Is CB a viable alternative to PMR?

[ebbo]

Is CB a viable alternative to PMR?

We had problems with range in the Pyrenees last month using PMR (no surprise eh) so I wondered if CB could be a viable alternative?

CB’s range could be greater than PMR, the radios are 12v and possibly cheaper to buy, aerials can be mounted remotely without legal issue, and I suspect there are few users on CB these days other than truckers. With 40/80 channels to play with surely there’s room for us?

What do you think???

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

10-4 good buddy

 

[ebbo]

Thanks for that Tuned

Looking on fleabay, there are lots of CB sets at giveaway prices...

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

do a search i seem to remember someone else looking down this route.... and they got more sensible answers than mine

 

[ebbo]

I tried Tuned, ‘CB‘ is too short to produce a result ‘CB radio’ pulled up a load of useless results ‘Citizens band’ – ‘Sorry - no matches’

 

[Wizard]

Yes, it is viable.

PMR446 Radio works at very high frequencies with very limited power. CB works at much lower frequencies with higher power and will generally travel much further with much better clarity.

The downside of CB vs PMR446 is the size and cost of the equipment..... a typical handheld CB is about 6x2x1.5 inches and costs about £100. The upside is that you can buy a radio that will comply with the local frequency allocations of much of the world, while 446 isn't strictly legal in quite a few "European" countries, never mind elsewhere. You do also require a license for CB, last time I looked it was £15/year.

There are also those who use or recommend commercial or Amateur radios on PMR446 frequencies. These radios have greater power output (well, input actually, but that'd take too long to explain ) than legal 446 radios, but as the law stands in the UK and most of Europe, if you are found using illegal radio equipment that is attached in any way to your vehicle (in the luggage, plugged into an Autocom), you run the risk of the equipment and your bike being seized. I haven't, as yet, heard of it happening to a biker, but I'm aware of several cases where cars have been impounded.

HTH

 

[ebbo]

Cheers Wizard,
I wouldn’t go for a portable radio, just a standard car unit like the Midland 38 @ £60 it obviously works off 12v solving the power supply issue straight away.

Reading on a couple of CB forums the frequency CB works on seems better able to get around the terrain, plus it has 4w output and a ‘proper ariel’ I am starting to wonder why we bother with PMR, is it the legacy of ‘kids on CB’ syndrome of the 70’s & 80’s?

 

[beemerboy9]

Martin, before you buy, check with the supplier of your intercom system for any relevant advice they may have, particularly with reference to hiss interference with other equipment.

 

[ebbo]

Thanks beemerboy, I’m just batting ideas around at present, and looking for input

 

[Yoda]

When I used to do quite a lot of cycle race escort duties we used CB radios in order that we could communicate with each other and the race commissaires (ie referees). They worked very well and had a good range.

They were dirrectly wired in to the helmet, so I can't comment about the use with an Autocom/Starcom etc.

 

[Wizard]

Providing that you use good quality shielded cables, there should be no issues with an Autocom or similar. The one thing to be particularly careful with is the antenna, as if it is incorrectly setup it will cause interference. There is a thing called an "electronic groundplane" which will probably be of use, and you may want an "adjustable mirror mount" to fit the aerial to (it'll clamp onto any bit of frame or luggage rack etc. that may be handy). Just don't forget to load the bike fully before fitting an aerial, and try to get the aerial as far away and above everything as possible. The absolute best possible place to put it for safety and efficiency is on top and to the rear of a alloy topbox, but you will be able to get them to work almost anywhere.

Also, the radios will usually have a -10dB switch for the power output.... it's advisable to use it in the low power/0.4w/-10dB position unless you have to use it at full power, as the aerial won't be terribly far away from your head at any time on a bike (it's a bit like using the speakerphone on your mobile.... sounds daft but can make a big difference over a period of time).

And probs, gimmie a gulder

 

[ebbo]

Thanks for all the input lads, appreciated

 

[1200gs_kuwait]

CB vs PMR 446

hi there,

i have a full Autocom system with kenwood TK3201, all my bikers friend have CB's am the only one with my brother who have PMR 446 radios.

would any one knows if i can connect CB radios to my Autocome with taking the whole system off my bike.

as the system is very good othern than the commuinacation side. i have the system connect to my mobile/mp3/2 ways radios(kenwood TK3201).

i am thinking to purches J&M radios CB (US made 40 channels).

please advise your views if any.



fyi, 2 wks ago i traveled to JORDAN/SYRIA/LEBANON for 2 wks it was extrem nice other than i could not communicate with my friends bikeres.

thanks and regards