Ham Radios
Ham Radios
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Motorola HT1000 VHF Radio/Charger Fire HAM EMS $24.99 |
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Sticker for hf Ham Radio Transceiver Receiver NEW! $1.95 |
CB Radios – Your Best Option?
CB radios emerged in the 70s as a popular method for communicating on America’s roadways. While not as mainstream as they once were, CB radios are still widely used by owners of trucks, jeeps, RVs, cars and motorcycles.
There are a number of alternatives to CB radios which include two-way radios, GMRS radios, HAM radios and business band radios. In order to choose a solution that best fits your needs, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each available option. CB radios, like all the previously mentioned radio types, have a number of unique advantages and disadvantages that should be evaluated when considering a purchase:
Advantages
No Licensing Fees: Unlike some types of radios, CB radio operators aren’t required to obtain a license from the FCC. This makes CB radios a very convenient choice if you don’t want to hassle with licensing exams and requirements.
Widespread Acceptance: CB radios are the most widely used means of radio vehicle-to-vehicle communication on America’s highways. On virtually all major roadways, you’ll be able to hear activity on Channel 19, the most widely used CB channel. Whether you’d like to obtain traffic information, road condition updates or just strike up a friendly conversation, you’ll be able to on a CB due to the radio’s widespread use.
Cost Effective: It’s possible to purchase a complete CB radio setup (including a radio, antenna and mounting hardware) for well under a $100. On a cost basis, CB radios can match, if not beat, most radio options. Additionally, they are usually permanently installed in a vehicle which provides for additional convenience and professionalism.
Disadvantages
Restricted Range: Due to restrictions by the FCC, all 11 meter CB radios are restricted to 4 watts of transmission power. This usually limits a CB radio’s effective range to eight miles or less, dependent upon terrain and weather conditions. While CB radios are effective for short to intermediate transmission distances, they aren’t well suited for someone with long range communication needs.
Antenna Requirements: As all CB radios transmit with the same 4 watts of power, the antenna is the primary determinant of system performance. Subsequently, CB radios need to make use of large externally mounted antennas to perform well. As these antennas tend to run anywhere from 12 inches to over 5 feet in length, they can be impractical and inconvenient on many vehicles. While short antennas can and are used, they usually produce inadequate radio performance.
Permanent Installation: CB radios generally require a permanent installation due to antenna and performance concerns, and are not a practical choice when a compact and mobile means of communication is required. Handheld CB radios are available, but tend to provide sub-standard performance unless used with a long telescoping or external antenna.
Summary
CB radios are still a widely used means of communication, especially on America’s roadways. While not suited for everyone, they offer an extremely affordable and convenient way to communicate for those who understand the medium’s strengths and limitations.
About the Author
Right Channel Radios specializes in
CB radios and CB antenna
sales. They carry a wide selection of CB products from manufacturers such as Cobra, Galaxy, Wilson, Firestik and K40. Their website hosts a CB Resources Library that contains a number of educational articles covering CB equipment selection, installation and troubleshooting.
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Motorola HT1000 VHF Radio/Charger Fire HAM EMS $24.99 |
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Sticker for hf Ham Radio Transceiver Receiver NEW! $1.95 |
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WEIERWEI VEV-1000 UHF 400-470 Ham radio + Earpiece $67.80 |
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VINTAGE JCP PINTO AMSSB 23 CHANNEL CB/HAM RADIO MANUAL $0.99 |
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NAGOYA Dual band ANT UT-108 SMA-F antenna for Ham radio $10.86 |
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Yaesu Handheld Ham Radio VX5 $99.00 |
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WEIERWEI VEV-1000 VHF 136-174 Ham radio + Earpiece $67.80 |
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Puxing PX-777 UH 465-520Mhz UHF Ham radio + Earpiece $61.90 |
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Ear Hanger Headset(adjustable mic)for Kenwood Ham Radio $0.99 |
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Puxing PX-777 UH 465-520Mhz UHF Ham radio + Earpiece $61.90 |
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CB HAM RADIO KENWOOD COUPLER SWC 2 – FOR SW-2000 METER- $40.00 |
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Sticker for hf Ham Radio Transceiver Receiver NEW! $1.95 |
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RANGER AR 3500 HAM CB RADIO – SUPER NICE ! $0.12 |
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PRESIDENT HR2510 HAM RADIO – CB – EXE USED RADIO !!!!!! $31.12 |
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NAGOYA Dual band antenna UT-108 BNC for Ham Radio $13.58 |
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Overhead Dual Speaker PTT Headset for Kenwood Ham Radio $14.99 |
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Sticker for hf Ham Radio Transceiver Receiver NEW! $1.95 |
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2 in1 NEW IC U82 UHF FM POLICE SCANNER HT HAM RADIO HT $160.00 |
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Astatic 9 ft Co-Phase Coax cable CB Ham Radio CoPhase $14.99 |
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NEW 3 MAGNET SUPER MAG ANTENNA TRI MOUNT CB HAM RADIO $45.95 |
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NEW 4 MAGNET SUPER MAG ANTENNA QUAD MOUNT CB HAM RADIO $55.95 |
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NEW LOW PASS TVI FILTER PDC 1089 CB HAM RADIO PDC1089 $33.99 |
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CB HAM RADIO PA SPEAKER HORN BLACK ABS WEATHER PROOF $19.99 |
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CB HAM RADIO PA SPEAKER HORN WHITE ABS WEATHER PROOF $19.99 |
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NEW CB HAM RADIO PA SPEAKER HORN GOLD WEATHER PROOF !!! $21.99 |
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NEW UNIDEN ESP 20 EXTERNAL SPEAKER CB HAM RADIO ESP20 $21.99 |
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SMA to BNC Antenna adaptor For Ham Radio same interface $0.99 |
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Clear 18-FT CB Ham Coax Radio Antenna Cable w/PL259 NEW $17.99 |
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Astron RS-20A CB or Ham Radio 20amp 13.8v Power Supply $29.99 |
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UHF Female S0239 to SMA-F Socket Adaptor for Ham Radio $0.99 |
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FDC 136MHz~174MHz FM Transceiver Ham Radio FD-390 VHF $23.49 |
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NEW HAM RADIO SWL 24 HR WORLD CLOCK 14″ BRASS UTC ZULU $44.99 |
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GE Mastr II External Speaker Ham Police Fire CB Radio $19.00 |
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6,8-Pin Female Microphone Plug Ham Radio CB Mic,F8PIN $0.99 |
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6,8-Pin Female Microphone Plug Ham Radio CB Mic,F8PIN $0.99 |
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YAESU FT-950 AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART GRAPHIC MANUAL $9.80 |
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Vintage Early Vibroplex Bug Telegraph Ham CB Radio Key $79.99 |
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Coil tunable coil ham radio coil (lot of 4) $5.00 |
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Buds CB/Ham Radio Antenna Quick Disconnect $6.98 |
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Drake R-4B Tube Ham Shortwave Receiver Radio R4B 4B … $99.00 |
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RCI Ranger 10-12 meter ham radio $129.50 |
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85′ SILVER Slinky Shortwave Radio Antenna HF AM HAM ++ $10.95 |
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215′ Three SLINKY Shortwave Radio Antenna + AM CB HAM $22.95 |
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150′ DOUBLE-SLINKY Shortwave Radio Antenna + AM CB HAM $15.95 |
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FDC 136MHz~174MHz FM Transceiver Ham Radio FD-390 VHF $23.49 |
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BUTTERNUT HF9V VERTICAL 9-BAND HF HAM RADIO ANTENNA $103.25 |
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5 NEW DELTRON 6BZ6 HAM RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSCEIVER TUBES $11.95 |
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3 Position COAX Antenna SWITCH 1000 W – CB / Ham Radio $12.50 |
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Radio-Tone Simplex Repeater Controller for CB Ham Radio $71.52 |
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CB or Ham Radio Crystal 662 – 3.2800 MHZ FT 243 $3.99 |
