[StreetCreeper]

So I'm thinking that I would like to add some extra communication abilities into the truck for when I'm out in the boonies and there is no cell signal. My primary concern is being able to communicate with anybody in the event of an emergency, but also being able to easily talk to anyone I'm on the trail with who is in another truck as well.

I figure my options are a CB radio, a couple 2 way "walkie-talkie" type radios or some fancy HAM radio.

What is everyone else using and why?

[4eigner]

Originally Posted by StreetCreeper

So I'm thinking that I would like to add some extra communication abilities into the truck for when I'm out in the boonies and there is no cell signal. My primary concern is being able to communicate with anybody in the event of an emergency, but also being able to easily talk to anyone I'm on the trail with who is in another truck as well.

I figure my options are a CB radio, a couple 2 way "walkie-talkie" type radios or some fancy HAM radio.

What is everyone else using and why?

HAM is the most capable of all the comm systems.
I'd solely be on HAM if it weren't for everyone being too lazy to get a HAM license. So in that aspect, a CB in the truck would significantly increase your chances of being heard by someone on the trail, at least everywhere I've been to in the east. Best of both worlds would be to have both in the truck.

[habanero]

I'm too lazy to get a HAM license so a Cobra 18WX ST II for me w/4' Wilson whip mounted above the right taillight. The weather feature's been very useful on our travels. Mic's not so great but haven't got 'round to replacing it yet.

Before the cbs we used the two-way radios on long trips. Cbs are way nicer for us and you use a lot fewer batteries, like none, and/or don't have to worry about it being charged.

My husband uses a Uniden 520xl cb too, with a 4' firestick in the 99.

[MTD]

I have a Midland 1001LWX, well because it fit.... lol



JK it really is a great radio. I have yet to get it tuned and it still does what it is advertised to do. (you may expect that, but now-a-day's you never know)

[Do-boy]

What do you need one for? communicating with your group? Reaching out in emergency? Messaging home? Budget? What do your friend's have?

HAM: best range hands down, capable of uploading GPS location online, requires a license and more expensive

CB: very popular as they're relatively cheap, decent range if you have yours set up properly, strength of this system is its popularity.

FRS/2 way/toy: anyone can buy em, store a couple in the truck to lend out, cheap, good enough for group comms. They have terrible range and battery life though.

[DED&DED]

Any experience with the portable CBs?

Anyone using side band?

[4-Ripcord]

Mostly every offroader has a CB, so if you do group runs they are fantastic.

In emergencies though, a HAM will be able to have the distance to save your ass.

[BrianSD_42]

$30 HAM that yes actually works

http://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/asin/B007H4VT7A

I have a CB and I have 2 of these. They work far far far better and with greater clarity than the CBs.

The common sense rules are:

1) get a HAM license and

2) if you don't have a HAM license then don't transmit on any channels that repeat. You can look up non-repeater channels. This is very important.

I'm sure I'll get flamed a bit for this post.

[StreetCreeper]

Originally Posted by habanero

I'm too lazy to get a HAM license so a Cobra 18WX ST II for me w/4' Wilson whip mounted above the right taillight. The weather feature's been very useful on our travels. Mic's not so great but haven't got 'round to replacing it yet.

Before the cbs we used the two-way radios on long trips. Cbs are way nicer for us and you use a lot fewer batteries, like none, and/or don't have to worry about it being charged.

My husband uses a Uniden 520xl cb too, with a 4' firestick in the 99.

I hadn't considered the battery issue. When it comes down to it, I'm one of those people that have things fail in direct proportion to how bad I need something to work, i.e., no need = fully charged batteries...while hanging off a cliff and in need of rescue = dead batteries of course.

[StreetCreeper]

Originally Posted by BrianSD_42

$30 HAM that yes actually works

http://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/asin/B007H4VT7A

I have a CB and I have 2 of these. They work far far far better and with greater clarity than the CBs.

The common sense rules are:

1) get a HAM license and

2) if you don't have a HAM license then don't transmit on any channels that repeat. You can look up non-repeater channels. This is very important.

I'm sure I'll get flamed a bit for this post.

Honestly, I've thought of the same.

I'm not one to break laws and if I bought a HAM I would never transmit on it...unless it was an emergency, at which point I think breaking the FCC law would be the least of my worries.

I think a CB for non-emergency use and a stored away HAM for emergencies might be the way I go.

I may well look into a HAM license though.

[4eigner]

Originally Posted by StreetCreeper

Honestly, I've thought of the same.

I'm not one to break laws and if I bought a HAM I would never transmit on it...unless it was an emergency, at which point I think breaking the FCC law would be the least of my worries.

I think a CB for non-emergency use and a stored away HAM for emergencies might be the way I go.

I may well look into a HAM license though.

You can legally transmit on a ham w/o a license in the case of an emergency when all other communication resources have been exhausted.

Ham license is approximately $15. The test study materials is available for free online and shouldn't take more than a couple days of looking it over. The license is good for 10 years! It comes in 3 different levels. When you sit for one test you can sit to take the others in sequential order and it's all covered under the one cost.
Seriously people, open up your access to the airwaves!

[StreetCreeper]

Originally Posted by 4eigner

You can legally transmit on a ham w/o a license in the case of an emergency when all other communication resources have been exhausted.

Ham license is approximately $15. The test study materials is free online and shouldn't take more than a couple days of looking it over. The license is good for 10 years! It comes in 3 different levels. When you sit for one test you can sit to take the others in sequential order and it's all covered under the one cost.
Seriously people, open up you access to the airwaves!

No shit? I always figured I would have to go to some class and then study weird codes and stuff for months...then pay a boatload for the actual license. None of which appealed to me especially since I don't like to sit around talking too much. I've always just like the idea of a HAM radio for emergency situations.

I'll be looking into this for sure.

[KidVermicious]

I'll echo what everybody else is telling you - CB is great for trail comm with the guys you're travelling with, but if you find yourself in a bind and absolutely need to reach out and touch someone, you really need amateur radio. I don't have my license yet, but it's supposed to have gotten a lot easier to get the basic "technician" class license.

One option I didn't see mentioned is a SPOT beacon. Has a satellite uplink you can send a distress call with, and I think depending on which SPOT you get and what account you pay for, you can send out text messages too. Depending on where you're adventuring, that may be overkill though.

[PoshSnoop]

Getting Your Technician License

[mountain mike]

I run a CB, FRS, and HAM. HAM is by far the best. My number one goal when I go out is to make it back safe. HAM is probably my number one safety system. If you get stuck out in the middle of nowhere it will be your best friend.

FRS = someone forgot a radio and I lend them a FRS

CB = good for keeping in touch on trail runs with others in the group since a lot of off-roaders use it.

HAM= Oh F*CK I need help, lucky I can use this to call for help pretty much anywhere in the world.

In the groups I run in HAM is becoming more and more popular. There seems to be 2-4 others in my runs that have a HAM. It is so much better than a CB. So much more clear, range is infinitely better. Here in the mountains it is not uncommon for the tail gunner not to be able to reach the trail leader on a CB.

In short, get your license. QRZ.com is a great place to study. Then buy a cheap handheld and see if you like it. If so you can look into getting a mobile set up. The capabilities of HAM is getting crazy and what you can do with them will surprise you.