Bought my CB, Now What Antenna????

[Vizwar]

You pretty much nailed it Thai. I use mine to keep in touch when off-road and cell service is not available. Many ranger stations still monitor channel 9 for emergencies. I also like to talk w. truckers on long road trips! Call it a hobby inside a hobby.

It's really really important for everyone to understand that a CB is NOT considered a means of emergency communication by any stretch of the imagination. PLEASE don't fall into a false sense of security. Even HAM radio can fail you if the terrain prohibits reception to a repeater.

Satellite based emergency alert devices are the best option.

 

[mangus7175]

It's really really important for everyone to understand that a CB is NOT considered a means of emergency communication by any stretch of the imagination. PLEASE don't fall into a false sense of security. Even HAM radio can fail you if the terrain prohibits reception to a repeater.

Satellite based emergency alert devices are the best option.

I agree..the only reason why I purchased my CB is to communicate with others I joined on a trail.

Being prepared and always letting someone know your outdoor plans is always helpful. Get a SPOT, that would be my next purchase - it's a good investment for those that spend alot of time outdoors either alone or with someone.

 

[PaulSula]

I agree..the only reason why I purchased my CB is to communicate with others I joined on a trail.

Being prepared and always letting someone know your outdoor plans is always helpful. Get a SPOT, that would be my next purchase - it's a good investment for those that spend alot of time outdoors either alone or with someone.

I agree with the fact that the CB should not be a "end-all-be-all" rescue tool, however to go along with "being prepared", it never hurts to have as many tools at your disposal as possible. Even something as cool as a SPOT can run out of batteries. Also, if you should ever get "lost" stay with your vehicle, don't attempt a self rescue, those almost never work. Don't forget to keep a simple "survival kit" with you at all times. It could be as simple as a good multi-tool, a magnesium match, some iodine tablets, all wrapped up in a large leaf bag. :soapbox:

 

[nquaint]

i have been using a magnet mount with a 5ft antenna on my 3rd gen, and it's been working well, but the mount moves around and is scratching up my roof a little so I want to switch to a permanent mount, how much reception would I lose if I re-mounted the antenna on my rear left side of my bumper? Right now I can talk to my buddy with a similar setup and mount when he is like 3 miles away.

 

[G.I.G.]

I have found little FRS radio (cheapo radios with frequency and subfrequency settings) to be quite good on the trails. It is of limited range, but we tend to stay in a group. Easy to carry, esp. when you have to leave your vehicle to give directions to another driver. No wires. Portable.

I was wondering the same thing. I own a Garmin Rhino (GPS and 2-way UHF radio in one) and I would think that is perfect for 4-wheel'n and almost any other outdoor activity. Great, short-range reception and a good way of communicating with people in a group. I see the value of a CB for emergencies but not much beyond that. Am I missing something beyond CB's usefulness for emergencies and the fact that other people use them?