Midland Alan 42 DS: Portable CB radio with digital squelch

Sprache wechseln:

Why We Needed It

Most of the time, we travel with just one or two vehicles. But when we planned an adventure through the backlands of Portugal with four cars and two adventure motorcycles, we knew we’d be short on CB radios for convoy comms. After weighing up several new models, we went for the Midland Alan 42 DS, an upgraded, multi-band, 40-channel AM/FM handheld CB with plenty of features and accessories straight out of the box.

What “Digital Squelch” Actually Means

If you’ve never used a CB before, squelch is the function that mutes background noise when no one is talking. Traditional squelch is set manually with a dial—too low and you hear constant static, too high and you might miss weak signals.

Digital squelch does the job for you automatically. It uses signal processing to filter out unwanted noise while letting actual voice transmissions through. The result: clearer conversations and less fiddling with controls while driving.

Built for Travel Across Europe

When you’re overlanding across multiple countries, band switching is essential to comply with local CB regulations. The 42 DS handles this easily. Combined with automatic squelch, a noise blanker, and ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) filters, reception stays crisp and background noise minimal. You can understand and be understood without constant adjustments.

In the Vehicle

For in-car use, the battery pack slips off the handset and is replaced by a 12V car adapter—saving battery power and enabling you to connect an external antenna for better range. A jack on the handset lets you plug in an external speaker.

We found the wrist strap handy for hanging the handset from the rear-view mirror while on the highway, and the backlit display is bright and easy to read day or night.

On Foot

Out of the car, you can use either:

• A pack for 6 AA batteries
• A pack for 8 rechargeable batteries (charger included)

The set also includes a protective pouch—useful, though it makes swapping between car and pedestrian use a bit fiddly.

Real-World Use

During our Portugal trip, we kept it simple: same channel for everyone, channel lock on to prevent accidental changes. That meant we could focus on driving, navigation, and spotting hazards without worrying about settings.

Since then, I’ve used the 42 DS on solo trips across the continent, even joining casual conversations with long-haul truckers after scanning through the channels.

Why It Matters Off-Road

Off-pavement travel often means poor visibility—either due to terrain or darkness. A second person with a CB can guide the driver through tricky sections, cutting down the risk of damage to both vehicle and crew. For the price, the Alan 42 DS is a solid, reliable, and versatile bit of kit.

Buying Tips for First-Time CB Users

If you’re buying your first CB radio—especially for overlanding—here are a few things to consider:

1. Choose the right format
Handhelds like the 42 DS are portable and flexible, but a fixed in-vehicle CB with a roof-mounted antenna can give more range. Many overlanders carry one of each.

2. Antenna matters more than radio power
The legal output power for CB in most of Europe is 4 watts AM/FM. The real difference in range comes from your antenna setup—height, position, and tuning.

3. Keep it simple in a convoy
Pick a channel, lock it, and agree on basic call signs or phrases. The fewer settings you fiddle with, the less likely you are to miss important messages.

4. Learn your local laws
Some countries require you to use specific channels or limit CB use to certain bands. The 42 DS can switch bands, which keeps you legal.

5. Test before you travel
There’s no point discovering your batteries are flat or your antenna cable is damaged once you’re already in the middle of nowhere. Check your kit before you roll.

Verdict

The Midland Alan 42 DS delivers good value, flexibility for cross-border travel, and clear comms in both convoy and solo situations. Whether you’re exploring the wilds of Portugal or just tackling local trails, it’s a dependable choice.

MIDLAND | From € 179

Product Information

Functions:

• Digital squelch
• AM/FM modulation
• Noise Blanker
• EMG emergency call channel
• Transmission power switching High/Low
• Battery warning
• Received signal strength (RX) and transmission power (TX)
• Transmission power switching High/Low
• Detachable antenna (BNC connection)

Technical Data

• Frequency range: 26.565 – 27.99125 MHz
• Dimensions: 30 x 70 x 140 mm
• Weight: 220 gr. (without batteries)

Scope of delivery: Alan 42 DS handheld radio, battery compartment for 6 AA alkaline batteries, battery compartment for 8 rechargeable AA cells with charging connection, plug-in charger, on-board voltage adapter with antenna connection for PL plug, antenna, belt clip, carrying strap.

Multilingual Manual