PMR446 50+Km range yesterday

[Lightspeed]

TLN going to 5w on PMR446 will put you in illegal operating condition under curent regulations. If you are going that route the I reckon the UV 5R is the cheapest and most flexible way to achieve it as it will give you switchable 1w / 4w power, external antenna capability, as well as very broadband coverage including Ham VHF and UHF, marine VHF and a whole load of MOD owned UHF space( soe be careful how you use it!)

Of course ther will be an imrovement over the Binatones, especially if you get a pair of them. but you should realistically expect a doubling of range or there abouts.

If your CB operatins were from your current location you can compare what you used to achieve to PMR and make yor decision acordingly. As paul wrote the Intek that NR purchased will get you CB in a handheld package that can also connect up to external antennas.....and this will be entirely legal to use as well.

Good luck with your choices.

LS