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CB, Ham or VHF Communication devices

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by InTheRough, Jul 26, 2014.

?

Which would you suggest and why?

Poll closed Aug 25, 2014.
  1. CB radio

    20.0%
  2. Ham radio

    60.0%
  3. VHF radio

    20.0%
  1. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:04 PM
    #1
    InTheRough

    InTheRough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Kolt
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    I have been doing some research and I understand parts of it but not all of it. I picked up a few units which kind of spurred this train of thought. I have two CBs and a VHF unit.

    If I understand correctly
    CB is an AM transmission between 26.965mhz-27.405mhz
    HAM is an FM transmission between 1.8mhz-450mhz
    VHF can be AM or FM transmission from 30mhz-300mhz

    Is this correct? I thought I saw somewhere that VHF can contact a CB unit. If the mhz don't match, how is that possible?

    I see CB is more widely used but VHF is better quality and reliability. I would like to have something in my truck that is the most versatile and usable.

    What would you guys suggest and why?
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
  2. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:13 PM
    #2
    llibrm

    llibrm OH NOOOOOO!

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    Get your license and become a HAM. The clarity and reliability of a CB cannot come close to that of HAM. You will not regret it.
     
  3. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:15 PM
    #3
    VE7OSR

    VE7OSR нет войне

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    HAM also known as Amateur radio has specific frequency ranges allocated throughout the different frequency bands.

    Yes, you're correct on the VHF (very hi frequency) band. Amateur radio operates in this band between 144 and 148 MHz, typically using Frequency Modulation (FM
    ) You do need a license to operate as an Amateur radio operator.

    See here for the allocation of frequencies over the full range of the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum used for communication.
     
  4. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:48 PM
    #4
    MonkeyProof

    MonkeyProof Power Top

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    I haven't used a CB radio while on the trial in a few years now. Luckily here in Southern California most everybody that offroads has a HAM/race radio. Communication is hardly an issue, unless it involves a CB.

    There's even an unofficial SoCal TW simplex vhf channel that we all use :cookiemonster:
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
  5. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:54 PM
    #5
    boatbuilder

    boatbuilder Well-Known Member

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    A lot!
    The problem is not which one as I think a VHF that has been opened up to both business and ham bands as well is the way to go. I am having the problem of where to out it in a 2012 Standard Cab Tacoma. I would love for someone to make a removeable fronit face plate in just a VHF but no one does. Why not? I would put the face up above the mirror. Perfect placement. Anyway. I just use a Bendix King handheld with an external antenna although the range is limited.
     
  6. Jul 26, 2014 at 11:56 PM
    #6
    InTheRough

    InTheRough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So, just to clearify, if I use the VHF device I can communicate with HAM frequencies (with licensing) but not CB?

    The only other upside to the CB I got is that it has a PA setting... meh...
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2014
  7. Oct 11, 2014 at 10:16 AM
    #7
    xaqori

    xaqori Grammer knotsy

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    Can a VHF communicate with HAM without a license? I'm getting a race radio and would like to be able to use it when I'm not with the team
     
  8. Oct 11, 2014 at 10:42 AM
    #8
    cyakker

    cyakker Well-Known Member

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    Transmission on amateur (ham) frequencies without a license is not permitted.

    Curious why UHF FRS/GMRS isn't in this conversation. I find ham/CB/FRS each to have their own set of usefulness. While the performance of ham makes it my preference, I can't just hand someone a radio for the day to stay in touch... a nice advantage to the unlicensed options.
     
  9. Oct 11, 2014 at 10:52 AM
    #9
    xaqori

    xaqori Grammer knotsy

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    Technically you can do that with a HAM if you have a handheld. Just have to be responsible with it and announce that they're under your supervision
     
  10. Oct 11, 2014 at 11:34 AM
    #10
    cyakker

    cyakker Well-Known Member

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    Unlicensed control operator without station licensee present?? I don't think so.
     
  11. Oct 11, 2014 at 12:14 PM
    #11
    xaqori

    xaqori Grammer knotsy

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    As long as the one supervising is licensed everything should be okay. That's what I've been told.
     
  12. Oct 20, 2014 at 9:59 PM
    #12
    Dantes Taco

    Dantes Taco Burning Octane 8 carbon atoms at a time.

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    meh. lots.
    FRS is pathetic. Usually the user you hand it to, can't wait to press PTT before they splatter into the mic. range is garbage.
    CB is sketchy and no repeaters; also weird propagation and crazy over-power illegals make it a mess.
    HAM (which encompasses everything from FM VHF to USB / LSB HF & digital modes, CW & Packet, APRS etc) is like comparing a tinker toy to a D6 Cat. DTC or CTCSS Tones can lock out most users from hearing your group.

    For General duty trail use, VHF FM (simplex in a group, Duplex or "repeater" for distance) can not be beat. I've set up some 10 meter wire lines to score some DX.

    Look me up on QRZ

    VA6TAC
     

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