Always a pleasure to hear what this man has to say. No nonsense, no silly antics, no BS. Thank you and your wife for the moments of reprieve from all the craziness in the world and offering an example of how people and life in America can be with decency, hard work and pride. God bless you both.
10.4 Miles out AM & FM I am impressed ! The Stryker Antenna is definitely doing a great job transmitting and receiving in the mobile! At the longer ranges the FM seemed to cut thru slightly better than AM! Nice Job and Thanks to the Mrs. for the assist!
That's the same antenna as the old Big Momma, and formula 1 antenna. Similar to a Wilson 1000. Their a base loaded coil antenna. Which electrically increases the length and gain of the antenna.
I'm a little behind here, but as a CB operator here on the other side of The Pond I'm really fascinated to see this comparison to see how the FM experience goes for you. Here in the UK we've only had access to (legal) AM for the last few years but with experience have grown used to the plusses and minuses of both systems. Over here on AM we mostly get stations in Continental Europe kicking out way more power than is legal here in the UK (looking at you Italy 😉) plus guys on your side of the Atlantic also pushing more than 4W and shooting skip - mostly the Superbowl on channel 6. Nice that you finally have access to a system the we have enjoyed and appreciated for over 40 years and will watch your experiences with interest. Belated thanks for the test!
Far point farms for the win. That’s the kind of test I wanted to hear. I’ll send this link out to some locals…avoid skip noise for local chat. I love shooting skip and we are getting people moved to GMRS for local talk with no skip. You always have great cb radio content with no BS. I appreciate it.
Having operated FM on the ham 10 meter band it reminded me of the narrow band modulation on those frequencies, maybe a little more narrow. The quality of the FM, although clear, reminds me of what SSB or AM audio sounds like when you turn on DSP noise reduction on a Ham transceiver, very bassy although the high audio frequencies of weak signal static are knocked down quite a bit as well. As someone else here mentioned, the AM audio is better in quality due to the presence of the higher audio frequencies, but of course when the signal is weak, the weak signal static is more noticeable. Overall, both AM and FM were of equal performance. I did notice on a couple of the transmissions when the signals were just barely present, the FM was starting to distort although the similar AM signal was just a micro-hair better right at those fringe points. Perhaps if the radio was using wide band modulation, the FM quality and performance would be better. As far as receiving skip while using FM mode, although the basic carrier of any received skip would be noticeable, the AM or SSB audio would not be that noticeable since the modes are of different nature and demodulation techniques. As FM mode use increases, you will notice the audio besides the carrier as well. Overall, a great little radio. Really nice job with the video/audio editing for this test, as well as the communication banter between you and your wife. Take care.
@@oldmanandguitar Yes, wide band deviation is 5 khz and narrow is 2.5 khz as stated by law. Back in 2012 we had to convert commercial VHF transceivers from 5 khz deviation to 2.5 khz to comply with the new FCC rules that kicked in January 2013. That way the FCC could get more commercial users in the same spectrum. With CB, there's no pressure to get more users in the same spectrum, and since CB channels are spaced 10 khz apart, you could use more deviation than 2.5 khz deviation if the FCC had allowed it. Even when 5 khz deviation was allowed in the commercial portions of the VHF band, we would adjust the setting in the radio so that it would not exceed 4.5 khz, but it still sounded as good as 5 khz. So CB FM would not need full wide band deviation to sound better, 3.5 khz to 4 khz would sound better, especially in weak signal conditions. At some point we will probably hear of that being tinkered with by the users if FM becomes more common.
The fact that AM signals do not suffer from capture effect is an big advantage in my opinion and the AM much lower noise floor is nicer to listen to weak stations with the squelch open. Weak AM signals last much longer than weak FM signals. Weak FM signals will stutter in the noise while AM can still be heard. I don't like to listen in FM with the squelch open. Personally i prefer AM. (and SSB ofcourse) But, in areas with a lot of QRM, sometimes FM is a better choice. I always love the AM sound with the crackle of lightning in the distance, just like on the shortwave bands.
I just sent my Ranger RG-99 to Troy's Radio Service in Texas for a checkup. When it gets back to me, I'll be able to check out FM. Also, last week I scored a 1981(?) President McKinley so I'll be using that when it gets warmer out so I can run the antenna wire thru my sliding door here at the condo.
This radio paired with a RM Italy KL 203 is amazing. Those little amps will run AM/FM/SSB. Runs the FM band no problem for an easy 100 watts. I also have the Stryker SR-A10. Love that antenna. I switched from the President Texas.
I recently saw a test of FM TX of the President Thomas on another CZcamsR but, I have to say YOUR test was much better. Very good analysis and real world landscape to contend with. Well done!
Thanks for this, great to get a US perspective on the difference between AM and FM. Here in the UK when CB was legalised in 1981 it was FM only but a few years ago AM/SSB became legal...seems a bit ironic that FM is now legal in the US! One reason given for the adoption of FM here was the capture effect; as much of Britain is densely populated it was hoped it would help avoid mutual interference which I guess it does up to a point. All the best from the bottom right hand corner of England! Simon.
Thank you for this real-world test. Years ago I could receive at 10 miles, but we were midwest flat-landers. In all honesty, I think the two modes in this test were fairly even. Static might account for the difference in clarity on a couple transmissions. I'm now interested in knowing how AM and FM transmissions sound on the same AM channel. I still have my old mobile radio and antenna. (But they are not in my vehicle, it has a console where I used to mount the radio, and no cigarette lighter for power connection. Not sure I want CB farther away, where I'd need to reach instead of watch the road.)
Very interesting. I had been wondering about FM on CB radio. I am a Ham and do a lot of FM on 2 meters here in eastern Tennessee. Our area has absolutely the best 2 meter network in the whole USA. 2 meters is very popular here in eastern Tennessee. I still enjoy HF frequencies but 2 meters is "king" here. I've just recently put up my Antron 99 and have been doing a lot of 11 meters. It's easier to talk to Texas than it is to talk to someone here in Tennessee. I live on the side of a mountain and my elevation is above 1800 feet above sea level so I can get out on 11 meters quite well. I used to run a CB radio station (SSB only) as I don't like AM CB radio back in the mid 1970's. I recently made a contact with Australia on LSB on 11 meters. I usually stay on 27.385. Would like to make a contact with you one of these days. I think you're a Ham too with all those radios. W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee
to the tune of "jingle bells". "Oh, rust and smoke, the heater's broke The door just blew away I light a match to see the dash And then I start to pray The frame is bent, the muffler went The radio, it's okay Oh what fun it is to drive This rusty Chevrolet" - Da Yoopers
Two words; FM Capture. Not a problem when so few are transmitting on FM. If there were many transmissions on the same channel then this concept would be a serious concern. In AM all transmissions would likely present at their relative signal strengths. FM Capture will almost snap between transmissions to whichever is strongest. Awesome video. Gets me interested in the new technology. God Bless!
Reminds me of the good old days in 1976 when I bought my first 23 channel CB radio! I can't remember if it was mandatory back then but I got my CB license, KAMD 0528, can't believe I still remember it! I sure used it enough back then! It was definitely the good old days!!! The guys using SSB would make me mad, they would come on the radio and tell me I couldn't use a particular channel because they were using SSB on that channel. I told 'em to stick it where the sun don't shine lol. That was the most popular phrase back then!
@@TELEVISIONARCHIVES Depends on where you live. Barely any repeaters in upstate NY. I have both CB and GMRS and like both, but I can usually raise someone on CB but not on GMRS, because of the squelch codes, so its usually relegated for family or group use.
@@fredericksalyer3304 I was in Joliet, Illinois ( the land of GMRS repeaters) One guy wanted receptions reports for him standing in 5 different locals in a same room with his handheld. GMRS is straight line of sight and a repeater tower less then 500 feet just don't cut it.
F.m. is just another method of modulating the carrier. The big difference will be the noise level. They need to make a small affordable all mode radio, with Single side band, A.M. and F.M. , if they do that, I'll be moderately impressed. I got my start in radio on the citizens band. I still keep them around even though I'm a licensed Amateur Radio operator now, the proper tuning of the antenna and low loss coax also make a difference. Have fun on the C.B. they have their place. Stay safe out there
Just snagged one of these at loves ❤️ Searcy AR $109 after my Ranger took a dive gotta have it looked at. I love this little radio and it both AM and FM. Just not sure what antennas will work best with this on a big truck. Great video saw pt1 helpful 👍
Sounds to me like the FM is clean, but less dynamic range then the AM. More static on the AM, but easier to hear whats being said. Impressed with the range. I have seen someone test it, and President radios do output about 99% of the full 4 watts.
I always enjoy your channel. I had a 1997 Volvo 850 “euro sport wagon “ much like yours. Drove it about 5 years, wasn’t a bad car but it had some really funky electrical issues occasionally 🤣. After ongoing radiator issues I traded it in on a 2018 RAV4 … I do still miss my Volvo sometimes, thanks again for the channel ✝️🇺🇸🤙🏻🅰️
I’m impressed with my HH50 with NOAA and truckers seem to love hearing me talk to them on it…clarity impresses…guessing some new tech to improve over the HH38 I had before.
Nice test, but I only talk SSB on CB, most of my CB friends live in Cleveland and I'm in Akron, SSB is the best for us, but we do talk on GMRS and that's FM with a longer range, with my GMRS antenna @ 40ft. and 4 watts, I can talk about 20 miles, 45 - 50 miles on 50 watts (Max Power). The higher you have the antenna, the farther you'll talk, I can't wait to set up the beams to make out of state contacts. That's a nice little radio for someone just getting into the hobby. Good Video, Thanks
So… we have AM (with amplifiers) and SSB (with sunspots providing skip). Now FM comes along. Operators will get used to the difference the capture effect makes and get nostalgic for the skip and amps. Not sure amps will help FM much and sunspots will go away for another 11 years, making SSB dull and boring. About that time, CBers MAY encounter tropospheric ducting!
But one thing I'm beginning to notice that there is no comparison between a.m. and fm. It's just about the same. But the bottom line is I remember when I had an amcb radio basically at least I had a license to use it. And everybody would try to hear my CB call letters back then. I don't know if I'll be able to use my CB call letters on FM? Because I don't know what that's going to do. But the bottom line is though there's really no difference between am and FM it still sounds the same. But we don't know how many people want to get into fmcb radio. I know I wouldn't want to get into it I want to find out what it's like to do that. Because basically I've been a CB radio operator now since 1980 but basically I started using the CB radio 184 and I didn't know keep going until 87 when I got off I mean quite a short lifestyle or a short lifespan but that's all right. But now that she be radio is slowly coming back but now it's going to be on fm. That means the truckers will have to stay on a.m. while the rest of us will start using fm. But the next question is always are we going to be able to use our same CB handles that we used to use on am? That's the main thing?
I am glad you did this test. I was told that FM would not go near as far as AM, but it seemed to be doing well. I wasn't expecting the distance you got on AM & FM on stock radios. Most of the time they come through with 2.5 watts and 60 to 70% modulation, and around here your lucky to get 4 miles give or take. It's kinda amazing how much better they sound and how much further they go when they are at 4 watts and 95 to 100% modulation. I don't know if I will switch and get FM yet. Maybe if I did I might get the president walkie-talkie with FM. My memory fails me but I think you got one of them. If not the video showed that it came with stuff to use it as a mobile, I just haven't seen that kit anywhere yet. Keep up the great videos.
Thorough test, thanks! Have you thought of testing any GMRS? I'd love to see a range test on those. Is this terrain Rural? GMRS seems to cut through a lot of the city structures.
@@FarpointFarms Since I live down in a “hole” , this would be a great radio , especially with a “ foot warmer “ hooked up :). Is there a ssb. version of this ? Or is that an Europe thing ?
@@johnblanton9845 go with the Lincoln 2+. It has am, fm, ssb CW too. Its actually a 10 and 12 meter radio but all you have to do is find a half watt 1k ohm resistor and solder it in the Lincoln 2 plus to unlock CB band. It also comes with variable power or dead key adjust for the low drive amp. But it cost around 240-250 dollars. It has all the bells and whistles too like Roger beep echo too. And it has ctcss and dcs tones so it could be used with a repeater on 10 meters or used to block out unwanted stations on cb band. Also this radio will do about 30 Watts out the box depending on swr if you remove the audio limiter which is a tiny little chip thing it will do 45-50 Watts pep. Once unlocked the radio will go from 24.7 mhz to 30.1 Mhz and every hertz in between. The channel selector knob acts as a VFO if you push it in it puts a dash mark below the digit you want to change in the six digit frequency counter. In my opinion if you want a radio that does all those things and can go in between channels and above channels the Lincoln 2+ is the way to go
I wouldn't. It will be a very long time before all of the AM/SSB radios are replaced with FM in the real world. Although I am really glad that the FCC gave us FM on 11 meters, I think it is going to take a while to become popular, especially with such an uncertain economy.
I bought one a month ago. I'm happy with it. I have a McKinley, an Andy, and a Lincoln2. My opinion, if they just added the FM feature, and the USB to the McKinley, they would have the perfect CB.
nice video , I picked one up an noticed am and fm cant talk to each which was expected, my uncles cobra 148 was having issues so he has the new president thomas fcc and hes enjoying it , would like to get another one to do a similar range test comparison
Channel 24 goes as Not official FM channel some people use that channel as a FM channel.... you need to do do a little video on 26.805 FM Challing channel.... lots of DX on that frequency when the skip is rolling
Need new band plan for CB. It was a great service and can be again. But FM and SSB on the same channel is a no no. The SSB listener will hear loud carrier tones. CB sets are not know for precise frequency stability and accuracy ( although newer sets are much better these days). When PTT is pressex FM like AM emits a carrier. If not zero'd within a few dozen cycles it generates a tone in an SSB set. Like AM on an SSB channel. So SSB, AM and FM need their own spaces. For example 1-12 for AM, especially old AM only sets to include chan 9 if REACT or generally aid monitoring are revived. Maybe top 15 for FM and the the middle AM. Chan 18/ 19 is special case. With so many travelers /truckers with existing sets no FM allowed. Maritime uses VHF 16 for mayday and calling with ships/ USCG moving off to another chan for ongoing comms. Something like that could be set up: 2 truckers contact on 19 as usual but agree to move up to FM chan for long contact. Needs to be some such plan to let everyone play nice. 73 Karl
3/2023: Questions: The new CB radios with FM don't come with AM/SSB. Why not? Since there are very few new radios with FM yet, would I be better off buying a new radio AM with SSB? CB world sells new radios that have been "peaked and tuned". Is there really any reason to pay more for this feature when buying a new radio? Thanks in advance and Best Regards
@@FarpointFarms I'll buy one when they do come out with all 3. Till then I'll stay with my Realistic TRC-421A. I enjoy your videos. Thank You for your help.
Remember, a 4 watt AM CB signal has 12 watt peak modulation instantaneous power, whereas, a narrow band (5 kHz) CB FM 4 watt carrier is limited to 4 watts. There is no modulation peak envelope power, as in AM. A 5 kHz deviation NBFM signal is also a wider (like 13 kHz) bandwidth to receive, although most AM CB receivers are like 15 kHz wide anyway. Oh, and NBFM "skip" suffers from phase distortion, when using FM. It makes the recovered audio all "crunchy" sometimes, and is usually unintelligible, especially fast fading E skip. Given all things equal, there is a slight advantage to AM over FM. But FM does not suffer from heterodynes and noise as much as AM, so it's easier to comprehend. The noise is still there, but it's "ignored", so our brain doesn't have to "dig" out the modulation. SSB is a better weak signal mode than either AM or FM, but the radios are more difficult to listen to. Not only does the operator's brain have to "dig" out the weaker signals, but they also must "tune" for good voice pitch. That makes the radios harder to operate, and less popular. I imagine FM will be popular on CB because it's the easiest to listen to. So, what about a digital voice mode on CB next?
Check out here on youtube what's going on in Europe in when skip is going on. Made so many 1-2000km contacts in FM with a couple of watts,it's just way more interesting than SSB.
Also when listening to very weak signals there is an approximate 6db advantage of SSB over FM. This is when the signal is too weak to activate limiter. Partly due to the narrower bandwidth of SSB ( if one has a real SSB radio with 2.8 kc filters). Of course comc'l FM systems are not made for faint DX but for business/police / local ham use. Digital is worse. SSB and CW are the best for almost in the noise DX/weak signal use. But this is a hobby thing not serious effective local comms. FM is best for local serious operation. With the squelch on.
We get lifts, sporadic E layer skip on FM in Europe, I have had 1,600 mile contacts on 10 watts FM. +500 mile on 4 watts. Sometimes the radios are set 1.8 deviation, if you can get it set to 2.3-2.5, with standard Mike it will sound awesome. I wonder what your FM deviation limit is by law? If you turn FM deviation up too high it will cut out, sound chopped at receive station.
A few FM chassis put the pre-emphasis after the audio clipper/limiter instead of before it. That seriously ruins the audio level since it’s only possible to achieve the maximum deviation at the highest audio frequency before the low-pass filter cuts it. OK if you’ve got a really squeaky voice, I guess.
Greetings from Ft Bragg, NC! Just wondering if you pick up much traffic from out this way. We would love to have a cb (havent had one since I was a kid) and just wondering about the traffic in this part of NC since you are fairly close. Thanks in advance!
Great vid as usual . However i am very dissapointed that Mrs. Farpoint farms only got a voiceover, not even a cameo appearance!. So now that fm is uo and running on cb do u think there is any traffic out there?
Yes, Twin radios. 100% stock. Car had a Stryker SR-A10 as the antenna and Base has a NOS 1996 Antron Solarcon A99 without a ground plane as the antenna.
With only a month of legal sales here in the states, I'm sure it will take a while longer for folks to hear traffic on FM. That said, I am suddenly much more interested than I was before this test.
@@FarpointFarms Oh has it only been a month, i best just be patient then lol It's an interesting mode that's for sure, esp when the skip's in. It's been the staple in the UK since legalisation in 81
You might be lucky to hear FM skip between the continents at some stage but FM multi path is far less likely than in AM/SSB/CW modes. Most hams steer away from FM for DX contacts as fading is a significant issue when in FM mode and readability can be compromised. That said however, stranger things have happened and there are plenty of hams that have persisted with FM on ten metres (close enough to CB) and have logged rare DX contacts. Coming into the height of solar cycle You might find that luck is with you. You've just got to keep putting out CQ's!
Lol Almost getting hard to find a decent $500 car! Lol Yeah man I hear ya! I just bought a 03’ Chevy Malibu 144k miles for $800! No problems… yet discovered anyway!
Always a pleasure to hear what this man has to say. No nonsense, no silly antics, no BS. Thank you and your wife for the moments of reprieve from all the craziness in the world and offering an example of how people and life in America can be with decency, hard work and pride. God bless you both.
Thank you Mr. Frank!
Totally agree with you Frank. Love his content.
Good radio dx fm rocks 👍
Clean up the airwaves.
10.4 Miles out AM & FM I am impressed ! The Stryker Antenna is definitely doing a great job transmitting and receiving in the mobile! At the longer ranges the FM seemed to cut thru slightly better than AM! Nice Job and Thanks to the Mrs. for the assist!
That's the same antenna as the old Big Momma, and formula 1 antenna. Similar to a Wilson 1000. Their a base loaded coil antenna. Which electrically increases the length and gain of the antenna.
I have this radio, and the Stryker SR-A10 antenna as well. 10 miles is what I get too.
@@foxhound4748 Is yours straight out of the box, too, Foxhound? Incredible
@@mitchh6702 Yes sir.
@@foxhound4748, thank YOU!!
I'm a little behind here, but as a CB operator here on the other side of The Pond I'm really fascinated to see this comparison to see how the FM experience goes for you. Here in the UK we've only had access to (legal) AM for the last few years but with experience have grown used to the plusses and minuses of both systems.
Over here on AM we mostly get stations in Continental Europe kicking out way more power than is legal here in the UK (looking at you Italy
😉) plus guys on your side of the Atlantic also pushing more than 4W and shooting skip - mostly the Superbowl on channel 6. Nice that you finally have access to a system the we have enjoyed and appreciated for over 40 years and will watch your experiences with interest. Belated thanks for the test!
The FM mode is nice, but it's not the game changer people imagined. The best use so far is to cut down on noise from other users.
Far point farms for the win. That’s the kind of test I wanted to hear. I’ll send this link out to some locals…avoid skip noise for local chat. I love shooting skip and we are getting people moved to GMRS for local talk with no skip. You always have great cb radio content with no BS. I appreciate it.
I try to keep my videos on topic. Thanks!!
Best AM FM test I have seen. FM holds its own.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. Really like the idea of FM on the CB frequencies. Impressive!
My pleasure! It was tricky to edit but worth it
Having operated FM on the ham 10 meter band it reminded me of the narrow band modulation on those frequencies, maybe a little more narrow. The quality of the FM, although clear, reminds me of what SSB or AM audio sounds like when you turn on DSP noise reduction on a Ham transceiver, very bassy although the high audio frequencies of weak signal static are knocked down quite a bit as well. As someone else here mentioned, the AM audio is better in quality due to the presence of the higher audio frequencies, but of course when the signal is weak, the weak signal static is more noticeable. Overall, both AM and FM were of equal performance. I did notice on a couple of the transmissions when the signals were just barely present, the FM was starting to distort although the similar AM signal was just a micro-hair better right at those fringe points. Perhaps if the radio was using wide band modulation, the FM quality and performance would be better.
As far as receiving skip while using FM mode, although the basic carrier of any received skip would be noticeable, the AM or SSB audio would not be that noticeable since the modes are of different nature and demodulation techniques. As FM mode use increases, you will notice the audio besides the carrier as well.
Overall, a great little radio. Really nice job with the video/audio editing for this test, as well as the communication banter between you and your wife.
Take care.
The deviation will be 1.8- 2.5 depending on factory set up and USA law.
@@oldmanandguitar Yes, wide band deviation is 5 khz and narrow is 2.5 khz as stated by law. Back in 2012 we had to convert commercial VHF transceivers from 5 khz deviation to 2.5 khz to comply with the new FCC rules that kicked in January 2013. That way the FCC could get more commercial users in the same spectrum.
With CB, there's no pressure to get more users in the same spectrum, and since CB channels are spaced 10 khz apart, you could use more deviation than 2.5 khz deviation if the FCC had allowed it.
Even when 5 khz deviation was allowed in the commercial portions of the VHF band, we would adjust the setting in the radio so that it would not exceed 4.5 khz, but it still sounded as good as 5 khz. So CB FM would not need full wide band deviation to sound better, 3.5 khz to 4 khz would sound better, especially in weak signal conditions.
At some point we will probably hear of that being tinkered with by the users if FM becomes more common.
Impressive! Great range test and a big thanks to the misses for lending a hand on this video
Our pleasure!
Audio is really clean. I remember getting small box stock radios and them sounding like garbage. This one is really clean.
Yup! President really has figured out how to make an outstanding radio.
Finally, FM has come to CB radio here in the states. Not just for Europe any longer.
The fact that AM signals do not suffer from capture effect is an big advantage in my opinion and the AM much lower noise floor is nicer to listen to weak stations with the squelch open. Weak AM signals last much longer than weak FM signals. Weak FM signals will stutter in the noise while AM can still be heard. I don't like to listen in FM with the squelch open. Personally i prefer AM. (and SSB ofcourse) But, in areas with a lot of QRM, sometimes FM is a better choice. I always love the AM sound with the crackle of lightning in the distance, just like on the shortwave bands.
I just sent my Ranger RG-99 to Troy's Radio Service in Texas for a checkup. When it gets back to me, I'll be able to check out FM. Also, last week I scored a 1981(?) President McKinley so I'll be using that when it gets warmer out so I can run the antenna wire thru my sliding door here at the condo.
This radio paired with a RM Italy KL 203 is amazing. Those little amps will run AM/FM/SSB.
Runs the FM band no problem for an easy 100 watts. I also have the Stryker SR-A10. Love that antenna. I switched from the President Texas.
Good to know!
I recently saw a test of FM TX of the President Thomas on another CZcamsR but, I have to say YOUR test was much better. Very good analysis and real world landscape to contend with. Well done!
Thank you
Thanks for this, great to get a US perspective on the difference between AM and FM. Here in the UK when CB was legalised in 1981 it was FM only but a few years ago AM/SSB became legal...seems a bit ironic that FM is now legal in the US! One reason given for the adoption of FM here was the capture effect; as much of Britain is densely populated it was hoped it would help avoid mutual interference which I guess it does up to a point. All the best from the bottom right hand corner of England! Simon.
Thank you for this real-world test.
Years ago I could receive at 10 miles, but we were midwest flat-landers.
In all honesty, I think the two modes in this test were fairly even. Static might account for the difference in clarity on a couple transmissions.
I'm now interested in knowing how AM and FM transmissions sound on the same AM channel. I still have my old mobile radio and antenna.
(But they are not in my vehicle, it has a console where I used to mount the radio, and no cigarette lighter for power connection. Not sure I want CB farther away, where I'd need to reach instead of watch the road.)
Glad you liked it!
I really like the way you present information on your channel. I think cb will be the way to go when cell towers are down.
Thank you sir!
@@FarpointFarms thank you for the informational video. what antenna was used for this test ?
Very interesting. I had been wondering about FM on CB radio. I am a Ham and do a lot of FM on 2 meters here in eastern Tennessee. Our area has absolutely the best 2 meter network in the whole USA. 2 meters is very popular here in eastern Tennessee. I still enjoy HF frequencies but 2 meters is "king" here. I've just recently put up my Antron 99 and have been doing a lot of 11 meters. It's easier to talk to Texas than it is to talk to someone here in Tennessee. I live on the side of a mountain and my elevation is above 1800 feet above sea level so I can get out on 11 meters quite well. I used to run a CB radio station (SSB only) as I don't like AM CB radio back in the mid 1970's. I recently made a contact with Australia on LSB on 11 meters. I usually stay on 27.385. Would like to make a contact with you one of these days. I think you're a Ham too with all those radios. W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee
to the tune of "jingle bells".
"Oh, rust and smoke, the heater's broke
The door just blew away
I light a match to see the dash
And then I start to pray
The frame is bent, the muffler went
The radio, it's okay
Oh what fun it is to drive
This rusty Chevrolet"
- Da Yoopers
Two words; FM Capture. Not a problem when so few are transmitting on FM. If there were many transmissions on the same channel then this concept would be a serious concern. In AM all transmissions would likely present at their relative signal strengths. FM Capture will almost snap between transmissions to whichever is strongest. Awesome video. Gets me interested in the new technology. God Bless!
Interseting test thanks for doing that. Almost seemed like AM was louder and clearer but FM certainly has advantages like filtering out the Skip
Great point! There still was some skip on FM but it was being pushed through With all the solar stuff going on skip will be high for a while
Reminds me of the good old days in 1976 when I bought my first 23 channel CB radio! I can't remember if it was mandatory back then but I got my CB license, KAMD 0528, can't believe I still remember it! I sure used it enough back then! It was definitely the good old days!!! The guys using SSB would make me mad, they would come on the radio and tell me I couldn't use a particular channel because they were using SSB on that channel. I told 'em to stick it where the sun don't shine lol. That was the most popular phrase back then!
The original network!
Great video! I'm impressed 👍 Definitely adding this radio to my "must have" list!
Thank you
Thanx to you both. I have a hard time getting my other half to help with such endeavors. 😆
the trick is to keep nagging, eventually she will give in
@@FarpointFarms this can go both ways too😆
Impressed. I am gonna wait for a President Bill AM/FM version. I wonder how many people will rethink GMRS now.
I love CB Radio and have both GMRS and CB but GMRS is superior because you can use repeaters.
@@TELEVISIONARCHIVES Depends on where you live. Barely any repeaters in upstate NY. I have both CB and GMRS and like both, but I can usually raise someone on CB but not on GMRS, because of the squelch codes, so its usually relegated for family or group use.
@@fredericksalyer3304 I was in Joliet, Illinois ( the land of GMRS repeaters) One guy wanted receptions reports for him standing in 5 different locals in a same room with his handheld. GMRS is straight line of sight and a repeater tower less then 500 feet just don't cut it.
@@fredericksalyer3304 I'm in Orlando and I can't find one single person on the CB radio to talk to when I've tried over a month every single day
@@TELEVISIONARCHIVES what frequency are you on and what time? I'm near Niagara falls Canada and make contacts as far as Jamaica when conditions allow.
Nice video Erik . Impressive . Mobile antenna is obviously working great !!
It sure is! The range was fantastic at 10 miles
F.m. is just another method of modulating the carrier. The big difference will be the noise level. They need to make a small affordable all mode radio, with Single side band, A.M. and F.M. , if they do that, I'll be moderately impressed. I got my start in radio on the citizens band. I still keep them around even though I'm a licensed Amateur Radio operator now, the proper tuning of the antenna and low loss coax also make a difference. Have fun on the C.B. they have their place. Stay safe out there
Thanks folks, I appreciate your vid.
Thanks for watching!
I love that cb radio :)
You should pick up a repeater to stash somewhere in the hills with a battery and solar panel, that would be pretty cool.
I didn't know you could buy a repeater where would you get one and how would you use it that's very interesting to me please respond back
Thanks i just bought one. Maybe get a second for the camper trailer. Has a scan mode ive seen on yt . I like radios with scan mode.
I love the scan feature as well. Nice radio!
Just snagged one of these at loves ❤️ Searcy AR $109 after my Ranger took a dive gotta have it looked at.
I love this little radio and it both AM and FM.
Just not sure what antennas will work best with this on a big truck.
Great video saw pt1 helpful 👍
Glad to hear it!
Sounds to me like the FM is clean, but less dynamic range then the AM. More static on the AM, but easier to hear whats being said. Impressed with the range. I have seen someone test it, and President radios do output about 99% of the full 4 watts.
I agree with what you said. Fm didn't sound quite as good as Am.
I swear you sound like Beatlejuice with the humor and all haha. Thanks for the video!
Maybe that can be my alter ego?
Awesome content man, going to order this radio because of yoyr videos. Thanks all the info!
Great Video! Thanks so much!
I always enjoy your channel. I had a 1997 Volvo 850 “euro sport wagon “ much like yours. Drove it about 5 years, wasn’t a bad car but it had some really funky electrical issues occasionally 🤣. After ongoing radiator issues I traded it in on a 2018 RAV4 … I do still miss my Volvo sometimes, thanks again for the channel ✝️🇺🇸🤙🏻🅰️
They do have some crazy electrical issues, I do miss some of my old Volvo's just not this one.
@@FarpointFarms help
Farpoint Farms your am fm CB sound good it is cool
I’m impressed with my HH50 with NOAA and truckers seem to love hearing me talk to them on it…clarity impresses…guessing some new tech to improve over the HH38 I had before.
Sounding good on FM…I still love HH50…especially on NOAA…wondering if NOAA will ever get a bit more clarity.
Did good in rocky areas in FM.
6.5 miles was a bit testy in both modes.
thanks for sharing all of that
Thank you. For this. You have sold this for me. What antenna are you using.
I am using the Antron A99
Can't wait 🫷 clear audio 😮no super bowl 😁
Right?
Found a local radio shack in my area small town dealers 🙀 have all the gear u need in box hand over the counter 😄
Fm can do wonders. Useing a prc 25 man pack xciver I made the trip from plumbrook Ohio to ft hood Texas so when it right it will amaze fm
Cool!
Great real world test
Thanks
Great content! God Bless in the name of Jesus!
Amen on that one
Thanks for making this video!
My pleasure!
Nice test, but I only talk SSB on CB, most of my CB friends live in Cleveland and I'm in Akron, SSB is the best for us, but we do talk on GMRS and that's FM with a longer range, with my GMRS antenna @ 40ft. and 4 watts, I can talk about 20 miles, 45 - 50 miles on 50 watts (Max Power). The higher you have the antenna, the farther you'll talk, I can't wait to set up the beams to make out of state contacts. That's a nice little radio for someone just getting into the hobby. Good Video, Thanks
I've surprisingly made a 30 some mile contact with my custom dipole base antenna and a 4 watt AM CB handheld.
Seems decent on both modes, but I preferred the audio on AM vs. FM. Thanks for the video.
Agreed. AM is louder.
That’s impressive on both AM & FM given the terrain where you live and skip was rolling. That Stryker antenna is the goods.
It was better than expected, it was a pleasant surprise
Thanks
So… we have AM (with amplifiers) and SSB (with sunspots providing skip). Now FM comes along. Operators will get used to the difference the capture effect makes and get nostalgic for the skip and amps. Not sure amps will help FM much and sunspots will go away for another 11 years, making SSB dull and boring. About that time, CBers MAY encounter tropospheric ducting!
The ebb and flow of the hobby.
"I'm comein' in loud and clear. Might hear me on the radiooo. Breaker breaker one nine. Anybody got their ears on..."
Thanks for watching enough videos to know the lyrics to the intro song.
For being a stock radio it sure sounds pretty damn good! I have a ranger RCX9 that doesn't seem to do as well and I've had that thing boosted.
But one thing I'm beginning to notice that there is no comparison between a.m. and fm. It's just about the same. But the bottom line is I remember when I had an amcb radio basically at least I had a license to use it. And everybody would try to hear my CB call letters back then. I don't know if I'll be able to use my CB call letters on FM? Because I don't know what that's going to do. But the bottom line is though there's really no difference between am and FM it still sounds the same. But we don't know how many people want to get into fmcb radio. I know I wouldn't want to get into it I want to find out what it's like to do that. Because basically I've been a CB radio operator now since 1980 but basically I started using the CB radio 184 and I didn't know keep going until 87 when I got off I mean quite a short lifestyle or a short lifespan but that's all right. But now that she be radio is slowly coming back but now it's going to be on fm. That means the truckers will have to stay on a.m. while the rest of us will start using fm. But the next question is always are we going to be able to use our same CB handles that we used to use on am? That's the main thing?
I am glad you did this test. I was told that FM would not go near as far as AM, but it seemed to be doing well. I wasn't expecting the distance you got on AM & FM on stock radios. Most of the time they come through with 2.5 watts and 60 to 70% modulation, and around here your lucky to get 4 miles give or take. It's kinda amazing how much better they sound and how much further they go when they are at 4 watts and 95 to 100% modulation. I don't know if I will switch and get FM yet. Maybe if I did I might get the president walkie-talkie with FM. My memory fails me but I think you got one of them. If not the video showed that it came with stuff to use it as a mobile, I just haven't seen that kit anywhere yet. Keep up the great videos.
Thorough test, thanks! Have you thought of testing any GMRS? I'd love to see a range test on those. Is this terrain Rural? GMRS seems to cut through a lot of the city structures.
+1 on GMRS testing!
I have done some range tests on the GMRS- check out the GMRS playlist
@@FarpointFarms help
I have a collection of power desk mics and wonder if my Turner Super Sidekick would work on FM mode
It should work fine.
I really enjoy your videos.
thank you
Great video Eric I'm thinking of getting one
You should! I was impressed with the performance on both am and FM
Very impressive ! Now I’m convinced , May be my next purchase
It is a great radio, it did well in the lower areas for sure
@@FarpointFarms Since I live down in a “hole” , this would be a great radio , especially with a “ foot warmer “ hooked up :). Is there a ssb. version of this ? Or is that an Europe thing ?
@@johnblanton9845 go with the Lincoln 2+. It has am, fm, ssb CW too. Its actually a 10 and 12 meter radio but all you have to do is find a half watt 1k ohm resistor and solder it in the Lincoln 2 plus to unlock CB band. It also comes with variable power or dead key adjust for the low drive amp. But it cost around 240-250 dollars. It has all the bells and whistles too like Roger beep echo too. And it has ctcss and dcs tones so it could be used with a repeater on 10 meters or used to block out unwanted stations on cb band. Also this radio will do about 30 Watts out the box depending on swr if you remove the audio limiter which is a tiny little chip thing it will do 45-50 Watts pep. Once unlocked the radio will go from 24.7 mhz to 30.1 Mhz and every hertz in between. The channel selector knob acts as a VFO if you push it in it puts a dash mark below the digit you want to change in the six digit frequency counter. In my opinion if you want a radio that does all those things and can go in between channels and above channels the Lincoln 2+ is the way to go
@@spankthemonkey3437 Thanks for the info. I have a Ronald that’s been enhanced , but have not fired it up yet , on the to do list
Awesome! Please excuse my stupidity, will I have to get rid of my AM cb radio’s with FM becoming available??
There are no stupid questions, only questions never asked lol FM is just another mode for CB , SSB and AM are still at your disposal
@@StormsRadiosCats thank you very much, well appreciated.
I wouldn't. It will be a very long time before all of the AM/SSB radios are replaced with FM in the real world. Although I am really glad that the FCC gave us FM on 11 meters, I think it is going to take a while to become popular, especially with such an uncertain economy.
@@daddyosink4413 Thanks for your help on this.
I bought one a month ago. I'm happy with it. I have a McKinley, an Andy, and a Lincoln2.
My opinion, if they just added the FM feature, and the USB to the McKinley, they would have the perfect CB.
that would be a great radio if it has FM
The European McKinley has AM/FM/SSB
@@Brookspirit Nice. I didn't know that. I may have to buy one.
nice video , I picked one up an noticed am and fm cant talk to each which was expected, my uncles cobra 148 was having issues so he has the new president thomas fcc and hes enjoying it , would like to get another one to do a similar range test comparison
Channel 24 goes as Not official FM channel some people use that channel as a FM channel.... you need to do do a little video on 26.805 FM Challing channel.... lots of DX on that frequency when the skip is rolling
Try activating squelch to avoid noise between transmissions.
I prefer to hear the static.
Seems like a great radio.
Need new band plan for CB. It was a great service and can be again. But FM and SSB on the same channel is a no no. The SSB listener will hear loud carrier tones. CB sets are not know for precise frequency stability and accuracy ( although newer sets are much better these days). When PTT is pressex FM like AM emits a carrier. If not zero'd within a few dozen cycles it generates a tone in an SSB set. Like AM on an SSB channel. So SSB, AM and FM need their own spaces. For example 1-12 for AM, especially old AM only sets to include chan 9 if REACT or generally aid monitoring are revived. Maybe top 15 for FM and the the middle AM. Chan 18/ 19 is special case. With so many travelers /truckers with existing sets no FM allowed. Maritime uses VHF 16 for mayday and calling with ships/ USCG moving off to another chan for ongoing comms. Something like that could be set up: 2 truckers contact on 19 as usual but agree to move up to FM chan for long contact. Needs to be some such plan to let everyone play nice. 73 Karl
I agree, I thought they planned to ad 10 channels for FM mode, but that apparently didn't work out.
Squelch keeps the headache in control . I like to listen to the radio without the added noise .
I realize its free band, but 27.805 has become an immensely popular FM DX frequency. You should give it a listen.
I think you ment to Say 26.805 FM ( The original FM Calling Channel )
3/2023: Questions: The new CB radios with FM don't come with AM/SSB. Why not? Since there are very few new radios with FM yet, would I be better off buying a new radio AM with SSB? CB world sells new radios that have been "peaked and tuned". Is there really any reason to pay more for this feature when buying a new radio? Thanks in advance and Best Regards
Peaked and tuned is questionable at best. As for AM/FM/SSB, it's coming!
@@FarpointFarms I'll buy one when they do come out with all 3. Till then I'll stay with my Realistic TRC-421A. I enjoy your videos. Thank You for your help.
Good Test!
thank, how have you been?
Nice video. Now I want two or three to add to the COMMS toolbox
You should!
Remember, a 4 watt AM CB signal has 12 watt peak modulation instantaneous power, whereas, a narrow band (5 kHz) CB FM 4 watt carrier is limited to 4 watts. There is no modulation peak envelope power, as in AM.
A 5 kHz deviation NBFM signal is also a wider (like 13 kHz) bandwidth to receive, although most AM CB receivers are like 15 kHz wide anyway.
Oh, and NBFM "skip" suffers from phase distortion, when using FM. It makes the recovered audio all "crunchy" sometimes, and is usually unintelligible, especially fast fading E skip.
Given all things equal, there is a slight advantage to AM over FM. But FM does not suffer from heterodynes and noise as much as AM, so it's easier to comprehend. The noise is still there, but it's "ignored", so our brain doesn't have to "dig" out the modulation.
SSB is a better weak signal mode than either AM or FM, but the radios are more difficult to listen to. Not only does the operator's brain have to "dig" out the weaker signals, but they also must "tune" for good voice pitch. That makes the radios harder to operate, and less popular.
I imagine FM will be popular on CB because it's the easiest to listen to. So, what about a digital voice mode on CB next?
depends alot in antenna also!
Agreed 10000% !!
Great video I think am sounded louder
maybe a bit louder but I think the fm had less interference from skip
Check out here on youtube what's going on in Europe in when skip is going on.
Made so many 1-2000km contacts in FM with a couple of watts,it's just way more interesting than SSB.
I'll take a look!
what antenna did you use on the base radio?
Also when listening to very weak signals there is an approximate 6db advantage of SSB over FM. This is when the signal is too weak to activate limiter. Partly due to the narrower bandwidth of SSB ( if one has a real SSB radio with 2.8 kc filters). Of course comc'l FM systems are not made for faint DX but for business/police / local ham use. Digital is worse. SSB and CW are the best for almost in the noise DX/weak signal use. But this is a hobby thing not serious effective local comms. FM is best for local serious operation. With the squelch on.
Good to know!
We get lifts, sporadic E layer skip on FM in Europe, I have had 1,600 mile contacts on 10 watts FM. +500 mile on 4 watts. Sometimes the radios are set 1.8 deviation, if you can get it set to 2.3-2.5, with standard Mike it will sound awesome. I wonder what your FM deviation limit is by law? If you turn FM deviation up too high it will cut out, sound chopped at receive station.
A few FM chassis put the pre-emphasis after the audio clipper/limiter instead of before it. That seriously ruins the audio level since it’s only possible to achieve the maximum deviation at the highest audio frequency before the low-pass filter cuts it. OK if you’ve got a really squeaky voice, I guess.
Greetings from Ft Bragg, NC! Just wondering if you pick up much traffic from out this way. We would love to have a cb (havent had one since I was a kid) and just wondering about the traffic in this part of NC since you are fairly close. Thanks in advance!
How about a President Randy 2 with side band that would be cool
Love it!
Why is the operator not using the squelch control?
Very interesting test long range fm was still good
Do you need a special antenna for this radio, or does it work with a regular cb antenna?
any antenna will work for it.
Thx i found my nxt radio
Citizen band awesome😎
it sure is
Will this work with one of the older firestik tuneable antennas?
Great vid as usual . However i am very dissapointed that Mrs. Farpoint farms only got a voiceover, not even a cameo appearance!. So now that fm is uo and running on cb do u think there is any traffic out there?
She is not a fan of being on camera, getting her to help off camera is getting easier. Maybe I can work on her more.
A prc 25. Man pack radio could make a trip from plumbrook Ohio to ft hood Texas on 10 watts low band vhf fm it 5 watts cb aight be a winner tks
Cool.
Fantastic test! Does it automatically switch between FM and AM? Thanks.
You have to manually switch between AM and FM mode
Were you using the Thomas in the Mobile and another as the base receiver? These are both stock, not tuned/ peaked?
Yes, Twin radios. 100% stock. Car had a Stryker SR-A10 as the antenna and Base has a NOS 1996 Antron Solarcon A99 without a ground plane as the antenna.
@@FarpointFarms That answers a TON of questions ! I am very blown away!
Been a lot of skip from US in UK lately, still not heard any FM yet though.
With only a month of legal sales here in the states, I'm sure it will take a while longer for folks to hear traffic on FM. That said, I am suddenly much more interested than I was before this test.
@@FarpointFarms Oh has it only been a month, i best just be patient then lol
It's an interesting mode that's for sure, esp when the skip's in. It's been the staple in the UK since legalisation in 81
You might be lucky to hear FM skip between the continents at some stage but FM multi path is far less likely than in AM/SSB/CW modes. Most hams steer away from FM for DX contacts as fading is a significant issue when in FM mode and readability can be compromised. That said however, stranger things have happened and there are plenty of hams that have persisted with FM on ten metres (close enough to CB) and have logged rare DX contacts.
Coming into the height of solar cycle You might find that luck is with you. You've just got to keep putting out CQ's!
@@davidbrayshaw3529 FM skips just fine. Hear FM on 10m and on the UKFM band often
@@hfvhf987 Are you hearing 10 Metre FM from the US regularly? If so, how do you compare it to the other modes?
Lol Almost getting hard to find a decent $500 car! Lol Yeah man I hear ya! I just bought a 03’ Chevy Malibu 144k miles for $800! No problems… yet discovered anyway!
Sometimes cheap is actually very expensive- Free is the most expensive ever
Am band sure sounded clearer and more clean
I thought so too.
Whats a good antenna for the radio i have a 2004 ram 1500
I love my Tram 3500!
As a first time buyer and user of a CB, would anyone recommend this unit?
This is a good unit for a beginner, you might also consider getting one that has sideband.
What home and mobile antenna are you using? I forgot what you said
Nice review. On the milage is that road miles, or line of sight?
Odometer (trip meter) 0:50 Road miles.
Chicken! Love it 😂😂
Thanks! I haven't used CB in quite a while. How does this CB compare to the Cobra 19 mini? Similar size and price.
😆
This is steps above way above the 19. The 19 these days are junk. If you can find a 19 that is pre 92 you have a good one.
Nice
Thanks