Which communication device on trips

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Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 03:24 am: Edit

On trail - nothing too far away.

I was considering a cheap CB from Radio Shack or similar. Do I need an external stick-on antena, or is the hand held device acceptable for say 1/4 mile? Or is there anything else recommended.

If a CB, can anyone tell me a good make / model. Not so interested in spending mucho dinero.

Thanks,
Dean

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Robert Mann (Oldscout) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:10 am: Edit

You can get a nice Cobra hand held 4 watt, ( walki talki) 40 channel at ubid.com for ~25.00

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:14 am: Edit

Communicating in general or within your off road group?

When just within a group, I've found the FRS radios have better sound quality. Their range is limited, but they are great for use with spotters, when recovering people, etc. They also have nice hands free mic/earbug kits for them.

For general communication, I went out and got a Cobra 75 because I like the controls in the handset. Price was $100. You can get traditional designs for $25~$40. Don't skimp on your antenna. You can go cheap on the box, but the antenna is where it counts.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Bud Lane (Hrrovr) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:40 am: Edit

Dean - Don't forget to look at the Disco2 owners archive regarding this topic. There was a ton of stuff on there not too long ago. As you are finding here, much depends on where and how you intend to use the equipment - vehicle to vehicle in close range, Emergency communications from out in the bojacks, etc. But, it's always interesting to get a fresh take on the subject from more than one source.

Bud

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:43 am: Edit

I want to talk to others on a trail ride, right near where I am. I have no real wish to chat with truck drivers in general!

Jeff - is the antenna an outside magnet job, or what?

Dean

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By gp (Garrett) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 05:24 am: Edit

I would say go with the FRS radios then. No installation and no antenna needed. And you can use the FRS for other thinks......tailgating, hiking trips, skiiing and so on.

And $50 gets you a decent set.

I like talking to truckers anyhow. So I now have both.

Teddy Bear sittin' back in the Rockin' Chair C'mon!!!

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Jeff on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 05:32 am: Edit

I also have both and agree that you can get a set of FRS radios pretty cheap. Cosco has Talkabout sets for a real decent price.

Get two, that way you can lend one to someone without one or if everyone else you are wheeling with has only CB's then you can have one of the CB guys use one of yours to let you know what's going on.

The only opinion I have, is that I have found that some FRS only operate on a few channels, whereas others (mid price range) have lots more channels. I don't know how much limitations this puts on people using the limited channel units but I would think that it would limit your compatibility to other's units.

I know that Motorola Talkabouts are compatible with the larger Motorola two way radios, just set your Talkabout on the channel number and code 0.

Also, anyone looking for accessories for their Talkabouts, RadioShack has mics for half the price of a Motorola one and cases.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Robert Mann (Oldscout) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 05:35 am: Edit

I don't know were you wheel but there is not a highway within 30 or 40 miles of my play ground. I'll take a 4 watt CB over the FRS play toy any day .

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By gp (Garrett) on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 06:46 am: Edit

if you are looking for well priced FRS radios check eBay. i know.....i always talk about eBay but i am addicted. just got some new radios for $40+shipping (for the pair). they have 14 channels and 38 subchannels each. they all do about the same thing....some just have more features like weather band and are water 'resistant'. i like having my CB, but for $40 these things are great for all kinds of events. and if you have kids....even more uses. my old ones (that were stolen) did not have channels. the new ones are much better and cheaper.


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