On the trails communications

hello everyone just wanted to ask about uhf/vhf vs CB for while on the trail what would be a better set and what is used more. I come from off roading in polaris RZR to which i have a PCI pro link 4. I am just not sure spending the money for a uhf is needed. any help is welcome.

 

Most of the guys I've off-roaded with run CB. I've got a basic setup and it serves me fine. It seems to be the standard.

A handful of guys I know are running HAM radio, but there are regulations and I believe you need a license to use it. I'm told that the license is inexpensive and not difficult to acquire, but I can't vouch for that.

EDIT: added links to my setup, if you're interested. I didn't want to mount anything permanent, so this is what I'm using. You'll get more range with a higher end unit, though.

Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio

$100 Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio & Mobile CB Radio – Walkie Talkie with 40 Channels, NOAA Weather Alerts, Long Range, Compatible with CB Antennas

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000K2YR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0kS-DbA27TVDC

Midland - 18-2442, Center Load Mag Mount Mobile CB Radio Antenna - 17-7 Stainless Steel Whip

Midland® – 18-2442 Mag Mount CB Antenna – High Performance Antenna with 17 Feet of Prewired Cable - High Performance Radio Communication

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6K6LGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zlS-Db9H1HZ75

 

Thank you I think a CB will be the way to go as I’m not going on multi day trips as of yet

 

What do you plan on using comms for?
Chat with group you're riding with: cb is fine
Call out for emergency assistance: HAM or sat phone

 

It would mainly be to chat with a group or talk to other people on the trails, I like the idea of a sat phone for emergencies

 

I like the fact that I can dismount this as our 4Runner is gonna be the wife’s daliy

 

CB is definitely less expensive and more common than the others. HAM does require a license. I will get my HAM license one day but for now I only have a CB. The CB I have cost $130. The HAM radio I would buy is over $400 so it's a big difference. The test for the HAM also has a fee. This is the CB radio I have. Mounted the box under the drivers seat.

https://www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/cb-radios/products/uniden-off-road-cmx760

For the antenna I have a mag mount with a whip antenna from Wilson that I have had for years. This way I can remove the antennae when it's not being used.

Here is a good HAM resource with free study guides. Check it out.

https://hamstudy.org/

 

This is my setup.

It works pretty good.

I think I need a new tablet mount.

 

that hurts my head just to look at! what the hell is going on there?

i have a cobra 75wx that i still need to install :/

 

LOL too funny. You might want to add one or two more just in case there is an emergency!!

 

Thank you for the resources i will look in to this and study up better.

 

I think i see a spot just over the passenger vent. very nice set up tho.

 

i have an old uniband or something like that that has been bouncing around the shop looks like it might find a home