I am curious as to why manufacturers like Cobra and Motorola dont integrate the FRS system into their CB units.
Im guessing that a stubby antenna like those found on the mobile units could be used and there could be a bi-mode stype switch to go between frequencies.
Its just an epiphany I just had and was wondering if anyone else has thought of this.

Rob

CB is AM, FRS is FM. FRS has a fixed antenna length, CBs don't.

Not gonna happen.

Brent

I know that they are different types of signals, I was saying that maybe if there were another (extra) antenna that it could be done. A little stubby on the roof somewhere.

FCC regulations require that the FRS attenna be attached to the radio itself and can not be removed. That's why on the radio shack mobile unit the radio is in the part that goes outside the vehicle, not the microphone/control unit you talk into. These restrictions would make it extremely hard to combine a CB and FRS into one unit.

For $29.99 + tax (on sale in stores only until July 28th ) you could just buy a Radio Shack Mag Base "CB type" FRS radio which has had 10 mile range in the past.

Thanks for the info!
I was wondering if something like that had been designed. In the past the little FRS radio would get tossed around the cabin.
This would make things a little better.

Its only 29.99 now? Thats a huge difference than the 79.99 they were asking from the link!

Yeah, it's been on sale for $30 at one time or another, I got mine a few weeks back and I'm pleased with it.

Brent

Dammit!! I cant find it. I checked the online sale flyer and its not in there. I guess the only real way to tell is to go by a store...

Don't be discouraged if you don't see it on sale in the store either, even though it is. Got mine a few weeks ago and the clerk was surprised to see that the price scanned in at 29.99 even though the tag said 79.99.

EXACTLY

I was buying oil at a auto parts store a few doors down from Radio Shack... stopped by RS to "check the 21-1850 current price". The store had none in stock... the sales person said, "Hey it's on sale for $29.99 + tax!".

He called an found 5 instock at another Radio Shack one mile away. When I went to that store... they had the sale price clearly labeled on the shelf (the first store did not).

The sign/label on the self said through 07/28/2002. The store clerk verified this date also in the computer.

WoHoo! I stopped by the Shack and they had a few in stock, so I picked one up. It was kind of an impulse buy, but I would never spend 80 bucks for it, and I know I will need it when it starts snowing this winter (and by the time I need it, with my luck it wont be on sale). Im sure I will be using it before then too. I do a lot of traveling and camping with friends in areas w/o cell service so it will come in handy then. I havent wheeled with anyone out here yet, but Im sure its gonna happen eventually.
I will take it apart tonight or tomorrow and check out the guts to see what I can do with it. I think I may want to get the cable longer, and change out the power source and hardwire it instead of having it plugged in one of the power sources.
Thanks to everyone who helped me out!

Rob

Why would you think you need it for snow? Unless someone is listening for you, it won't do much good. It's not like there a people always on monitoring FRS channels. It will help you when you are camping with your friends, because you can coordinate the use of the radios, but to just expect to pick one up and call for help, you would be very lucky if someone heard you.

I go out riding with a bunch of friends and where we stay is within view of the mountain, so communication a couple miles away between our place and the mountain would be good if someone there doesnt have a radio. In the sticks of VT, I dont get a signal with a cell phone, FRS is the best route to go. Think of any reason, the radio would come in handy where a cell phone would regularly. I know nobody monitors FRS channels. Take all of the camping concepts and carry that over to snowboarding.