CB Handheld radios any good?

[Titan2727]

Anyone have any experience with handheld cb's?

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[Highonlyfe]

Handheld CBs do not work very well, so are not common.

They can't work very well because of physics. 1/4 wavelength at 27 MHz is nearly 9 feet, that antenna just doesn't fit on a handheld with any reasonable amount of loading, and the entire human body doesn't make an adequate counterpoise.

For handheld communications you need to get something on the VHF or UHF bands. Amateur radio, low power business, MURS, GMRS, FRS are all viable options.

If you have to talk to someone 200 yards away it will probably be fine. If you need to talk to someone 2 miles away, you'll likely be walking back to your vehicle to use a better antenna.

 

[American Adventurist]

Garbage

 

[Sting_NC_USA]

While the handheld on it's own isn't very strong, I'm using the Midland 75-822 which has an external antenna connector and works pretty good. Nothing will replace a full-sized, full-powered CB unit, but running this with a Firestick antenna kit works pretty good.

 

[Andy2434]

While the handheld on it's own isn't very strong, I'm using the Midland 75-822 which has an external antenna connector and works pretty good. Nothing will replace a full-sized, full-powered CB unit, but running this with a Firestick antenna kit works pretty good.

I have chosen the same path, as you. The Midland will afford the options for my intended use and out on the trail.

 

[Hgrace]

I have chosen the same path, as you. The Midland will afford the options for my intended use and out on the trail.

Look into Bells CB online. Tbe freq and tune these for about $30. I have one and it swings to 18 watts

 

[Andy2434]

Look into Bells CB online. Tbe freq and tune these for about $30. I have one and it swings to 18 watts

Thanks. I’ll take a look at that. Do you actually transmit at that wattage or simply use it for listening?

 

[Hgrace]

Transmit. Wattage doesn't really relate to reciever but the do tune that too

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