CB Radios

**jdeefus** · 10-23-2011, 02:45 PM

I'm considering purchasing some CB radios for my family to keep with them in their vehicles. I've had some cheap Radio Shack models in the past, but I'd like to know if there are any suggestions on what folks here are using.

**RICHFL** · 10-23-2011, 02:57 PM

NO CB is past it's prime. Too few channels even with side band, too little range (507 miles), cost too much and too heavy.
VHF Marine radio is the same about 10 miles

Best bet is a GRMS radio they are small, light weight, water proof, and range out to 35 miles. Cost for 2 good ones is less then $100.00. Above 35 miles you need ham radio or mobile phone.

**Echo2** · 10-23-2011, 04:11 PM

Depends on what you are wanting to do with it....

I have a few CBs for localized comms...and just to have something that everyone else may be able to broadcast and receive on.

For personal use around the farm....internal comms....we are using dedicated job site radios....very good range...clear...little to no chatter (traffic)....and we have a repeater set up for when we may venture more than a few miles away.

The GSMR radios are good for what they are....but they usually have way more traffic on them....and if the SHTF....they will probably be so busy they will be virtually useless.....also....unless you invest in a high dollar pair.....you will be lucky to get 3.5 to 5 miles out of them....and if there is a hill....less. The really good ones still only get 6 to 7 miles clearly enough to really understand.

The marine grades are nice....and work well....very comparable to the CP-200 job site radios we use....check licensing in your area....most require it for anytime other than an emergency....same with HAM gear.

HAM....the best.....but can get real expensive....real quick....a lot more regulations too. You'll want to do a lot more research if you go with this.

at the farm....we also have TA-312 field phones wired up between the buildings...they work great....and are fairly cheap.

Good luck.

**Iron mike** · 10-23-2011, 05:27 PM

I always liked CB radios traveling I like to listen in and get an idea whats going on in the area as soon as I can find one I like I want to have one in my truck

**coxmw** · 10-23-2011, 07:37 PM

We use CB's all around here, a cobra 29 ltd classic is a good radio to start if you just want CB ch. There are a lot of converted HAM radios out there that can talk on 10 and 11 meters.

**Jerry D Young** · 10-23-2011, 07:48 PM

I like the Cobra 148GTL because it is a Single Sideband radio as well as AM. Little more distance, a little, very little, more privacy as there are fewer of the SSB radios than there are the straight AM.

For hand-held, I wouldn't count on CB except for very short range as all of the ones I know of are AM only. I'd go with MURS for short range as, like the SSB CBs, there are far fewer of them than GMRS/FRC radios, and they have a bit better range.

Just my opinion.

**jdeefus** · 10-24-2011, 01:30 PM

cool, thanks for the input gang. I know what I've done in the past, but it is always good to get some new and different perspective from others. I appreciate you taking the time to chime in.

**101airborne** · 10-24-2011, 03:37 PM

I have several CB's from handheld 3 watters that will communicate 4-5 miles up to a Galaxy DX-929 with SSB that kicks ( factory) about 60 watts and I've talked over 75 miles on it using a 102" steel whip antenna. Someone suggested GRMS. They're good radios also but rather limited to line of sight. So a radio that says it has a 20 mile range, might only work 5 miles in hilly, timbered tterrain. HAM radio is pretty versitile and not that expensive. You can get a good mobile ( car mount) Yaseau radio and antenna for less than $200.

**Echo2** · 10-24-2011, 09:41 PM

My CB....base

Galaxy Saturn Turbo....100w.......and a 500w linear for emergencies.....I have spoke to Florida....but it's not that consistent.

When I had the aerial set up....WV and NC was common.