CB Radios, SSB, Satellite Phone.....?

[UTEP]

Hi,

I have been researching cb radios. I have concluded a typical Cobra type cb 4w is basically line of site. So only good for limited off-road emergency applications.

I got confused when reading about single side band and surmise SSB can have a much greater range. A SSB is comparable in price so why are they not more popular? Maybe they are....

My purposes will be pretty much solo vehicle back country exploration, up to 20 miles from paved roads. Generally near popular off road sites, like Death Valley, Panamints, Spring Mts...out of line of site and cell phone access. But would expect a 4x4 to wander near enough to hail IF I have the capabilities.

Probably out of most contact but I'd like to increase my emergency options. Satellite phone last option.

I saw a Uniden SSB that seems to get high ratings but once again much less popular than a plain ol' cb so I am reluctant to try as I feel I'm missing something....

Unfortunately I have not been able to find a store that specializes in such communications and can advise locally. I happen to be in SoCal for a week, will be out towards Vegas, then Phx/ Tucson to El Paso if any one knows an excellent shop please advise.

Thanks as always,

Utep

 

[IBallEngineer]

Hi,

I happen to be in SoCal for a week, will be out towards Vegas, then Phx/ Tucson to El Paso if any one knows an excellent shop please advise.

Thanks as always,

Utep

This is the local go to shop on CB stuff.

Home - C B Radio Store

 

[UTEP]

Cool!

Thanks I may be up that way this week.

Utep

Still looking for info though if anyone can help educate me on longer range options.

U

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Look into amateur (ham) radio. You can get a technician license with a little study (basic electronics/radio theory) and can use much better equipment, many modes (including digital), and have much greater range and clarity. A 2 meter FM (144 Mhz VHF, similar to police/fire use) mobile radio can hit a repeater at 30-40 miles (depending on power, antenna, terrain), and the repeater retransmits your signal so you can often have a 'coverage' range of 100 miles or more, and hams are always ready to help in an emergency (and someone will almost certainly be listening - unlike CB). Ham repeaters cover most of the country, including a lot of isolated areas, for emergency communications. It is really ideal for the off-road adventurer, though not always for communicating with your group (since most will have CBs - I have both). With a general class license (more study) you can operate HF (shortwave) and literally talk around the world, even from a mobile/portable setup.

If you want more info, google 'ARRL' or look up your local amateur radio club. Most have classes and people who are anxious to help newcomers.

(And the skills/knowledge you gain might help with a career - I got started in electronics through ham radio when I was a teenager. It became my career - though I have gone a long way from fixing radios.)

 

[criera]

When my buddies and i take our week long backcountry river trip we rent a sat phone for the week. I wanna say its only like $40 +/- not including minutes. Pretty reasonable "insurance" policy for our needs and split between a group of people, its a no brainer.

Not sure if your needs are similar but thought id point it out as on option that may be available to you.

Edit; I checked and it was only $20 for the week last time.

 

[8sm]

Great advise on rent a satphone, never crossed my mind. Our sole purpose for the cb, is communication between those of us off-roading together.

 

[UTEP]

When my buddies and i take our week long backcountry river trip we rent a sat phone for the week. I wanna say its only like $40 +/- not including minutes. Pretty reasonable "insurance" policy for our needs and split between a group of people, its a no brainer.

Not sure if your needs are similar but thought id point it out as on option that may be available to you.

Edit; I checked and it was only $20 for the week last time.

Never considered this…


I'd then just get a plain ol' cb for local transmissions…

I'll post back what I find when I do this.

Thanks,

UTEp

 

[IBallEngineer]

Look into amateur (ham) radio.

If you want more info, google 'ARRL' or look up your local amateur radio club. Most have classes and people who are anxious to help newcomers.

(And the skills/knowledge you gain might help with a career - I got started in electronics through ham radio when I was a teenager. It became my career - though I have gone a long way from fixing radios.)

I studied up for No Code Tech about 20 yrs. ago, then I never took the test I'm going to try to do that this spring.

 

[hrt4me]

when you're in Phoenix, go visit Ham Outlet

 

[4x4mike]

Try to make it into a Ham Radio Outlet. Or better yet do some searching.

The SSB band stuff on CB doesn't give you that much more range in a basic setup and it's only good if someone else has the same thing otherwise you're as good as alone.

The renting of a sat phone is a great idea and perfect for somewhere like DV. Death Valley is huge and while yes they do have UHF and VHF repeaters there are giant areas that are dead spots for tech licensed folk. Your only hope would be an HF set up which is the other end of the spectrum than CB (in all aspects).

I'd get some FRS handheld radios before I'd buy a CB. They can be used in and out of the vehicle and have similar range. They're cheap and can be used while hiking, etc. Next step would be a 2m HAM. There is a learning curve but start wheeling with some buddies and have them jump on the wagon as well. Study together, buy some gear and learn how to use it.

For general communication to emergencies you need the right stuff for the right place.