CB radio vs. GMRS/ FRS ?

[fredmau]

Used to be, I wouldn't even consider a road trip without a CB in the car. It's invaluable for keeping up-to-the minute on road conditions, traffic jams, construction, etc.

But with the increasing popularity of GMRS/FRS, I gotta wonder - Is it time to ditch the CB ? Has GMRS yet reached a "critical mass" where sufficient truckers and other pro drivers are using it enough to be worthwhile ? Do police and emergency services monitor GMRS the way they used to on CB channel 9 ?

- FM -

[Mark Sedenquist]

Used to be, I wouldn't even consider a road trip without a CB in the car. It's invaluable for keeping up-to-the minute on road conditions, traffic jams, construction, etc.

FM,
I still consider CB radio to be the best source of information. One of my recent articles on this subject can be read here.

But with the increasing popularity of GMRS/FRS, I gotta wonder - Is it time to ditch the CB ? Has GMRS yet reached a "critical mass" where sufficient truckers and other pro drivers are using it enough to be worthwhile ? Do police and emergency services monitor GMRS the way they used to on CB channel 9 ?

I am not aware of any police services that monitor GMRS channels -- the other thing to remember is that GMRS requires a license. What you will find is that the majority of professional drivers are using Ham radios (without licenses) and using the side-band channels to communicate.

FRS is an OK solution for personal communication, but pretty useless for road info. There is a pretty interesting thread about the state of the art for the 511 Traffic/Road Information system here.

Mark

[RoadTripper Brad]

Because of the popularity of FRS and GMRS (licensed) radios, REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams) are monitoring GMRS channels as well as CB radio. I carry both for this reason.

CB is still great for increased distance and power, but a GMRS/FRS radio wouldn't be a bad idea to carry along with you as well. The radios can be anywhere from 20-60 bucks, and a 5 year license is $80.

That's just my preference.
-Brad M.
GMRS Licensed

[Mark Sedenquist]

Because of the popularity of FRS and GMRS (licensed) radios, REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams) are monitoring GMRS channels as well as CB radio. I carry both for this reason.

Brad,
How much time do you spend monitoring radio chatter on behalf of REACT? How busy are the GMRS bands in the Phoenix area?

Thanks for the intel!

Mark

[RoadTripper Brad]

I'm not officially part of Supersition REACT. They meet on Mondays during the day in Mesa, and first I work at that time and second I can't get to Mesa, so I haven't been able to join. I do keep in contact with them every so often, and they have labled me as their un-official coverage for this area. I Monitor radio chatter every night I am home, usually signing off at 10:30 during the week, much later friday night and saturday.

Unfortunately I live right next to the large Airport hotels and just miles from the large resorts of Paradise Valley (JW Marriot Camelback Inn, The Phoenician, etc.) and they use the channels alot. Other than that, I get mainly illegal traffic, usually kids or persons from certain Latin American countries.

I also get a few passing by motorists on my GMRS. Usually they are in small caravanning groups coordinating exits and etc.