CB vs. Short Wave Which one is better and why?

I would like to add a Two-Way radio to my truck. But I don't want to constantly be upgrading as I learn more about them. I also would like to make it as much of a factory clean look install as possible.

Could anyone offer advice on which way to go CB vs. Short wave and what is the best radio and why?

Many thanks, Elliott

 

SWR/HAM but get your license(s) as required.

 

It really boils down to what the people you want to communicate with are using. GMRS seems to be the most popular right now, you can get units that hide away with all of the controls on the mic, they do require a license from the FCC if you are trying to keep it legal.

 

Personally I run GMRS for chatting with friends, a 2m/70cm amature radio (aka ham, or HAM if you're yelling it) for chatting with strangers, and a Spot satellite messenger for actual emergencies. The Spot also lets me send text messages to any regular phone when I'm out of service range.

 

So what is the best RIG to get, Save the GOLD Plating?

 

We'll that depends on what you want to use radio for and what service the people you want to communicate with are using. With a few exceptions most of these different radio types can't communicate with other radio types.

 

I run GMRS and CB in my Taco and 4Runner. Motorola makes a good 15watt GMRS set that can be concealed in the center console and all controls are in the mike. Biggest installation issue is running the antenna cable and getting a solid ground. I run cables for a living so not a big deal for me but would be challenging to some. Motorola unit was around $ 160.00 I believe and then a decent antenna and cable maybe another $ 40.00. A GMRS license thru the FCC takes about 2-3 days and the price might have come down from $ 75.00 now and is good for 10 years.

 

Where are you located? This sounds right, If we are close enough maybe you can do the installation. I mean if I understand right when you say you do it for a living. From what I read the GMRS and CB sound like they are of the more common formats. What I would like to consider is proven makes and models that are offered in each.

Is this a consideration? I mean for the UHF radio?

BTECH Mobile UV-50X3 50 Watt Tri-Band Radio: VHF, 1.25M, UHF, Amateur and Commercial Radio

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q76YH1T

I like the separate screen for the information. It makes me think that perhaps it might lead to a more clean or factory option look.

 

What's the process for your license? And can you recommend a solid unit to buy?

 

https://swling.com/blog/2014/01/the...rtwave-apps-for-ios-and-android-smart-phones/

 

https://midlandusa.com/blogs/blog/why-do-i-need-a-gmrs-license-how-do-i-get-it

Solid choice for a really clean install:
https://midlandusa.com/collections/micromobile/products/mxt275-micromobile-two-way-radio

What I'm personally using, essentially the same as above but with the controls on the base unit instead of the mic:
https://midlandusa.com/collections/micromobile/products/mxt115-micromobile-2-way-radio

Now antenna choice and placement is a series of compromises where you have to decide between ultimate performance and easily reversible. The absolute best performance will require drilling a hole in your roof for an NMO mount, the other end of the spectrum would be a magnet mount.

 

I'd pass. That radio can TX on frequencies that can get you into real trouble, doesn't have an exactly friendly UI, and isn't exactly the best quality.

 

Thanks for the info, but remember I am new to the whole 2 way thing so I don't know what RX and UI means.

 

Well I typed that before my coffee kicked in, I meant to say that Baofeng can TX (transmit) on frequencies that could get you in trouble. You are allowed to pretty much listen to anything that's being transmitted on the airwaves (i.e. using a police scanner) but you can get into trouble if you transmit for say a radio check on you're local fire department's dispatch frequency.

RX: Receive
TX: Transmit
UI: User interface

 

I did get into CB's for a while when I was doing a lot of state-to-state driving. I was lucky enough to have a shop near me with a guy that was a wizard at working on them. I think what I had I ended up with was a Cobra 128 that he did what he called a tweek to. I'm not sure what all he did but people really liked it and said they could hear me clearly and from a long distance. I can't remember whatever happened to it we did so much wheeling and dealing back then. But I enjoyed it while traveling.

 

Back when I was a fresh "ham" I started with a Baofeng handheld, now I have nicer radios and have the old 'feng programed to scan local emergency services...with TX disabled of course.

 

Tx is transmit, Rx is receive, UI is user interface. I highly recommend you go over to AARL's website and find a local HAM club to get to know in your area. It is a friendly community with some knowledgeable people. They're going to ask you about use case and your user story so plan on answering those questions before talking about gear.

GMRS is what I am starting with before going for a HAM radio and I am considering the Midland MXT275VP4. If you go with GMRS you will need to pay the $70.00 for a license with the FCC. Navigating the FCC website will be a journey as you first have to register for an FRN and then link that FRN to the license you apply for. There are several articles you can google that walk you through the process. GMRS licenses are good for your entire family whereas HAM licenses are by individual. Listening on the HAM bands is fine but as soon as you key the PTT (push-to-talk) and transmit on a HAM band you are violating Federal Law if you are not licensed to talk on that band.

Find a local club, meet some people. Let them know you are new and ask them what you should consider before buying any gear. It is a neat community.

 

I'm going to be that guy, and I'm saying the jovially...ham is not an acronym, ham is not an acronym, ham is not an acronym.

CB: Citizens Band
GMRS: General Mobile Radio Service
Ham: Ham-fisted

 

I know very little about GMRS so I wonder, can you use a retired LMR (land mobile radio) programmed to GMRS frequencies or is it not Part-whatever accepted? Police, fire, etc. sell used radios pretty cheap. Seems like a good option for a quality radio.

 

But if you don't send morse code, are you a ham or simply an amateur?