CB vs FRS

[CslRkH2]

If you could only have one, which is more useful offroad?

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Damn, Paragon. That's one hell of a project. Hope it's done in the next couple of months. YOu could always bring the white 'burb. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yep, ground clearance of about 4" and all of that Denali Fascia plastic would equal a bunch stuff left on the trail that we would need Shaggy's truck to pack out.

But hey, it is full-time AWD.

[Beastmaster]

Oh...forgot to answer the question.

If you're interested in doing the single radio thing, you can get an ICOM IC-706MKIIG or a Yaesu FT-857D, which will cover 11M (CB), UHF, and VHF, along with all the Amateur bands.

[PARAGON]

Well, I know you can get a modern UHF/VHF radio. Is there a modern commercial radio that covers all the common frequencies. One where you can program FRS/GMRS, emergency UHF/VHF, CB etc.?

With doing the HOPE thing and then the need for CB and FRS/GMRS, it would be easier to just have one programmable radio installed.

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
...
Really, for something like this, that I will have and use over a long period of time, price is not as important as functionality. If the ole "you get what you pay for" rule applies I will have to pony up for the more expensive one. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paragon,
Did you pony up for the single radio, go multi-handheld, or is the jury still out?

Others,
When you guys say GMRS/FRS is very common, I assume you mean the combo radios that do the GMRS high and low frequencies and 7 of the FRS channels. Is this right?

If so which 7 FRS channels do most peoples combo radios have? And how often are people using the GMRS channels unlicensed?

Or do a lot of people who use handhelds really have true 14-channel FRS only radios?

[CslRkH2]

If you could only have one, which is more useful offroad?

[CslRkH2]

What's the effective range of an average CB?

[GeneseeMtn]

CB or FRS?
Neither!

You can't beat the clarity & distance of a VHF for off road use - zero static & distance 20 mile range easy.

You just have to convince your friends to have VHF as well (or buy some portables to lend out if your friends are poor). License recommended. Kenwood & ICON are good VHF mfrs.

[DRTYFN]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Damn, Paragon. That's one hell of a project. Hope it's done in the next couple of months. YOu could always bring the white 'burb. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yep, ground clearance of about 4" and all of that Denali Fascia plastic would equal a bunch stuff left on the trail that we would need Shaggy's truck to pack out.

But hey, it is full-time AWD. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, you know you'll be riding shotgun in a PEWTER H2 on the tough stuff anyway.

[Beastmaster]

Forgot one other minor issue. The ICOM and Yaesu radios need to be modded to accomodate "out of band" use.

It's really easy to do. Google will provide all the information you need.

In all practical purposes, I'd get the ICOM. There's a reason why it's the #1 selling Amateur Radio in the world. The Yaesu is like #2 or 3, so you won't go wrong with it either, but you'll find far more information on the ICOM than the Yaesu.

-Steve

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 05H2SUV:
What's the effective range of an average CB? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>max effective range of CB is supposed to be 4 miles

[DRTYFN]

Should have had a third choice: BOTH

[Beastmaster]

Holy cow. What project are you doing?

[KenP]

I forgot to compliment the underdash rust. Don't you just love it?!

[HHummer]

12 miles would require on top of the hill, over a lake, with a tail wind!

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
You can get 4 watt FRS/GMRS radios now that operate at max range of 12 miles. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you are at the top of Lions Back

[Bondage]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Spike:
Given the low cost of the FRS radios and CB radios it would be foolish not to buy both. I opted for the hand held CB. Here is a picture of the setup I have in the back of my H2. I actually just picked up another set of rechargeable FRS radios with a desktop charger on sale at LL bean. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Spike - the back of your rig is WAY too neat and WAY too tidy. That sort of neatness scares the crap outta me.

SEan

[Beastmaster]

Please do not use Marine band VHF for this type of thing. The FCC really frowns upon it to the point that they will cite and fine people on it. Truckers sometimes use Marine band radios, and I've heard that the FCC will DF the band sometimes in the Midwest and other landlocked states.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TBDAugs:
Agree with Genesee.

Marine band VHF is the way to go, problem is it's not a common vehicular purchase.

With DSC enabled Marine Band VHF by the way, you can attach it to a DSC enabled GPS chartplotter and then be able to track your position as well as all your buddies positions on your chartplotter. Garmin's chartplotter GPS's all are DSC enabled.

Also has an emergency rescue feature that broadcasts your GPS coordinates to all other DSC enabled VHF units and emergency responders.

Then all you need to do is hit the GOTO button on your chartplotter and it plots a course to your position.

If you want really great distance though, Single Side Band...

BSEEAugs </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[PARAGON]

I ended up getting a Midland handheld that served well. Right now, I am waiting on getting a broadband radio. I've got to go to one or two "classes" to get what I am wanting

As far as GMRS/FRS, you get a deal to get your licence when you buy one, so I would assume those that have GMRS opted for a licence. All of mine are GMRS/FRS and I probably have 12 radios.

[Spike]

originally posted by Bondage,
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Spike - the back of your rig is WAY too neat and WAY too tidy. That sort of neatness scares the crap outta me.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
After 2 years it is a little more cluttered, as I have added the additional 2 rechargable FRS radios to the mix. They are sitting in the cup holder in front of those other radios.
Oh I forgot, I also have a snow scraper/brush back there too. It's gettin a little tight back there!!