CB Radio still in use ?

[hellorent]

Hi all

I'm going on a charity car rally with a couple of mates later in the year from the UK to Spain,
Is CB radio as still as popular as it was, would it be worth picking a cheap "rig" up to use on the journey
if so any recommendations I notice you can get some with UK channels and some with EU channels.

Any advice

Thanks

[megaphone]

Is it to use to communicate with each other? If so you might be better off with some walkie talkies.

[theaxe]

Having been through this with Le Mans roadtrips over the years, digital walkie talkies are easier and better.

[SV_WDC]

Digital walkie talkies. A pair can be bought for approx £40 and the range is good enough.

Not sure if they are still legal to use or would be classed like a mobile phone when driving. Not a problem with a passenger though.

[hellorent]

Was thinking if stuck in traffic etc would be handy to ask other roads users what problem was etc,
do truckers still use them

[Spitfire2]

Me and mates use CBs n road trips. They are trickier to set up but have better range than the PMR446 walkie talkies.

In hindsight though the PMR devices did fine and had advantage of press to talk earpieces.

There is still a technical exemption that means two way radios are legal to use but you still must be aware of due care and attention..... I hang the mic from a loop round my neck (detachable for safety) so I don't have to fumble for the mic.

[eliot]

also worth knowing about Zello which is a push to talk application for your phone. You can configure a chat group so everyone can hear and join in together. It’s essentially a type of voip service, so relies on a data connection.

because it’s on your phone, it will use the Bluetooth hands free in your car and you can get a Bluetooth button that you can attach to your steering wheel - so totally hands free
You can even get dedicated handsets that look and work like a walkie talkie - but is essentially an android device under the hood

[dundarach]

Yes have a stalker 9dx in the car outside :-)

[cologne2792]

Very popular in Devon for farming and off roading.