After a problem I had during a como demonstration of my handheld CB I thought it would be a good idea to test all our radios.  For those old timers - you might remember a similar test Fight4YourRight and I performed about 10+ years ago.  This test did not include FRS radios, but did use the same handheld CB (RS) and 'emergency' CB with magnetic antenna.   The terrain was  a bit different this time and I added a scanner and a GE handheld CB.

I had not used these in several years (in a couple cases more than a decade) so over the weekend my son and I tested the radios (for functionality and range).

Test Methodology:
1) Son was kept in our front lawn with the GE handheld CB plugged into a 12v 'jump starter' battery pack, radio left on 'Hi' (4W) power with short 'rubber duck' antenna

2) I drove the Jeep to various locations and tested the other units (scanner, RS Handheld, RS 'Emergency' CB).  Anything with the short rubber duck antenna was tested outside the vehicle.  Magnet mounted antenna was positioned on the roof in the middle, between the windshield and front of the sun roof.

3) Call in were made at various points to detect signal clarity and strength.  Range measurements were made at home using Google Earth.


Here is what we found:
1). My multiband scanner was FUBAR.  It would only 'boot' properly about 1/3 the time, when it did boot right, at least it received CB band signals properly.  It's other bands are now obsolete now anyway (Police/Fire have gone over to digital bands from what I understand, so analog receivers for those bands are nearly useless).  Purchased in the mid to late 80s.

2) The Radio Shack handheld CB was nearly useless.  Something about sitting  for years was bad for it - at full volume you could barely hear the signal (even when we were only a few hundred meters apart) and it's transmission sounded garbled.  I trashed this one.  Purchased mid-90s.

3) The GE brand handheld CB worked great - much better than expected with the tiny rubber duck antenna.  Good clear signal to a mile, decent signal at a mile and a half, and a legible signal (though weak) at 2.3 miles.   The only issue with it was if the squelch was turned too high the radio would die.  Wierd, but not a no-go.  I've build a half wave antenna for it when I get a chance I want to repeat the test.

4) The best performer of the bunch was an old Radio Shack "Emergency" CB which uses a lighter plug and a 36" extendable magnetic mount antenna (which can't take highway speeds - it was only meant for stationary use, but takes 45 mph no problem).  I bought this in 1988 with my first new car.

5) I was really surprised at what had been two good performers (the scanner & the RS handheld CB), get screwed up just by sitting in a dry/cool environment.  My best guess is one/some of the electrolytic capacitors failed.

6) I've been planning on getting a 'base' CB and better antenna for the Jeep, but I'm glad I know which of the radios work, and which were bricks taking up space.

Notes:
Shortest test: 101Meters
Longest test: 2.3 miles
Tests were generally made on 'high ground' but tests were conducted with large steel/cinder block construction in between radios, under steel/concrete bridges, and in depressions.

It was noted power lines (especially the high voltage lines), street lights, and traffic signals would add noise to the channel, but within a mile it didn't block the signal.  Out near 1.6 miles it was a major issue, at 2.2 miles contact was not possible till I got away from the lights and got bit more elevation.


Follow up:
I plan on doing another series of test with 'Emergency' CB and the new CB (once it's installed), as well as with the handheld and a home-built antenna.

I'll also be repeating the test with some UV-5Rs once my son and I pass the Ham test later this year.

I've been building and playing with electronics since I was a kid.  I had to learn this lesson the hard way.

On the way home tonight we tried texting the other GE handheld.  It failed, same issues as the RS  handheld.  Glad at least two of the five devices are functional.

That's what I'm figuring and shooting for, however if the base with the half wave only makes it 6 miles I'm still good.

I do weekly checks of the base station in the amateur radio roll-call.

I check my HT fleet from time-to-time pulling them off the drop-in chargers and bouncing them off the local repeater about 6 miles away and some 2500 feet up above on a mountain overlooking the valley.