If you've ridden with us on a run, you know I don't stay inside any vehicle very long (unless it's mine). I think on Bob's first run with us, he was under the impression that I got scared easy, because I kept bailing on the tough spots. But others no that while driving the trail is fun, I really get my jollies with my feet (?). I really enjoy hiking it out, staying ahead for spotting or taking photos. You may even lose sight of me as I try to scale up canyon walls, always looking for a good and original photo op. It's because of these side adventures I opted for a CB with portability.
I ended up focusing my attention on Midland's 75-822 Handheld CB Radio. Not only does it allow for in vehicle use, attached to a real antenna, but it also comes with its own short one for carry.
The base of the CB has two interchangeable parts.
1. A cigarette lighter power option
2. A 6 AA battery power option
While many outdoor electronics seem to eat up battery life as fast as possible, this unit seems to make it last using every last drop and wrestling it to the ground like a demon cobra. I hardly ever change out the batteries on this thing.
This CB has just about all the stuff any other unit out there has, even including the 10 NOAA weather channels.
Hooked up to my 4' Wilson antenna, the range seems good. One of the best uses I’ve gotten out of it in the vehicle is knowing what the traffic is like ahead. Running on common channel 19, the trucker world comes to life when there is any traffic slow down ahead, giving out updates, reroute info, and even what lane is the fastest. I’ve even had my own chance of being first at a freeway collision area, passing along information on traffic progress.
While running portable, the 6” inch antenna of course does lose its effectiveness, but keeping in touch with the trail group hasn’t been a problem. It’s fun to spot from a half mile away, seeing from above which fork to take, where to have the Jeeps pause for a great picture, etc.
So overall, I’d say this CB was the right choice for me inside and out.
Cons:
The only con I noted was that the backlit screen stays on for only a short amount of time. This may be a good feature for improving battery life, but while plugged into the vehicle, you’d want it to be on all the time.
Other: Like my frozen lake cell phone incident, I did drop the CB in the Hassayampa River while taking a great night shot. The CB does in fact still work fine. I did not have the clip on my belt at the time.
Our other CB Installs