What's the point of this video? Its not "you can't do packet radio, CW, slow scan, bla bla whatever". I'm saying for the masses, you can get into a used SSB CB for less than $25 used. (I just picked up an nice browning baron for $10) add an antenna for another $30 and for $55.00 plus tax your talking with Britain, Canada, Australia and anywhere else the skip rolls to. And when the skips not rolling talk to locals every night with out the B.S. You can do all that, and still find out why traffic is stopped on the highway faster than on your cell phone. I rest my case....Again. I'm really getting shocked to see all the Ham's out there that just refuse to see the logic of this video. Its not about all the things ham can do that very few actually do do, its about all the things that Ham and CB do that CB can do MUCH cheaper. Please people stop being so butt hurt about 1 man's opinion. Go make a video telling the world how great HAM is and sit back knowing your super cool like me.
When I first stumbled across this video i thought it was going to be about how to convert an 11 meter radio to use on 10 meters. How disappointed I was to see that you are apparently advocating illegal operation on 11 meters. Ham radio gear is much cheaper than it used to be and as I mentioned, these older 11 meter radios can be converted to 10 meter operation with minimal expense. I have been licensed since 1985 and it took me a very long time to be able to afford good equipment. I bought a COMPLETE Yaesu FT-757 GX setup off of ebay for $750.00. Later I bought Yaesu dual band mobile and portable units. No, I am not butthurt, either I just believe in following the rules for the maximum enjoyment for all users.
Everyone's a critic Eric. Good video on the pros of CB..which I still use. If someone wants to try out using two-way communications its what you make of it. HAM, CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS....whatever you start with there are good users to help you out. Once one starts and gets some experience then you can decide where you want to go. CB is fun and easy to get started with.
I have a Cobra 148GTL manufactured in the Philippines in 1991, that was given to me by a friend who's father left it to him when he passed away, and a Antron 99 with 30 feet of LMR 400 coax that was given to me by another friend who was willing to help me out to get back into the CB world, i greatly appreciate all the help i've gotten from good CB radio enthusiasts, love your videos, thank you, keep up the good work.
Years ago I was into CB and we did fox hunts which were a lot of fun. I liked your video! Also as a HAM I can see that CBs are still of use and has a place in emergency COMM. I did get into a heated discussion with another HAM at a meeting with more non radio people. He was saying how CB was dead and worthless. I asked him to explain to the group the physics between 10M & 12M ham radio and CB [11M] and what the performance would be like IF they were matched watt for watt..... :} he finely had to admit that they were very close to each other and that he had just not thought it through before. Thank you for the videos you put out.
I was a CB’er back in the early 1960’s and a General for over 20 years. They both have pros and cons. I still want to get another SSB CB and sell most of my ham gear and get mobile ham rig I’ve been eyeing. I have everything else I need. Minimal is the way to go. 73
You can get a cheap cb as low as 30 or 40 bucks at Walmart and a cheapo antenna. I reccomend a cobra 29 Ltd classic and a Wilson 1000 antenna. - Big Red, 73s
I do both CB and Ham. The CB is mostly for local, and ham mostly for world-wide. Both are nice hobbies, and CB got me started into the world of radio five years ago. For beginners, I recommend to buy a CB Radio with SSB and an antenna like the A99.
I bought my first CB radio a couple months back for $15. Is a Uniden PC68XL and I installed it in my Jeep. Been fun to turn it on and listen to the chatter.
@@FarpointFarms I think the most expensive thing was just the mag mounted antenna which was only I think $50 or $60. Still under $100 to get going though!
I know I'm a little late to the game on this video, but that may just tell you that there's still people interested in the hobby... As far as equipment, I took an old RG-58 cable, a 1X4 board and some 12AWG wire and made an inverted Vee dipole (1/2 wave) in my attic for my Galaxy DX949. It runs about 1.2 SWR from CH20-CH40 and about 1.3 SWR from CH1-CH19! Home made antennas make the hobby even more fun! AND LESS EXPENSIVE!!
Sideband is where it is today. In the UK our national regulator for communications is called OFCOM. A recent request to them from a radio user revealed that though pushing more than 12 watts on sideband is illegal (in the UK) they wouldn't take action against someone putting out more unless they caused interference and received a complaint. I was thinking about a ham licence but why bother. When the skip is good I can talk to many people on 11 meters across Europe. I usually transmit at 100w on my Yaesu 450D that is modified to include the 11 meter frequencies. The old 40 or 80 channel AM/FM CB radio is dead in the UK and I think in most parts of Europe but there are many contacts to be found on the international calling frequency 27.555 USB.
Good video and information. I am new to trucking, going on 3 months now and just bought a cobra 29 lx yesterday and am going to start using it tomorrow, God willing. I look forward to watching your posts, thanks for sharing your expertise in the field
I have talked all over the world with a 50 watt (on a good day) radio. And people here seem to think you need a big amp to reach Florida. I have talked as far with 50 watts as I ever did with a huge amp. Mother nature is my amp.
I run both. I run a Yaesu FT 857D into a Yaesu ATAS 120A, and a Stryker SR-447HPC2 into a 102" SS whip. Each has a specific purpose, I use the CB for traffic conditions and to alert other drivers of hazards or backups. The other I use to help pass the miles. And like you, I believe both have their good and bad operators. Take care and 73' John C.
Hi Eric great video I have a very standard uniden pro 5050 I put in my truck to talk to other truckers near by, I seem to have gotten myself caught onto a hobby I never thought I would and as my cb doesn't have much activity in a day, now I want to go deeper looking for it, what make and model is that silver one you are using in your video seems it could be a great step up for me,kind regards from mason in new Zealand
Been years but I remember being part of a CB group that we tried to push the limits of how far we could talk with 1 watt ( 1 watt dead key that is). Was pretty fun messing with antennas, forward modulation and such. Found out connecting to the chainlink fence that surrounded the school behind my house back then made my old Cobra Cam base talk pretty good.
I remember going to one CB contest where there was a thing called "Will it Antenna"... The guy that won used a tow behind grill for 1:1 SWR and made a +500mile contact with a 4w stock CB.
Thanks for your insights, Erik. Nothing to disagree with in any of your comments.I'm a "dyed in the wool" ham radio guy that also respects CB radio and its usefulness. I'm into ham radio not for the talking or coding, but as a platform to study the technical side of radio electronics, antennas, transmission lines, and radio propagation. All that is also available on the CB frequencies as well. One of my first experiences with ham radio was at my friend's house, back in the early 60s, in northern Illinois. He modified his 4-channel Heath Radio to operate on 10-meters. While I was there after school, he worked a South African station with a wire hung out his window. Radio is radio and I love it all.
I've been "Rabbit" since I first qot on my dad's CB in his truck. That would have had to be about 1978 or 9? I've love it ever since. The last radio I had was, like 1999. I took some interest in HAM, and bought a UV-5R, but have not gotten my cert. I've since decided I want back into CB. Bought a couple of radios and am looking for a decent antenna. Thanks to you for being one of very few, who are on the 11 meter air. Working to be myself. Thanks again. Rabbit, on the side.
I think your a legend. Been meaning to get back into cb for years so I brought one on eBay a few years ago and it was dead. Thought about ham radio but it sounded too complicated too expensive. Yesterday I learnt about ssb and found you and you have made my mind up. Cheers dude.
Great content lad! Very helpful. I'm ex-Military Sigs and this looks like a bit of radio fun. I never understood the animus between Ham and CB. Seems to me that your rig is frugal in design but highly functional and as such, no harm not foul in my opinion. Bloody brilliant in fact.
I just got a CB for my jeep. When I was younger my friends and I used to go out in big groups will go wheeling. Now we've all grown apart. I used to borrow a radio. Now I have my own and no friends to use it with. I'm very glad I didn't go HAM.
I think it depends on your geographical location because for me, ham radio is more widely used but in certain other areas i'd imagine CB could have just as big of a following as ham radio. Try both and see which one is more active in your area.
Yes. When I think of the radio people in Hawaii, they would be bored to tears with only a single band. They NEED all the HF bands that ham radio offers.
Thank you for your videos on SSB Cb radio - they've been VERY helpful to me. I am trying to decide between the Uniden 980 SSB vs the President McKinley. I'm buying new and don't mind paying for the better radio - but wasn't sure if the McKinley was worth the extra money. I'd appreciate any advice you have. Thank you.
The Meat Trapper - I have a 980SSB I picked up on eBay for a little over a hundred bucks. It's not a big, swinging radio, but it gets out there coupled to a Solarcon A-99. (Open the stock mic and rip out the little adhesive "noise canceling" patch over the element and put it back together and speak *across* the mic instead of into it to improve TX audio, or just add a decent amplified mic with the extra 6-pin to 4-pin mic adapter supplied with the radio. I use an Eagle amplified desk mic currently, but will be using a studio quality mic through an equalizer for some extra audio punch. Nice radio. Very stable on sideband. The 980 doesn't drift like the export rigs, plus the features are very easy to use. It has a sensitive receive-(which unfortunately brings up the noise floor too). I suppose running the audio through an external souncard setup with DSP would remedy that. All in all a nice radio.
Can't do "exactly" the same thing. Glad you are promoting your CB service. As a general class ham, I like CB and think it has a valuable niche. There's trash talk on amateur radio as well on 7.200mhz. CB has a pretty significant skip zone, and therein lies the advantage of HF below 30m for regional work with NVIS. Parks On The Air (POTA), and Summits On The Air (SOTA). I don't talk much, mostly listen. Both are valuable tools if or when SHTF.
I've wanted to be a ham radio operator since I was 15, I bought a CB radio in 65 or 66 from a summer job earnings, this filled my passion until I joined the Navy in 68. I tried to learn code and got to 5wpm and even helped run a MARS station on board ship, then for the rest of my life I had too much work and too many beers to work on getting my ham license. Now being retired at age 70 I took the tests and got my general ticket and joined a local ham club, several people that go to club meetings go home and talk on their CB radios, I think there is room for both.
More power to you HAMers. Not to be derogatory, no more so than HAMers attitude towards CBers, but Erik is encouraging CBers to get further involved; without the troubles of fitting in with the snooty nose crowd. There is a single most important aspect of HAM radio I hold above the CB crowd. Etiquette; in terms of the shame in harsh language.
@@gooberminther3tik25 You might have misunderstood me a little, I am a ham that also loves CB, in fact, I talk a lot more on CB than I do on my HAM radio's. When I said there is room for both, I meant that. On my desk is a Yaesu 991a and a Stryker 955HP, I talk to my CB/HAM buddies every night, usually about sports/radio/politics.
@@AdamosDad I never talk politics on the radio, too many people want to argue about it, but i love CB radio. from Coyote 451 (AM) Charlie Tango 216 (Side-band)
@@brianatkinson1399 My sirio 5/8 antenna is only 20 feet up, so mostly around town here in SE Indiana. I have talked some skip mostly down south Baton Rouge and such. I have a Stryker SR 955HP bare foot, but if you hear 148 from the Hoosier State that would be me, mostly on 23 AM My oldest boy is a trucker Unit 51
There is no “best “ radio, just what’s best for you! In your situation, it sounds like you have your ideal set up! I’m lucky. I have very active Ham and GMRS repeaters close by. And I have radios that cover those bands. But after watching a few of your videos, I started think about CBs, as well. So when I saw a $2 vintage Realistic CB at a yard sale I grabbed it. I hooked it up to my mag mount antenna from back in the 70s, and for 2 bucks I am back onto the CB band, as well. Not hearing much with a 45 year old mag mount antenna, but I am keeping my eyes open at yard sales. The is a lot of old CB equipment being sold out there!
I am an extra class ham since 85,,,and an avid cber before that,( think lafayette comstat 19),,,and I still love em both,,,cbs got soul,,,and ham has got the room to expand, your radio expertise that is endless,,,like deer huntin with a bow, verses a shotgun,,,,one ain't better,,,just a different side of it,,,,and the whole enchilada, beats bouncing off the walls, in the winter,,,,love em both!!!!!!!😎
I have used both extensively and I can assure you that my Kenwood ts-440 will out talk any other radio I have for CB. I don't want to have to use my good ear up against a radio to make out signals that are fading in and out. I click on the amateur radio and talk reliably everyday to the same people within a 300-500 mile distance. I click on my CB radio and I talk reliably to my friends within 30 miles. I really enjoy both. for a beginner in the hobby I always recommend CB as a way to get started but if you want to be a well rounded operator expand your horizons and learn about HF propagation, antennas, home brewing, and experimenting. amateur radio is as much about talking on the radio as it is learning about radio.
I am new to CB. I have a questions. I am new to the hobby! And my family has no idea what it is! They keep saying I am acting like a child and playing with walkie talkies and I need to grow up! They think I am acting strange because I am talking to random people and using radios!
In the last month: talked to 15 states, made a hundred contacts and, best of all, did so with a 5/8 wave Super Penatrator, SSB Uniden Bearcat mobile and 20 amp power supply.... As a 30 year HAM guy, I spend most my time on 11 meter. Just more fun for me. :)
I'm seeing a bit of a resurgence of CB use. Just made a contact from my truck to a base 60 some miles away (AM). Had a nice short chat, but he made sure to inform me that was the channel he and several others ran on, and that they were all good guys. They had all run through the 70's CB craze and were trying to re-live it to some extent. So he was pretty excited when a new mystery voice cut through the late night static. I have to admit it brought back some memories for me too although I was knee high to a grasshopper in the 70's.
Your point is good. I have a McKinley radio for CB operations with a wire dipole that I built from pieces in my junk box. It's nice when the 11m band conditions are good. With a ham license, you can operate on many more frequency bands and learn about RF propagation. You can also operate legally with much greater power (up to 1500 watts) with a ham license. I know that no one seems to enforce the CB regulations, but I sleep better at night knowing that my station won't be confiscated due to illegal equipment. I will always have both radios in my shack because radio is radio.
@@John336NLT not impressed at all with FM I had it on a radio and the range is not there sideband is where it's at not impressed with FM at all and neither are a lot of other guys
I see more trash talking on the Internet. I'm going back to CB Radio. It represents FREEDOM. And we all know, Americans love Freedom. Thank you for posting this video.
My buddy across the street and I got into CB in the late 60's as 10/12 year olds. We learned sooo much good stuff. It kept us out of trouble. We were trying to learn all about antennas. Our neighborhood looked like a fishing net of copper wire we got from old TV and radio transformers. If you have ever seen the movie October Sky, that's kinda what it was like. We learned things from grumpy old men and some nice guys who took the time to talk to us on CB. I used some of that stuff in photography and music. Seems that sound and light waves act the same as radio waves! I'm just getting back into it again and am looking forward to a 1400 mile drive with my new CB. As much as I like my iPhone, I don't think it has the same potential to inspire young people as CB does.
Erik, that's a good video, period. Have been a HAM since 1995, have been an amateur radio operator starting on 11m while I was 15 yo, on a band which is originally (1957 if I remember well ?) legalized as a short distance means of communication for citizens. Both are great and have different purpose (one for those with higher RF knowledge, HAM bands, needs license ; and the other one for anyone who wants, needs to communicate over a reasonable short, or even medium range, without a license). 11m could be a HAM band just as 10m is, same properties let's say. CB is what it is, allowed to anyone, and it's a sample of humankind, for sure you'll find dumb folks out there, and you'll also find great people too. Actually, I love both. And I do have CB radios (vintage models as Lincoln, 7001, 5001, PC33, 500D ... ) along my HAM gear (590SG and so on). There's nothing wrong with that, and I am still puzzled when a HAM says how crap CB is as if they were envious or I don't know exactly. Still, when I happen to visit 11m, I still have fun, especially with skip, just like on 10, but the ambiance is more FUN, in fact, there's no protocol, you know, it's like a party, do you have to wear your suit (10m) or jeans + T-shirt are just enough (11m) ? Whatever you wear, you can have a crap or a great party, that depends on folks you find there. An other thing : everyone's on Messenger and so on, right? I still keep telling my colleagues who have no clue about CB, that yes maybe Waze is nice to have, but in my opinion, CB is the fastest and easiest way to get road condition information, not to mention than petting a smartphone screen whilst on the road is rather dangerous, right? (at least worse than just grab a mike). To finish, each system has its pros and cons, and both HAM and CB are legitimate. Indeed, 50 bucks can get you on the air, as well as 250 with a used HAM radio ; same 250 can get you a nice new CB radio, but that's only 11m without the potential of the other bands if one wants to get their ticket later on. I almost forgot! : CB is NOT dead, and won't die ! :) Actually some HAM bands have more chance to die, see what i mean?
I have been in the CB radio talking on them since 1977 and I still talk on them, but mostly DX . That was the only reason I got one in the first place was to shoot skip. Years ago there use to be a lot of people on it to talk local with in the evening, but now when I flip through 40 channels it is dead. There are only two local guys I QSO with who live over on the Bog island, we often chat on LSB 27.385 mhz. I have always enjoyed 11 meter band radio
Thanks Eric! I finally got my mobile unit installed, had an old 40 channel I dusted off and stumbled on two whip antennas with cables for $17 a radio shack clearance. I'm in Hawaii, looking forward to move of your videos!
I spoke to a CBer in Turks and Caicos islands on USB from Philadelphia with my trusty Superstar 3600 with a "lousy" Shakespeare antenna. No heater either but I got one in case I need it . I'm not saying it's better than HAM for that but it can do similar job in the right conditions. I know guys that never use linear but get out far and often because of what they got topside. Antenna is imo the biggest factor.
I just now found your channel. I’m an old CBer and current Ham KF4PCH. Could you do a video if you haven’t already explaining what skip is. I used to sit on the local mountain top near the Smokies and shoot skip usually before or after a rain shower. Anyway hello I’m Johnny and yes from the Smokies.
has to do with the cloud cover. When the clouds are low the signal bounces off them and you can get out further than if it was clear and the signal is less contained and goes more straight up. Think of it in terms of like a ceiling (the clouds) and if you throw a ball at the ceiling it will come back down but in cb land that means it will come back down far away also not just on your QTH (stupid ham talk lol)
oh really? here we can clearly see that RF does bounce off water vapor , which obviously can also mean clouds: Refraction In addition to RF signals being absorbed or bounced (via reflection or scattering), if certain conditions exist, an RF signal can be bent in a behavior known as refraction. A straightforward definition of refraction is the bending of an RF signal as it passes through a medium with a different density, thus causing the direction of the wave to change. RF refraction most commonly occurs as a result of atmospheric conditions. The three most common causes of refraction are water vapor , changes in air temperature, and changes in air pressure. In an outdoor environment, RF signals typically refract slightly back down toward the earth’s surface. However, changes in the atmosphere may cause the signal to bend away from the earth. In long-distance outdoor wireless bridge links, refraction can be an issue. An RF signal may also refract through certain types of glass and other materials that are found in an indoor environment. Figure 5 show several examples of refraction. setup-wireless.blogspot.com/2008/11/radio-frequency-behaviors.html
Erik, once again on the money. Since getting back into CB a year ago and searching youtube for info, yours is the best channel I have found. I found one very annoying condescending fool on a channel called NotARubicon, who is forever trashing CB's and hawking the virtues of GMRS as the next great thing in radio. I just don't see it. It suffers from the same infirmities as Ham in that it requires repeaters to get any great range, and there only 1/10 the number of GMRS licensees out there as there are Ham. So if no one is out there in the HAM world with 750,000 licensed operators, who are these GMRS people talking to with only 80,000 users? The FCC should just let us legally have 12 or 25 watts on the regular 40 CB channels and call it a day.
As a ham myself I think there is a use for both. CB allows you to be less informal while still operating within a basic set of rules. Ham on the other hand has so many rules and formalities it tends to turn off some people. Lingo you can use on CB will get eyebrow raises over ham frequencies. All things considered again I'm of the belief that both have their place. Hell I started with CB and GMRS which is what helped fuel my drive to get my ham license.
one thing's for sure CB is not dead I'm 48 years old I grew up with Seabees in the 70s 80s and 90s been away for a long time just now starting to set one back up and start listening it really amazes me how many people are still on the 40 Channel radio I don't have ham license but I purchased one of them little Baofeng radios I live near Louisville Kentucky I can pick up Williamsburg repeater without any problem but there's just not that many people on ham.
Some areas Are hopping with HAM on 2M but CB is still the king. I'd bet there are 3 or 4 times as many casual CB users as there are HAM. It comes down to money and availability of cheap equipment.
I have been a ham for years, and I also/still enjoy CB radio, even in 2020. CB is still a great way to get into the radio hobby - and yes it can definitely be less expensive than amateur radio, especially wrt HF equipment. There are two possible benefits to taking the hobby farther and considering amateur radio (IMO). First, studying for your license will help you to understand the technology better, allowing you to make better, or perhaps more interesting decisions about equipment - also help you to understand limitations, and set proper expectations. Admittedly you do not have to get your license to do that; you can study on your own, but the material the ARRL provides is both exhaustive and helpful. Second, it seems like there is still a lot of activity on VHF and UHF, really around the world - I have taken my 2m/70cm HT with me to Peru, China, the UK, and all over the US and I am always able to find repeaters with lots of people who also like to communicate (and nets). CB is great, and so is amateur radio! :) Also, do not forget FRS/GMRS. Like ham radio, I have maintained a GMRS license for many years and we often use those radios for hiking or even trips to the mall. When the kids were younger they used to love taking something that looked like a cell phone with them.
I’m lucky to be able to enjoy both ! Here in Spokane Valley Washington, there are several repeater’s systems and ham club’s to work with ! I have both base and mobile capabilities for CB and Ham but , most importantly, there is an enthusiasm for each and with I 90 running right through middle of it ,CB is always fun to monitor and engage . With either set up you never know what you will find when you have time to sit down and invest some time into making a contact , especially without a repeater ! That is the real art of the hobby ! Unfortunately the sophistication of cell technology has distracted many from the hobby and left some areas and communities , Ike yours apparently, with less communication options. Thanks Erick . Enjoy your videos
I have an old Superstar 3600, it's got FM band as well as SSB. I never really used the FM band all but one time with a buddy of mine. No one ever discusses that band and would like to hear what you have to say about it. Great vid and I agree completely.
fm on 11m is illegal and on most of the 10m band it is restricted to the very top end of the 10m band where you must have a ham license to use there are a lot of 10m repeaters that can allow you to talk to some places that will suprise you. i have talked to guys 200miles away by going thru a repeater 1500 miles away all on 5 to 10 watts
I'm in the UK and a ham . I used to have a full 100watt hf and vhf setup but got fed up of the bigger boys stomping all over me so I sold it all and bought a ranger 2950 . 24 to 30 mhz . still got a couple of ham bands but when dead I get to go on ssb cb . Does me
It's all about intensity. If someone wants to reach out for the shear intensity of distance and accomplishing that, so be it, go for it. For someone that accepts the added expense that goes along with that capability - that's a personal experience. Like any hobby, it's a very personal thing designed to enjoy and embellish the wants. I enjoy my CB, being a retired trucker covering coast to coast and the lower 48. Nice to talk local with locals. I can appreciate the knowledge and expertise that it takes to go full bore into HAM radio and the reasons for that expertise. In my neighborhood, folks kept in touch with family hit by the recent burst of hurricanes only by a network of good people who where HAMS. I couldn't do that with my CB, but then CB wasn't designed to reach out beyond certain limits. To each his/her own and enjoy.
So I bought a cobra 29 for my dad and I. 5’ fiber glass antenna for our trucks. Our SWR was around 1.5 and we could only talk to each other at most 2 miles away. We needed at least 4 miles for the distance because of where he lives and how far our town is from each of our houses. Would a 10 meter not be a good thing to get? In another video you mentioned SSB wasn’t great for vehicles. We really want a radio in our vehicle
I had a CB Base station SSB back in 1975-1986. I had a Starduster antenna and off the mountain I was on could talk on the 1-40 channels over several counties. On SSB I could talk to other states and got few cards back from people I talked to the farthest I think was Newfoundland I received a card. I haven’t touched a CB radio in 35 years and have no idea who is using what now. I have a Ham radio club in my county and there are repeaters close to me. I am retired 66 yrs old and the cost of ham radio seems out of my fixed income reach. Those guys don’t have much opinion of CB radios and most think it only has channel 19? Can you still talk SSB a upper and lower like I did back in the 1970’s? Can you find a base station and antenna for less the $300 anymore that just won’t talk local? Appreciate any info, advice, links…etc
There are some hams that will not give you the time of day. You can still get people on SSB,and you can find a decent radio and antenna for your budget. If you have a ham fest near you, go check it out. You can find great deals Good luck
I agree, Eric. I'm a ham operator and have been since 1994 but just recently got into cb. I'd rather be on the cb. It's more laid back. I've tried talking on some repeaters and get an attitude from those on frequency. I also have the capability to talk on just about every frequency out there, just in case!
great vid! I'm looking at getting in to one or the other. Off the top, it looks like HAM is more of an investment (time and money). $85 for the class, test and license. Then you have the gear to contend with. Might be best for me to go the CB route to see if it suffices. I'm mainly looking for localized comms (well, as far as a 10mi radius if possible). I don't think I'll need to talk to a space station or France. I'm just not sure if CB will will work for 10mi and or clear comms w/out too much chatter.
I always recommend people start off with CB and see if that spikes an interest. If 2 years from now you are on the air all the time then maybe it's time to look into HAM.
I'm in Canada. Just getting into CB. Bought a unidean bearcat 880 and just bought a president McKinley because it's SSB. But even on the 880 with the crappiest antenna ( I now have a better one just need to hook it up). I was getting signal( skip) from New York, west coast of USA , east coast and even picked up Mexico. I'm looking forward to getting the better antenna up.
Thanks for the video. I like your style. My first experience with CB radio, SSB, "shooting skip" was very impressive. I was at a friends house, and he fired up his system. There were supposedly some illegal aspects to his set up. I forget the terminology he used, but there was a box he had that jacked up the output wattage. He also had a power mike. He also had a toggle switch on the side of the unit that he had installed by a "friend" and would refer to as the "funny channels". I think CB is awesome, still. Your video is very inspirational, but I have way too many hobbies right now.
I got my start DXing the broadcast band with a Panasonic Panapet, ball AM radio that I got for Christmas. I moved on to CB, using a Johnson Messenger 123B with a 110 to 13V power supply, and a quarter wave ground plane, Antenna Specialist Starduster Antenna. I talked with all of my high school buddies, and some of the locals in my town. During my senior year in HS, I studied for my General class ham radio license, and passed. Never went back to CB. Today, I do have a CB in case of the poop hitting the fan. It's my old Johnson 123B that still works. I also picked up a Johnson 223 AM base for free. I have CB because my ham station needs to be prepared for anything. Having said that, I strongly prefer Ham over CB, and I don't think price is an issue. You can buy a 65 watt, Kenwood 144 MHZ, FM radio for $137. A dual bander? $350. Add a 110 to 13 V power supply for $100. You can build our own antenna, or buy one for $100, and another $100 for coax. I can talk all over New England into NY, and even Canada on 50 watts. Less if I put up a beam. That's the same money you'd spend on a CB, and you won't have to deal with swearing (mostly), fifty million people talking at once, noise, heterodynes, pingers, obnoxious echo boxes, people farting into the mic, and fake southern accents. It's true that if you get into HF (the long distance stuff), a new radio is going to run you $1000 to $1500 easily. You then have to add power supply, coax, antennas, microphones, etc. And because you have to sit for a license exam, it tends to filter out some of the undesirables. I wish the CB band would clean itself up, but I don't expect that to happen anytime soon. Finally, I hooked up the Johnson to my Windom antenna, and tuned it to 27 mhz. I heard one guy about 12 miles away. No other traffic.
Good points in this post. Thanks for your comments. I guess for me the HF stuff is the only part of HAM that still interests me so I think big $$ when I think HAM. 10 and 2m are dead as can be around here so 11 is the only cheap way to get on the air for many of us rural folks.
I really like CB, started radio with it in the 80s! However, it will not do the same thing as amateur radio, not even close. The 11m band is at the top of HF and will only work at certain times when there is propagation. Lower bands on Ham radio are open most of the time to somewhere. An amateur radio HF setup can cost as little as $200 for SSB and much lower if one is willing to learn Morse code. There is no need for an amp on HF and simple wire antennas are dirt-cheap to make. For fun, sure, CB is great. It could even save your ass in an emergency, and I'd suggest anyone to get one, even Ham operators. For reliable communications, nothing beats the lower bands, 80 and 40m. Digital modes and Morse beat any voice modes on any frequency.
ITS hard for a ham 4 me to get on cb what do i use for call letters what are the rules i have a special type acpt radio some folks mod there radios my thousand dollar radio dont transmitt there if i mod my radio i could loose my ham ticket we had 11 mtrs and lost it ..There should be a cross over license but there is not there shoud not be hard fealings but co operation between ham s and cb chould be promoted jg
Hi Eric. Good videos and info on your channel. Im not a ham, but I do have a GMRS license and a handheld CB. I feel CB and GMRS are the place to be. Not everyone is willing to take the technician test for ham. Everyone has a CB or FRS/GMRS radio. I a SHTF situation with CB and GMRS you will almost always be able to contact someone. Would like to here your thoughts on that now in 2021. Maybe a video on GMRS vs CB. Thanks for making the videos. Stay safe. - Joe
Ive got a Gmrs license & there’s not much conversation here in San Diego…sometimes I listen to 70cm just to hear people talk😂. Most of the Gmrs guys I know have lots of radios, but don’t do more than check in on our local repeater…I wish they talked more
@@FarpointFarms such a bummer, I hear some ham guys on 70cm rag chewing…I’m thinking of starting a daily check in or a weekly simplex net on my local Gmrs repeater…something has to give lol
I hadn't seen this video until now, but you bring up some very good points. I considered for a long time getting into ham radio, but in order to use it in the same way that my family uses CB radio I would have to license myself, my wife, my mom, we'd all have to buy ham radios and matching antennas, etc. Sure, with a legal amplifier and a repeater we could get a lot more range out of a ham radio, but I can talk base to mobile with our barefoot CBs over most of this county, and I don't have to spend crazy amounts of money on all new equipment and making sure everybody I want to talk to gets licensed when all they really want to do is be able to remind me to grab some milk on the way home from work or something. Aside from socializing I also use it pretty regularly to communicate with truckers coming through the area, or at the very least to keep tabs on road conditions. Most of the active hams I've talked to (not all) have been rude and condescending, and a lot of the ones who are just regular guys end up transitioning back to CBs. On top of that, most of the locals around here that I care to talk to other than my immediate family are all on CB, so I figure the best thing I can do is continue to educate myself as if I were a ham and pass that knowledge on to others who might be interested in CB radios, :-)
I'm in the process of building both a six meter jpole and a two meter vertical dipole, thought about stringing up a horizontal dipole and getting a ssb cb.Been a few years since I messed with one
I got my start with CB as a truck driver and will always own one. I am also a Tech Ham and with that it grants me Echolink over RF and internet to almost anywhere in the planet. I do have a 10m rig and a stack of pirate11m radios I've gathered over the years I'm not willing to part with. CB is far from dead even though it's not as healthy as it should be it's low barrier of entry does allow far more trash to end up on the air but not everyone can have class and such I guess. I don't really expect to upgrade my license any time soon to general and my only drive to do so is so I can run my 10m rig to it's full power of 1.5kw as I'm currently limited to 200w ssb only. However like I said with a sub $200 dollar radio and an old computer running echolink I can use my HT anywhere on my property to talk anywhere in the world that is echolink equipped. There are nets and groups that I talk with weekly over echolink with some of the nodes on the east coast that can hit multiple states at once. There is also another network of linked repeaters I rather enjoy where I can talk to damn near the entire east coast at once. I'm not a "You must do this or that" kinda person. Radio is a hobby for the most part and another tool in the toolbox for when SHTF that will pay for itself when it is needed and used properly. I will remind everyone that Radio is like Religion. It does not matter what religion you follow as long as it brings something of value into your life.
I'm a former CB'er and current ham operator. My biggest problem with CB vs Ham is that I'm limited to power output of 4 watts on CB and only 40 channels. With 12 watts PEP on SSB, even that is usually not enough to be heard on a crowded CB channel. In an emergency, I'd probably be more inclined to use ham radio.
As a ham of many years I tend to agree with you. The entry into the ham world now is two meters which is almost dead in my area. Tons of repeaters but no one talking other than a net operation nightly then everyone's gone afterward. HF bands are full of trash and contesters for the most part and some groups are quite clique oriented. I find my self having nice conversations in the late evenings on CB SSB with people within about 40 mile range using legal power and a Hy-Gain superpenatrator antenna at about 40 feet.
I started with CB in 1968. Its was a different animal compared to today. I still have a few CB radios around and I occasionally turn one on and talk to a few local guys, BUT I would never give up my ticket or the amateur radio hobby over citizens band radio. Ive been licensed for 35 years and can never accomplish what Ive done on the HF bands, Satellites, RTTY, Slow Scan TV etc if my only avenue was 11 meter cb radio. There are a few good people on CB, but you can not compare the amount of jerks on CB to the few on the Ham bands. And most congregate on one frequency. CB is ok, but Amateur Radio is more fun and exciting with many aspects of the hobby available compared to being trapped on 11 meters. Especially with the bottom sun spot cycle. On CB, you have to wait for DX to find you, on the Ham bands, its easy to find DX. What would I rather do, look for rare DX across the entire radio spectrum on whichever mode I desire to use, or being stuck on 11 meters, having 5 second DX contacts with 10,000 others stepping all over eachother, or having audio competitions with other cbers, who think loud raspy distorted echo audio is the next best thing since sliced bread? Thank you, I'll keep my ham ticket. All my opinion of course, but you can not compare apples and oranges.
Yes it's Ann older video, but this is a good place to ask as any. I have some gmrs handhelds for simplex, and use local repeaters. Thing is, what if the repeaters go down.. Note that I'm in a very hilly area, so line of sight is often quite limited. So for greater simplex range, is it better to use cb ssb ,or a 50 watt gmrs rig?
If your relying on repeaters to be working in a crisis, that's a bad Idea. A simple CB may have more limited range overall, but there will be many more of them on the air in an emergency if it comes to that.
Eric CB is Not Dead I own a CB radio in Hawaii there not as many people on CB as Ham I'm currently trying to get my Ham License But I'm still going to keep my CB radio on the Side Just in Case the Ham radio Don't work Keep talking and there are some really Nice People like me watching keep up the good work Aloha from Hawaii, LOL
HAM radio really does suck!! I know a lot about C.B. but not ham I got my General about a year and a half ago I HAVE BEEN TRYING EVERY SENSE to find someone to help me get it to work, I have a 1 1/2 year old Yaesu Fli**ing radio I bought New when I made the mistake to upgrade !!! As WELL !!!!
It all depends on what your looking for. HF is great because you can listen and talk all around the world. I bought a used HF radio, endFed Antenna and coax for $500. You can get a cheap Chinese radio for $30 and work VHF/UHF repeaters very easily with ham and depending where you live access many repeaters.
Nope Cb not dead in UK either,SSB becoming quite popular here now its AM\SSB & NFM legal here. I often here the ch34 LSB net in UK when conditions right. Im licensed ham too ,but for me CB is more useful for general comms with wife or friends its got its place and because you don't need a ticket its easy for anyone to have a go. We use them on vacations,camping,beach,walks,cycling for point to point comms and long range stuff camp base to car. Most of my friends aint interested in HAm radio,CB is just a means to communicate WE also use UHF PMR446 here 0.5Watt,bit like FRS The one thing CB does lack is higher power legally (30-50watts) to give you a bit more solid coverage,where on Ham you do have legally can go higher power and and semi duplex repeaters. WE are quite lucky here in UK\EU land as Super Narrow FM (2.00khz deviation) is a option we can use on 27mhz CB and works extremely well audio quality wise for local mobile\portable to base,bit like Low-band VHF. CTCSS and DCS is also available hereon CB radio legally just like ham kit. CB Parrot repeater and VOIP gateways are popping up in UK and EU land on CB further extending ranges. CB equipment in UK has become very small and compact sizes and of much better build quality for what prices you are pay for if its just general comms your after without a lot of licensing hassles,it is free in UK and most parts of EU land. I think its free in USA and you have VHF CB as well MURS? CB a good place to start from I would say,I learnt a lot from CB radio before getting ham ticket so cant knock it for that. DX nets are quite becoming popular in UK and at time sound like HAM 2m vhf nets in radio etiquette and I meet a lot of ex hams down there for local chit chat too! I think cb can offer a lot of plus benefits to ham in some ways depends on what your using the 2 systems for and expectations of equipment,modes and RF power. CB in the UK had a rough start to life to start with cb back in early 1980's It was frowned upon by many hams,radio magazines,police,government MPs,a very bad waste land at end of fad in 90's too and not treated very well from start,seen more as a toy fad thing. Thankfully views are changing and CB bands quite useable now,generally well behaved in my location CB radio is more useful to me than ham in its operation role,it has its place. Us oldies always try to help and educate new cbers as mentors in my area so they can learn new skills,if some asks me,I would suggest ham radio as a route to expand on. We have in my area a lot of good cbers,lot of ex hams and the odd nutter. Some of the iphone crowd of youngsters really enjoying cb radio hobby for first time and I try to encourage that and help them as they seem very keen on 2 way radio. yes on odd occasions the morons come out the woodwork,but not any different I've heard on Ham too either! From a technical standpoint Ham does offer you a chance to build.learn and tryout homebrew radio kit,More bands mlearn about electronics if you choice too,plus many other aspects of radio. where cb wasn't really geared up for this as a different service type. For someone who enjoys electronics and all thing techy Ham radio can be a great way to learn more about radio from HF to SHF bands and moved me into Land Mobile Radio professional career wise. Generally learn better radio procedures (not in all cases lol) and have access to VHF,UHF and HF bands,the downside you mates cant just go unsupervised and non licensed to go on air at drop of hat like cb radio. Most of the VHF and UHF ham bands very quiet in my location too,so tend to stick to 6m FM repeater on odd occasions and HF 7mhz UK use,Im not into DXing Comps 5-9 types Ham has it place too,it certainly helped me,if there one negative aspect i didn't like about Ham not so much now was the elitists and snobbish attitudes towards ex cbers and radio kit they use,funny most hams came from cb radio ,but just quietly forgot not to be associated tut tut.Also a certain breed of self appointed twit,you get them in all clubs put them in a fluorescent jacket with a badge and it all goes to there heads and self importance factor,the social aspects of HAM weren't high on my list from my experiance and best avoided. I think both services offer pros & cons it all depends on what you need and yes in some cases do you really need a high end HF\VHF radio to talk 20-30 miles LOS away to your buddies when a ssb cb can used and a bit cheaper,hmmm? 73's rob
Some say CB is dead, but in grid down, it will be worth its weight in gold, and there will be many using it because mobile phones and internet may be switched off and-or emp dammaged. There is also FRS radios and "Baofeng" radios to consider. All can assist each other to send distant messages, and a person on a mountain can repeat received messages over it to other people.
I agree, people have short memories when it comes to communications going down. One big storm that knocks out power and the cell towers are gone in a day or two. The battery backups only last so long.
I have talked all over the world on 27mhz C. B band if you will. Not for a long time now. My 148gtl modified D104 antron 99 and a 250watt kicker, Push pull did very well for me, I lived on an acreage,, sideband is where its at, More range when it comes to skip But I cut my teeth with a.m radio 👍🇨🇦🍁
I was a big CBer back in the 80s and 90s. Including a Cobra 2000 base at home and Cobra 148gtl in the pickup. They were both modified to include unlocked clarifier, extra channels and power tuned. About 1995, I sold out and never had any radios until just recently. I used SSB as well as AM. Since I got rid of my cell phone, I decided to get back into radio to have something in my SUV that I could use for emergencies on the road and general company on long trips. I jumped in with both feet and decided to begin studying for an amateur radio license. I have purchased the President Lincoln ll+, 10meters/12meters, and have the seller include the CB(11 meters) band. That way, I can enjoy the CB band until I obtain my amateur license. The initial antenna, is the Stryker SR-A10 magnet mount. I have it tuned for the CB band. I have only done a dead key on 10 & 12 meters to check the SWR and I know to stay off those frequencies until I am properly licensed. I would, however, like to find a way to use the same antenna for all three bands. Since the Stryker is a coil base-loaded with a 60" stainless steel whip, I thought about buying two more whips and using those to try to tune for a decent SWR on the amateur bands. I could just switch out the whips for TX when I get my license. But every time I enquire about this with any amateur operator who posts videos, it seems that there is a very negative stigma attached to CB radio. To a point, that if you plan to use CB, amateurs don't even want to talk to you. They pretend that 11 meters doesn't even exist and they know nothing about it. Now, I know, since CB was deregulated, the language and lack of any radio discipline has gone crazy. I don't want to hear all of the vulgar language either. But there are still respectable people on CB; especially SSB. Basically; my admission that I even have the CB band in my amateur radio, makes me somehow less of a human being and not welcome among the amateur radio family. I have always been very professional with my radio communications. I have 6 years experience as an Expeditionary Airfield Technician in the Marine Corps, where I operated land-based arresting gear to stop tailhook aircraft. I communicated by radio with ATC and also ground control. After that, I served as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, communicating by radio with law enforcement, fire and EMS. I also served as a volunteer EMT/firefighter, communicating by radio with dispatch and hospitals. I think I have earned respect from ALL radio operators; whether it be CB or amateur; and I frankly don't understand the animosity I have received from amateur operators, simply because I also like CB. Where I live, in West Virginia, there are very few amateur operators and I need CB as well. Sorry; I didn't mean to use your video to vent, but I am a little offended by the lack of respect I have received from some amateur operators, simply I chose to include CB in my amateur radio.
im in South Africa running an old stalker xv really having fun with the radio It cost me R2500 for my setup. 5/8 bottom loaded but have to lift it more. Im always on 25 26 and 27 USB and 19 AM
A lot of it has to do with where you live, and what you want to do. I live in a pretty rural area, similar to your area Eric. However here we have a fairly active group of HAMs on 2 meters. For around $300 you can get a decent 2m rig and antenna, and have a good time on local nets and simplex talks. I have both a CB setup, and HAM radios, love them both and both have a place.
Yes works a treat when the 11 year sunspot cycle is OK but the downside is without skip cb radio is as much use as a choccy tea pot. 11 meters is dead over here in the uk for local contacts majority of users now use the Internet or the uk uhf pmr system normally a closed network using ctcss or dsc encode.
So I am thinking the same thing, however I am considering a radio like the Stryker SR-955 (under $500) that also supports 10-meter in case I ever want to get ham certified. This way I wouldn't have to buy another radio for ham if I went that route. Just wondering if you have any opinions for someone who is entertaining the thought of getting certified.
LOL....so true, in all the years I had both, I talked further, with more reliability, and actually met better people on 11 meters than I ever did on 2, 6 or 10 meters. on 11 meters, if you needed help with an antenna, you just put out a call and offered free beer. on those other bands, they wanted to know what class license you held, which radio you had, and who made the free beer, and did it include hot wings.
So nice...I use Cb radio from my 12 years old. My father buy me a Cobra 🐍 base with directional Antenna and 100 watt linear. But I have problems with my neighbors because I go through inalambric telephone. Ice cream Truck speaker 🔈. But I enjoy those days. I am back in business and buy some good equipment...👍🐍
He is right. I was a ham operator for 25 years. Even before the morse code was relaxed,amateur radio went straight to the dogs. I get better conversations on CB radio. The radio chatter on 40 and 80 meters in amateur radio is pure crap.
Hi as a General class HAN I am saddened to hear you let your license expire. I am also a CB enthusiast. My Cobra base station looks a lot like yours. I agree CB is easier and cheaper to get into. However, I don't think 11 meter CB compares to the HAM HF band selection. However, it was your choice, and I respect you for the choice you made. Perhaps some day I'll find you on LSB, Take care. Dave
I think the cost issue can be a factor, but you can buy a Baofang 2M HT for $30. You can throw together a vertical dipole or elevated groundplane for free. Yes, there's licensing and such, and if all you want to do is chat, then the hassle may not be worth it. It's all in what you want to do, but money doesn't have to be the overriding concern. The glaring problem with CB in terms of experience is that you're limited to 27 MHz. With Amateur Radio, you can work around the lower solar activity with many other bands/modes that aren't as dependent on Sporadic-E or higher solar flux values. Having that flexibility is more than worth it if communication over distance is an activity you enjoy.
Eric, to change the subject, I have a Midland 75-785 handheld that comes with a 13.8 volt 2-2.5 amp car charger adapter. When I put fresh alkaline battery's about 14.5 volts of power, (so my question) do you think I would hurt the radio by using my home ac/dc power adapter that gives out 14.8 volts 2 amps on low setting? Thank you for your video's I am new to cb's and have learned a lot.
What's the point of this video? Its not "you can't do packet radio, CW, slow scan, bla bla whatever". I'm saying for the masses, you can get into a used SSB CB for less than $25 used. (I just picked up an nice browning baron for $10) add an antenna for another $30 and for $55.00 plus tax your talking with Britain, Canada, Australia and anywhere else the skip rolls to. And when the skips not rolling talk to locals every night with out the B.S. You can do all that, and still find out why traffic is stopped on the highway faster than on your cell phone.
I rest my case....Again. I'm really getting shocked to see all the Ham's out there that just refuse to see the logic of this video. Its not about all the things ham can do that very few actually do do, its about all the things that Ham and CB do that CB can do MUCH cheaper.
Please people stop being so butt hurt about 1 man's opinion. Go make a video telling the world how great HAM is and sit back knowing your super cool like me.
Farpoint Farms Good point!There is so much U could do on vhf,but most of it involves more investment. Cb on the other hand
can be done quite cheap
When I first stumbled across this video i thought it was going to be about how to convert an 11 meter radio to use on 10 meters. How disappointed I was to see that you are apparently advocating illegal operation on 11 meters. Ham radio gear is much cheaper than it used to be and as I mentioned, these older 11 meter radios can be converted to 10 meter operation with minimal expense. I have been licensed since 1985 and it took me a very long time to be able to afford good equipment. I bought a COMPLETE Yaesu FT-757 GX setup off of ebay for $750.00. Later I bought Yaesu dual band mobile and portable units. No, I am not butthurt, either I just believe in following the rules for the maximum enjoyment for all users.
Farpoint Farms unfortunately ham radio is Nothing but a bunch of old men that sit around and drink coffee
HA you couldn't be more wrong there are many many groups of young amateur radio operators out there but ill just consider the source ;) .
Radionut R I'll just say that I got my Technician a couple of months ago and it'll be a while before I go gray... ;)
KB1LYE
I have fun with all communications, it's a hobby for all to enjoy at any level.... 73's & God Bless. Great video Eric.
Everyone's a critic Eric. Good video on the pros of CB..which I still use. If someone wants to try out using two-way communications its what you make of it. HAM, CB, FRS, GMRS, MURS....whatever you start with there are good users to help you out. Once one starts and gets some experience then you can decide where you want to go. CB is fun and easy to get started with.
I have a Cobra 148GTL manufactured in the Philippines in 1991, that was given to me by a friend who's father left it to him when he passed away, and a Antron 99 with 30 feet of LMR 400 coax that was given to me by another friend who was willing to help me out to get back into the CB world, i greatly appreciate all the help i've gotten from good CB radio enthusiasts, love your videos, thank you, keep up the good work.
it really sounds like you have some amazing friends- Thank you for watching
Years ago I was into CB and we did fox hunts which were a lot of fun. I liked your video! Also as a HAM I can see that CBs are still of use and has a place in emergency COMM. I did get into a heated discussion with another HAM at a meeting with more non radio people. He was saying how CB was dead and worthless. I asked him to explain to the group the physics between 10M & 12M ham radio and CB [11M] and what the performance would be like IF they were matched watt for watt..... :} he finely had to admit that they were very close to each other and that he had just not thought it through before. Thank you for the videos you put out.
Hi Erik, love your statement and i also have a HAM Licence, but here in Germany CB is where you find good conversations. Subscribed and liked ;)
I was a CB’er back in the early 1960’s and a General for over 20 years. They both have pros and cons. I still want to get another SSB CB and sell most of my ham gear and get mobile ham rig I’ve been eyeing. I have everything else I need. Minimal is the way to go. 73
You can get a cheap cb as low as 30 or 40 bucks at Walmart and a cheapo antenna. I reccomend a cobra 29 Ltd classic and a Wilson 1000 antenna.
- Big Red, 73s
I do both CB and Ham. The CB is mostly for local, and ham mostly for world-wide. Both are nice hobbies, and CB got me started into the world of radio five years ago. For beginners, I recommend to buy a CB Radio with SSB and an antenna like the A99.
dont buy a antron i sent mine to its grave with 1500 watts lol
I bought my first CB radio a couple months back for $15. Is a Uniden PC68XL and I installed it in my Jeep. Been fun to turn it on and listen to the chatter.
Great price for $15, you don't have to spend a ton of money to get into the hobby
@@FarpointFarms I think the most expensive thing was just the mag mounted antenna which was only I think $50 or $60. Still under $100 to get going though!
I know I'm a little late to the game on this video, but that may just tell you that there's still people interested in the hobby... As far as equipment, I took an old RG-58 cable, a 1X4 board and some 12AWG wire and made an inverted Vee dipole (1/2 wave) in my attic for my Galaxy DX949. It runs about 1.2 SWR from CH20-CH40 and about 1.3 SWR from CH1-CH19! Home made antennas make the hobby even more fun! AND LESS EXPENSIVE!!
Sideband is where it is today. In the UK our national regulator for communications is called OFCOM. A recent request to them from a radio user revealed that though pushing more than 12 watts on sideband is illegal (in the UK) they wouldn't take action against someone putting out more unless they caused interference and received a complaint. I was thinking about a ham licence but why bother. When the skip is good I can talk to many people on 11 meters across Europe. I usually transmit at 100w on my Yaesu 450D that is modified to include the 11 meter frequencies. The old 40 or 80 channel AM/FM CB radio is dead in the UK and I think in most parts of Europe but there are many contacts to be found on the international calling frequency 27.555 USB.
Good video and information. I am new to trucking, going on 3 months now and just bought a cobra 29 lx yesterday and am going to start using it tomorrow, God willing. I look forward to watching your posts, thanks for sharing your expertise in the field
Good luck with your new career!
I have talked all over the world with a 50 watt (on a good day) radio. And people here seem to think you need a big amp to reach Florida. I have talked as far with 50 watts as I ever did with a huge amp. Mother nature is my amp.
I run both. I run a Yaesu FT 857D into a Yaesu ATAS 120A, and a Stryker SR-447HPC2 into a 102" SS whip.
Each has a specific purpose, I use the CB for traffic conditions and to alert other drivers of hazards or backups.
The other I use to help pass the miles.
And like you, I believe both have their good and bad operators.
Take care and 73'
John C.
Hi Eric great video I have a very standard uniden pro 5050 I put in my truck to talk to other truckers near by, I seem to have gotten myself caught onto a hobby I never thought I would and as my cb doesn't have much activity in a day, now I want to go deeper looking for it, what make and model is that silver one you are using in your video seems it could be a great step up for me,kind regards from mason in new Zealand
Can I use tin foil to make a ground plane inside for a small car antenna that requires a metal surface for better range with my 1975 CB radio?
Been years but I remember being part of a CB group that we tried to push the limits of how far we could talk with 1 watt ( 1 watt dead key that is). Was pretty fun messing with antennas, forward modulation and such. Found out connecting to the chainlink fence that surrounded the school behind my house back then made my old Cobra Cam base talk pretty good.
I remember going to one CB contest where there was a thing called "Will it Antenna"... The guy that won used a tow behind grill for 1:1 SWR and made a +500mile contact with a 4w stock CB.
are Cb antennas prone to lightning, like a lightning rod?
Thanks for your insights, Erik. Nothing to disagree with in any of your comments.I'm a "dyed in the wool" ham radio guy that also respects CB radio and its usefulness. I'm into ham radio not for the talking or coding, but as a platform to study the technical side of radio electronics, antennas, transmission lines, and radio propagation. All that is also available on the CB frequencies as well. One of my first experiences with ham radio was at my friend's house, back in the early 60s, in northern Illinois. He modified his 4-channel Heath Radio to operate on 10-meters. While I was there after school, he worked a South African station with a wire hung out his window. Radio is radio and I love it all.
Cool story, and thanks for the kind words!
I've been "Rabbit" since I first qot on my dad's CB in his truck. That would have had to be about 1978 or 9? I've love it ever since. The last radio I had was, like 1999. I took some interest in HAM, and bought a UV-5R, but have not gotten my cert. I've since decided I want back into CB. Bought a couple of radios and am looking for a decent antenna.
Thanks to you for being one of very few, who are on the 11 meter air. Working to be myself.
Thanks again. Rabbit, on the side.
I think your a legend. Been meaning to get back into cb for years so I brought one on eBay a few years ago and it was dead. Thought about ham radio but it sounded too complicated too expensive. Yesterday I learnt about ssb and found you and you have made my mind up. Cheers dude.
Glad I could help!
Great content lad! Very helpful. I'm ex-Military Sigs and this looks like a bit of radio fun. I never understood the animus between Ham and CB. Seems to me that your rig is frugal in design but highly functional and as such, no harm not foul in my opinion. Bloody brilliant in fact.
I just got a CB for my jeep. When I was younger my friends and I used to go out in big groups will go wheeling. Now we've all grown apart. I used to borrow a radio. Now I have my own and no friends to use it with.
I'm very glad I didn't go HAM.
Funny how things work out sometimes isn't it? Time and no money, and then money and no time.
Farpoint Farms Ain't that the truth. I'm still very excited to have my own. I'm glad I watched this video. Good luck in your endeavors man.
I think it depends on your geographical location because for me, ham radio is more widely used but in certain other areas i'd imagine CB could have just as big of a following as ham radio. Try both and see which one is more active in your area.
I agree. There are over 700,000 licensed ham operators in the world.
Or... you can get a scanner and decide by listening in, which way is best for yourself.
Yes. When I think of the radio people in Hawaii, they would be bored to tears with only a single band. They NEED all the HF bands that ham radio offers.
@Situational Ready My scanner does. Covers Emergency, police, UHF, HF, CB
Thank you for your videos on SSB Cb radio - they've been VERY helpful to me. I am trying to decide between the Uniden 980 SSB vs the President McKinley. I'm buying new and don't mind paying for the better radio - but wasn't sure if the McKinley was worth the extra money. I'd appreciate any advice you have. Thank you.
I'm in the same boat. I've been looking at both radios for a few months now and still can't decide on what one to get!
alaskanshannon Thank you. That helps!
I'm waiting for the 980 to be delivered as I type lol. I'll let you guys know how begginer friendly it is .
The Meat Trapper - I have a 980SSB I picked up on eBay for a little over a hundred bucks.
It's not a big, swinging radio, but it gets out there coupled to a Solarcon A-99. (Open the stock mic and rip out the little adhesive "noise canceling" patch over the element and put it back together and speak *across* the mic instead of into it to improve TX audio, or just add a decent amplified mic with the extra 6-pin to 4-pin mic adapter supplied with the radio.
I use an Eagle amplified desk mic currently, but will be using a studio quality mic through an equalizer for some extra audio punch.
Nice radio. Very stable on sideband. The 980 doesn't drift like the export rigs, plus the features are very easy to use.
It has a sensitive receive-(which unfortunately brings up the noise floor too).
I suppose running the audio through an external souncard setup with DSP would remedy that.
All in all a nice radio.
Can't do "exactly" the same thing. Glad you are promoting your CB service. As a general class ham, I like CB and think it has a valuable niche. There's trash talk on amateur radio as well on 7.200mhz. CB has a pretty significant skip zone, and therein lies the advantage of HF below 30m for regional work with NVIS. Parks On The Air (POTA), and Summits On The Air (SOTA).
I don't talk much, mostly listen. Both are valuable tools if or when SHTF.
Fair enough!
I've wanted to be a ham radio operator since I was 15, I bought a CB radio in 65 or 66 from a summer job earnings, this filled my passion until I joined the Navy in 68. I tried to learn code and got to 5wpm and even helped run a MARS station on board ship, then for the rest of my life I had too much work and too many beers to work on getting my ham license. Now being retired at age 70 I took the tests and got my general ticket and joined a local ham club, several people that go to club meetings go home and talk on their CB radios, I think there is room for both.
More power to you HAMers. Not to be derogatory, no more so than HAMers attitude towards CBers, but Erik is encouraging CBers to get further involved; without the troubles of fitting in with the snooty nose crowd. There is a single most important aspect of HAM radio I hold above the CB crowd. Etiquette; in terms of the shame in harsh language.
@@gooberminther3tik25 You might have misunderstood me a little, I am a ham that also loves CB, in fact, I talk a lot more on CB than I do on my HAM radio's. When I said there is room for both, I meant that. On my desk is a Yaesu 991a and a Stryker 955HP, I talk to my CB/HAM buddies every night, usually about sports/radio/politics.
@@AdamosDad I never talk politics on the radio, too many people want to argue about it, but i love CB radio.
from
Coyote 451 (AM)
Charlie Tango 216 (Side-band)
@@brianatkinson1399 My sirio 5/8 antenna is only 20 feet up, so mostly around town here in SE Indiana. I have talked some skip mostly down south Baton Rouge and such. I have a Stryker SR 955HP bare foot, but if you hear 148 from the Hoosier State that would be me, mostly on 23 AM My oldest boy is a trucker Unit 51
Had cb in my 20s. Lost interest for almost 30 years. Getting back into it. Love all your vids.
Glad to hear it! Welcome back to the hobby.
There is no “best “ radio, just what’s best for you! In your situation, it sounds like you have your ideal set up!
I’m lucky. I have very active Ham and GMRS repeaters close by. And I have radios that cover those bands. But after watching a few of your videos, I started think about CBs, as well. So when I saw a $2 vintage Realistic CB at a yard sale I grabbed it. I hooked it up to my mag mount antenna from back in the 70s, and for 2 bucks I am back onto the CB band, as well. Not hearing much with a 45 year old mag mount antenna, but I am keeping my eyes open at yard sales. The is a lot of old CB equipment being sold out there!
I am an extra class ham since 85,,,and an avid cber before that,( think lafayette comstat 19),,,and I still love em both,,,cbs got soul,,,and ham has got the room to expand, your radio expertise that is endless,,,like deer huntin with a bow, verses a shotgun,,,,one ain't better,,,just a different side of it,,,,and the whole enchilada, beats bouncing off the walls, in the winter,,,,love em both!!!!!!!😎
I have used both extensively and I can assure you that my Kenwood ts-440 will out talk any other radio I have for CB. I don't want to have to use my good ear up against a radio to make out signals that are fading in and out. I click on the amateur radio and talk reliably everyday to the same people within a 300-500 mile distance. I click on my CB radio and I talk reliably to my friends within 30 miles. I really enjoy both. for a beginner in the hobby I always recommend CB as a way to get started but if you want to be a well rounded operator expand your horizons and learn about HF propagation, antennas, home brewing, and experimenting. amateur radio is as much about talking on the radio as it is learning about radio.
I would love to get back into CB. I only have an old 23 channel now. Thanks for the advice.
I am new to CB. I have a questions. I am new to the hobby! And my family has no idea what it is! They keep saying I am acting like a child and playing with walkie talkies and I need to grow up! They think I am acting strange because I am talking to random people and using radios!
Well they are idiots... Radio is a grown up thing as well as for kids.
If you enjoy it,,,,, enjoy it . simple
In the last month: talked to 15 states, made a hundred contacts and, best of all, did so with a 5/8 wave Super Penatrator, SSB Uniden Bearcat mobile and 20 amp power supply.... As a 30 year HAM guy, I spend most my time on 11 meter. Just more fun for me. :)
It really boils down to just that. Cheap easy fun without the hassle of a HAM test.
I'm seeing a bit of a resurgence of CB use. Just made a contact from my truck to a base 60 some miles away (AM). Had a nice short chat, but he made sure to inform me that was the channel he and several others ran on, and that they were all good guys. They had all run through the 70's CB craze and were trying to re-live it to some extent. So he was pretty excited when a new mystery voice cut through the late night static. I have to admit it brought back some memories for me too although I was knee high to a grasshopper in the 70's.
Bullshit, unless the base ran a beam, and you were running a kw.
Your point is good. I have a McKinley radio for CB operations with a wire dipole that I built from pieces in my junk box. It's nice when the 11m band conditions are good. With a ham license, you can operate on many more frequency bands and learn about RF propagation. You can also operate legally with much greater power (up to 1500 watts) with a ham license. I know that no one seems to enforce the CB regulations, but I sleep better at night knowing that my station won't be confiscated due to illegal equipment. I will always have both radios in my shack because radio is radio.
Not bad points!
Yes, please stay on the CB bands!
Keep cb going, FM is coming soon. I am waiting for some one to release a USA "legal" FM/AM/SSB all in one unit.
@@John336NLT not impressed at all with FM I had it on a radio and the range is not there sideband is where it's at not impressed with FM at all and neither are a lot of other guys
I see more trash talking on the Internet. I'm going back to CB Radio. It represents FREEDOM. And we all know, Americans love Freedom. Thank you for posting this video.
Very true. Unlike the internet or your cell phone, CB actually does offer some small form of anonymity.
Hi Erik, Loved this video and i would some suggestions on what type CB radio to get for my grandson, does not have to be cool just functional Thanks!
My buddy across the street and I got into CB in the late 60's as 10/12 year olds. We learned sooo much good stuff. It kept us out of trouble. We were trying to learn all about antennas. Our neighborhood looked like a fishing net of copper wire we got from old TV and radio transformers. If you have ever seen the movie October Sky, that's kinda what it was like. We learned things from grumpy old men and some nice guys who took the time to talk to us on CB. I used some of that stuff in photography and music. Seems that sound and light waves act the same as radio waves! I'm just getting back into it again and am looking forward to a 1400 mile drive with my new CB. As much as I like my iPhone, I don't think it has the same potential to inspire young people as CB does.
Erik, that's a good video, period. Have been a HAM since 1995, have been an amateur radio operator starting on 11m while I was 15 yo, on a band which is originally (1957 if I remember well ?) legalized as a short distance means of communication for citizens.
Both are great and have different purpose (one for those with higher RF knowledge, HAM bands, needs license ; and the other one for anyone who wants, needs to communicate over a reasonable short, or even medium range, without a license). 11m could be a HAM band just as 10m is, same properties let's say.
CB is what it is, allowed to anyone, and it's a sample of humankind, for sure you'll find dumb folks out there, and you'll also find great people too.
Actually, I love both. And I do have CB radios (vintage models as Lincoln, 7001, 5001, PC33, 500D ... ) along my HAM gear (590SG and so on). There's nothing wrong with that, and I am still puzzled when a HAM says how crap CB is as if they were envious or I don't know exactly.
Still, when I happen to visit 11m, I still have fun, especially with skip, just like on 10, but the ambiance is more FUN, in fact, there's no protocol, you know, it's like a party, do you have to wear your suit (10m) or jeans + T-shirt are just enough (11m) ? Whatever you wear, you can have a crap or a great party, that depends on folks you find there.
An other thing : everyone's on Messenger and so on, right? I still keep telling my colleagues who have no clue about CB, that yes maybe Waze is nice to have, but in my opinion, CB is the fastest and easiest way to get road condition information, not to mention than petting a smartphone screen whilst on the road is rather dangerous, right? (at least worse than just grab a mike).
To finish, each system has its pros and cons, and both HAM and CB are legitimate.
Indeed, 50 bucks can get you on the air, as well as 250 with a used HAM radio ; same 250 can get you a nice new CB radio, but that's only 11m without the potential of the other bands if one wants to get their ticket later on.
I almost forgot! : CB is NOT dead, and won't die ! :) Actually some HAM bands have more chance to die, see what i mean?
I have been in the CB radio talking on them since 1977 and I still talk on them, but mostly DX . That was the only reason I got one in the first place was to shoot skip. Years ago there use to be a lot of people on it to talk local with in the evening, but now when I flip through 40 channels it is dead. There are only two local guys I QSO with who live over on the Bog island, we often chat on LSB 27.385 mhz. I have always enjoyed 11 meter band radio
Thanks Eric! I finally got my mobile unit installed, had an old 40 channel I dusted off and stumbled on two whip antennas with cables for $17 a radio shack clearance. I'm in Hawaii, looking forward to move of your videos!
Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!
I spoke to a CBer in Turks and Caicos islands on USB from Philadelphia with my trusty Superstar 3600 with a "lousy" Shakespeare antenna. No heater either but I got one in case I need it . I'm not saying it's better than HAM for that but it can do similar job in the right conditions. I know guys that never use linear but get out far and often because of what they got topside. Antenna is imo the biggest factor.
I just now found your channel. I’m an old CBer and current Ham KF4PCH. Could you do a video if you haven’t already explaining what skip is. I used to sit on the local mountain top near the Smokies and shoot skip usually before or after a rain shower. Anyway hello I’m Johnny and yes from the Smokies.
I will do that. I've been meaning to talk about skip for a while now, but haven't been able to put it all together.
has to do with the cloud cover. When the clouds are low the signal bounces off them and you can get out further than if it was clear and the signal is less contained and goes more straight up. Think of it in terms of like a ceiling (the clouds) and if you throw a ball at the ceiling it will come back down but in cb land that means it will come back down far away also not just on your QTH (stupid ham talk lol)
oh really? here we can clearly see that RF does bounce off water vapor , which obviously can also mean clouds:
Refraction
In addition to RF signals being absorbed or bounced (via reflection or scattering), if certain conditions exist, an RF signal can be bent in a behavior known as refraction. A straightforward definition of refraction is the bending of an RF signal as it passes through a medium with a different density, thus causing the direction of the wave to change.
RF refraction most commonly occurs as a result of atmospheric conditions. The three most common causes of refraction are water vapor , changes in air temperature, and changes in air pressure.
In an outdoor environment, RF signals typically refract slightly back down toward the earth’s surface. However, changes in the atmosphere may cause the signal to bend away from the earth.
In long-distance outdoor wireless bridge links, refraction can be an issue. An RF signal may also refract through certain types of glass and other materials that are found in an indoor environment. Figure 5 show several examples of refraction. setup-wireless.blogspot.com/2008/11/radio-frequency-behaviors.html
I'm not sure about clouds in all respect. You get skip on clear days to
Erik, once again on the money. Since getting back into CB a year ago and searching youtube for info, yours is the best channel I have found. I found one very annoying condescending fool on a channel called NotARubicon, who is forever trashing CB's and hawking the virtues of GMRS as the next great thing in radio. I just don't see it. It suffers from the same infirmities as Ham in that it requires repeaters to get any great range, and there only 1/10 the number of GMRS licensees out there as there are Ham. So if no one is out there in the HAM world with 750,000 licensed operators, who are these GMRS people talking to with only 80,000 users? The FCC should just let us legally have 12 or 25 watts on the regular 40 CB channels and call it a day.
Thanks for the kind words! I've never heard of that other guy, but it sounds like I am not missing anything!
As a ham myself I think there is a use for both. CB allows you to be less informal while still operating within a basic set of rules. Ham on the other hand has so many rules and formalities it tends to turn off some people. Lingo you can use on CB will get eyebrow raises over ham frequencies. All things considered again I'm of the belief that both have their place. Hell I started with CB and GMRS which is what helped fuel my drive to get my ham license.
I agree. Cb is the gateway into all things radio.
one thing's for sure CB is not dead I'm 48 years old I grew up with Seabees in the 70s 80s and 90s been away for a long time just now starting to set one back up and start listening it really amazes me how many people are still on the 40 Channel radio I don't have ham license but I purchased one of them little Baofeng radios I live near Louisville Kentucky I can pick up Williamsburg repeater without any problem but there's just not that many people on ham.
Some areas Are hopping with HAM on 2M but CB is still the king. I'd bet there are 3 or 4 times as many casual CB users as there are HAM. It comes down to money and availability of cheap equipment.
Good points, Erik. If nothing else... CB Radio is a good intro to other radio endeavors for those who enjoy it.
I have been a ham for years, and I also/still enjoy CB radio, even in 2020. CB is still a great way to get into the radio hobby - and yes it can definitely be less expensive than amateur radio, especially wrt HF equipment. There are two possible benefits to taking the hobby farther and considering amateur radio (IMO). First, studying for your license will help you to understand the technology better, allowing you to make better, or perhaps more interesting decisions about equipment - also help you to understand limitations, and set proper expectations. Admittedly you do not have to get your license to do that; you can study on your own, but the material the ARRL provides is both exhaustive and helpful. Second, it seems like there is still a lot of activity on VHF and UHF, really around the world - I have taken my 2m/70cm HT with me to Peru, China, the UK, and all over the US and I am always able to find repeaters with lots of people who also like to communicate (and nets). CB is great, and so is amateur radio! :) Also, do not forget FRS/GMRS. Like ham radio, I have maintained a GMRS license for many years and we often use those radios for hiking or even trips to the mall. When the kids were younger they used to love taking something that looked like a cell phone with them.
I’m impressed, Getting Mexico from North Carolina with a CB radio! Wow⚡️👍🏼
I’m lucky to be able to enjoy both ! Here in Spokane Valley Washington, there are several repeater’s systems and ham club’s to work with ! I have both base and mobile capabilities for CB and Ham but , most importantly, there is an enthusiasm for each and with I 90 running right through middle of it ,CB is always fun to monitor and engage . With either set up you never know what you will find when you have time to sit down and invest some time into making a contact , especially without a repeater ! That is the real art of the hobby ! Unfortunately the sophistication of cell technology has distracted many from the hobby and left some areas and communities , Ike yours apparently, with less communication options. Thanks Erick . Enjoy your videos
I have an old Superstar 3600, it's got FM band as well as SSB. I never really used the FM band all but one time with a buddy of mine. No one ever discusses that band and would like to hear what you have to say about it. Great vid and I agree completely.
fm on 11m is illegal and on most of the 10m band it is restricted to the very top end of the 10m band where you must have a ham license to use there are a lot of 10m repeaters that can allow you to talk to some places that will suprise you. i have talked to guys 200miles away by going thru a repeater 1500 miles away all on 5 to 10 watts
c
I'm in the UK and a ham . I used to have a full 100watt hf and vhf setup but got fed up of the bigger boys stomping all over me so I sold it all and bought a ranger 2950 . 24 to 30 mhz . still got a couple of ham bands but when dead I get to go on ssb cb . Does me
I ran 100 watts with a end fed antenna. I run with the big boys. No problems here. On Vhf come on. Most radios on Vhf use a repeater.
Andrew Nevill I think you got it backwards CB is where they stomp all over you not on ham radio I think you're just trolling
It's all about intensity. If someone wants to reach out for the shear intensity of distance and accomplishing that, so be it, go for it. For someone that accepts the added expense that goes along with that capability - that's a personal experience. Like any hobby, it's a very personal thing designed to enjoy and embellish the wants. I enjoy my CB, being a retired trucker covering coast to coast and the lower 48. Nice to talk local with locals. I can appreciate the knowledge and expertise that it takes to go full bore into HAM radio and the reasons for that expertise. In my neighborhood, folks kept in touch with family hit by the recent burst of hurricanes only by a network of good people who where HAMS. I couldn't do that with my CB, but then CB wasn't designed to reach out beyond certain limits. To each his/her own and enjoy.
So I bought a cobra 29 for my dad and I. 5’ fiber glass antenna for our trucks. Our SWR was around 1.5 and we could only talk to each other at most 2 miles away. We needed at least 4 miles for the distance because of where he lives and how far our town is from each of our houses. Would a 10 meter not be a good thing to get?
In another video you mentioned SSB wasn’t great for vehicles. We really want a radio in our vehicle
I had a CB Base station SSB back in 1975-1986. I had a Starduster antenna and off the mountain I was on could talk on the 1-40 channels over several counties. On SSB I could talk to other states and got few cards back from people I talked to the farthest I think was Newfoundland I received a card. I haven’t touched a CB radio in 35 years and have no idea who is using what now. I have a Ham radio club in my county and there are repeaters close to me. I am retired 66 yrs old and the cost of ham radio seems out of my fixed income reach. Those guys don’t have much opinion of CB radios and most think it only has channel 19? Can you still talk SSB a upper and lower like I did back in the 1970’s? Can you find a base station and antenna for less the $300 anymore that just won’t talk local? Appreciate any info, advice, links…etc
There are some hams that will not give you the time of day. You can still get people on SSB,and you can find a decent radio and antenna for your budget. If you have a ham fest near you, go check it out. You can find great deals
Good luck
I agree, Eric. I'm a ham operator and have been since 1994 but just recently got into cb. I'd rather be on the cb. It's more laid back. I've tried talking on some repeaters and get an attitude from those on frequency. I also have the capability to talk on just about every frequency out there, just in case!
Always good to have to ability to do something, even it you never do.
great vid! I'm looking at getting in to one or the other. Off the top, it looks like HAM is more of an investment (time and money). $85 for the class, test and license. Then you have the gear to contend with. Might be best for me to go the CB route to see if it suffices. I'm mainly looking for localized comms (well, as far as a 10mi radius if possible). I don't think I'll need to talk to a space station or France. I'm just not sure if CB will will work for 10mi and or clear comms w/out too much chatter.
I always recommend people start off with CB and see if that spikes an interest. If 2 years from now you are on the air all the time then maybe it's time to look into HAM.
Good point Eric, by the way I really like your introduction song do you add to it as you go along or is it just a song with several lyrics?
I'm in Canada. Just getting into CB. Bought a unidean bearcat 880 and just bought a president McKinley because it's SSB. But even on the 880 with the crappiest antenna ( I now have a better one just need to hook it up). I was getting signal( skip) from New York, west coast of USA , east coast and even picked up Mexico. I'm looking forward to getting the better antenna up.
Thanks for the video. I like your style. My first experience with CB radio, SSB, "shooting skip" was very impressive. I was at a friends house, and he fired up his system. There were supposedly some illegal aspects to his set up. I forget the terminology he used, but there was a box he had that jacked up the output wattage. He also had a power mike. He also had a toggle switch on the side of the unit that he had installed by a "friend" and would refer to as the "funny channels". I think CB is awesome, still. Your video is very inspirational, but I have way too many hobbies right now.
I got my start DXing the broadcast band with a Panasonic Panapet, ball AM radio that I got for Christmas. I moved on to CB, using a Johnson Messenger 123B with a 110 to 13V power supply, and a quarter wave ground plane, Antenna Specialist Starduster Antenna. I talked with all of my high school buddies, and some of the locals in my town. During my senior year in HS, I studied for my General class ham radio license, and passed. Never went back to CB.
Today, I do have a CB in case of the poop hitting the fan. It's my old Johnson 123B that still works. I also picked up a Johnson 223 AM base for free. I have CB because my ham station needs to be prepared for anything.
Having said that, I strongly prefer Ham over CB, and I don't think price is an issue. You can buy a 65 watt, Kenwood 144 MHZ, FM radio for $137. A dual bander? $350. Add a 110 to 13 V power supply for $100. You can build our own antenna, or buy one for $100, and another $100 for coax. I can talk all over New England into NY, and even Canada on 50 watts. Less if I put up a beam.
That's the same money you'd spend on a CB, and you won't have to deal with swearing (mostly), fifty million people talking at once, noise, heterodynes, pingers, obnoxious echo boxes, people farting into the mic, and fake southern accents.
It's true that if you get into HF (the long distance stuff), a new radio is going to run you $1000 to $1500 easily. You then have to add power supply, coax, antennas, microphones, etc.
And because you have to sit for a license exam, it tends to filter out some of the undesirables.
I wish the CB band would clean itself up, but I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.
Finally, I hooked up the Johnson to my Windom antenna, and tuned it to 27 mhz. I heard one guy about 12 miles away. No other traffic.
Good points in this post. Thanks for your comments. I guess for me the HF stuff is the only part of HAM that still interests me so I think big $$ when I think HAM. 10 and 2m are dead as can be around here so 11 is the only cheap way to get on the air for many of us rural folks.
So happy I found you channel! Nice job! Coming to you from New Brunswick, Canada!
I really like CB, started radio with it in the 80s! However, it will not do the same thing as amateur radio, not even close. The 11m band is at the top of HF and will only work at certain times when there is propagation. Lower bands on Ham radio are open most of the time to somewhere. An amateur radio HF setup can cost as little as $200 for SSB and much lower if one is willing to learn Morse code. There is no need for an amp on HF and simple wire antennas are dirt-cheap to make. For fun, sure, CB is great. It could even save your ass in an emergency, and I'd suggest anyone to get one, even Ham operators. For reliable communications, nothing beats the lower bands, 80 and 40m. Digital modes and Morse beat any voice modes on any frequency.
Its the people which makes the hobby fun long live boath jg
Exactly different strokes for different folks. Find some good people on HAM or CB and go with it.
ITS hard for a ham 4 me to get on cb what do i use for call letters what are the rules i have a special type acpt radio some folks mod there radios my thousand dollar radio dont transmitt there if i mod my radio i could loose my ham ticket we had 11 mtrs and lost it ..There should be a cross over license but there is not there shoud not be hard fealings but co operation between ham s and cb chould be promoted jg
Hi Eric. Good videos and info on your channel. Im not a ham, but I do have a GMRS license and a handheld CB. I feel CB and GMRS are the place to be. Not everyone is willing to take the technician test for ham. Everyone has a CB or FRS/GMRS radio. I a SHTF situation with CB and GMRS you will almost always be able to contact someone. Would like to here your thoughts on that now in 2021. Maybe a video on GMRS vs CB. Thanks for making the videos. Stay safe. - Joe
I'm working on some side by side comparisons.
Ive got a Gmrs license & there’s not much conversation here in San Diego…sometimes I listen to 70cm just to hear people talk😂.
Most of the Gmrs guys I know have lots of radios, but don’t do more than check in on our local repeater…I wish they talked more
That is the largest problem with all radio. No one keys up anymore!
@@FarpointFarms such a bummer, I hear some ham guys on 70cm rag chewing…I’m thinking of starting a daily check in or a weekly simplex net on my local Gmrs repeater…something has to give lol
I hadn't seen this video until now, but you bring up some very good points. I considered for a long time getting into ham radio, but in order to use it in the same way that my family uses CB radio I would have to license myself, my wife, my mom, we'd all have to buy ham radios and matching antennas, etc. Sure, with a legal amplifier and a repeater we could get a lot more range out of a ham radio, but I can talk base to mobile with our barefoot CBs over most of this county, and I don't have to spend crazy amounts of money on all new equipment and making sure everybody I want to talk to gets licensed when all they really want to do is be able to remind me to grab some milk on the way home from work or something. Aside from socializing I also use it pretty regularly to communicate with truckers coming through the area, or at the very least to keep tabs on road conditions.
Most of the active hams I've talked to (not all) have been rude and condescending, and a lot of the ones who are just regular guys end up transitioning back to CBs. On top of that, most of the locals around here that I care to talk to other than my immediate family are all on CB, so I figure the best thing I can do is continue to educate myself as if I were a ham and pass that knowledge on to others who might be interested in CB radios, :-)
I like CB and HAM Radio. The best of both worlds....!
I'm in the process of building both a six meter jpole and a two meter vertical dipole, thought about stringing up a horizontal dipole and getting a ssb cb.Been a few years since I messed with one
I got my start with CB as a truck driver and will always own one. I am also a Tech Ham and with that it grants me Echolink over RF and internet to almost anywhere in the planet.
I do have a 10m rig and a stack of pirate11m radios I've gathered over the years I'm not willing to part with. CB is far from dead even though it's not as healthy as it should be it's low barrier of entry does allow far more trash to end up on the air but not everyone can have class and such I guess. I don't really expect to upgrade my license any time soon to general and my only drive to do so is so I can run my 10m rig to it's full power of 1.5kw as I'm currently limited to 200w ssb only. However like I said with a sub $200 dollar radio and an old computer running echolink I can use my HT anywhere on my property to talk anywhere in the world that is echolink equipped. There are nets and groups that I talk with weekly over echolink with some of the nodes on the east coast that can hit multiple states at once. There is also another network of linked repeaters I rather enjoy where I can talk to damn near the entire east coast at once.
I'm not a "You must do this or that" kinda person. Radio is a hobby for the most part and another tool in the toolbox for when SHTF that will pay for itself when it is needed and used properly. I will remind everyone that Radio is like Religion. It does not matter what religion you follow as long as it brings something of value into your life.
I'm a former CB'er and current ham operator. My biggest problem with CB vs Ham is that I'm limited to power output of 4 watts on CB and only 40 channels. With 12 watts PEP on SSB, even that is usually not enough to be heard on a crowded CB channel. In an emergency, I'd probably be more inclined to use ham radio.
Great video thanks not sure about ground plane could you please explain
I'll work on a short video explaining how ground planes work.
As a ham of many years I tend to agree with you. The entry into the ham world now is two meters which is almost dead in my area. Tons of repeaters but no one talking other than a net operation nightly then everyone's gone afterward. HF bands are full of trash and contesters for the most part and some groups are quite clique oriented. I find my self having nice conversations in the late evenings on CB SSB with people within about 40 mile range using legal power and a Hy-Gain superpenatrator antenna at about 40 feet.
Those have been my experiences as well.
You right about finding great radios cheap. A few years ago I got a Galaxy 95T2 for $20
They are out there, you just need to be patient. I have seen some radios at ham fests listed for $70 when the guy 3 tables down is selling it for $30
I started with CB in 1968. Its was a different animal compared to today. I still have a few CB radios around and I occasionally turn one on and talk to a few local guys, BUT I would never give up my ticket or the amateur radio hobby over citizens band radio. Ive been licensed for 35 years and can never accomplish what Ive done on the HF bands, Satellites, RTTY, Slow Scan TV etc if my only avenue was 11 meter cb radio.
There are a few good people on CB, but you can not compare the amount of jerks on CB to the few on the Ham bands. And most congregate on one frequency. CB is ok, but Amateur Radio is more fun and exciting with many aspects of the hobby available compared to being trapped on 11 meters. Especially with the bottom sun spot cycle. On CB, you have to wait for DX to find you, on the Ham bands, its easy to find DX.
What would I rather do, look for rare DX across the entire radio spectrum on whichever mode I desire to use, or being stuck on 11 meters, having 5 second DX contacts with 10,000 others stepping all over eachother, or having audio competitions with other cbers, who think loud raspy distorted echo audio is the next best thing since sliced bread? Thank you, I'll keep my ham ticket.
All my opinion of course, but you can not compare apples and oranges.
Yes it's Ann older video, but this is a good place to ask as any.
I have some gmrs handhelds for simplex, and use local repeaters.
Thing is, what if the repeaters go down..
Note that I'm in a very hilly area, so line of sight is often quite limited.
So for greater simplex range, is it better to use cb ssb ,or a 50 watt gmrs rig?
If your relying on repeaters to be working in a crisis, that's a bad Idea. A simple CB may have more limited range overall, but there will be many more of them on the air in an emergency if it comes to that.
@@FarpointFarms I agree.
That's why I'm asking, for simplex in a hilly area, is a 50 watt gmrs better in theory than CB SSB (that can bounce)
Great Videos. When switching from CB to SSB and using the same antenna would this affect the swr to the point that a second antenna would be needed.
Eric CB is Not Dead I own a CB radio in Hawaii there not as many people on CB as Ham I'm currently trying to get my Ham License But I'm still going to keep my CB radio on the Side Just in Case the Ham radio Don't work Keep talking and there are some really Nice People like me watching keep up the good work Aloha from Hawaii, LOL
victor sdunek hey I've talked to Hawaii before on cb, are you the one I hear saying aloha a lot? If so I've talked with you maybe, I am in Utah
I have contacted Alaska,Hawaii, UK, Japan, Barbados, Brazil..... 11M has propagation.
victor sdunek yes theirs room for both , it's not one or the other. Have both
HAM radio really does suck!! I know a lot about C.B. but not ham I got my General about a year and a half ago I HAVE BEEN TRYING EVERY SENSE to find someone to help me get it to work, I have a 1 1/2 year old Yaesu Fli**ing radio I bought New when I made the mistake to upgrade !!! As WELL !!!!
Mike Hannahs 261 Canyon Hopper a
It all depends on what your looking for. HF is great because you can listen and talk all around the world. I bought a used HF radio, endFed Antenna and coax for $500. You can get a cheap Chinese radio for $30 and work VHF/UHF repeaters very easily with ham and depending where you live access many repeaters.
Nope Cb not dead in UK either,SSB becoming quite popular here now its AM\SSB & NFM legal here.
I often here the ch34 LSB net in UK when conditions right.
Im licensed ham too ,but for me CB is more useful for general comms with wife or friends its got its place and because you don't need a ticket its easy for anyone to have a go.
We use them on vacations,camping,beach,walks,cycling for point to point comms and long range stuff camp base to car.
Most of my friends aint interested in HAm radio,CB is just a means to communicate
WE also use UHF PMR446 here 0.5Watt,bit like FRS
The one thing CB does lack is higher power legally (30-50watts) to give you a bit more solid coverage,where on Ham you do have legally can go higher power and and semi duplex repeaters.
WE are quite lucky here in UK\EU land as Super Narrow FM (2.00khz deviation) is a option we can use on 27mhz CB and works extremely well audio quality wise for local mobile\portable to base,bit like Low-band VHF.
CTCSS and DCS is also available hereon CB radio legally just like ham kit.
CB Parrot repeater and VOIP gateways are popping up in UK and EU land on CB further extending ranges.
CB equipment in UK has become very small and compact sizes and of much better build quality for what prices you are pay for if its just general comms your after without a lot of licensing hassles,it is free in UK and most parts of EU land.
I think its free in USA and you have VHF CB as well MURS?
CB a good place to start from I would say,I learnt a lot from CB radio before getting ham ticket so cant knock it for that.
DX nets are quite becoming popular in UK and at time sound like HAM 2m vhf nets in radio etiquette and I meet a lot of ex hams down there for local chit chat too!
I think cb can offer a lot of plus benefits to ham in some ways depends on what your using the 2 systems for and expectations of equipment,modes and RF power.
CB in the UK had a rough start to life to start with cb back in early 1980's
It was frowned upon by many hams,radio magazines,police,government MPs,a very bad waste land at end of fad in 90's too and not treated very well from start,seen more as a toy fad thing.
Thankfully views are changing and CB bands quite useable now,generally well behaved in my location CB radio is more useful to me than ham in its operation role,it has its place.
Us oldies always try to help and educate new cbers as mentors in my area so they can learn new skills,if some asks me,I would suggest ham radio as a route to expand on.
We have in my area a lot of good cbers,lot of ex hams and the odd nutter.
Some of the iphone crowd of youngsters really enjoying cb radio hobby for first time and I try to encourage that and help them as they seem very keen on 2 way radio.
yes on odd occasions the morons come out the woodwork,but not any different I've heard on Ham too either!
From a technical standpoint Ham does offer you a chance to build.learn and tryout homebrew radio kit,More bands mlearn about electronics if you choice too,plus many other aspects of radio.
where cb wasn't really geared up for this as a different service type.
For someone who enjoys electronics and all thing techy Ham radio can be a great way to learn more about radio from HF to SHF bands and moved me into Land Mobile Radio professional career wise.
Generally learn better radio procedures (not in all cases lol) and have access to VHF,UHF and HF bands,the downside you mates cant just go unsupervised and non licensed to go on air at drop of hat like cb radio.
Most of the VHF and UHF ham bands very quiet in my location too,so tend to stick to 6m FM repeater on odd occasions and HF 7mhz UK use,Im not into DXing Comps 5-9 types
Ham has it place too,it certainly helped me,if there one negative aspect i didn't like about Ham not so much now was the elitists and snobbish attitudes towards ex cbers and radio kit they use,funny most hams came from cb radio ,but just quietly forgot not to be associated tut tut.Also a certain breed of self appointed twit,you get them in all clubs put them in a fluorescent jacket with a badge and it all goes to there heads and self importance factor,the social aspects of HAM weren't high on my list from my experiance and best avoided.
I think both services offer pros & cons it all depends on what you need and yes in some cases do you really need a high end HF\VHF radio to talk 20-30 miles LOS away to your buddies when a ssb cb can used and a bit cheaper,hmmm?
73's rob
rpcomms1 Hi Rob what part of the UK are you located in ? im near Portsmouth Hampshire and apart from a handful of operators cb is pretty much dead 73s
Some say CB is dead, but in grid down, it will be worth its weight in gold, and there will be many using it because mobile phones and internet may be switched off and-or emp dammaged. There is also FRS radios and "Baofeng" radios to consider. All can assist each other to send distant messages, and a person on a mountain can repeat received messages over it to other people.
I agree, people have short memories when it comes to communications going down. One big storm that knocks out power and the cell towers are gone in a day or two. The battery backups only last so long.
I have talked all over the world on 27mhz C. B band if you will. Not for a long time now. My 148gtl modified D104 antron 99 and a 250watt kicker, Push pull did very well for me, I lived on an acreage,, sideband is where its at, More range when it comes to skip
But I cut my teeth with a.m radio
👍🇨🇦🍁
darrell...all your accomplishes were illegal.
I was a big CBer back in the 80s and 90s. Including a Cobra 2000 base at home and Cobra 148gtl in the pickup. They were both modified to include unlocked clarifier, extra channels and power tuned. About 1995, I sold out and never had any radios until just recently. I used SSB as well as AM. Since I got rid of my cell phone, I decided to get back into radio to have something in my SUV that I could use for emergencies on the road and general company on long trips. I jumped in with both feet and decided to begin studying for an amateur radio license. I have purchased the President Lincoln ll+, 10meters/12meters, and have the seller include the CB(11 meters) band. That way, I can enjoy the CB band until I obtain my amateur license. The initial antenna, is the Stryker SR-A10 magnet mount. I have it tuned for the CB band. I have only done a dead key on 10 & 12 meters to check the SWR and I know to stay off those frequencies until I am properly licensed. I would, however, like to find a way to use the same antenna for all three bands. Since the Stryker is a coil base-loaded with a 60" stainless steel whip, I thought about buying two more whips and using those to try to tune for a decent SWR on the amateur bands. I could just switch out the whips for TX when I get my license. But every time I enquire about this with any amateur operator who posts videos, it seems that there is a very negative stigma attached to CB radio. To a point, that if you plan to use CB, amateurs don't even want to talk to you. They pretend that 11 meters doesn't even exist and they know nothing about it. Now, I know, since CB was deregulated, the language and lack of any radio discipline has gone crazy. I don't want to hear all of the vulgar language either. But there are still respectable people on CB; especially SSB. Basically; my admission that I even have the CB band in my amateur radio, makes me somehow less of a human being and not welcome among the amateur radio family. I have always been very professional with my radio communications. I have 6 years experience as an Expeditionary Airfield Technician in the Marine Corps, where I operated land-based arresting gear to stop tailhook aircraft. I communicated by radio with ATC and also ground control. After that, I served as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, communicating by radio with law enforcement, fire and EMS. I also served as a volunteer EMT/firefighter, communicating by radio with dispatch and hospitals. I think I have earned respect from ALL radio operators; whether it be CB or amateur; and I frankly don't understand the animosity I have received from amateur operators, simply because I also like CB. Where I live, in West Virginia, there are very few amateur operators and I need CB as well. Sorry; I didn't mean to use your video to vent, but I am a little offended by the lack of respect I have received from some amateur operators, simply I chose to include CB in my amateur radio.
Hi I value your input I'm planning on getting ham...you do make some good points
How do you reach out as far as you do
Been watching lots of your videos, very informative thanks!
im in South Africa running an old stalker xv
really having fun with the radio
It cost me R2500 for my setup. 5/8 bottom loaded but have to lift it more.
Im always on 25 26 and 27 USB and 19 AM
Thank you for all you do for us. 😃😃😃
You are so welcome
A lot of it has to do with where you live, and what you want to do. I live in a pretty rural area, similar to your area Eric. However here we have a fairly active group of HAMs on 2 meters. For around $300 you can get a decent 2m rig and antenna, and have a good time on local nets and simplex talks. I have both a CB setup, and HAM radios, love them both and both have a place.
Yes works a treat when the 11 year sunspot cycle is OK but the downside is without skip cb radio is as much use as a choccy tea pot. 11 meters is dead over here in the uk for local contacts majority of users now use the Internet or the uk uhf pmr system normally a closed network using ctcss or dsc encode.
Hi, Eric maybe hear you shooting Skip one night. I don't know anything about Ham radio, can't afford it anyway 👍🎙️
So I am thinking the same thing, however I am considering a radio like the Stryker SR-955 (under $500) that also supports 10-meter in case I ever want to get ham certified. This way I wouldn't have to buy another radio for ham if I went that route. Just wondering if you have any opinions for someone who is entertaining the thought of getting certified.
The 955 is a GREAT radio that does it all.
Just passed my ham exam tech toady so happy
LOL....so true, in all the years I had both, I talked further, with more reliability, and actually met better people on 11 meters than I ever did on 2, 6 or 10 meters. on 11 meters, if you needed help with an antenna, you just put out a call and offered free beer. on those other bands, they wanted to know what class license you held, which radio you had, and who made the free beer, and did it include hot wings.
So nice...I use Cb radio from my 12 years old. My father buy me a Cobra 🐍 base with directional Antenna and 100 watt linear. But I have problems with my neighbors because I go through inalambric telephone. Ice cream Truck speaker 🔈. But I enjoy those days.
I am back in business and buy some good equipment...👍🐍
He is right. I was a ham operator for 25 years. Even before the morse code was relaxed,amateur radio went straight to the dogs. I get better conversations on CB radio. The radio chatter on 40 and 80 meters in amateur radio is pure crap.
Hi as a General class HAN I am saddened to hear you let your license expire. I am also a CB enthusiast. My Cobra base station looks a lot like yours. I agree CB is easier and cheaper to get into. However, I don't think 11 meter CB compares to the HAM HF band selection.
However, it was your choice, and I respect you for the choice you made. Perhaps some day I'll find you on LSB, Take care. Dave
I plan on go getting it back sometime this summer.
I think the cost issue can be a factor, but you can buy a Baofang 2M HT for $30. You can throw together a vertical dipole or elevated groundplane for free. Yes, there's licensing and such, and if all you want to do is chat, then the hassle may not be worth it. It's all in what you want to do, but money doesn't have to be the overriding concern. The glaring problem with CB in terms of experience is that you're limited to 27 MHz. With Amateur Radio, you can work around the lower solar activity with many other bands/modes that aren't as dependent on Sporadic-E or higher solar flux values. Having that flexibility is more than worth it if communication over distance is an activity you enjoy.
What are your feels on getting CB radios peaked and tuned. I’m looking at getting one from CB world.
Usually it's not needed, but it can help a small amount.
Eric, to change the subject, I have a Midland 75-785 handheld that comes with a 13.8 volt 2-2.5 amp car charger adapter. When I put fresh alkaline battery's about 14.5 volts of power, (so my question) do you think I would hurt the radio by using my home ac/dc power adapter that gives out 14.8 volts 2 amps on low setting? Thank you for your video's I am new to cb's and have learned a lot.