Evaluating CB Radios: Are They Right for You?
Despite reaching the height of their popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, the CB radio is still the preferred communication choice of many of today’s amateur radio enthusiasts. As is the case of every other product in the always expanding and improving marketplace, each type of radio (10 meter/HAM, business band, CB, GMRS, and two-way) has certain advantages that must be taken into consideration before a purchase decision is made. Hopefully, a brief overview of each option will help you decide which one is best able to meet your specific needs.
CB Radios
CB radios are especially popular among truck drivers and those individuals who enjoy communicating from their cars, trucks, jeeps or RVs. They may also be used for local communication between friends and family members. cb radios typically make use of an external CB antenna for signal transmision and reception. While small handheld antennas can be used, these typically deliver unsatisfactory results.
There are a large number of quality CB products on the market today. Quality available products include Cobra CB radios, Galaxy CB radios, Wilson CB antennas and Firestik CB antennas.
CB radios include a number of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding which type of radio to use:
Advantages
- Relatively low cost and no licensing fees
- Easy to install and use
- A wide variety of models
- A large number of channels for use
- Widespread acceptance and use, especially on roadways
Disadvantages
- Handheld cb radios perform poorly compared to other options
- Limited to only four watts of transmission power which limits range
- Can cause RFI in stereos, telephones, and televisions
- Large external antenna usually needed for satisfactory performance
GRMS Radios
GMRS radios originated in the 1940s and were first allocated for commercial use only. This band is designated for radios whose outputs are in the 1-5 watt range, and has a maximum range of five miles. Manufacturers now offer several different types of recreational radios that utilize GMRS, usually in combination with FRS. They are regulated by the FCC, and a license is required before you are allowed to use this band.
GMRS radio signals travel by line of sight which means that certain terrain, weather, and other factors will often decrease the radio’s maximum field range. Regular GMRS radios offer twenty-three channels, and FRS/GMRS hybrids can support fifteen or more additional channels under the right conditions.
Business Band
Business band radios are exclusively reserved for business communication within limited ranges. Anyone who wishes to use this band must receive a license from the FCC unless they employ one of the five Multi Use Radio Service frequencies which are available for unsolicited use. Many companies prefer to communicate in this manner because it is cheaper than buying telephones for each employee, and paying the resulting bill. The major disadvantage that businesses who use this method incur is common interruptions due to business band’s common overuse.
Two-Way Radios
Two-way radio users are able to converse with each other at a maximum distance of five miles under the right conditions. This type of radio is compact, lightweight, and has no service fees attached. Minimal power requirements, and excellent sound quality at long range are additional reasons that outdoor enthusiasts list two-way radios as their preferred choice in wireless communication devices.
10 Meter / HAM Radios
The chief advantage that 10 meter/HAM radios offer users is more power (15 watts) which allows for longer transmission range. This comes in especially handy when unexpected emergencies occur, or when the user wishes to communicate with those outside their local area. Due to their increased power, HAM radios operators are required to receive a FCC license obtained by passing the appropriate test.
Summary
There are, as discussed, a large number of varying types of radios available to choose from. Depending upon your needs, CB radios may or may not be the best suited option. If you need a relatively inexpensive radio to communicate in your vehicle, CB radios may very well be the best option for you. You may want to look into the Cobra 29 LTD, the most popular CB radio on the market.
However, if you need something portable or that has the potential to broadcast further than 5 miles, the other options discussed will most likely be better suited to your needs.
Tags: business band | business band | HAM radio | HAM radio | cb radios | 10 meter | 10 meter | cb radio | cb radio | cobra cb | cobra cb | two way | two way | GRMS | GRMS | cb
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I used to have a high power hand held cb that I used when I worked 2 hours away and drove home late nights. It kept me occupied and away to talk to the few others on the road at that hour.