CB vs Dual-Band Hand held (UV5r)

[Midnitemo]

My worry with my coms now is being able to keep the units powered up in shtf scenario , I currently have very little power generating capability and keeping three units available at all times will probably be to much of a stretch with my current capabilities , going to really struggle in the winter when solar is much less efficient/available

[NorthernRaider]

Mo I bought a multi voltage transformer with assorted adaptors it goes from 3VDC to 13.5VDC and it plus into the mains via 3 pin plug , So I can recharge devices either from mains, from a genny or from wind or solar set up, mid winter if no other option I would use one of those tiny little hand cranked gennies of one of the heat powered doofahs, Where there is a will there is a way mate . EG a guy on another UK forum recharges his little FM radio from a genny on his bicycle his half hour cycle commute charges up his little radio.

[Lightspeed]

[Midnitemo]

My current set up is a little more substantial than 13w,only a little though , 40w biard flexi panel and 110 amp/hr leisure battery through a 150w inverter , I'm guessing this will just about keep three transceivers topped off then?(current set up is in use as power for horse lekky fencing - the inverter that's just in storage.

[Lightspeed]

My current set up is a little more substantial than 13w,only a little though , 40w biard flexi panel and 110 amp/hr leisure battery through a 150w inverter , I'm guessing this will just about keep three transceivers topped off then?(current set up is in use as power for horse lekky fencing - the inverter that's just in storage.

Should be able to meet your needs Midnitemo.... just don't go buying more and more radios each month!

[Lightspeed]

[Easy rider]

I recently bought a baofeng along with other bits to improve it or allow charging from 12 sources.

I havnt found it a easy radio to work with if I'm honest.and few people I know would be able to pick it up and use it as easily as a standard cb radio just having it or getting it out the box.

I'm in agreement that if your looking at a usable comm right now for a shtf sit it would be first choice to buy today now.

What I feel is their are many many households still with cb radio stuff in wardrobes cupboards so on.
4x4 off road users have them .truck drivers ,most cb ham radio ops have access to these frequencies too.

But back to today ,survivalist preppers will buy baofengs ,do they understand how to use them ,can they program them.
They can't be charged via 12 v without voltage reducing adaptations.

I'm awaiting to test mine soon for distance to compare to my cb radio hand units.

It may also be that ham frequencies could be restricted in use and repeaters fail or deny you access .

Cost alone the baofeng comes first .
I've said it before baofeng are missing out on a big market not producing a cb ssb handy.

[Lightspeed]

Hi ER

Thanx for the feedback. Your appraisal of the Baofengs is good.

Re range testing the Baofengs, you should be getting about the same range as standard CB ( FM mode) in normal operating environments. From our highish location we can open and operate through repeates 80 miles away. Signals are scratchy at that range byt readable.

[CharlesHarris]

I've used CB portables and their big limitation is the antenna, because at 27 MHz the wavelength is so long that even if you have a long, unwieldly whip, the base-loaded, short for its wavelength antenna is a very inefficient radiator and the range of such units is very short. A 2-metre or 70cm band portable can use a full-sized telescoping half-wavelength whip which is an effective radiator, especially if a 1/4 wavelength counterpoise wire is attached to the shield of the antenna connector, to keep the rf from coupling with your body.

[Easy rider]

I am by far no radio expert but I understand 27 mghz limitations performance.have used am since 70 s ssb fm so on

I totally agree accept both responses.

My thought is that's great when you can work such frequencies legally .operators can .
None of my family close friends are operators ,neither am I.

If I were to choose ham as a hobby I could see the reasoning to spend out on equipment apply for permissions to effect antenna or towers .for me and I guess a lot of others it's just not my first choice because of.
My equipment I have been given ,bought at boot sales wombled so didn't cost a fortune.
I see no reason and would recommend to purchase a baofeng radio, a cheap aa battery case to modify for safer use and nock up a cheap free tiger tail to match antenna .
modify the charging unit for 12 v sources with v reducer.
All these things are on YouTube for guidance and if you can soldering use screw driver and arnt colour blind and have voltage tester simple to follow.

That could be done for under £20 ,a wire diapole could be simply made from scrap wire ,steel reinforced washing line ,even dirty style with electrical connector block if you have no soldering iron.
Several mtrs of coax .
Easily pulled up over a tree limb on string for better signal out mobile or at home.

I actually like the reviews on baofeng uv 82, seems a better stock antenna. Better audio and speeker .

I have back up radio power supplies, amplifiers,varied antennas , spares of numerous types ,mics ,meters matcher and radio books for antenna reference.
Just not the all mode frequency radios.

No doubt ham is the man, just not feasible for all ,after all I'm interested in comms between my family friends most would think I'm potty advising them to buy ham equipment sit the course..
But I do have the 2 m 70 option for post shtf or emergency use.
I will def add ssb mode at some point soon.

Keep the info coming ,more info means better informed decisions ,thank you for time you have spent on the forums posts .very detailed.