PMR and CB A look at the difference between them.

[@mediasatsng6889]

I have both CB and PMR446 in my vehicle, I travel all over the UK, PMR in the daytime is mainly School, Shops and Garden Centres, in the evening there are a few groups of people, however theres is no Calling Channel although CH8 is a good place to start, Channels 1-4 are mainly shops etc. CB varies depending on what city or town you in, Ive found that there are more people CB especially in the evening, most of these people also have PMR446, the biggest mistake most people make is not SWR the antenna they are using either home base or mobile, having a good quality antenna SWR'd in below 1.5 is critical to get the maximum 4 watts out of the radio, a SWR over 1.5 or 2+ ten most of the power will be reflected back into the radio so range will be less, PMR the antennas are pre SWR'd, however they are not perfect and as the power is only 1/2 watt having a perfectly tuned antenna will make a difference, you can get PMR 5 watt radios or a power amp for CB, this is a game changer but I have to point out it is illegal so would not recommend. Finally CB radio seems to be better when on the move than PMR which gets very hissy.

[@G6PNH]

Totally agree. With PMR being UHF it will have more problems mobile in built up areas. Matching and a good SWR is important and I think I should do a video on it for PMR as its a question that keeps coming up on Facebook pages. My past Video on SWR might be to technical as it was aimed at someone in my local club. Funnily my 70cm beam has a better SWR on 446 Than the 433 that it was manufactured for. Thank you for your comment.

[@neilnpr9300]

PMR is a better fit for most modern use. 16 channels out of town centres is plenty, especially in the evenings when most social use happens. CBs 80+ channels are virtually empty making contacts harder to find. PMR gear is way cheaper (other than the coax). Yagis fit in back packs not Bedford vans. PMR interference is less. Contacts are more reliable and not reliant on changing skip conditions or solar cycles. PMR you can talk to friends 30- 40 miles away with the right kit and hospitable terrain without getting drowned out by over powered foreign stations. There are other reasons but those are the top ones that make me predominately use PMR.

[@G6PNH]

Brilliant reply. thank you.

[@bazzadebear8012]

I'm in Newhaven East Sussex. No activity on 27mhz FM. Plenty of activity on 446 Mhz

[@G6PNH]

Thank you. that helps to build a picture

[@checkthefacts.]

27mhz CB is ok for f2 ionospheric propagation at the right times of the day while this sunspot cycle is good but it won't be long before the cycle dives then ionospheric propagation will largely be limited to summertime sporadic e when it happens . CB can use external antennas a variety of antennas on a handheld and am,FM and ssb on registered channeled sets. PMR is technically limited to use of set channeled handhelds with fixed antenna and only half a watt

[@G6PNH]

Thanks for your comment

[@M6JKW]

Interesting video Damian 73 🙂👍

[@G6PNH]

@@M6JKW thank you

[@ghanditw]

@@G6PNH im 50 yards from dominic cummins opticians. cb is dead here pmr seems to be used a lot by ramblers and kids oh and a local hotel. nearest 2m repeater is richmond.

[@G6PNH]

@@ghanditw Thank you for your reply. I hope it helps to paint a picture of activity.

[@ghanditw]

@@G6PNH theres also an indian restraunt

[@rpcomms1]

This is very simple UHF PMR446-Line of sight,not very good at bottom of hills surrounding you,local urban uses. VHF Lo LO 25-30 or 27mhz ground wave Line of sight with better penatration over hills generally,skywave can come into effect during the mid day. Typically 10-30miles depending on what kit using,height of base mast,mobiles 5-10miles easily. Both bands can be used for business or personal uses.. All depends on the OPs requiements talking to others or using his equipment with groups of friends I would not use modified ham gear for a few reason..better off getting business grade PMR446 UHF like Kenwood,Icom,Hytera brands built to last. CB equipment I would opt for President or Anytone\Jopix|Radioddity as all these midend of year 2024 sets, now include Noise Reduction chips and CTCSS\DCS Sub tones to help avoid interference or interuptions to your communications. President George 2 all mode Radioddity QT80 all mode Radioditty cb-500 Randy 3 cb ht with tactical tape antenna on it if need handportables. Jopix\Thunderpole T-X cb HT with NRC chip. Base antenna NO tunning President Hymilaya least 40-50 above ground and double shield thick 50ohm coax cable ( I use the F -Zero coax from Moonraker cannot fault it ), use the recommend compression PL259 plugs from Moonraker. Good brands 30Amp 13.8V DC power supply for base uses. Mobile from my tests and practicals you cant beat the Sirio 4000PL on a Tri-Magmont mount on roof of vehicle. all the above include tone squelch features. Plus a lot of hidden features too..more new cb radios now with tone squelch and NRC noise reduction builtin. Business light or paid offers more vhf low 66-88/150-174/440-470mhz options If willing to pay a fee to ofcom. Im taking the assumption here OP needs communications end to end,not social uses Personally I use both cb and PMR446 gear and 4G LTE Zello VOIP push to talk apk,have best all 3 worlds for comms tools. Hope that helps 73's Rob.P RPC

[@G6PNH]

That's brilliant, thank you so much for that insight.

[@nigelsheridan6229]

Lockerbie, CB, the odd farmer and that's about it. PMR, nothing.

[@G6PNH]

@@nigelsheridan6229 that's a shame. Thank you for your comment

[@richardgroves290]

0.5 watts maximum on PMR. Handheld device with fixed non removable antenna. The use of any radio contravening these rules will generate a long prison sentence. You WILL go to jail.

[@G6PNH]

Hi thanks for your comment. this video uses legal 70cm. also if you watch the following video you will see that this isn't so. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imfMe615qsxrjM0

[@LMGGPMG]

Children's band and kiddie band.

[@G6PNH]

@@LMGGPMG thanks for your comment

[@clems6989]

What is PMR ? Must be a UK thing ?

[@G6PNH]

PMR 446 is a free to use band, 446 Mhz and is very restricted. my earlier video might help explain it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imfMe615qsxrjM0

[@SimonBlandford]

Similar to FRS in the USA. Except we don't get the GMRS 50W upgrade option, only 0.5W on a non-detachable antenna. The PMR standard is used across Europe and some other countries such as India.

[@G6PNH]

@@SimonBlandford Thanks for your comment.

[@thomasgood3472]

PMR is a standard in Europe and Asia.

[@G6PNH]

@@thomasgood3472 Interesting thank you