Beginner... CB or Scanner?

[p8triotlove]

Hey all - just getting into this and looking at all the options. We have ideas about how a CB radio could fulfill basic info and communication needs in a crisis, but torn because of all the features of the digital radio scanners. What are some opinions of what would be a better bet and/or long term investment?

Thank you!

 

[Randyk4661]

Living here in southern California I would much prefer a scanner over a CB radio should a disaster strike. Many areas are digitally encrypted where I live however there is much I can hear still. Although I am not a ham radio operator I can hear the disaster net repeaters on the scanner. The news media frequencies can also be helpful like it was during the George Floyd protests. Frankly a scanner gets the information to you faster than news media can put it out over the air. Wildland fire evacuations for example.
CB radio is limited in this area and don't expect to hear the most up to date information, more false information than true.
Now where you may live CB radio may play a large part in how people communicate and be quite useful.
In most any area a scanner would be better than CB, however in a remote area CB could be beneficial for a way of communication if phone lines are down assuming other neighbors have CB radios.
You may benefit by having both depending on where you live.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hi & welcome to the RR forums:
First question that comes to mind is do you plan on transmitting? If not then go with the scanner radio. Without knowing where you live or how active CB is in your area (it's far from what it once was in its heyday) or what's "in the clear" (not encrypted) for you to listen to, it's hard to make a definite recommendation so if you wouldn't mind, could you tell us where you're from? I would not by any means trust it as a primary means of communication in the event of a disaster. I'd suggest pursuing an amateur radio license if you haven't already. If you don't plan on transmitting, get a scanner but do your research on the Radioreference database first to determine what is "in the clear" in your listening area and what scanners can cover what you want to listen to. Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[sonm10]

I would go with a scanner. There is so much out there to listen to and gather information than just public safety. I think you might find CB to be frustrating. I have a friend who has gotten into ham radio and is frustrated by the "dead air". With a scanner, you can listen to railroads, ham radio, aviation (civil or military depending upon location), businesses, schools, utilities, as well as your police and fire. There is a LOT of spectrum and unfortunately a lot of people think its just 700/800 MHz. CB limits you to a very narrow portion of it.

 

[trap5858]

Scanner, CB, Amateur Radio- it seems they all have something to offer. CB was my entry point into all of this 50 years ago and as most things do- one thing leads to another. CB, then scanners (still scanners) then Amateur Radio (Still amateur radio). It is all fun. Pick a starting point, meet people on the air with CB or Amateur Radio, learn here on RR and listen to the world around you. With Amateur Radio you are not limited to your back yard. Ask questions here- the most knowledgeable people in the hobby are as close as your keyboard.

 

[bearcatrp]

A handheld receiver will benefit you better with its wide coverage of frequencies. A Icom R30 can listen to P25 tier I. Its a little pricey. If you just want analog, a Icom R6 can be found less expensive. A Ham handheld has a wide frequency range also but no P25 (AFAIK) but can transmit in an emergency on the ham bands. Could even get you to get your ham license down the road. You need to decide which is best for you.

IC-R30 Receiver Handheld - Features - Icom America

www.icomamerica.com

IC-R6 Communications Receiver - Features - Icom America

www.icomamerica.com

Welcome to Yaesu.com

RANDY FCC- AM-transceivers - CB-Radios - Group President Electronics USA

RANDY FCC - AM-transceivers - CB-Radios

president-electronics.us

 

[iMONITOR]

You can get both a CB and a Scanner in one!

BearTracker 885 Hybrid CB Radio/Digital Scanner/Weather

https://uniden.com/collections/cb-radios/products/beartracker-885-hybrid-cb-radio-digital-scanner

 

[krokus]

I would suggest a scanner first. There is a lot of stuff to listen to, as already mentioned. Many scanner can listen to CB, too, with an appropriate antenna.

A handheld scanner might be the best option, as it is meant to used on the go, and disposable batteries can be used. (Rechargeable batteries for day-to-day use will save you money, but you can get those as money allows.)

Look in the database for your area, and see which frequencies and systems are in use.

 

[Ensnared]

For the most part, the CB is unreliable for accurate information; however, on numerous occasions, I have found ways around road blocks, hazardous weather conditions and even tornados. from truckers

I pair my CB with a Passport Max II & 2) 436HP scanners.

I have read articles, talked to others, and watched videos about the aforementioned Uniden 885. From what I have learned, this radio does not program like the Uniden type II radio scanners. The Uniden 885 is also a bit expensive.

My current squeeze, a $35 Cobra 29, bought across the road from the Joplin 44 Truck Stop, is peaked and has talkback. The Cobra 25, peaked out by a professional radio technician crapped out already.

I love my CB. You can get some of them fairly cheap. Get a good antenna though. Good luck in your choice.

 

[ladn]

I'll side with the scanner as well. There's a lot more variety of information to be found with a modern scanner. CB is limited to 40 channels and, in most areas, isn't that active or reliable. Many modern scanners will receive the CB frequencies with a suitable antenna.

 

[p8triotlove]

Living here in southern California I would much prefer a scanner over a CB radio should a disaster strike. Many areas are digitally encrypted where I live however there is much I can hear still. Although I am not a ham radio operator I can hear the disaster net repeaters on the scanner. The news media frequencies can also be helpful like it was during the George Floyd protests. Frankly a scanner gets the information to you faster than news media can put it out over the air. Wildland fire evacuations for example.
CB radio is limited in this area and don't expect to hear the most up to date information, more false information than true.
Now where you may live CB radio may play a large part in how people communicate and be quite useful.
In most any area a scanner would be better than CB, however in a remote area CB could be beneficial for a way of communication if phone lines are down assuming other neighbors have CB radios.
You may benefit by having both depending on where you live.

Thank you - that helps a lot!

 

[p8triotlove]

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful and informative replies. I've opted to go with a scanner to start as it sounds like that will give me most of whatever it is I am looking for, lol. May still end up with a CB at some point, but being in the know is more important to me than transmitting. Thanks again - looking forward to learning a lot!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I've opted to go with a scanner to start as it sounds like that will give me most of whatever it is I am looking for, lol.

Good choice

 

[StoliRaz]

Look into GMRS radio, good to have in an emergency and more widely used than CB is...at least in my area

 

[Randyk4661]

Thank you - that helps a lot!

Something I neglected to mention was I run my base scanners on computer backup power boxes. with just a scanner or two they can run for hours or even days should the power go out for any length of time.

 

[GlobalNorth]

CB/GMRS will be an urban/suburban mess in a natural disaster. Everyone clamoring for frequency space and talking over each other. It may be usable in a rural area or in very small cities or towns. Repeaters may lose power after 24 to 36 hours and then everything is back to simplex only.

 

[p8triotlove]

Something I neglected to mention was I run my base scanners on computer backup power boxes. with just a scanner or two they can run for hours or even days should the power go out for any length of time.

Thank you - VERY good to know!

 

[CanesFan95]

You can get both a CB and a Scanner in one!

BearTracker 885 Hybrid CB Radio/Digital Scanner/Weather

https://uniden.com/collections/cb-radios/products/beartracker-885-hybrid-cb-radio-digital-scanner

View attachment 110952

It's well-intended, but I would really recommend against this particular model. The scanner functionality gives you almost no ability to program and control what you scan and listen to.

 

[iMONITOR]

It's well-intended, but I would really recommend against this particular model. The scanner functionality gives you almost no ability to program and control what you scan and listen to.

I agree it's not as versatile as a fully dedicated scanner.