Here's a better examination of radios, thanks to a couple of folks the H2ML. One added note -from personal experience: yes, you need an external antenna on a handheld CB. You can also use a mobile unit that does not need to be permanently moutned -Steve, have you got a kink for the one with all the controls in the handset?
Here's what 2 smart people had to say:
In response to your post about CB vs FRS, I've always found that the CB seems to be the "universal" mode of communication when out on the trail. I don't know about the rest of the country, but here (Southern US), channel 4 is the recognized channel for 4x4 traffic. I can go to a new area and always find or communicate with others on the trail easily. The CB never runs out of batteries, and they seem to have a much longer range with a mounted antenna. The definately have more power. Also I consider any emergency situation...I would rather have a CB than my FRS if I REALLY needed lifesaving assistance.
I also own about a dozen of the handheld FRS radios for events, and really enjoy them as well. The FRS radios seem more private, and certainly have more channels. You can put them in your pocket, or clip them to a backpack.
Pros for CB
- Always available, uses vehicle battery
- Longer Range
- Use for other information, highway use, traffic
- Universal, most people offroad already have them
- Channel 4 is well known for 4x4 traffic
- Many CB's come with other features, weather band, etc
- Emergency personel monitor chanel 9 much of the time
Cons for CB
- Limited channels
- Possible profanity
- Higher cost
- Installation required
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Pros for FRS
- Small, portable
- Inexpensive
- More private communications
- No installation
Cons for FRS
- Only .5 watt
- May not work in wilderness areas beyond one mile
- Dependent on batteries
- No antenna option
- Not good for communications in an emergency
I personally would not go without my CB for safety reasons alone. If I am in trouble, I have a better chance of contacting someone/anyone with a CB. If I am in a small group, and want more private communications, I'll choose to carry the FRS. My opinion is that a CB should be standard equipment when you go offroad, an FRS is nice to have.
Does anyone know af any hybrid of the two, or something better alltogether?
Hope this helps!
Travis
_____________________________
Travis Patterson
Travis@HummerTeam.com
http://www.HummerTeam.com
http://www.AdventureTeam.com
**************************************************
One word: range.
When you're on the trail you need range. Trying to talk to
other groups that are around curves, through trees, behind mountains,
back in town or at base camp, etc...requires range. Only way to achieve
maximum range is lower frequency, more power and external antenna.
When/if FRS exceeds the range and versatility of CB, then you may see
them used more on the trails. For now there really is no reasonable
alternative except for commercial bands or radios requiring a license.
Oh sure, GMRS...supposed 5 mile range. That's across flat
land/water with no obstructions. That means the unit is not operated
from within a Hummer [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I love technology as much as the next person, but sometimes you
just have to go with the tried and true to best accomplish your goals.
Which in this case is range (not to mention talking with other people,
who are much more likely to have a CB).
Also, less channels may seem like a limitation, but I've found
40 is plenty for running trails and having a "private" channel for the
day. Besides, would you rather flip through 40 channels and ask for
help on each, or 420 combinations of channel and sub-frequency on an FRS
radio (not to mention scrambling)?
Personally I carry two FRS radios in the truck so that driver
and spotter/passenger can communicate when one is out of the truck and
also for communicating with people who forgot a CB. Not to mention FRS
are GREAT for hiking! I have a CB I use for all other communications
and have an external antenna for it. I plan on buying an iCom Ham radio
that can do CB, FRS and a bunch of other frequencies in one radio. Cost
prohibitive and requires special install, but that's for another day [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
-Chris
-Jack
Yellow H2 adv. on order
"I think I can make it. D'OH!"
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