1. Mobile Models Work Well in Truck Cabs
2. 10-Meter Radio Features Simplify On-the-Go Use
3. Mobile Ham Radios Reach Impressive Distances
4. Increased Power Output Maximizes Performance
5. Ham Radios are Reliable in Emergency Situations
6. Amateur Radios Operate in Additional Modes
7. High-Power Mobile Radios Access a Broader Frequency Range
8. Enjoy Long-Distance Conversations on Limited Access Frequencies
9. Get the Satisfaction of an Advanced Setup
10. Mobile Amateur Radios Can Be Modified
Citizens band (CB) radios are a popular, convenient two-way radio for truck drivers. But if you find yourself needing a more reliable, higher-powered radio that can handle long-distance communication, a 10-meter radio may be the perfect upgrade. As with a CB radio, this type of amateur radio is easily mounted in a vehicle, but it comes with many more capabilities and a higher level of performance. Read on for more details about how a 10-meter ham radio can improve your on-the-road communication.
Amateur Radio Licensing Requirements
Since amateur radios are more powerful than CB radios, the use of ham radios in the USA is more strictly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 10-meter radio operators must have a call sign that identifies who they are and pass a test to receive a ham radio license. These are the three levels of licensing, each offering expanded user privileges:
- Technician Class: entry-level license that grants transmitting privileges on the VHF and UHF bands used for local communication and on limited ham bands for global transmissions
- General Class: expands privileges to long-distance, international communication via signal propagation, and increased voice operation on ham bands
- Extra Class: provides access to the full range of ham bands allocated to the Amateur Radio Service
1. Mobile Models Work Well in Truck Cabs
Amateur radios are often associated with radio enthusiasts communicating using complex base station set-ups. But mobile 10-meter radios are well-suited for secure installation in semi-truck cabs and are compatible with numerous accessories, such as handheld push-to-talk microphones. Add a high-power 10-meter radio to your CB radio setup for improved radio performance on the road.
How to Install a Mobile 10-Meter Radio
For exact installation steps, be sure to read your manufacturer’s guide and reach out to our support team with questions. Here are the basic installation instructions for mounting a 10-meter radio in your vehicle:
Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Location
Larger trucks have cab space that can accommodate most mounting brackets, but some modifications might be needed to secure the radio and make it easier to use. Be sure to mount your antenna in an easy-to-access area so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
Step 2: Pick and Install the Antenna
Similar to a CB antenna, a ham radio antenna should be installed in an unobstructed, high location. We recommend on top of the truck cab, the roof of the vehicle, or a mounted toolbox if necessary. Windows, mirrors, bed panels aren’t recommended due to possible signal interference. Not all ham radios will come with an antenna, but Stryker CB antennas are perfectly compatible with 10-meter ham radios. They have both a whip-style antenna and a magnet mount for easy installation.
Step 3: Run the Coax Cable
With the antenna installed, run the coax cable to connect the antenna and the radio unit. Each vehicle make is different, but we recommend choosing a path with minimal heat so the cable coating stays intact. Also, not all coax cables are created equal; ensure your cable’s coating is strong enough to withstand rugged conditions.
Step 4: Connect to the Power Supply
Most ham radios need more power than the average car or truck natively gives access to — you can’t use a cigarette lighter to power your ham radio! Some mobile ham radio operators connect directly to the car’s battery or use the fuse box.
Step 5: Tune the Radio
Depending on your mobile antenna type, you might not need significant tuning. But adjusting the length of the antenna might help to improve your signal.
2. 10-Meter Radio Features Simplify On-the-Go Use
CB radios are common choices for truckers due in large part to their ease of use. While ham radios are more advanced radio models, a quality mobile 10-meter radio will still be designed for a user-friendly experience. Here are a few key features to look for in a mobile ham radio for your truck:
- Easy-to-read SWR and power meter
- Advanced NB/ANL for reduced interference
- Bright LED or LCD display
- Durable unit and mounting bracket
- Dimensions suitable for cab space
3. Mobile Ham Radios Reach Impressive Distances
Perhaps the greatest difference you will notice between a low-power CB radio and a high-power 10-meter radio is the ability to talk over much longer distances. A CB radio typically reaches distances between 1-7 miles. Per FCC regulations, CB radios are not allowed to transmit further than 155.3 miles.
Ham radios, on the other hand, can technically transmit globally under the right conditions. The maximum performance capabilities of an amateur radio apply largely to base station models, but on-the-go radio operators will find their transmission capabilities are significantly expanded even with a mobile model. These high-power radios can reliably communicate 50 miles – and even farther under the right conditions. Long-distance communication is an invaluable feature for truck drivers who expect to be in remote locations or who want to communicate with friends and family from far away.
4. Increased Power Output Maximizes Performance
CB radios have legal power limit of 4 watts, and operators are prohibited from attaching a power amplifier or otherwise modifying the unit to function at a higher power output. Amateur radios have a maximum power limit of 1,500 W pep. Mobile 10-meter radios typically operate with a maximum power output of roughly 100-200 W, which is still exponentially stronger than CB radio. This significant power difference maximizes the performance of your radio, increasing signal strength and transmission range.
5. Ham Radios are Reliable in Emergency Situations
Since 10-meter radios perform with a much higher power output and across greater distances, truck drivers will find them to be a more dependable form of communication for emergency coordination than CB radios. Amateur radios are known for their contribution to disaster relief efforts, thanks to their reliability when most other forms of communication are down. Truck drivers will find that a mobile 10-meter radio is an invaluable piece of equipment in case of breaking down or losing cell reception.
6. Amateur Radios Operate in Additional Modes
CB radios historically only operated in AM. Newer, advanced models include Single Sideband Modulation (SSB), and the FCC recently allowed CB radios to operate in FM. Ham radios come with an expanded list of capabilities, including:
- AM
- FM
- SSB
- CW (continuous wave)
- RTTY (Radio TeleTYpe)
- PSK31 (digital keyboard
- ATV (amateur television)
Even 10-meter radio models that don’t include the entire spectrum of possible modes in amateur radio offer greater versatility and improved performance compared to low-power CB radios.
7. High-Power Mobile Radios Access a Broader Frequency Range
Citizens band radios are limited in what channels or frequencies they can legally access, which decreases communication options. CB radios operate on 40 channels in the 27 MHz frequency band. 10-meter radios operate on a wider range of frequencies, between 28 and 29 MHz. Amateur radios pick up weather alerts, news, FM/AM radio, and communicate all across the 10-meter band.
8. Enjoy Long-Distance Conversations on Limited Access Frequencies
Since the 40 designated CB radio channels do not require licensing for access, they are often more crowded than ham radio frequencies. Many truck drivers appreciate the gated access and increased professionalism of amateur radio communications. While 10-meter radios cannot communicate with CB radios, they open up a new world of long-distance conversations with other amateur radio enthusiasts.
9. Get the Satisfaction of an Advanced Setup
CB radios are a staple of the trucking industry, giving drivers a convenient way of staying in touch that is more reliable and better while driving than a cellphone. Mobile CB models, such as the classic Cobra 29, are appreciated for their ease of use and can be found in truck cabs all across the U.S..
However, many truck drivers prefer the challenge and reward of a more advanced radio system. Obtaining an amateur radio license and adding a 10-meter ham radio to your rig will advance your knowledge and upgrade your radio system from a trade necessity to an enjoyable hobby with varying levels of complexity to conquer.
10. Mobile Amateur Radios Can Be Modified
All radio and radio equipment modifications must follow FCC regulations. However, CB radio operators are particularly limited in the adjustments they can make to their radio setup. CB radios are not intended to be modified and are expected to be used as they are designed. For example, CB users may not raise the power output of a CB unit, attach a power amp, or modify the unit internally.
Amateur radio is a different world. 10-meter radios come with greater freedom to make changes to your radio equipment and antenna, as you discover the best setup for your vehicle and how to maximize your radio’s performance. For example, CB radios only work with a limited number of antenna types, while 10-meter radios are compatible with a vast range of antenna types. You can even modify a CB antenna to work with your 10-meter radio.
Best Mobile 10-Meter Radio for a Large Cab
10-Meter Amateur Mobile Transceiver, SR-955HPC, from Stryker Radios
Popular 10-meter radio manufacturers include Ranger (RCI), Galaxy, and Connex, but our favorite 10-meter radio for trucks with a large amount of cab space is the SR-955HPC from Stryker Radios. This high-performance mobile amateur radio boasts amazing audio quality, durability for the long-haul, and extensive features including:
- High power 55+ watts PEP
- Brilliant 7-color LED display
- 32 step dimmer
- Built-in power, signal strength, and SWR meter
- Built-in CTCSS / DCS
- Advanced Noise Blanker (NB) /Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL)
- Built-in frequency counter
- Variable talkback control
- Squelch and RF gain control
Best Mobile 10-Meter Radio for Limited Space
10-Meter Amateur Mobile Transceiver, SR-447-HPC2, from Stryker Radios
Modern truck cabs have little space for additional equipment – but not to worry. The SR-447HPC2 from Stryker Radios is designed for truck cabs with limited space without sacrificing power, performance, or durability. This compact model fits in the overhead cubby and includes features such as:
- High power 55+ watts PEP
- Brilliant 7-color LED display
- 32 step dimmer
- Built-in power, signal strength, and SWR meter
- Built-in CTCSS / DCS
- Advanced Noise Blanker (NB) /Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL)
- Built-in frequency counter
- Variable talkback control
- Squelch and RF gain control
Find High-Performing 10-Meter Radios and Antennas at Stryker
We’re confident a mobile 10-meter radio is a valuable addition to your radio setup – whether you are looking for improved performance, added functionalities, conversations with other amateur radio operators, or all of the above. Whatever radio equipment your truck needs, Stryker Radios has you covered with best-in-class 10-meter radios, CB antennas, connectors, and accessories.
