Anyone have a CB radio? Wots the story?

[kruzin]

I have recently inhereted a CB radio for a vehicle but am unsure weather to put it in my truck or not because im not sure how much i will use it, which is depending on how capable it is of doing the things that i want it to do are... A couple of questions for people who own or know all about them?:

1. Can a CB radio get mountain weather forecasts? I know VHS does get mariene forecasts on the right channel..

2. What sort of range do you get from them?

3. Are they able to tune in and communicate with VHS/ or the wee handheld ones that some people have (the panisonic cheepies from dick smith) ?

4. Can CBs get into contact with emergency services in very remote places?

5. The CB I have now is at 12 volt one, but my truck opertes on a 24 volt system. Could i run it through my 12 to 24 volt converter that reduces the voltage to my radio?

Thanks alot guys

[mike]

I have recently inhereted a CB radio for a vehicle but am unsure weather to put it in my truck or not because im not sure how much i will use it, which is depending on how capable it is of doing the things that i want it to do are... A couple of questions for people who own or know all about them?:

1. Can a CB radio get mountain weather forecasts? I know VHS does get mariene forecasts on the right channel..

2. What sort of range do you get from them?

3. Are they able to tune in and communicate with VHS/ or the wee handheld ones that some people have (the panisonic cheepies from dick smith) ?

4. Can CBs get into contact with emergency services in very remote places?

5. The CB I have now is at 12 volt one, but my truck opertes on a 24 volt system. Could i run it through my 12 to 24 volt converter that reduces the voltage to my radio?

Thanks alot guys

I have had one in my truck for years. unless your club uses them then the only person youll be talking to is truck drivers if they talk back to you. I'm taking mine out and putting a prs cab unit in.

Mike

[kruzin]

Aw really? So its CB to CB only? No weather forecasts or emergency comunication?

[4wdnuts]

yes its only cb to cb. if your after weather forecasts etc you will need a mountain radio. if your looking at selling it send me a pm

[kruzin]

Aw F**k haha never mind!

[TJ]

1. Can a CB radio get mountain weather forecasts? I know VHS does get mariene forecasts on the right channel..

No. I think you meant VHF ('cause VHS is a video format).

2. What sort of range do you get from them?

Depends on the terrain and the power of the tranmitting unit. Could be anywhere from bugger all to 10/15 kms.

3. Are they able to tune in and communicate with VHS/ or the wee handheld ones that some people have (the panisonic cheepies from dick smith) ?

VHS - not possible as its a video format. VHF - not possible different frequency. Wee handheld ones - typically a UHF PRS and no they are different frequency.

4. Can CBs get into contact with emergency services in very remote places?

Yes and no. There is a dedicated emergency channel - so yes. Depends on whether its being monitored and you are in range - so probably no.

5. The CB I have now is at 12 volt one, but my truck opertes on a 24 volt system. Could i run it through my 12 to 24 volt converter that reduces the voltage to my radio?

This would be workable with an in-line filter to eliminate any electrical noise from the electrical system of your truck.

CBs do have their advantage, but increasingly they are being phased out by the users in favour of PRSs.

HF or Ham radios are a different beast and would cost a bit and have to be set-up properly to work correct or they blow up.

[giovanni]

kruzin wrote:
2. What sort of range do you get from them?


Depends on the vehicle set up,terrain and the atmospheric conditions.Anything from a few kms to the other side of the world



kruzin wrote:
4. Can CBs get into contact with emergency services in very remote places?


Yes and no.On CB Ch.15 is a call and emergency channel.It dpends on whether its being monitored and if you are in range.

kruzin wrote:
5. The CB I have now is at 12 volt one, but my truck opertes on a 24 volt system. Could i run it through my 12 to 24 volt converter that reduces the voltage to my radio?


As long as the reducer is capable of supplying both units.Something no smaller than 7 amperes delivery would be OK.

TJ mentioned HF or Ham radios are specilised communications which require examinations and licenses.Like most things electronic they to can blow up if not set up coreectly or are abused.

[kruzin]

Hey thanks alot guys, really appreciate it!