Handheld CB's

they work. but aren't very loud. or very strong.

don't expect to reach very far. and stock up on batteries.

 

I have one. Compared to a proper mobile radio, they suck.

However, if you are waiting for a door assignment or the like, they are great to be able to carry around so you aren't stuck in your truck.

 

Most trucks come pre wired for a CB. There is no "playing with wires" involved.

 

Sirius Radio is also setup on some radios where all you have to do is transfer it to the truck radio, you have to have the numbers off it just like you did on the portable one. If you ever go to another truck, then all you have to do is transfer it once again to the next radio.

 

Ditto that, as the one I used to use plugged into the outlet (no batteries needed) but still didn't reach very far at all. IMO, a good/strong CB will be a valuable investment IF you're planning to stay in trucking.

 

Most handheld CB's I've dealt with have a range of about 100 feet. Regular CB's are a dime a dozen, and with dash outlet plugs and quick disconnect antenna's, I'd go with a regular one.

 

Just got digital barecat 880 sucks

 

Wutevwr u do dont get digital barecat 880

 

A handheld that's powered by the vehicle's electrical system has the potential to work roughly as well as a mounted one, but the limiting factor, as in all radio systems, is the antenna system. By "roughly", I mean "as long as you don't need niceties like a noise blanker or effective PA, etc.
The 10-inch rubber duckie antenna that's stock on most of them has a coil in its bottom that tries to fool the radio into thinking that a full-sized 8-1/2 foot antenna is attached. The only part that works like a real antenna is the top 8 inches or so. It's a horrible compromise, and really intended for very short ranges.

The good part is that most handhelds, at least within my experience, use a BNC connector for the antenna. From that connector, you could put on an adapter and run a coax out to a "more nearly real" antenna, like a mag mount (if you've got any steel to affix it to). If it's your own truck, and has a steel roof, there's the place. Ideally, that's also the ideal place for a permanently mounted antenna, but again: only if the top is metal. Even an aluminum roof is great for a hole mount antenna, but of course the mag mount wouldn't work there.

Something my shop used to do for customers on our UHF repeaters for short periods is mount a dashmount radio to a board along with the mic clip, and cut a hole in the end of the board for a handle. A cigar lighter cord is sufficient for operation, as long as you can stand the likely higher noise level. That whole "breadboard" with a magnetic antenna is transferable between vehicles and keeps you from chasing a dash radio by itself around the seat or floor.

At any rate, don't expect any kind of performance from that rubber ducky antenna on the handheld.

Hope that helps.

73