I'm looking to buy a quality radio for my truck, & want to know the real world benifits of a 10M over a CB with SSB. The radios I'm looking at are a Connex General Lee, or a Galaxy DX949. It will be used 90% as just a CB, but I want to be able to reach someone if I get into trouble in the mountains, etc. Thanks.

 

Most "jumped" 10M are pushing way more out the back than reg CB's. I run a eight year old Galaxy DX99 with a Texas Star 667V under the dash. Some 10M are well over 100 watts out the back, so if reaching out is your concern don't bother with a CB!!

 

It's true the 10M radios will transmit at 100 watts or more. They have greater capabilities and options. However, the FCC has allocated the 10M band to licensed amateur radio operators. Unless you're licensed, operating on these frequencies is against the law. If you research the matter, you will find that the FCC is enforcing these regulations.

Becoming licensed is not difficult and does not take a lot of money (about $20). In addition to operating SSB on the 10M band, there are other bands and modes open to these operators. If you're interested in using the 10M band, I'd recommend locating a local amateur radio club and becoming licensed.

The CB band (11M) is allocated to the general public; however, at reduced power levels. The power limitations are much safer to operate, but do limit the effective distance for this band. If conditions are right and with the proper installation, 5 watts SSB on this band can be heard a VERY long distance.

The operating limitations of 10M and 11M are very similar... the main differences are the power limitations, the installation, and the number of people on the frequencies. CB is much more popular. It doesn't matter which band you use or how much power... if there's no one on the other end listening, your message will not be delivered. Also, most amateur operators on 10M (and there are typically not many there) will not respond to unlicensed operators not following the correct protocols.

Thanks,
John... K4JJM.

 

Thanks. If I do get a 10m radio, I'll go ahead & get the license. My concern is more geared towards wheather I'll be better off on a CB-SSB with lower output in an emergency in the middle of nowhere, or a higher output 10m. Either way I'm going to be getting it from Radioactive Radios with thier Super Whack Pack, & Super Recieve installed.

 

There are more people listening on CB than on 10m. Most people how have their amature raido licenses play on the higher frequencies where the repeaters are.

Due to the nature of those frequencies you can often make contact with a 5 watt handheld unit that you couldn't with a 100 watt 10m.

 

So you're saying that I'd be better off with a good CB/SSB with 5-7watts, than a 10M AM/FM with 70+ watts?

 

I've tons of "big" radios and always come back to my hopped up cobra 25. This little radio gets more comments and talks louder than any other radio i've ever had.

 

I would agree with ClayH. In an emergency there are more people listening on CB than on 10M. CB is also easier to use. If you were licensed and incapacitated, your passenger would likely know how to use the CB... maybe not 10M.

Good Luck,
John.

 

Ok. What about SSB? Can I assume they are the same as the 10m as far as people listening? If thats the case, I can still get the General lee, & just never use the 10m bands. Just use the CB chanels & have 70+ watts there if I ever need them.

 

Its illegal to transmit more than 4 watts on CB band. Also you could punch out 70watts on CB and someone might hear you but when they reply at their stock 4 watts you won't hear them.

If you want to get heard, get your license(you were going to anyway for 10M) and then buy a Ham unit that can do VHF frequencies and start hitting the repeater network.

 

Is there a good mobile unit that does both CB, & VHF? I haven't seen one, but I haven't been looking @ VHF's.

 

A quad band receiver *could* be configured to do it(not legally) if you could convince a tech to open up the frequencies. But its a pain as you have to run mulitple antennas and antena matchers. Its easier and cheaper to run two radios.

Most people I know(4wd community) run a regular CB in their Jeeps for short range communication on the trail and then use hand held VHF units for hitting the repeater network for long range communication.

 

10 meter dadios are GREAT as long as they are tuned right,along with your anteenas! keep your swr on your anteenas down below 2.0. i prefer mine around 1.5 and have your radio tuned to talk as well as recieve!!! high output is o.k.,but if you can't hear someone at the other end it's worthless!

 

Buy you a "jumped" 11 Meter rig but don't go on the no,no frequencys. You want to have enuff power to talk over the yahoo's that allways seem to jump on when you really need to say somthing.

 

just a ? but then why do so many people run a leneaer(sp?)