Should I get a CB or GMRS radio?

While VHF radio waves – including CB – typically travel farther in rural settings, GMRS's power advantage overcomes UHF's slight range disadvantages to give longer range in most scenarios. GMRS may work better in wooded areas, since UHF radio waves can easily travel through small spaces.

Do truckers use CB or GMRS?

Even with modern technology, most truckers still have a CB radio in their truck. Although most truckers still own and maintain a CB radio in their cab, they certainly don't use them like they once did. Speed limits, speed governed trucks and new technologies answer many tasks the radios were once used for.

Can CB talk to GMRS?

FRS and GMRS radios are not cross compatible with other types of consumer radios. CB radios operate on the 11 meter AM band, and have their own channel and frequency assignments.

What radio is better than CB?

Even in different terrain, you will want to use either VHF or UHF for communications. Over deserts or flat land or water, UHF will work better and go further. Over mountains, and hills, VHF will work better. A properly tuned CB, running legal limit power, in the mountains will get you a range of roughly 1/4 mile.

Is a GMRS license worth it?

There are a number of advantages that GMRS brings to the table to meet your communications needs. Obtaining a license keeps you legal, covers your whole family, and allows you to train day to day to prepare. Don't wait until the communications systems are down to learn how they work.

Off-Road Communication: GMRS vs. CB Radio

Are GMRS licenses enforced?

FRS frequencies are limited to lower power and don't require a license, GMRS allows for higher power and technically requires a license, but up till now that's generally not been commonly adhered to nor meaningfully enforced.

How hard is it to get GMRS license?

The process to obtain a GMRS license is fairly easy. You can apply for a license online by following the steps below. Once you have your FRN (see "Obtaining an FRN" in the previous paragraph) from the main FCC screen choose "Online Filing, Log In".

Is a CB radio worth it?

Using your CB could help you find an alternate route in a traffic jam, warn you of road blockages ahead, get you real-time weather reports and severe weather warnings, and get you assistance for a mechanical breakdown or medical emergency.

What is the most powerful GMRS radio?

The MXT400 MicroMobile is the Most Powerful GMRS Radio and Perfect Long Range Solution. This radio boasts 40 watts of broadcasting power with a 65 mile line-of-sight range.

Who uses GMRS radios?

Most people that use GMRS not always but mostly it is used in groups off-roading hiking, Marathon and others. GMRS uses 22 channels in UHF, shares a frequency band with FRS near 462 and 467 MHz. Most GMRS radios, if it's a repeater capable GMRS radio, has eight or more channels set aside for repeaters.

Can you get CB channels on a GMRS radio?

The short answer is no. CBs operate at 27 megahertz AM and GMRS operates at 462/467 megahertz FM. They are two entirely different animals.

Are CB radios coming back?

Many thought citizens band radios would disappear after the 1970s, along with pet rocks and disco. But not only are they still around, they are making a comeback. CB radio sales have increased steadily during the last three years, a trend not seen since the 1970s.

Do truckers still use CB radios?

For the most part, CB radios remain in use because they are the norm for truckers who have been working in the industry for the last 10 or 20+ years. While some truckers have resorted to using trucking apps on smartphones to communicate, more advanced radio systems offer a more ideal route.

What radio do police use?

Police radios operate in a 700/800 MHz UHF band. This gives them a considerable amount of range which is pretty good in urban areas. The P25 radio systems give an improved range for officers. Getting a larger antenna on your walkie talkie can improve the amount of range you receive.

What GMRS channel is for emergency?

In recognition of this trend of explosive growth the Federal Communications Commission formally recognized our frequency [462.675 MHz] as the national emergency and traveler's assistance channel in the Part 95A Rules and Regulations.

How far will a GMRS radio reach?

Typically though, most GMRS radios use between 1 and 5 watts of power. Their range is a bit better than FRS radios, with typical hand-held devices being somewhere in the 1-2 mile window. Some mobile units with higher antennas can have a range up to 5 miles.

How far will a 40 watt GMRS radio transmit?

2-WAY RADIO - The 40 Watt MicroMobile walkie talkie is equipped with 15 High/Low Power GMRS channels and 8 Repeater Channels for increased communication range. 65-MILE RANGE - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.

How do I increase my GMRS range?

Other Ways To Increase GMRS Radio Range

For longer range, use the high power GMRS channels, 15-22, where 50 watts of power is allowed, if you have a full power mobile. Your set should have a high/low power mode, and you can switch this to high for more power output.

What are the benefits of having a CB radio?

Do I need an FCC license for GMRS?

An FCC license is required to operate GMRS system. Licenses are issued for a ten-year term and can be renewed between 90 days prior to the expiration date and up to the actual expiration date of the license. After a license expires, an individual must request a new GMRS license.

Why would you need a CB radio?

Emergency Communication

As mentioned above, CB radios come in handy during times of emergency. It's not unusual for natural disasters or terrorist attacks to take down cell towers and landlines, so being able to rely on a CB radio as your only form of communication can save lives.

How long does a GMRS license take?

After you've submitted your application for a GMRS radio license and the $35 fee, you may receive your license is as little as 24 hours. (We actually got ours in less time than that, however processing times vary.) Once you've got your new GMRS license, you'll want to know how to properly use your call sign.

How long does it take to process GMRS application?

A: The typical business/industrial license process takes about 10 business days. For a public safety license approximately 90-120 days.

Can ham radio talk to GMRS?

FRS and GMRS can talk, but a ham radio can only receive FRS and GMRS if it has a wide enough receiver. GMRS cannot transmit on ham frequencies legally and ham radio cannot transmit on GMRS frequencies legally.