CB radios

okay then, opinions please :shock:

thinking about a new cb, pondering a hand held jobby, any one got any experiance on these or do i stick with an in car job.

I do prefer the in-cab cb. Prices are pretty good. I bought mine from Thunder Pole. Pretty good cb's for the money. Also looks cool.

Personally i prefer hand held two way radios, less muppets trying to wind people up and you have numerous channels.

As for CB, i would suggest a hand held, legal to use while driving unlike mobile phones, you have the ability to carry it with you and communicate with others if you are spotting for them, and they come as waterproof units which are rechargeable from a vehicle cigarette lighter.

Over the years i have seen too manu CB aerials knocked off vehicles, or knocked about and the SWR is sky high and this blowing the output transistors in fixed sets.

Alternatively you could have both.

well of to the shops i go to have a look, cheers chaps.

Jim's the guy at CB4x4 - www.4x4cb.com The company name says it all. Known him for donkey's years, the first 4x4-related CB company around, and nowadays probably the only 4x4-related company around!

Give him a bell, say Tom McGuigan suggested you pick his brains. No compulsion to buy and at least he'll give you an honest answer. Obviously compare prices once you've had a chat, but if you do find cheaper elsewhere, always ask him first as being small with low overheads, he may well match or even better the big boys.

Me, I'll always support the small traders whenever possible, I'm sure we all feel this way, but price is a relevant factor so he'll not be offended if you go elsewhere for a substantial saving ... a couple pf quid is a different matter of course. Up to you mate.

Tom Mc wrote:

Jim's the guy at CB4x4 - www.4x4cb.com

I was having issues with my Current CB Unit, I was unable to pick up much radio chatter and/or hear it well. I sent CB4x4 a email and long story short I bought a "Propper" Antenna, The standard unit that was supplied with my intermediate level CB was of poor quality. All is well, I now have a range unto 10 Miles on the CB.

Jas

10 miles??? - result!

Tom Mc wrote:

10 miles??? - result!

Near Enough ( 8 ). Was in a convoy going along the M4, I was just leaving Swindon and the scout vehicle was 8 Miles in front.

Spoke to Jim at 4x4CB today, v helpful, rig to arrive tomorrow, all set for pyrennes trip with T Mc at easter

FYI- This page has some very useful info with regard to CB's and 2 way comms - http://www.dxzone.com/

Note - a CB unit mostly depends on a good antenna which MUST be correctly calibrated (SWR). I have had very old CB's which have performed great with a good antenna and acceptable SWR.
For Overland travel its best to get a 'multi band' unit which can be switched to select the country you are in (and keep you legal)

For International communication then 'Ham Radio' is an option. See here - http://www.rsgb.org/newcomers/
I have a 'HF' set up in my Land Rover and can communicate world wide!

My mate Jan at UK 4x4 Centre is also a good outlet - www.uk4x4centre.co.uk

He's also a ham radio enthusiast so definitely knows a thing or two about CB's for 4x4s!