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FIRE_UP's avatar
FIRE_UP
Explorer
May 08, 2016

How many use HAM vs C/B for rig to rig etc?

Ladies and Gents,
The subject of C/Bs gets brought up every so often and is debated whether or not folks still install and use them. But, not many mention too much about HAM radios. I know and understand that the use of HAM radios requires a license as, I have one. I've had it for 8 years and have dabbled only a small amount in it. But, from my short experimentation with HAM so far, mostly at home with a small hand held handy talkie but, also a tad bit of use of a mobile unit in one of my vehicles, I've found it to be considerably stronger in signal and capabilities.

There's all kinds of technical reasons why they perform better and I won't go into them now. But, this post is primarily for those who have experience with HAM radios, maybe use them from RV to RV while traveling and or, also my use them in say, Jeep to Jeep while venturing off road. My level of license is TECHNICIAN and, there are two levels higher.

For those of you that care and or, are wondering, the higher the level of license, the more frequencies you can use, different ranges, and a whole lot more.

While traveling in groups, even two or more, C/Bs in the past have been outstandingly helpful and, whether or not I (and anyone I may travel with, on or off road)migrate over to HAM radios for the same basic communications, remains to be seen.

For anyone interested, acquiring the first level of HAM license is phenomenally simple. There is no longer (and hasn't been for quite a few years)a requirement to know Morse Code. There are classes all over the U.S. that are one day classes and, at the end of the session, you take your 35 question test and, are issued your license. The folks that volunteer for teaching and helping administrate those sessions are outstanding people.

Anyway, just wondering, just how many might already be using HAM radios for coach to coach, Jeep to Jeep type communications and how do you like it vs the old "C/B" stuff?
Scott

68 Replies

  • Stories...

    Let me get to a home computer, typing on mobile is too tough.
  • John Wayne wrote:
    Ham and you can get more distance when you use repeaters.
    with the 11meter skip in you can do WAY better distance wise with a VHF HT. CB range right now is very limited unless you want to talk across the country.
  • My dad was a ham (W0RQC) and I grew up with it. He had a mobile unit that really enriched our travels. I've been thinking about getting a license for years but just never did it. I've heard that a lot of HAMs are getting older and it's not as popular as it once was with the advent of the cell phone.

    KE6IRJ - would love to hear your stories. Might convince me to get with it.
  • As an avid offroad driver, HAM all the way. I can tell a first hand testimony where HAM literally saved lives. I also can tell you a personal story where 2M came to my rescue. I have a CB because not everyone is licensed, but prefer HAM every day.
  • Communications will depend on which Ham band you use, close range 2 or 6 meters, long range 10 meters, other bands not usable because of antenna size.
    Retired Old W4PFR/KZ5DL 50'S-60's