CB radio is dead. Stop installing them and get a VHF/UHF instead!!!

[Oscar Indy]

There is a lot of opinion in this post and its mine alone formed after years and years of offroading across this country and others.
CB sucks and has zero redeeming qualities.
In years gone by it was the go-to but I'm seeing a massive trend to get away from it.
The CB is an antiquated system and with such a small demand the market is not improving them. The primary disadvantage of these radios is the AM operation. FM works better in every way.

The solution is to go with a VHF/UHF radio. Let's preface this before I get slammed with posts about licenses. There is some freq you do need a license for but there is PLENTY you don't. Amateur radio AKA Ham is a bank of channels you do need to take a simple test for and pay a nominal fee. I'm not interested in the myriad of capabilities these radios can accomplish. I simply want good reliable trail coms. For this route, I highly recommend a MURS radio or an FRS/GMRS radio. FRS and GMRS share many freq with the big difference being you can use more power and repeaters with a GMRS license. The GMRS license is good for the whole family and is only 75 bucks for 10 years with no test required. This is the route that will serve the offroad community best IMO.

So for 25 dollars for a cheap handheld and 75 for a license you may or may not depending on what you want to do you can get reliable trail coms that take less power, less space, no gigantic antennas and better range for less than decent CB let alone the cable and antenna too.

Once I ditched CB all together I have never looked back. In my JK I ripped out the entire system and replaced it with a simple cheap handheld. When I tried the Tacoma briefly I moved it over. The big difference here is the taco has a metal roof so some of the handheld range was lost. A cheap mag mount antenna put the antenna outside. In a Jeep with soft or fiberglass top I have never needed more than the handheld antenna. JeepUniq makes some excellent mounts for these radios https://jeepuniq.com/collections/jeep-jl

My Tacoma setup.

In my gladiator, I have gone to the mounted mobile radio. I wanted more channel monitoring for race coms. (I don't race the gladiator but it is the pit/chase truck for our team) and am very happy with the setup. The antenna is only 14in long and I could easily swap it for a shorter one if ever needed. On low power, I am able to get clear line of sight coms for 20+ miles where a CB in a similar environment was only getting me 3-4 miles max before it garbled bad. And that was on a very expensive CB that had been cranked up to 20 watts.
This entire VHF/UHF radio setup was less than 90 bucks.

So lets put the final nail in the coffin on CB radios offroad. It's a dying technology while VHF/UHF is blowing up and lots of RD is going into it.
Oh did I mention the 2017 changes to the GMRS ruleset allows for data communication? Won't be long before I'll have an app on the tablet that shows the location of who I'm talking to in real-time. This can already be done with some HAM setups but this recent rule change to the other bands is going to increase the functionality of these radios even more in the future. Think about how the Garmin Rhino works currently and you'll have an idea of how it will function.

#stopCBoffroad. I know there are still a lot of groups that hang onto the CB radio but I haven't been out with one of those groups in probably 5 years now and even then they are slowly converting. I now have a handful of the cheap baofengs that I like to carry with me on bigger trips. I usually hand them to those guys who are still using a CB predominately and it's not long before they are asking me where and what to get.

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[Oscar Indy]

 

[WXman]

I wonder if the trucking community is also going that way? I used to always have CB in my trucks and it was helpful to monitor trucker talk on interstate trips, but I haven't actually had a CB for several years now. Are the commercial drivers using FRS or do they still use CB?

 

[WhatExit?]

Good topic to discuss but for me, CB radios are legacy comms for a number of the guys I overland/off road with. I can change but the group isn't going to do that.

You bring up a good issue for everyone to consider

 

[Oscar Indy]

Good topic to discuss but for me, CB radios are legacy comms for a number of the guys I overland/off road with. I can change but the group isn't going to do that.

You bring up a good issue for everyone to consider

I have found I can receive the CB channels on my radio but not transmit. The freq are pretty easy to find and depending on the radio can be input using chirp. I set them to being unable to transmit to save the radio from damage.

I've converted a few old diehards by just doing a simple coms test. Here is a 20 dollar hand held. Let's go and if you can't reach me via the CB try this little guy. Never failed the FM radio would out do the CB.

 

[wannajeep]

Something to consider is that there may be some appeal to the "old school" flavor of a simple CB. Sort of like how some prefer manual transmissions, even if (in some hands) they're not as fuel efficient or as quick to change a gear. The Jeep thing is largely a lifestyle thing, and at least for me, the Jeep offers an experience that no other modern, convenient, "better" truck can give. While technological improvements often make things better, cheaper and more convenient, do we risk making things too easy and taking out the fun factor? Maybe comes down to an analog vs. digital argument.

 

[Oscar Indy]

Something to consider is that there may be some appeal to the "old school" flavor of a simple CB. Sort of like how some prefer manual transmissions, even if (in some hands) they're not as fuel efficient or as quick to change a gear. The Jeep thing is largely a lifestyle thing, and at least for me, the Jeep offers an experience that no other modern, convenient, "better" truck can give. While technological improvements often make things better, cheaper and more convenient, do we risk making things too easy and taking out the fun factor? Maybe comes down to an analog vs. digital argument.

I heard bulkier, more intrusive, cumbersome and underperforming. But a good GMRS FRS radio is very simple to use. Think of it as those bubble pack radios that every outdoor store trys to sell. Same frequencys just more power on GMRS. You can make it more complicated if you want to but it's really easy. Complexity wise there is no tunning like the CB.

I do get what you are saying tho.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Good topic to discuss but for me, CB radios are legacy comms for a number of the guys I overland/off road with. I can change but the group isn't going to do that.

You bring up a good issue for everyone to consider

And this is the reason why I'm stuck on CB. Every person I hit the trails with is on CB, so I'm stuck with it.

I effectively know nothing about the workings of radio transmission. A quick question, if I have a Firestik (or insert whichever brand) antenna and cabling that is being used for CB, can these items still be used for a later upgrade to ham? I'm anticipating an eventual phase out, but it would be great to retain as many items as possible. Further, is it possible to utilize the same antenna that could be split to CB and ham? I'm thinking yes as there are splitters out there that allow you to use the same antenna for both CB and FM radio (which I intend to purchase probably today).

 

[wannajeep]

if I have a Firestik (or insert whichever brand) antenna and cabling that is being used for CB, can these items still be used for a later upgrade to ham? I'm anticipating an eventual phase out, but it would be great to retain as many items as possible. Further, is it possible to utilize the same antenna that could be split to CB and ham?

The cable can be used for either ham or CB, but not the antenna. Antennas are tuned to operate (resonate) at a narrow range of frequencies. For CB it's about 27 MHz. If you're talking about VHF ham (your typical mobile or handheld radios for communicating on the trail), that's 144 to 148 MHz and needs a much different antenna. While there are other ham frequencies you can use (such as 28-29.5 MHz) they have different characteristics and won't be too useful for local communications on the trail.

Even if a splitter worked it would need to be designed so when you key up your ham rig it doesn't transmit into the CB rig's output (and vice versa). All the power would need to go into only the antenna.

You could use a switch to run both rigs on the same antenna but you'd need an inline antenna tuner to get the antenna to resonate at the right frequency for the CB or ham rig. But then, tuning an antenna on the fly is fiddly.

All those solutions are somewhat clumsy and inefficient when all is done. You're far better off using dedicated coax and antennas for each radio.

 

[Oscar Indy]

And this is the reason why I'm stuck on CB. Every person I hit the trails with is on CB, so I'm stuck with it.

I effectively know nothing about the workings of radio transmission. A quick question, if I have a Firestik (or insert whichever brand) antenna and cabling that is being used for CB, can these items still be used for a later upgrade to ham? I'm anticipating an eventual phase out, but it would be great to retain as many items as possible. Further, is it possible to utilize the same antenna that could be split to CB and ham? I'm thinking yes as there are splitters out there that allow you to use the same antenna for both CB and FM radio (which I intend to purchase probably today).

No the technology is too different to share equipment. As far as antennas and cables they are much more a kin to your fm radio. If you look at my Jeep it kind of looks like the same antenna is on both sides. Some guys even just replace their factory antenna with one.

To get started I wouldn't even bother with an external antenna.
I have Nagoya 701 antennas on both my handhelds and in a Jeep they are plenty.
The fiberglass top doesn't obstruct signal like a metal topped vehicle will.

If you want to start out and have zero interest in the programing and not want a liscense this is a solid option.
https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1
You can run all the standard frequencies out of the box and it's power is limited to the FRS max outputs. Only thing you would need the GMRS liscense for is repeater operation (not necessary for 99% of trail coms. And they will work with any of the little bubble pack radios that everyone has a drawer full of.

If you want to get a little more in-depth get one of these and a programming cable.
Chirp is a fairly intuitive free software for loading channels ( you can do it thru the keypad if you are patient) get one of these.
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_G0DlEbRHD3VA
Problem here is they are a little outside of the power spec set by the FCC. Honestly it's so small a difference most people ignore it.

You'll eventually upgrade and these make great hand outs to people without one.


Both radios will benefit from an aftermarket antenna. I use the 701 like mentioned earlier but they are often counterfeited so watch for good reviews or buy from a known source.

 

[spazzyfry123]

No the technology is too different to share equipment. As far as antennas and cables they are much more a kin to your fm radio. If you look at my Jeep it kind of looks like the same antenna is on both sides. Some guys even just replace their factory antenna with one.

To get started I wouldn't even bother with an external antenna.
I have Nagoya 701 antennas on both my handhelds and in a Jeep they are plenty.
The fiberglass top doesn't obstruct signal like a metal topped vehicle will.

If you want to start out and have zero interest in the programing and not want a liscense this is a solid option.
https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1
You can run all the standard frequencies out of the box and it's power is limited to the FRS max outputs. Only thing you would need the GMRS liscense for is repeater operation (not necessary for 99% of trail coms. And they will work with any of the little bubble pack radios that everyone has a drawer full of.

If you want to get a little more in-depth get one of these and a programming cable.
Chirp is a fairly intuitive free software for loading channels ( you can do it thru the keypad if you are patient) get one of these.
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_G0DlEbRHD3VA
Problem here is they are a little outside of the power spec set by the FCC. Honestly it's so small a difference most people ignore it.

You'll eventually upgrade and these make great hand outs to people without one.


Both radios will benefit from an aftermarket antenna. I use the 701 like mentioned earlier but they are often counterfeited so watch for good reviews or buy from a known source.

Your first option would be perfect for just starting out. I think what I will do is run an antenna in the factory location to receive CB, AM, and FM radio. This will go to the splitter - one to the AM/FM radio and the other to a discrete CB base to hide and only have the mic with controls mounted. By doing this I won't be adding additional antennas, have a minimal impact on interior space, and can have a handheld (such as your recommendation) to cover all bases. I like where this is going.... Great thread

I'm convinced the east coast is slow to catch up. I know no one that is using a ham setup. It's either CB or walkie-talkie.

 

[Oscar Indy]

I'm convinced the east coast is slow to catch up. I know no one that is using a ham setup. It's either CB or walkie-talkie.

Walkie-Talkie is FRS

 

[Climbhigh]

No the technology is too different to share equipment. As far as antennas and cables they are much more a kin to your fm radio. If you look at my Jeep it kind of looks like the same antenna is on both sides. Some guys even just replace their factory antenna with one.

To get started I wouldn't even bother with an external antenna.
I have Nagoya 701 antennas on both my handhelds and in a Jeep they are plenty.
The fiberglass top doesn't obstruct signal like a metal topped vehicle will.

If you want to start out and have zero interest in the programing and not want a liscense this is a solid option.
https://baofengtech.com/gmrs-v1
You can run all the standard frequencies out of the box and it's power is limited to the FRS max outputs. Only thing you would need the GMRS liscense for is repeater operation (not necessary for 99% of trail coms. And they will work with any of the little bubble pack radios that everyone has a drawer full of.

If you want to get a little more in-depth get one of these and a programming cable.
Chirp is a fairly intuitive free software for loading channels ( you can do it thru the keypad if you are patient) get one of these.
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_i_G0DlEbRHD3VA
Problem here is they are a little outside of the power spec set by the FCC. Honestly it's so small a difference most people ignore it.

You'll eventually upgrade and these make great hand outs to people without one.


Both radios will benefit from an aftermarket antenna. I use the 701 like mentioned earlier but they are often counterfeited so watch for good reviews or buy from a known source.

Ok few questions.

I was looking over your first option suggestion. I like that it can communicate with the "store bought" hunting walkie talkies. But the higher channels it can only monitor, correct?

I have 3m peltor litecom plus communication for my tree and crane work, which apparently runs on a 400 something frequency (which I didn't realize requires a license till now). It would be cool for me to get a radio that can receive and transmit on that frequency. The option you listed can only receive it, I think.

On the same site there is UV-82HP radio that can receive and transmit to the same frequency as my Peltor, but can't connect to the "store bought" walkie talkies :-(. I can also get it in a colored case, which is cool.

What frequency range is used mostly in the offroading these days?

 

[Mkcagle]

I did not know CB radios were still around until I bought my JT. I thought they were a thing of the past.

 

[wannajeep]

Once I ditched CB all together I have never looked back

Hold on a sec. You said you ditched the CB but there's evidence of some remaining components of the Chicken Band in your Taco LOL

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