CB / Two Way Radios

PhattyX

PhattyX

New member
Can anyone enlighten me a bit on these things?

I'm looking to monitor trail chatter. My gf picked up Motorola Talkabout T5000R's. They's FRS/GMRS. Will they work to hear public CB channels? Do people typically use CB channels anymore? I've read a bunch of stuff online, and it all says these are different communication bands.

Paragon's site says Park Personel monitor CD channel 5. I'm assuming that's what the trail guide does as well. So, when I'm on the trail at Paragon, will I be able to listen in on trail chatter with these talabouts?

Thanks!

-X
 

No, the FRS radios do not pick up CB channels. Spend the money to get a decent CB, tune it correctly, and you'll be very happy with the results, I promise.
 
no, CB citizens band AM
Talkabouts, Family Radio Service FRS, FM

You need a CB radio to do what you want to.
 
Just a heads up, the handheld CB's have a very limited range because their antenna has no ground plane. I say that in case you are considering one.

Some of the handhelds can be connected to a vehicle-mounted antenna, but be sure it has the full transmitting power like the "under dash" models before buying it or you will be disappointed.

My advice is get a basic $50 Uniden or Cobra model and like Currupt said a well tuned antenna (K40, Firestick, Wilson) makes all the difference in the world and a very poorly tuned antenna can actually burn up the transmitter in the CB ;)

You'll need an SWR meter to tune it.

Many truck stops sell CB equipment, if you find one you could buy an antenna and get it tuned right there after you mount it.
 

I have a scanner that is portable and can be used either in the Jeep or in the house. It allows me to monitor (not transmit) police, fire, rescue, air and marine traffic. I can also get FRS and CB.

I also have a CB (In Colorado, most trail runs use channel 4 or 13). I carry FRS units in the Mighty YJ. FRS radios are used occasionally, mostly by groups that want the convenience of portable units.
 
TwistedCopper said:
Just a heads up, the handheld CB's have a very limited range because their antenna has no ground plane. I say that in case you are considering one..............
Click to expand...

I'll second that..........been there, done that. Don't waste your money on one of those - learn from my mistake.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm going to have her return the talkabouts and see about a standard CB.

Thanks again,

-X
 

If you've got kids, just keep the FMRS radios. They're great for camping, hiking, going to the mall, etc. That way you can break up into two groups in a mall or wherever and still keep in touch. I bought a couple of sets a few years ago before one of our campouts on the farm and the kids had a ball with them. We've also used them when we've gone places in separate vehicles so we can communicate on the highway without all the CB chatter. It made it quick and easy to coordinate rest stops and potty breaks between all 4 vehicles!
 
Sparky-Watts said:
If you've got kids, just keep the FMRS radios. They're great for camping, hiking, going to the mall, etc. That way you can break up into two groups in a mall or wherever and still keep in touch. I bought a couple of sets a few years ago before one of our campouts on the farm and the kids had a ball with them. We've also used them when we've gone places in separate vehicles so we can communicate on the highway without all the CB chatter. It made it quick and easy to coordinate rest stops and potty breaks between all 4 vehicles!
Click to expand...

:agree:
 

TwistedCopper said:
X2 They are great for roadtrips and it makes it easy to tell a kid at a neighbor's house that it's time for dinner.

My kids love 'em too but the oldest is starting to view it as an electronic leash :lol:
Click to expand...

mine just says the battery was going out and he couldn't hear me.
Smart little boogers.;)
 
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