Which type of radio

[rdsii64]

This is only my second thread on this forum. The folks who answered my first post were quite informative and kind. Thanks. Now on to more questions.

From what I have been able to read up on, when it comes to the CB radio vs. one that requires a license, getting a license seems like the best course for me to take because it allows me the most flexibility. Not to mention an excuse to put two radios in my truck ( just kidding about the two radios) Anway. My question is this; with regards to putting an amature radio in my truck, which meter band would do me the most good if I were stranded off the beaten path. The reason I ask is I have hobbies that take me deep into the deserts of southern California and most times its just me and my wife and we are often in areas with no cell coverage.

Thanks

 

[Robb]

I run a 10 meter/CB radio, and a 2 meter radio in my vehicle. I storm spot for the Emergency Manager in my county. I also have a cell phone. I understand the predicament.

There is no guarantee that any of these devices will be foolproof when out in the boonies. The more remote the location; the less chance there is to communicate. The trick is to get to the highest ground you can find when needing to communicate - no guarantee with that either. It is just you best shot.

2 meter radio may have 'repeater' stations in the area you intend to go - no guarantee again. If there is; this 'repeater' radio with the ability to receive on one frequency and transmit on another - and may be located on the top of a hill for the best line-of-sight coverage. This can permit a large coverage area - and many radios in that area can access the use of this repeater. But one must have a radio that can be programmed - and one must also know and program in those frequencies. Many 2 meter radios on the market today have this repeater acessability. This is a matter of learning Ham radio - and knowing where you are going - and it is not that hard to learn how to use it. On 'simplex' operation; the same radio will be able to communicate with other radios on the same frequency w/o a frequency offset like the repeater station requires. Just like a CB transmits/receives. Of course; these transmissions are also limited to line-of-sight with your antenna.

Cell phone towers and cell phones are really nothing more than the same thing; except that they are digital and have a programmed access number to that phone repeater. They are also limited to line-of-sight.

A CB radio is best used on the road for getting info from truckers. The truckers generally use channel 19 across this country; only to deviate to an adjacent channel for more private conversations while on the road. Truckers can be a wealth of info when traveling. They know where every speed trap, hamburger joint, and fuel stop on their route may be. They can even sometimes help those who are stranded - if they aren't trying to make time.

The rest of us use CB and other radios to communicate over great distances - sometimes called 'DX'. Radios are a hobby to some and to others it is work related. Using it for emergency reasons can be a dicey thing if depending upon it for one's safety. Having a cell phone, a 2 meter radio, and a CB is no guaranteee that you can always communicate the need for help if you are out in the boonies.
But together, they are all better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick - too...

 

[Moleculo]

I'm in SoCal also and like to go out to the desert for camping, hunting, etc. What areas do you generally go to?

There are a lot of 2 meter repeaters on tall mountains that have amazing coverage, but it's not perfect. This scenario is pretty much how & why I originally got into ham radio. I started with a CB for traveling on the highways and talking with buddies that I caravan with. Then I got my license when I quickly realized that relying on a CB for communication out in the desert or mountains wasn't a good idea. At the time, I upgraded my license pretty quickly to the General class and put in a ham radio that allows me to use VHF/UHF and HF. On the lower ham HF bands, you can pretty easily communicate in area of several states. The General class takes a little more study, but it is sooooo worth it.

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

I Agree..

Getting your general license would give you the Best abilities and flexibilities..

 

[kd-5-bgt]

I would agree,go for the general class ticket,alot more options there

Click this link and click the practice test link and you are off and running.
http://www.qrz.com/site.html

Dont forget that in order to take the general class test you need to first pass the Tech class test....it is a progression thing.

If / when you pass the tech class test (35 questions) the VEs will ask you if you want to do the general test (also 35 questions),you have nothing to loose,take that test as well and you could very well walk out with your general class ticket

 

[KB1TPX]

I thought it was possible to skip over the Tech. and take the General.

 

[kd-5-bgt]

I think it is call incentive license. I remember when I took my tech test ,only when I passed the tech portion was I asked to take the general test.Same withe the general.

The VEs that gave me my general test told me that when I passed my general I could take the extra if I wanted to

From what I remember (and I could be wrong,if I am please correct me on this)

You take the tech to open the general portion,pass general to open the extra

Unless the rules have been changed that is how I remember it

 

[KB1TPX]

I think it is call incentive license. I remember when I took my tech test ,only when I passed the tech portion was I asked to take the general test.Same withe the general.

The VEs that gave me my general test told me that when I passed my general I could take the extra if I wanted to

From what I remember (and I could be wrong,if I am please correct me on this)

You take the tech to open the general portion,pass general to open the extra

Unless the rules have been changed that is how I remember it

Yes, I guess one can take both tests the same day.


LEVEL 2: General Class License (upgrade from Technician)

• EXAM REQUIREMENTS: 35-question General Written Exam (Element 3); No Morse Code Exam
• PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands and most HF privileges (10 through 160 meters).
• LICENSE STUDY MATERIALS

Technicians may upgrade to General Class by passing a 35-question multiple-choice written examination. The written exam covers intermediate regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on HF applications. Non-licensed individuals must pass Element 2 and Element 3 Written Exams to earn a General License. The FCC grants exam element 3 credit to individuals that previously held certain older types of licenses. Valid Forms of Examination Element Credit can be found on the Web.
The General Class is a giant step up in operating privileges. The high-power HF privileges granted to General licensees allow for cross-country and worldwide communication. Some people prefer to earn the General Class license as their first ticket, so they may operate on HF right away. In addition to the Technician privileges, General Class operators are authorized to operate on any frequency in the 160, 30, 17, 12, and 10 meter bands. They may also use significant