Yeah, I think some people get overly concerned with maximum range. In the Army we used 30-78 MHz radios that averaged between 1.5 and 15 watts. The vehicle radios we got an honest 7-10 miles of range out of them. Honestly, we really didn't need more. We could talk to the people in our AO (are of operations) and that's all we needed. Since CB is almost the same frequency and we now have FM as well as AM and SSB I can see it being a very functional radio service. IF people keep their expectations in check. If I could hear people 7 miles down the road I'd be more than happy. From my house, with a decent antenna, I'm sure I can get 10-15 miles pretty easy. That's really all I'm looking to do. I'm really curious about the new NRC in the radios. I've got that in the Icom 7300 and it's great. I can only imagine how it would clean up 11 meters.
An
average of 5-7/mobile and 10-15/base is reasonable as it takes into account a not-very-good-rig on the part of the other. In the big truck this set of distances became of higher likelihood more often.
And with increased clarity.
I haven’t been crowing about NRC for nothing.
For Citizen Band it’s a revolution.
I removed approx $700 in radio gear (replacement cost) from my big truck and replaced with $325 in 2023-spec NRC gear. Expected 85-90%.
Received 105%.
I believe it safe to say you’ll find it easier to adjust audio such that what you presently find most aggravating is dulled in effect. Still there, but not the same irritation. Hi-Fi quality comms speaker needed.
Dedicated 11M is worthwhile in a way not quite possible befote. An ft891 always looked attractive for my purposes, but it’s too many controls for what’s wanted, and it doesn’t sound all that good.
Not optimal for 11M. OTOH, the best 10/12M radios had shortcomings.
At work I don’t really have a choice about walking away from irritants. At the point
Skip becomes overwhelming (1300-1700) is when one most needs the help as road incidents are at their worst for frequency, sometimes for severity (effect on traffic).
I prefer to start and stop my day early (0300-1500), but it’s not always possible. Add to that one has tired over the day. E-Z day, or not. A couple million miles with no “record” attached isn’t automatic.
As you “get it” that radio can be a vital aid I’m looking forward to your experience. The radio tech is instant adaptation. The training of ears and changes to controls or antenna system upgrades is where it comes together over time. This is what occurs for mobile, as well (that upgrades to antenna system pay off).
President is superior in some ways (circuit design; distance), but it’s not as easy to set the controls (mobile). Since AM in local is the interest versus maximum signal capture on-road, any NRC radio choice would work.
My OTR work day became much better as I started to adapt Amateur gear & standards (DSP was first in 2013; the rest after 2017). It became better again after placing an NRC radio into the stack plus no-expense-spared antenna system (2023).
Consider HARRISON for the Subaru if you’re willing to forego SSB.
The ears will be different.
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