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 Communications

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roamingman
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Assassin
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PostSubject: Communications   Communications EmptySun Feb 20, 2011 2:27 pm

Many people, myself included, use two way communication between vehicles and many argue which is the best, CB radio or two way radios, to open the discussion i will explain the pro's and con's of each system.

My preferred option is the two way radio with the higher output of 8-10Km range as this gives a good range in a convoy of vehicles, are hand held, and most are rechargeable through in car chargers as well as universal mains voltage chargers. Not being fitted to the vehicle means they are portable and if you leave the vehicle you can carry them with you, particularly useful if you are spotting for other vehicles, and there is no hassle if instaling them and any aerials. Having no vehicle installed aerial means they cannot get knocked by low overhead foliage, and you cannot throw out the SWR, thus not blowing output transistors.
Many newer models are waterproof and a number float so they can be used in all weathers.

CB's can be fixed or permanent, most are permanent installations, they have a longer range depending on prevailing conditions and terrain, they have to be permanently installed in most cases, and they have an exposed external aerial and coaxial cable which can become damaged. If an external aerial becomes damaged the SWR (standing Wave Ratio) which basically matches the aerial to the CB is thrown out, if this happens you blow the output transistors and render the unit inoperable. Vandals have a propensity to damage the aerials and push pins through the exposed section of the coaxial cable also, this shorts out the coaxial cable and blows the unit.

What are the pros and cons? fixed units lack flexibility of portable units, anyone leaving his vehicle can still communicate with other vehicles in the convoy, this advantage is often more pronounced with 4X4's as drivers often need communication with an outside spotter.

CB used in the UK is only used in the UK as it is FM and not the more common AM sets used in other countries, anyone going abroad has to remove the unit when travelling in many countries, or render it inoperative to the satisfaction of customs or Government officials in other countries.
Two way radios to the latest EU standards can be used in any EU member state as it is a harmonised frequency band, so there are no issues using them in other EU member countries and many more non EU member countries.

CB tends to have limited numbers of channels, and can get busy at times, this can sometimes make finding a spare channel difficult, two way radios have hundreds of digital channels making finding a clear channel easy.

CB's are not expensive for a cheap set, but there is the additional cost of all the sundries to consider, a durable external aerial is not cheap, then there is the coaxial cable, the cable plugs, and the SWR meter, all this adds up. For the same price as this you can buy a good set of midrange two way radios as a four pack, so four radios for the cost of a CB and installation peripherals.
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roamingman
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Age : 75
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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptySun Feb 20, 2011 11:05 pm

Am I right to assume that they are not compatable, so does anybody know if their is a compatable unit that is able to cummunicate between CB and the 2 way units.
I have been on trips and some on CB some 2 way, so not possibale to keep in totch with all parties. So some important information may be lost to some.

clinking teacups
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landy andy
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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptySun Feb 20, 2011 11:31 pm

You are correct and they are not compatable.

I prefer CB as it has a bigger range, more people use it (within 4x4's), it is easier to use whilst driving.

I have a fixed unit in my truck and a hand held, so can give that to a vehicle that does not have a cb, or if i need to direct vehicles from out side.

PMR's also have very few bands (only 9 I think, then split these electronicly), where CB's have 80. Most CB's have european channels as standard, and even if you had an old unit, you would not have to remove it, you just should not use it whilst away, although I doubt anybody cares or monitors it.

CB's and there extras are very robust, and the only problems that I know of are caused by poor installation or equipment, such as gutter mounts.

But each to their own

Andy
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Hillbilly Raider
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Location : West Sussex/The Alps

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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyMon Feb 21, 2011 5:23 am

we use handheld Midland 42 cbs .. these also come with car kits so we have the best of both worlds.. communication in and out of the vehicle
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rustyrhinos
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Join date : 2010-12-28
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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyMon Feb 21, 2011 9:55 pm

We have some cheapo 2 way radios...the problem is actually hearing anyone on it while you are driving in a series landie...kinda goes like this...."beep beep"
"Hello"
"What"
"I said Hello"
"WHHHAAAT"
"We need to stop to fill up for fuel"
"Whhhhhhhhhhhhhat??????"
*pulls over anyway*
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Hillbilly Raider
Just got M&S Tyres
Just got M&S Tyres
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Location : West Sussex/The Alps

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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyMon Feb 21, 2011 11:00 pm

i use an ear piece
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rustyrhinos
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Join date : 2010-12-28
Location : Lincolnshiire

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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyMon Feb 21, 2011 11:38 pm

That would irritate me to have an earpiece! I would rather not bother at all, hehe!
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Jas
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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyFri Sep 30, 2011 6:40 am


Both are handy. I do prefer In cab CB radio tho. Mostly for 4x4's but when on the motorway it is funny listening to truckers go on about.... stuff.....
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Assassin
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PostSubject: Re: Communications   Communications EmptyFri Sep 30, 2011 12:23 pm

PMR or two way radios do not have 9 channels, the very or most basic have 8 channels, many have in excess of 1000 channels, much more then the 80 channel CB sets, and they don't have idiots on them causing, or trying to cause trouble for other users.
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