Just wondering why the 460MHz 2-way radios have not replaced CB's as the preferred communication device in Jeeps. Anyone have any insight?

 

I'll take a stab at it.....


That frequency range is VHF and doesn't travel as far or as well (watt for watt) as CB does in the 27mhz range.

VHF is more line of sight transmission. It does work in mountainous terrain, just not well with low power.

My dad & I have Marine (boat) radios mounted on our ATV's & they work in the mountains, but only transmit around a mile or two (at most) under the 25 watt setting. IIRC, marine frequency is around 167mhz.

In my dually, I have a Galazy DX979 hooked to a 150 watt linear amp...I've transmitted over 25 miles from the bottom of a big ravine & over mountainous terrain with that unit.

And....I'd have to assume cost. Producing a CB is relatively cheap compared to a comparably-sized VHF radio, but who knows...

Anyway, that'd be my guess....

 

CB's are cheap and very reliable. It is not uncommon for a cb to broadcast over 5 miles.

 

Now that Amateur Radio does not require a Morse code test, why not get your Amateur Radio License? VHF repeaters have a 30+ mile range (144 Mhz). 460 Mhz is UHF and those repeaters have 20+ mile range. The FRS radios like the talkabouts are great for a group of people to keep together.
HF frequencies cover 50-1000+ miles.
Check out a local Radio Shack for more info.
N4XGI

 

cb with right conditions which have been everyday now lately can transmit for several thousand miles

 

If you use a linear amp. for C.B. you'll be in violation of F.C.C. Regs and pay a large fine.KB0KHI

 

Has anyone tested the rang/ reliability of Nextel's off network DirecTalk feature? This feature is not well publicized, but gives options for private or group walkie talkie functionality. (I am NOT talking about the typical "Beep" Nextel Direct Connect push to talk feature.) The DirecTalk actually requires you to switch over into a special mode and operates independently of the cell network. I have it but have never been able to test it at a distance > 10'.

 

hey there, here in australia the majority of cb's used are the 477mhz range due to a much larger range 10-20 km without a repeater and a much clearer sound as well, 27mhz cb's are still used but by no means as many people, and all this without a license.

 

You guys are forgetting the obvious. The hand held radios do not have standard channel numbers. Channel one and a Motorola is not necessarily channel one on a cobra or a uniden. CB channel one is always channel one no matter whether you have a cobra, a uniden, or a midland.

Not to mention most people don't know that you need a license to use those radios in the high power mode(above 2 watts).

 

The reason is some are FRS and some are GMRS and then some are both.