Are CB radio useful when convoying ???? Which rigs are effective and how in a Fiat Ducato base

[Madcaravanner]

Lots of queries - yes I used to use CB back in the 80's/90's - that's How Stephanie and I met at a CB Radio club

Yes I USED to but no longer have a rig since I blew up my Zetagi Gold Top when I was on USB


But now thinking as we are travelling usually with a friend we need a good way to communicate - We have PMR hand helds but they simply do not have the range when you are in a tin box - and we don't want to keep using the phones -especially abroad with roaming charges re-appearing so

CB Radio - the questions

1/ do they have enough range
2/ how do you fit an antennae to be able to transmit - apart from a small is plate of steel sikaflexed to the roof for a mag mount
3/ which is the best/cheapest/ easiest to use -- - - qualify that with handheld or mobile unit


So far found just one place selling with decent write ups and that is near Jaws in Thetford

Over to you guys for pleasant assistance - don't need the jokes either think I must have heard most of them

 

[David and Sally]

We have used walkie talkies but the range is not too good.

 

[cmcardle75]

We use 5W FM tranceivers (on Business Light frequencies). Even these only get signal just beyond visual range on the motorway, unless you're really lucky. They're useful for convoy, though.

 

[Landy Andy]

Buy my CB stuff from these.

CB Radios, 2 Way Radios & Amateur Radio | THUNDERPOLE

Leading UK CB Radio Specialists. CB radios, CB Radio Antennas, 2 Way radios, Business Radios, Walkie Talkies, Ham Radio, Amateur Radio, Antennas & PMR446 Radio.

www.thunderpole.co.uk

 

[Swifter]

Forget a handheld CB radio while driving . The antenna is very long and the range will be rubbish . They are really only for outdoor short distance with a clear line of sight . Get a Sirio 4000 whip antenna on a mag mount and programable CB rig that can be connected to a PC for software updates etc

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[Madcaravanner]

Forget a handheld CB radio while driving . The antenna is very long and the range will be rubbish . They are really only for outdoor short distance with a clear line of sight . Get a Sirio 4000 whip antenna on a mag mount and programable CB rig that can be connected to a PC for software updates etc

OK been away from CB scene for 40 years (ouch that long) what brands are you talking and cost ?? looking at 80 channel UK/EU rigs

 

[Landy Andy]

I’ve got a handheld that I give to others that I’m guiding and find it good. Only got 6-8“ antenna, but also the ability to connect to external antenna. Which I have a mag mount for, although can can get loads of different mounts, one even goes onto an opening window.

A lot depends on what range you are wanting it to work at.


My handheld.

Midland 42 DS

The Midland 42 DS is an compact hand held CB radio with over 400 channels allowing you to use it all throughout Europe. The pack includes 12v car kit.

www.thunderpole.co.uk

 

[Swifter]

OK been away from CB scene for 40 years (ouch that long) what brands are you talking and cost ?? looking at 80 channel UK/EU rigs

I use a CRT 6900 . Remember a standard 80 channel rig will only be pushing the legal U.K. CB radio power of 5watts . It’s nice to have a little extra to use if you need . Of course you could just use a 5w set and add a burner

 

[pappajohn]

I use a CRT 6900 . Remember a standard 80 channel rig will only be pushing the legal U.K. CB radio power of 5watts . It’s nice to have a little extra to use if you need . Of course you could just use a 5w set and add a burner

I thought the max power of a modern legal CB was 0.4w.
Haven't use CB since the 80s

 

[Swifter]

I thought the max power of a modern legal CB was 0.4w.
Haven't use CB since the 80s

4w ,
Low power setting on some handhelds is 0.4w
Although most of us use burners to push the extra power when needed .

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[Madcaravanner]

5w . Low power setting on some handhelds is 0.4w

Yeah used to be 4W and 0.4W on low power
though used to run a Zetagi Gold Top 200W on SSB wouldn't need that power now

 

[Richard n Ann]

Look up the Zello app. It turns your phone into a walkie talkie with no range limits, it uses your data and is very good, even has a Roger beep. Also you can repeat play the last transmission if you miss it and if you talk at the same time the other transmission plays after you stop talking. Me and Ann use it all the time

 

[TheBig1]

Other than the 4x4 crowd, I know of very few people that still use CB radio. CB was great before it became legal and totally ruined by idiots

 

[Richard n Ann]

I've still got my Midland AM CB in the shed. Think it just needs an output transistor, might dust the cobwebs off tomorrow

 

[pappajohn]

I did have an old school 40 channel 27 meg midland in my off road jeep a few years ago just to keep in touch with the off road centers base caravan.
Don't think I ever used it.....still in a drawer in the garage

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[mofurt]

Zello type apps are good if you are in mobile coverage. You can get "radios", both handheld and mobile mount, that use a similar system. Really good range, as long as you are in coverage. I've used them on big events for communicating across a county, and they have the easy PTT-type operation that is good for quick comms rather than dialling a phone (you can shout out "next left" or "look at that over there" and they'll receive it in time, compared to dialling and answering by which time they'll have passed the turn.)

I've used modern CBs (the 4x4 types still have them), but to be honest quality is pretty rubbish compared to a proper PMR. I tend to use business light radios - 5W on VHF or UHF, either handheld or with a rooftop mount. The do need a license, which is about £75 for 5 years, only need one license for however many radios you want to use, but audio and build quality is miles above CB. These aren't the "toy" PMR446 handhelds, I'm talking about kit like this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31176557...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

 

[pampam]

I had a cb radio years ago until late one night i had a visit from the home office and the local uniform,it was illegal at the time,but it was great fun and i made lots of friends…..happy days , it was a marine one but sadly i cant remember the make. We used to chat to truckers on the motorway

 

[David and Sally]

Marine cb ?

Marine radios are vhf and surely different to cb?

 

[tonka]

CB Radio. . Great days, I even had hair then

Ps. I'm the lovely young chap in the Adidas t shirt..

 

[tonka]

Marine cb ?

Marine radios are vhf and surely different to cb?

Yes marine is VHF but they did make what they called "marine CB". Often white in colour but really just a standard CB for people who wanted to use on boats.

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[David and Sally]

Yes marine is VHF but they did make what they called "marine CB". Often white in colour but really just a standard CB for people who wanted to use on boats.

Thanks. I had a marine vhf licence but I don’t remember marine cb

 

[Jaws]

Lots of queries - yes I used to use CB back in the 80's/90's - that's How Stephanie and I met at a CB Radio club

Yes I USED to but no longer have a rig since I blew up my Zetagi Gold Top when I was on USB


But now thinking as we are travelling usually with a friend we need a good way to communicate - We have PMR hand helds but they simply do not have the range when you are in a tin box - and we don't want to keep using the phones -especially abroad with roaming charges re-appearing so

CB Radio - the questions

1/ do they have enough range
2/ how do you fit an antennae to be able to transmit - apart from a small is plate of steel sikaflexed to the roof for a mag mount
3/ which is the best/cheapest/ easiest to use -- - - qualify that with handheld or mobile unit


So far found just one place selling with decent write ups and that is near Jaws in Thetford

Over to you guys for pleasant assistance - don't need the jokes either think I must have heard most of them

I use a Midland 80 chnl in the van
It has the old 27/81 uk legal chnls plus the new ( as in original yank chnls ( which were illegal but now legal (!!!) ) and switchable AM and FM
That covers all the options used in various EU countries inc the UK
It is 4W / .5W output
The range depends entirely on the antenna set up/ 3 to 5 miles would be a realistic average
I use a base loaded Z27 ( now sold as the Solarcon TRX10118 ) which is a lot easier to set up than a top loaded antenna such as the DV27
For a mount, I have a lip mount on the top edge of the bonnet with a quick release attachment so the antenna can be removed when parked up with a simple push and twist

Amazon product ASIN B07F2DX4X6

SOLARCON TRX1011B BASE LOADED MOBILE ANTENNA (Z-27 STYLE)

The Solarcon TRX1011B is a 50" base loaded, mobile, CB antenna. It is Solarcons version of the Valor Half Breed. It has a Stainless steel whip for excellent corrosion resisance and will handle 500 watts. Base fitting 3/8 thread.

electrocom-uk.com

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QD-HD-Qu...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

 

[Tombola]

If its just the odd comms then a group call on whatsapp may be useful if you have have cell phones, free included in your wifi data

How to make a group voice call | WhatsApp Help Center

faq.whatsapp.com

 

[Jaws]

I really cannot remember the exact model of radio but it is either this one or very similar

Midland 78 Plus 80 Channel AM FM Multi Band CB Transceiver Radio with Microphone

This CB Radio is a great choice for Multi-Region use, like driving around Europe. It is a top choice for Truckers, 4x4 Off Road enthusiasts, Caravan Holidays and keeping in contact with your Basecamp when Hiking or on outings from the Campsite. The 78 Plu

www.comtechlogic.co.uk

 

[Swifter]

CB Radio. . Great days, I even had hair then

Ps. I'm the lovely young chap in the Adidas t shirt..

Brilliant

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[Swifter]

I’ve had some great fun over the last few years with a group of local breakers . We have had some good long distance conversations when the skip comes in . Chatted with a guy from Corsica a few months back . It’s still a very fun hobby .

 

[Jaws]

While I do agree with tonka that app is VERY useful if you intend only ever talking to folk you know , but I have used mine all over the continent to find park ups, LPG and even supermarkets without a height barrier
Continental truck drivers are usually very helpful where ever we have been

 

[Spriddler]

Is it legal to use a handheld mic whilst driving?

 

[Swifter]

Is it legal to use a handheld mic whilst driving?

Technically yes it is .

 

[mofurt]

It's not specifically illegal. However, it could leave you open to e.g. driving without due care and attention if you do something else wrong whilst holding it.

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