for trafic jams . getting directions around wrecks. how long the tie up will be and what the problem is

 

[highdesertranger]

cell phones work great were they work.&nbsp; cb's and ham's work everywhere.&nbsp; if you are in a caravan cb's work great.&nbsp; cb's are cheap,&nbsp; legal to talk on while driving, &nbsp;but trying to get help on one in the back country&nbsp;might be a problem.&nbsp; hams have a longer range and might be better for getting help but you need a license.&nbsp; I have a cb and a cell use the cb for vehicle to vehicle&nbsp;communications.&nbsp; so I guess it all depends what you want to do.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[rokguy]

<EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #888888">10-4, love the C.B radio. Good com device out on the hwys. Geoff</SPAN></STRONG></EM>

 

[offroad]

you have to stage the communications.<br><br>1)&nbsp; CB Radio is good on the highway for about ten miles, with truckers.<br>2)&nbsp; Cellphone is good where the towers are.&nbsp; about ten mile cell coverage.&nbsp; loose the tower, you are stuck.<br>3)&nbsp; Ham radio can use the two meter repeater systems which are about 20 miles distant.&nbsp; You use radio power to legally communicate.<br>4)&nbsp; Satellite emergency locator beacon.&nbsp; not as perfect but they do work when all else fails.&nbsp;

 

[Simran]

I have a cb in my van but rarely use it. I spend so much of my time in the rural parts of America I almost never hear any chatter on the CB. But I have it! I used it more when I traveled the interstates which I rarely use anymore.


Gus

 

[Johnnomads]

<strong>Chicken Band was great 30 yrs ago, I had a 5 channel Executive, a LaFayette<br> 23, a Royce 40, and ssb rigs</strong>, <strong>but placing CB on 11 meters was crazy from the start, it's just a mass of noise and skip these days. Eventually I think the FCC will close 11 meters to CB, and move CB to MURS or FRS bands, Another alternative is </strong><strong>GMRS business radio</strong> <strong>wh</strong><strong>ich I use. It's FM, quiet, and vertually no interference.</strong>

 

[caseyc]

I have fond memories of using my dad's CB radio when I was a kid.&nbsp; I used to say "Breaker, breaker 1-9, this is the Phantom F4".&nbsp; The Phantom F4 was my favorite jet fighter plane at the time, haha!&nbsp; Every so often, someone would say to me "how old are you anyways?".&nbsp; I think I was something like 10 or 12 at the time.&nbsp; For some reason, channel 19 was the favorite channel for most everyone including truckers.&nbsp; I recall some people would be extra loud (and obnoxious) because they probably had stronger antenna reception?&nbsp; I remember enjoying listening to people's semi-private conversations.&nbsp; When a guy liked a particular woman, he would say something like "let's switch over to channel 12 to talk more", haha!&nbsp; I would then switch over to channel 12, hyuck hyuck!&nbsp; Mind you, I was a kid at 12 and had nothing else better to do at the time.&nbsp; This was before the internet, before Facebook, before iPad/iPhone days!!&nbsp; <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif">&nbsp; My impression whenever I see a long (CB) antenna sticking out of someone's vehicle is that it's&nbsp;so 80s. <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif">

 

[highdesertranger]

cb's&nbsp;might be 80's, &nbsp;but they are still legal while driving unlike cell phones.&nbsp; cb's work great in convoys,&nbsp; travelling in groups of 2 or more vehicles.&nbsp; after the iniatial purchase the only cost you have is&nbsp;in the power to run them.&nbsp; no monthly contract with a cb.&nbsp; don't diss the lowly cb.&nbsp; 10/4,&nbsp;roger that rubber ducky.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[caseyc]

Like I said, I have fond memories!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp; Actually, I recently thought about adding a CB to my van so I could maybe use it in case of an emergency if stuck somewhere. &nbsp;However, I don't even know any local retailers that sell a CB. &nbsp;I'm guessing I would have to order one online? &nbsp;Yes, I totally agree with the no monthly cost after initial setup, that's a true beauty. &nbsp;I hate paying monthly fees for anything other than the necessities. &nbsp;Phantom F4 out, haha!

 

[caseyc]

<a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...;utm_content=Exact&amp;gclsrc=ds#ReviewHeader" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...;utm_content=Exact&amp;gclsrc=ds#ReviewHeader<br><br></a><br>Anyone have opinions on this mini CB radio? It's $100 from Radio Shack. I didn't know they make portable handheld CBs. Does this thing really take AA size batteries? &nbsp;How are CB radios powered, as in what power source? Do I need to plug in the CB into my 2000 watt inverter? Is there an internal rechargeable battery?<br><br>Or is a "full size" CB better than a handheld? I tend to prefer portable handheld devices if given a choice. Obviously, a longer, stronger powerful antenna mounted probably outside the vehicle is paramount for better reception. &nbsp;If so, how and where do you mount the exterior antenna? &nbsp;Or can I just use a better antenna inside the van instead of outside? I need to know if I need to have my van conversion shop custom install a CB antenna outside the van, if this is important.<br><br>

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Hanfhelds do not have the power so not as much range. Outside antenna is a must because it is blocked from the metal and windows inside the cab.