Ok I am throwing around the idea of getting a HAM radio, or a CB... I know if i go with the HAM i'll have to get a TECH. license. So hear is my question/ Poll...

 

I voted CB, but if you have the inclination, get a ham license. The reason for the vote was because on the trail the CB is used by virtually everyone who has a radio. But, a ham radio could be useful in situations where you're in the middle of nowhere and need help. IOW: It depends on your specific needs.

 

I see you're from Alaska. I'm sure there are a lot of ham enthusiasts up there. But I agree with Mark. Most of us use cb on the trails. I also noticed you are up at 3:59 in the morning thinking about it so maybe ham would give you something to do You could always cram both in there. On a different note. How's the wheelin in Alaska? I bet it's friggin incredible.

 

FWIW, iv got a Ham handheld in mine right now but plan on putting a cb in soon.
So I would say both if you can fit them in.

 

There is no option to vote BOTH.

CB for the trails to talk to everyone else. Cobra 18WXSTII.

HAM for daily use and on the trails. VX-7R Handheld.

I sometimes venture off the beaten path alone. I quickly get out of cell range. I have yet to depart the range of my handheld. It is only 5 Watts but it is always active. The mobile that I am looking at puts out 100W and is HF capable so no where on the planet is a dead zone.

If you are technically inclined go ahead and get your license. It is $5 - $14 to take the test. Renewals are free. If you decide later to delve into HAM you are ready to go.

 

Hi Johnny.....Apples and oranges my friend. As far as just having a radio in your jeep only for when you are out wheelin', then yes, probably a CB is all you need. But if you really want to get into radio as a whole, then being a HAM is the only way to go. To give you an idea......there are a number of 2meter repeaters up there in the Anchorage area. If you were to have at least your tech license, you could easily trip one of the repeaters up there, and be able to talk to me way down here on the Kenai at any time. This would not be possible with a CB. In fact, there was a time when we used to talk to a guy in Moose Pass via 2 meters WITHOUT the use of a repeater...this is called simplex. I would aim my beam up over the Kenai mountains from here in Kasilof. Again alto possible with a CB, not likely, and not on a regular basis. Then if you really wanted to open up your range, you can upgrade your license to General, this would really open up the doors to the HF spectrum and the world. If you like the possibility of talking to someone on the other side of the globe while you are wheelin' in Eagle River then HAM is for you.
An easy thing to do would just buy a handheld CB for the Jeep and you'd be done.....cheap, easy, nothin' to mount, and all you'd need to talk to others on the trail. Then you could have your 2 meter mobile mounted in the jeep, and have access to any of the repeaters at ANYTIME day or night to be able to place phone calls, talk to anybody in town, or just to know that you could contact anybody, day or night, in case of an emergency.
I don't know if this is really a good "poll" question, because most CB'ers have no idea of the capabilities of HAM radio. Not to mention what HAM radio is now doing via a PC and/or the internet. It's endless my friend. All I know is most people that were avid CB'ers, when asked if they were glad they got their HAM license, would say not only yes.....but HELL YES...!!! The choice is yours.

 

I agree with everyone that say's if you can fit both go with both, I have a Yasue VX-170 and have not installed a CB yet. That's my 2 cents.

 

A tech for over 15 years...??? Come on guy GET WITH THE PROGRAM......lol. Seriously tho.....why limit yourself?.....UPGRADE...!!!....cause you're missin' out.

The cycle is getting better.....my buddy talked down into So. Africa on 40 meters night before last. Alaska to So. Africa on the low bands no less. Now THAT'S a trip...!!!

73 & Good Dx.....

 

CB for just wheeling and talking to your wheeling friends, HAM if you are inclined to it...

 

Unfortunately most people aren't "inclined" to it because they literally have NO idea of what it encompasses.