CB radio power question on 3rd gen.

HAM test is pretty easy w/ a little studying, but offers a lot more capability. GMRS is just a $35 fee, but still allows up to 50W of transmit power, and better audio quality.

 

Better in every way that doesn't matter when the lead truck ahead of you is 100 yards away. When tuned correctly a cb is very clear

 

I mean, if your only talking 100 yards, 2 tin cans and a string will do.

 

Where can I get my GMRS permit

 

while you SHOULD get your GMRS license through the FCC in order to transmit on the designated GMRS frequency band, most folks do not, and there is little to no enforcement.

 

Thanks bro good info.

 

Run completely off the battery and use a fuse next to the battery. You may want to talk without turning anything on, but more importantly, if the truck’s electronics take a dump or you lose your key fob you will still be able to call for help.

Also- there is enough room behind the head unit to cleanly install a Midland mini GMRS radio with the Mike coming out on the left side below the dash. The speaker on the unit is loud enough to still be able to hear it behind the dash.

 

GMRS uses the FRS/GMRS frequencies, which is UHF (Ultra High Frequency, 460 some off MHz, the 70cm band, ish)

FRS is limited to 0.5W power, can ONLY use an FRS radio, which is a sealed unit - you cannot change the antenna or do anything, really. These are "walkie talkies". Channel 1-22 is the same as GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service, FRS is Family Radio Service), BUT GMRS can go up to a lot more wattage on some channels. There's a listing, can't remember it off the top of my head, I'll post it below.

CB is Citizen Band is the 10m band (ish). No licenses needed. Get a radio, go to town. This is the same as FRS, no license needed.

GMRS licenses are (NOW) 35$/10 years, NO TEST IS NEEDED, they last 10 years. Ham licenses (Amateur Radio, comes in 3 levels, tech (hello!), General, and Amateur Extra, each added level having a more difficult test, with more privileges on which frequencies and power you can use). Used to be free, now it's the same 35$ fee, but no expiry.

Ham != GMRS though. Just because I have a ham license, does not mean I can use a GMRS radio! I need a GMRS license, AND a GMRS radio. I can NOT use a ham radio, tune it to the GMRS frequencies, and transmit.

CB vs GMRS/FRS - which is better? Depends. GMRS is a lot easier to set up, the radio plugs in, and UHF is a lot more forgving on antenna setup than CB. A lot of off road groups are moving toward GMRS/FRS. You can have the world's BEST GMRS radio, and be unable to contact someone on CB though.





OH, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! There's one more radio type, called MURS (multi use radio service), it's 5 channels around 146MHz (the 2m band), it's no license needed, and transmits further than GMRS (longer wavelength). It's similar to CB and FRS in that you don't need a license, you just pick up a radio and go, 2W limits. Unfortunately, next to nobody uses it.

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/multi-use-radio-service-murs