CB RADIO

I've done weekend long mobile contests and the temp gauge stays in the blue.

Ft-8900....?
I wouldn't get one now. We're in the absolute bottom of the sunspot cycle. 10 and 6 are pretty useless.

 

Quick question from a complete newbie regarding HAM - if I pick up a couple of BaoFeng handhelds and I'm talking to other trucks in our roadtrip convoy, what are the chances of getting 'busted' using them without a license? I'm sure it's an FCC issue and there would be fines involved, but what are the Real World™ chances of having somebody find me and throw the book in my direction?

 

I think everyone should that wants some type of radio comms in their vehicle. It's much more efficient use of the radio and you are tuning to frequencies instead of channels. The Tech license needed for 2 meter and 70 centimeter band widths isn't hard to get.

The Chinese radios like the Baofeng do work but, they are known to spurious emissions. In other words they are more likely to transmit outside of the frequency you are tuned to by an unacceptable amount.

When you buy a Yaseu, Kenwood, Icom, etc you are paying for the extra filtering and ruggedized components. I've got a few Chinese radios, but I have a Yaesu FTM-100DR in the truck.

 

It's really not that hard to pass the test and just follow the law. They even have apps that will help you prepare.

 

Just buy FRS radios if you don't want to take the test. Ham operators have "OOs" official observers all over the place that love reporting things to the FCC. And the FCC does prosecute.

$29 Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios with Earpiece 2 Pack Arcshell AR-5 Walkie Talkies Li-ion Battery and Charger Included

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072...2_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MRSTJNQ4KAY0CY1598RG

 

I love this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...a+cb+radio&dpPl=1&dpID=41OWst+MB0L&ref=plSrch

Self contained. I use a good antenna with screw off connections so I can park in city.

 

To be brutally honest, I think the majority of the people who get fox hunted aren't doing it because they're pissed someone's illegally on the airwaves.

I think they do it because they're pissed with the lack of moral fiber in many areas of life these days and that a simple 35 question test and $15 to ensure proper use of frequencies is really such a small price for what you get.

Just my 2c. I'd say just put the effort in or stay with cb / gmrs

 

That makes total sense - I was curious rather than nefarious. Thanks!

 

maybe 857 with a halo for sideband then a separate dual bander for 2m/440. It would be the end game radio(mobile that is)

 

No prob. You can legally listen still. Pick up a cheap

$50 UV-5r 8Watt UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, Compatible with BAOFENG Programming Cable (3rd Gen)

UV-5r and either go to a radio shop for help or look up local repeaters in your area. I bet you'd be surprised to see how far you'll hear people from.

Also is Handy if you get stuck in a no cell zone on a Sunday night and just need a set of ears to relay a phone call . $15 bucks made back right there haha

 

Truck to truck is getting more common with cheap handhelds and it can load up repeaters in certain areas. I heard FCC was out with rangers in Barstow, CA this winter. I HEARD they were writing tickets. No confirmation.

Repeaters are intalled and maintaned by amateurs; mostly on their dime. Some are private and they may ask you to not use.

Best to play by the rules and get licened and even support a local HAM club. Their effort can save you butt and make coms between vehicles pretty awesome.

 

Just to add to the technical discussion..... hand helds really kind of suck in the vehicle anyway. You need an external antenna to hook up to. Even one of those tiny cheapie magnetic ones ran in the vehicle and attached to your hand held make a world of difference.

 

if you are going to run in amateur radio frequencies get a license if not I know alot of operators that will report. Triangulation isn't that hard. The test is easier(now). Your best bet FRS, good line of sight com's. However I think most offroaders are using cb. I will be running both.