28 days ago I came across your channel and 28 days later I have 28 radios. You sir have caused me to get into trouble with the misses. I will forgive but will never forget.
I use to work in telecom. Can't say for sure if it applied to all carriers, however the company I worked for required all cell sites to have a minimum of 8hrs battery backup, including the ones that had generator backup. During hurricane Ike, all techs were issued a CB radio so we could communicate and coordinate priority cell site repairs. Ike knocked out an estimated 80% of all cellular coverage in the Houston Gulf Coast area.
It may very. The tower I rely on has gone down a couple years during a severe storm. Our power was out for 3 days and the cell tower signal didn't return until the 4th day but it wasn't working. It was like you're connected the tower, but the service going to the tower wasn't working. Started working on about the 7th day. Then, about 2 months lateranother storm came and only took the power out for 9 hours but again no cell service until the power came back.
@@ryanzessinger8062 battery backup and generator backup only means that the cell site has power. It does not mean it has service. Don't think people realize cellphones rely on T-1s or 10/100 to make the call. If the storm damaged the local T carrier provider's system that the cell site uses, then it won't have back haul to the MTXO (Cell provider switch). Cell sites are not peer to peer. Your UE (cellphone) sends a signal to the antenna at the cell site, from the antenna the signal travels down to the BTS, where usually some kind of control module routes it out to the T carrier's circuit office, then from there to your cellphone carrier's MTXO. From there it is routed to its destination. (Simple of explanation as I can make it) The cell site can be radiating a signal, but if the signal path is severed you will not be able to make calls or send text. Also, VSWR, the storm probably damaged the antennas and/or the RF lines. Again it could be radiating a signal, but not a usable signal.
The thing that is weird is if it was a legal radio, your range was probably like 5-6 miles? It's better then trying to yell to the guy on the pole over, but that still isn't a whole lot of communication.
In AUS, 8 hours, at most… The amount of traffic on a single tower here is a good day 3-4 hours. The battery life on this system is dependent on huge budget cuts. And now ddos is now another factor on burning power…
I've been playing around with CB for the first time today with a crappy little dipole that is way too small for this wave length. I'm also at the bottom of a hill. Still, I was hearing folks from northern Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas and I'm all the way in NC. 11 meter travels well!
Cell phones are only good for contacting people in your address book. CB radio is for everyone so you have a much greater chance for information then modern technology. Great video!
Hey Eric the Cb radio is such a great hobby as a 58 yr old male it truly was my generation’s true social media back in the mid to late 70s it was only 23 channels until 1977/78 I was 13 at the time and it seemed like every other house on my city block had a cb antenna on the roof. My first radio in 1977 was a midland 23 channel that was about the size of a wallet with the display on top not on the front can’t even remember the model # and I had a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna. I talked to many people with that setup. By 1980 and entering high school I now had a 40 channel radio and the airwaves were full of people young old boy girl it didn’t matter and because of the Cb radio I met a girl a town over from me talking on her parents Cb that was 43 years ago this February 2023 and in March we will be married 34 years all because of a Cb craze way back. I got away from the base station set up after dating took over and then marriage then kids and their sports but never fully got away from Cb because I’m a local truck driver and have one in my truck which I use daily. A few years ago my wife’s aunt gave me her late husband’s cobra 1000 base station from the 80s and that got my wheels turning again to establish a home base setup. And in fact I did last year when I purchased a cobra 2000 gtl base over the phone at an estate sale in another state. It was the radio I always wanted as a kid but just never had the opportunity to get one. Everyone who knows about Cb radios knows the cobra2000 was always a favorite. So getting back on the base station after being away for over 40 years and talking skip is a lot of fun but most of all because of a CB RADIO 2 teens met, dated, got engaged, got married , had 2 children THE CB RADIO WAS A BLESSING IN MY LIFE !!
My story was similar but never hit as far. I was at a friends house and we used his brother's CB Radio, I'd just left England fir Canada and thought this was fab. We hit chatting with these cute sounding girls fir a few days. We soon agreed to meet as they were from other side if town. We were all on 5 or 10 speed bikes. They weren't the most attractive girls except this cute blonde with braces. My friend wanted to leave and I wondered why, as I was trying to get closer to Blondie, he hit mad and took off so I apologized telling them thanks fur meeting and we'd talk soon. They must have felt rejected as they never really spoke much and my heart sank.I have never forgotten that cute blonde and wonder what could have been? It turns out my friend grew up to be gay. Lessons here us Never listen to your friend if you find someone who interests you!
Used to sit in my dad's truck, back in the late 70s, for hours talking on his radio. One of the few things I really wanted after he died. Gawd he'd be mad the next morning when the truck wouldn't start to go to work.
I am 44 years old and back when I was growing up. CB was basically our cellphone and internet as kids now have today. The internet had just been started but unless, you remember how to use DOS and wait forever... It was much faster and more convenient to grab the radio!
GREAT story. CB in the seventies. Good memories. Especially if teenager during that lovely time. Was driving 9 hours each way at 17 to and from helicopters that took me to and from 1 and 2 week shifts on oil platforms in the gulf . Sure did piss off a lot of truckers with my big mouth. I still remember over the radio "HEY THERE HE IS !!" and then try to run me off the road. LOL. Great memories
The first time I keyed the mike, I was 12 years old.I'm 64 now, and I have a 23 channel GM original equipment CB,a 40 channel Cobra mobile, and a 40 channel Navaho base/mobile.In all honesty I haven't fired them up in a while (since the early 90s) but this video has rekindled my interest! Thanks!
I am a Ham and I agree with you 100%. I got my start in CB radio in the late 70s and still enjoy it today. Many times it has helped me on the road, precisely how you stated it. Thanks for the video.
I’m also a ham licensed since 1990. I will agree that CB radio is a good hobby to get into to test the waters. and I also know from experience that when I come across a traffic jam on the road, I know I have a better chance of getting a hold of someone on CB versus ham radio.
CB radio is one thing that got me interested in radio and into ham radio. I still have a CB in the shack and one in my truck for the exact reason you said about traffic updates.
OMG, just came across your video on CB radios. I’m 70 now and have sold literally hundreds of thousands CB radios. I was in retail during the switch from 23 channel to 40 channel and later was a distributor in the SE US, for unidentified, Cobra, and Midland radios. We sold both domestically and internationally. What fond memories of those days I have. Thanks!
@@rezzer7918 Uniden and Cobra probably come from the same factory Midland may be different. I would decide on features that you want then find the best deal. Good luck!
@@Bob-lz4bz There are somewhere north of 40 million CB radios in the USA alone. Seriously. That many were sold with new ones being sold everyday. There wouldn't be 8 different CB radio makers if these didn't still sell like hotcakes.
I am one of your ham radio followers. I just purchased my first CB radio. I have felt that communication is key and part of being prepared is covering all of your bases. Thanks for keeping us informed. I live in Central NC and hope to hear you in the future. Cheers!
I still have my old GE CB radio that I bought in 1971, and it still works. It was great for getting road conditions, reporting accidents, finding good restaurants in an unfamiliar town, learning where the cops were hiding out, etc. I'm now thinking about getting one of the new AM/FM CB radios. The FM is a game-changer for CB.
If your thinking about upgrading I would have to recommend looking into what the President CB offers for you. Got an Am/Fm President CB radio an I have to say.. I am very impressed. Would recommend. Small, Compact, many functions, quality sound, And the build quality exceeded my expectations.. I would personally recommend it.
I always run with a CB and like you it's saved me. From getting caught in a horrific traffic jam to being warned about debris in the road ahead. I also found a set of old Walkie Talkies at a rummage sale that operate on CB channel 13. I bought them for the "what if" scenario. Great video.
I'm a ham, but I love CB! Has a special place for me because I grew up using it with my dad. I got his old radio still and use a Uniden 980 SSB as my base station. Sad hams will bash it, but just makes it easy for me to avoid those folks. Thanks for your content!
@Shack Ti 1 ... Nice... My Dad too -explained the whole thing when I was around 5yrs old. CB is a free for all & lot's of fun. When you can't use your cell, etc. Just turn on the CB & there you go!
All excellent observations. I'm an Extra Class ham, but I have several CBs around, just in case. One thing I'm seeing down on the flatter lands is a big uptick in GMRS radios. A $35 license (no tests and you get it online) from our benevolent government and you covered yourself, your spouse, kids, grandkids, aunts and uncles and the family dog. To me, the biggest thing is that people are putting up repeaters and linking them into networks. As long as there's power, this is a powerful tool. Radios are a bit spendy, but nothing like ham gear. More commo is best commo.
Yeah, I have been noticing more and more truck drivers are roilling with GMRS when driving on highways (note, they are dual riding with CB and GMRS). I do like hitting up reapters in the local area. We have two in our county which hits almost everywhere, it's good to have one when hiking around when cell service is not great. Yeah, the GMRS Net Hub is REALLY neat!
@@Mike-01234 Should always have a decent antenna no matter what, GMRS is real nice. Have both... You'll be happy. I remember when FRS first was coming around & that was fun too.
My father and I did CB before getting our Amateur radio license. I learned a lot from CB, but I enjoyed the technical aspect of radio. I am now an Extra class licensee. CB is a good starting point for a radio hobby. You can get everything pre made, pre-measured and, pre-built. It makes it very turn key to operate. However since being licensed in the 90's I haven't owned a CB since my 144 Mhz mobile took it's place on my desk about six months after getting licensed.
I’m a retired salesman. I spent over 30 years logging thousands of miles driving to customers, trade shows, etc. I installed my first CB in 1975, and to this day, I will not be without one in my vehicle! Finding a shop that knows about them anymore has become difficult, but I’m keeping my CB anyway!
100% Agree! I was an avid non-trucker CB'er back in the 80's and with cell phone popularity, It just got pushed to the side. Last year, while sitting in traffic, I said I miss and want my CB back! My husband thought I lost my mind. But guess who now enjoys CB's in all our vehicles? I will say that the truckers now are a different breed than truckers from the 70's & 80's. I don't know if they don't have radios or if they are just anti-social. That's OK! I still get my highway info when I need it!
When I moved from the northeast to Nevada, I found that the truckers out here are no where near as talkative then east coast truckers. Thought they must be using some new way to talk I couldn't hear.,.wrong..they don't talk. A real disappointment.
Since I started watching Mower Junkie & you I have expanded my Communications Capabilities. Built a Comms desk in the house with CB & SSB with 3 base station's and 3 Mobile Units. Two in the Truck & 1 in the BobCat ToolCat for when I am moving snow. And a hand held as well.
Great video, Eric. Not to long ago I came across your videos. I never had a cb till just a few months ago. I now have 3. President McKinley in my p/u, President Thomas in my car and now a galaxy base station for the house. Really enjoying the hobby and have peace of mind during these uncertain times. Thank you , Erik. 345 Big Chief west Tennessee. 73's
I got a my Ham license in September 2019. CB radio was a way for me to get into HF without spending a lot of money on HF Ham equipment. And then I became addicted to the radios! I was a teen in the 70s, so I am a huge sucker for those old 23-channel radios with the big channel dials on them. I have several fully-function 23-channel AM and SSB radios that are fun to use and share with others. Definitely a great hobby. Thanks for sharing!
Ah yes, back in the day you had to have a license for CB. (KCP-5156 here). Would talk to my Grandparents every afternoon, they lived about 100 miles away.
I still maintain a CB in my daily driver and have a shelf of them in my garage. I do also have a 2m/70cm wideband in my daily. Something I do often is jump on 38LSB and see what is out there. I have talked to Italy and Austria from GA,USA as my standing record.
@@torgomax don't know where you live but a truck stop is where you get legal ones. Can get a digital anytone or Stryker 10m and set it to cb band with a yt tutorial.
Long ago in the first golden age of CB, literally the era of C.W. McCall, my parents were still alive and I had a job in the other end of the state. I would drive home some weekends and I put a CB in my truck to pass the time during the drive. I got some of the craziest skip messages and got to be friends with several fellow travelers. CB offered an interesting sub culture that was kind of fun. Glad to hear it’s growing again. I still have the radio and think I will get it out.
I’m a semi retired truck driver. I’ve been around CB radio almost 35 years. I got rid of my radios a few years ago, because they were collecting dust in my garage. I still dive trucks on my retirement job and have been thinking of getting another one. I get on a plane, fly to where the truck is, deliver it, then start the process again. Whatever I get has to be small, lightweight that I can carry in a suitcase as well with the antenna. What kind of outfit would you suggest? I was thinking handheld, with a short magnet mount. What do you think? I enjoy your videos on all types of radios
This just makes so much sense. Great intro, I am now subscribed. I have an old system CB, a hand held modern CB pair and a marine band hand held. They are kept charged, but now I am going to dust off the manuals and follow your channel and learn more about how they work.
Great points! When I’m traveling interstates from state to state a CB radio is immeasurable. Speed traps, road closures, accidents are all tracked by drivers. Granted there’s apps out there like Waze and whatnot but you’ll need to physically read what’s happening versus hearing it first hand on the CB. Good video!
I am 59 been a trucker most of my life, I don’t own any vehicles without a CB. I have stykers in my semi’s, I have a few galaxies in my cars and pickups. Great advice
@@FarpointFarms I thought it was and is a great way to communicate. I also have a galaxy home base unit. Used to be in 10 11 and 20 meter ham radios lol. Ou never know when it might be needed lol.
Sat here in north west england listening to you guys across the pond. On the mid block LSB channel 38.. Sounds like you guys are sat outside..You all sound grand on the band. CB radio is very good at the moment and will only get better due to conditions. I have had contacts all over europe but yet to contact the good old USA.. Just listening and waving..
'Absolutely, CB has so many interesting facets. Keep preaching because you are so right that it will be key when the excrement comes in contact with the ventilating system.
My ham radio came with the cb frequencies in it. It's a 1951 World Radio Laboratories Globe King 500C. The receiver I use is a Collins 75A-2 which also has the cb frequencies in it. In the 80's we had a bad storm here in Idaho and it knocked out police/fire comms. I had a 6 element quad and an omni-directional antenna up and I ended up dispatching police and fire calls on CH 9 CB radio for 36 hours before the emergency service comms were repaired. You make good points why people should have a cb radio. Thanks for the video.
Just came across your post and love it. In 1976 I worked at a CB/Stereo shop at the peak of CB Radio sales. Still own a few and had a base station in my parents home. This really brought back some beautiful memories, and yes, the CB saved my butt several times while traveling from Michigan to Florida and back. Thank you!!
Back in the 80's I always had a CB in the car, this was how we communicated with each other, and also with the truck driver who always knew the traffic conditions. I miss those days. And when the cells go out, this will be it
I'm hardly the type to comment on youtube, but you might remember me commenting once in a while. I've been into CB for over a decade. As a younger guy, most in my generation don't even know about it. I recently dabbled into GMRS as well with a license. I have many friends who aren't necessarily preppers who share the same idea that if things do go down in an emergency, we will have our own radio network going for communication. Wish you the best UA-cam friend.
You're absolutely right! As a trucker, my CB saved my butt more than once. Most days I heard little traffic but, when I needed it, it was there!!! I wish more people would get and use CB's
I had a cobra back in the late 70`s and wore that radio out,,,Present day i still travel with a CB in a truck with GPS and all them bells,,,But you cant beat the ole CB radio
I have kept all my CB Radioes that I used in the 80's just for the TEOTWAWKI. And mounted in my cars so I can talk to my friends while we drive down the Highway on camping trips. They just come in handy! Not to mention my handhelds are perfect to carrying while hiking around the camp sites. And yes, my wife is a LIcenses HAM operator. But I still have my CB's as a backup.
I would say the 3rd reason is the most important reason..for you, it was Hurricane Fran....for us here in the Northeast, it was Sandy....sandy knocked out power for days! I was fortunate enough to not lose power. However, I remember seeing lines for gas at all the local stations, eggs, milk, bread, and water completely wiped off the shelves. It would be great if more people had a CB to communicate things better. I've had one in my daily driver since 2014. It has helped me avoid multiple accidents, and bad roads that weren't plowed over the years. Definitely more useful than modern crap in my opinion.
I'm 63 and packed my CB away years ago along with a pair of great antennas, but with everything going on this is making me think about pulling them out and powering it up.
You need to do a CB radio product review. I've had and made dozens of diferent 11m antennas over the years,also owned commercially built ones as well. I recently purchased a Sirio Gainmaster 5/8th wave verticle and are blown away with its performance, it easily puts the Antron 99, imax 2000 and other "Fiberglass" verticles to shame, and the coolest part is you dont need to tune it, i have a flat match straight out of the box. Erik, youd be besides yourself as well, the Gainmaster is a bad ass antenna as far as iam concerned, I hear stations ive never heard with using the competitors fiberglass verticles. Great video as always!🤠👍
Erik has done several cb radio reviews , click on and scroll through his channels , you’ll like what you see. That’s great input on the antenna you mentioned , thanks.
What a thrill. The fact as a 13 yo in early 70s was able to speak to people in NJ from CT with just some wire on my roof and a cheap radio shack base station.
Wonderful, isn't it? I was driving through San Antonio in the rain one afternoon when the urge hit me to turn on my Robyn SD510 and Palomar 200W box. I talked to Kingston, Jamica like we were neighbors.
You are correct, my grandfather taught me this in the 70’s, communication, you can’t see over the next hill, but you can talk over the next hill, or to the guy meeting you coming the other way!
I still have my CB radios, only one antenna though. I had my one CB in my car last summer and was bummed there was really no one on the air. This was how we communicated when I was a teenager and it was a lot of fun! Everyone had CB's! My dad got me into them, he was really big into them....
In Australia all CB radio has now migrated to a 40 channel UHF system with repeaters in certain locations. Its quite popular with truckers I believe The 27mhz band was to be shut down but has not been. Not sure if anyone uses it, maybe in remote or outback areas.
Oh they use it. With current propagation the last several months, no problems getting down under and into the mini grass(hawaii) On a daily basis pretty easily considering i don't have a beam up. You will find them on lsb between 36 and 40 as your swinging into greyline here in the southwest. Above 40( 41 through 45 are of frequent use too. International call frequency is 27.555 usb, throw a cq out there and move them off is the common practice. Keep in mind we are still on the upswing of the solar cycle, we have several more years of super good propagation on 11 meters(cb bands) As for what i call local dx( anything in the states, i am in Vegas) am'ers like to run 6/11/28 the most, but you can find it everywhere, and of course 19 is always a mess. I dont dx on am here, not on purpose anyways. For ssb, 38lsb is like 19 am, nothing but H&D all day everyday, its always a mess. I am at the base of a mountain directly to my east, so i have a big dead zone usually running from the middle of the east cost extending down through florida and the caribbean for me here. My primary is a 955hp with some moderate help on a 5/8th wave Ground plane at only about 18 feet to the base of it, as i am limited on what i can do here with antenna's, but no matter what i run here, i can never bore a hole through that mountain. But any other direction i can talk to anyone i can hear unless the frequencys a mess and it always is on the hot channels, lots of big stations behind me in california that i cant hear (too close) roll right over me a lot. But a lot of those guys are hamsters and the like running their 7300's and henry 2k's or better with long john beams and the like. That's the dx situation for me here. As for more activity on 11 meters than the 10 meter ham band? That's because most all of the hamsters are running down on 11 meters and the free bands! lol Most of the time you will only hear them running ft8 if anything up there, most don't run phone there because they are always down on 11 meters slumming with us "cb'ers", or the local ones, the sad hams(that's a whole other can of worms) are too busy jamming up our local GMRS repeater all the time( yeah i got a GMRS license too) If your ever rolling through Vegas looking for local info, good luck with that. 19 here is the "local base station" channel, and everyone there runs loads of power, and their are all gonna tell yah 17 is the trucker channel lol. If the skip isn't laying your S meter into the corner during the day, when the night time comes all those dudes are gonna lay the swat on yah. Most of the regulars there are running an average of 1 to 1.5 kw at all times, lots of big radios in Vegas. I know of one in particular that can run 6k when he grabs third gear. Vegas is a rough radio town!!
@@acidreign8551 Very interesting. I am close to Sydney and have bought a CB radio for the car I have not installed yet. It will be used when I travel to the Central/North coasts and Southern Highlands area using the freeways mainly. I think CB in these areas is basically UHF. Australia being such a large country I can see where the 27mhz band would be very useful. A friend of mine who was in the police told me they used shortwave in remote areas of New South Wales to compliment where the VHF (now mainly UHF digital) would not cover. They used to publish propagation charts to help the operators. I would assume that emergency services in these areas now would also have access to satellite phones etc.
You’re absolutely right we had an Internet outage here in the Ohio valley where we live sometime back that affected cell service and a lot of other things. I started thinking about installing a homebase unit(CB)and one in the truck so we could communicate in a situation like that. We’ve talked to people that are with Ohio Homeland security and they believe sooner or later the grid will probably go down for a while if that’s the case, the old way may prove to be the best way.
With the increase in natural disasters, there is a good chance that communication will go down at some point. There was a hurricane in Fl a few years back that took out cell service for over a week. CB radios were still running strong
Dude! Back in the 80's I bought a CB radio and my handle was "Yellow Fever" I had so much fun! I am going to go out and buy another CB radio I'm glad I watched your video you got me excited again it was so fun. Thx.
Retired OTR trucker. Going on 78 now, and I've had a CB just about since they first came out. My first one was a 23 channel Pace - 123. I've still got one in my pickup.😁
I like your videos. I wish CB would come back again also! I've been using CB's since the 80's and also a ham radio operator. I know some hams don't care for CB, but I'll always have a CB radio in my vehicle and at home for the base station. The CB has helped me on the road several times and it's just fun to talk with other people in your area or even on "skip".
Good video! And great reasons for having one. I recently got a Midland MXT 275 GMRS radio. In the last couple months while sitting at an intersection waiting for the light to change a few people have roll down their window and ask what my handle is?
I am a Ham and have been for ten years, but got my start in CB radio in the late 70s with so many other people. I'm now diving back into CB radio, have an 11 meter end-fed outside and can not believe the amount of SSB coming in from all over the country, I'm in Arizona. I am particularly encouraged by the modern versions of handhelds being released lately. Great video as always.
Ham here, for 64 years. Also did CB for reasons mentioned. My dad, in Hondo TX, maintained watch on chan 9 and 19. He often gave directions to gas, food eateries still open late and for medical/ ambulance help. We had REACT then, which has faded but is still there to help across country. Folks in remote rural areas often have no cell and if landline is down CB can save lives. Btw you can get basic FM VHF radios for the same price and sma kits or older but working HF gear ( plain but works) for price of a CB. Dint need morse code but it is fun and lets you use simple transmitters an portables that can do worldwide contacts. CB is still very useful however. 73 from FL
A little while ago before I moved, there was a point where I was getting skip in northern Canada from guys in the Southern US, including places like Texas and New Mexico. It was thrilling, although I don't think my little mobile installation in my 4x4 could reach those guys who were probably using linear amps and stuff. Even so, there was just something awesome about hearing voices from folks thousands of klicks away and bring able to understand even some of what they said. So cool. Now I live in a much flatter area than before, I'm thinking I might just set up my CB radios again
In 1975 I was living in Amarillo Texas and had just put a CB in my car. It had a clip on Antenna Specialist antenna attached to the drip rail on the roof. Not even a permanent install and the CB was plugged into the cigarette lighter socket. My point is this was not an expensive setup. I was waiting for my wife to come out from a Dr appointment and I was listening to skip. Conditions were good and I could hear people talking about traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway! That's the Chicago area. I called out and got an answer and told the guy where I was in Texas. That lasted only a couple of minutes but that's all I needed to get hooked on radio. If conditions are favorable you don't need a huge linear to work skip.PS- I just remembered the brand of radio it was a Robyn I believe it was an off brand radio..
4th reason ,, we’re in a really bizarre sun-cycle !! I’ve been talking into Europe every morning for 3 hours on 50 watts (RMS) the last several weeks . Right now I’m making contacts to the New England states on a basic tuned and aligned Grant XL doing 5 watts RMS and about 15 peak. 73’s Erik , hope all is well on the Farm
I couldn’t agree more but it’s not like it was back in the early 70s. There’s hardly anybody on the radios up here in Vermont anymore so it’s like you’re talking to them I can never get anybody to come back to you. But I still love my CB world. Great video thank you
I dont know if you ever saw the movie "Contact,"but there's a great scene at the beginning where a young girl is on a CB saying CQ, THIS IS W9GFO ... COME BACK,& her dad comes in the room& she tells him,Im not getting anything, & he sais ,"small moves Ellie,smallmoves. Then she tries again and a voice comes through saying " HELLO W9GFO THIS SO&SO FROM Pensicola Florida. She asks her dad what should I say,& he sais "just be yourself.Plus she was tansmitting from Wisconcin!I thought that was so cool.Cb's could be our last line of communication in the event of a castrophic event.Great video,great work!
Back in the 70s I had a Cobra 139 base with single sideband, and a Teaberry 5X5 mobile with 40 channels and a Big Mama antenna. My handle was Cannonball. I wouldn't mind having another one. I started out with a Midland mobile with a 103" whip antenna. Those were the good old days.
I had the good luck of having a CB when a bad accident occurred on I-95 in Georgia going North and a trucker steered everyone with a CB radio to a detour saving me an hour and a half in a mile long parking lot. Love them truckers!
I had thought about that but I did not want people buying something that did not have the features that they wanted in a radio. I also did not want people to think that I was getting paid commission if they bought one that I recommended
great reasons to have a CB. I don't currently have one in my vehicle but i might put one back into one. I have found that the amount of people on the CB channels is far far less now than there were in the 70s and even 80s. Lots of truckers refer to them as their "back up" radio because they only seem to use them to get info on a back up in traffic.....as you mentioned. I've had a number of radios since the 70s and i think my favorite was my Pace 2300 with a pair of 102" steels on the back. My little linear helped it reach out a bit....lol. i might just have to get a power converter and get back into it. Thanks for the reminder.
I agree with you on that that is why I have a real CB radio something that does have a kicker build in a general HP 40W and I've used it multiple times and it has saved my hide multiple times dealing with pileups on the highways and byways and I will continue to always have a CB radio setup in my car no matter what people say everybody should have a CB radio setup in their vehicle and in their big rigs as well and CB radio communications will always be there anyway keep up the amazing videos on UA-cam
I really enjoy your coverage of C-B radio. They are so handy for the many reasons you mentioned. I ran C-B in my school busses back in the early 70's with great results, could get to parents at home at route pick-ups, and after basketball games. Today I've set up a base station and several mobiles for the reasons you mentioned. Keep up he good work!
I had 43 CB radios here on the farm...every truck, every tractor, etc. We went to VHF and so the CB's went on a shelf...a flood of 5 feet of water took care of that. I had a stack of Uniden Grant XL's...I miss them the most.
Just picked up a Wouxun KG-S72C as my first CB radio. This little handheld was more than enough to make me realize that the last 20 years of me doing a blue collar job that requires a lot of driving throughout the day without a CB was dumb. I use Waze, and it’s great, but it’s not the same. Sometimes just knowing what lane to be in quickly is a big deal, and I’ve already had those moments.
Waze is great for areas that have good cell coverage, where I live it does not work. On long drives I like to scan the channels and see what is going on
Even though I am an Extra class ham from 1986 when the tests were much more difficult I agree that CB radio has its place for sure. Propagation sometimes only occurs on the lower frequency ham bands depending on the solar cycle. Driving on the road CB is superior to amateur radio in many cases. I learned that the hard way one time.
A overwhelming majority of the citizenry take it for granted their cell service will always be available at their disposable. As well, voice communication is becoming less of a communication practice. Elon Musk as guest stated in the context of a popular podcast recently that voice communication could / would be eliminated by AI in the not so distant future. This video is most visionary on your part Erik. In with the old, out with the new
Failure by design... The over subscribed model is designed to generate excess revenues used to bid on tying up more spectrum with government "over"sight...
Hey Erik, it's been a long time! Spending some time tonight catching up on your videos that I've missed over the past year or so. I'm installing a McKinley with a 102" whip in my truck tomorrow, but I'm definitely not installing my RM Italy foot warmer! Looks like I just missed your live stream last night, but I'll keep an eye out for the next one so we can catch up. I really enjoy your CB videos, and you're the reason I got back into it after a few decades away and I really enjoy it.
When i drove over the road, always had a CB in the truck. Nothing elaborate but tuned proper & could talk on a hot humid day for 25-30 miles. On side band, was in KC,Mo. & talking to guys in Baltimore. I think every vehicle made should have one. Don't have to use it but nice to have when something comes up.
Proud owner of realistic navaho trc 458 with sigma venom in my house and yaesu ft 450 both with same antenna and cobra 29lx in my car with hustler mag mount antenna
I agree 💯💯💯 old school technology at it's finest I talk skip every day and local talk yea cellular etc..is ok but I call it convenient cb is alot of fun also
CB radio saved my bacon on several occasions decades ago, with a breakdown on the way to work and running out of gas a couple of times. Now after back to back hurricanes I'm looking around for a good used SSB unit to keep on hand.
I've owned a couple of the Radio Shack units over the decades. They work well, and sound good. That said, I found that it's a good idea to reinforce the solder joints of the small circuit boards that sit perpendicular to the main printed circuit board. They fit through a slot in the main board, and connect to the main board with solder joints which connect the traces in that 90 degree junction. If you look at the board, it'll be easier to see what I'm talking about. Those joints would crack due to not enough solder from the factory (at least this was the case when being used in R model Mack trucks :) )... but it's a good bullet-proofing mod to do to those radios, and any other which have those 90 degree sub-boards as part of the design. Other than that, I never had any problems with those models. I was a radio tech in the USAF, and went to truck driving when I got out, so it was a natural thing for me to start modding and repairing CB's. :)
My first “rig” was a base price Midland mobile unit (23 Ch.) along with the RadioShack/Tandy power converter for home use back around ‘77. Cobra was also a solid rig also back then. RadioShack, you mentioned and Sears also sold very good equipment.
The Midland 23 was my first also. Around 1972. Combined with a five or six foot whip. Got out twenty miles easily on four watts from my car. Smokey and the bandit. Also had to apply for FCC license in those days. A lot of fun times
PING........ remember the old Browning's Golden Eagle Mike's remember well when things changed over to 40 channels my father all his brothers and myself are all retired truck drivers
I have a CB in my home, I mainly just listen. When conditions are "right", CB communications, in my area, in south eastern Ontario, Canada, are dominated by over powered illegal transmissions from South of the border; I couldn't respond to them, even if I wanted to, as they seem to be not set up for listening. The most active SSB channel is 38, LSB which has become a call channel. Seems like "everyone" transmits at the same time, trying to hold a qso on what is, supposed to be a "call" channel. Many are on frequency, many are not, a challenge to listen to sometimes. When conditions are not favourable for skip, I can communicate locally. There is very little local activity, though, but occasionally do have qso, and that makes it all worthwhile. Thanks for sharing.
I have my cobra 2000 cb base station with an a99 antenna my every day cb radio on my personal vehicle and my work truck one in my garage with another a99 and 5 spare cb radios.
Get a Sirio Gainmaster 5/8ths wave verticle, you'll toss your A99 in the trash. My Gainmaster out performs the A99 in every aspect, I'll never use an A99 or a Imax 2000 ever again!🤠👍
I drive a lot. Nobody seems to be using CB's anymore. I literally hear nothing anymore on the channels. To the point I bought another unit to test mine to make sure it worked. It did. Sadly, gone are the days of drivers talking anymore. There was always the one guy that keys his Mic up and causes a serious disturbance to the rest of the telecommunications world with the power he was was throwing out. But all memories..
Be the guy that starts talking. Get on 19 or 14, or 28 and talk. No one answers? Tell a story, tell a joke. Keep talking. Someone is always out there, but they never key up.
Recently dug up my Cobra 23 channel CB radio from our old 1976 Caprice Classic. It was actually wrapped in shag carpet! LOL. Still have an amazing magnetic trunk antenna too. Thing still works great and is now a base station with a solar battery system! Looking at a more modern 40ch model for the car. Thanks!
i have a connex 3300hp cb and i hit canada and florida abunch and in oklahoma its so much fun im only 17 years old and i have one in my 1st pick up im so happy i got in cb radio its such a fun hobby too have with a grandparent that your radio is always making him mad we just laugh
I was a mobile cb operator in ireland back in 1980 till 1986 had a ssb mc kinley rig till it was stolen, shortwave listener in 1990 mainly listened to the uk 40m ham also 20m dx, did the ra course in 1994 which was a full general license plenty of theory to learn, 3 hour written exam (not the easy multiple choice now) passed and i have a life long call sign, great hobby
I'm an amateur radio operator and don't have anything against CB radio. If I had a car, I would have both a CB radio and a UHF/VHF Ham radio in it. I may get a CB radio just to see what's going on those channels. 73 from KC2TEL.
Also a ham. Funny story with last years snow storm. We were down for over four days (others had it worse). One ham community (220MHz) I found out the gas station that had power AND gas near me. I mentioned to the other ham community (2m) near me (on one of their nets) it might be a good idea to do a quick check-in around lunch time to see the status of the different club members exchange information like what stations had power AND gas and if they needed anything for heat, etc. and was told that they wouldn't want to get into any trouble on the pecuniary front. I still don't understand how looking out for folks could get us into trouble. Nobody that I knew of was getting paid for the info. They were just looking for fuel too.
This is where clubs can and ought to be more educational. You cannot run YOUR business on ham radio but you can order pizza (the classic example of what you could not do, now you can). But CB is a no questions asked medium.
@@thomasmaughan4798… A lot of misunderstanding about the law regarding cb radio usage and conducting business. Conducting business is fine: Relating information or instructions to coworkers, “Hey Billy, send a mechanic out to jump start truck #12.” “XYZ Trucking, back your trailer into dock 3.” and things like this. ADVERTISING/PROMOTING your business is a no no: “Hey folks… c’mon in to ‘Billy Joe Jim Bob’s CB shop’ for all your CB needs… “ And similar.
The comment you made on cell towers failing is not an old but possible issue. Hurricane Ida in 2021 knocked out the cell towers in my local area so we couldn't look up any information online or on the phone unless we drove to another area (which wasn't possible immediately due to trees blocking roads for the first few days). CB would have been a great tool to have to talk around town and see what was going on. It took about a week or so for cell service/data to come back.
You are right, i have have used a cb for years and you can talk to anyone who has one on the road, or a draw bridge i cross often that. great vid my brother.
Hurricane Ian sat on Port Charlotte Florida, where I am located, for a VERY long amount of time. After returning home the family did the cleanup as I setup the generator. Put fresh batteries in an old AM/FM for the news as well as a Realistic TRC-226 "Handie-Talkie". I could hear a lot of local traffic but had issues making contact. Assembled ~20 ft of 3/4" pipe with couplers, mounted an old Antron 99 on top, strapped it to to side of the house, found a good ground and ran ~ 100 ft of RG-8U into the garage. Dug out and connected an old President 2510 and was in business. Invaluable for finding out which gas stations had power and still had gas, which grocery stores were open, etc. Since then the 2510 went into a vehicle with a Wilson 5000 and a Cobra 66-LTD went in my Jeep with a top-loaded Firestick. Working on a base setup this spring.
28 days ago I came across your channel and 28 days later I have 28 radios. You sir have caused me to get into trouble with the misses. I will forgive but will never forget.
😂 thats hilarious......
😂 hope she will be able to forgive and forget!!!!😅 mine never did but now at least understands the need for it. I own several radios to.
I know the feeling, just know you’re not alone 😂😂😂
@@bobdillashaw4360 radios are one thing wait till she sees what I have planned for my outdoor building.
I guess I should start doing a disclaimer at the beginning of the videos.
I use to work in telecom. Can't say for sure if it applied to all carriers, however the company I worked for required all cell sites to have a minimum of 8hrs battery backup, including the ones that had generator backup. During hurricane Ike, all techs were issued a CB radio so we could communicate and coordinate priority cell site repairs. Ike knocked out an estimated 80% of all cellular coverage in the Houston Gulf Coast area.
It may very. The tower I rely on has gone down a couple years during a severe storm. Our power was out for 3 days and the cell tower signal didn't return until the 4th day but it wasn't working. It was like you're connected the tower, but the service going to the tower wasn't working. Started working on about the 7th day. Then, about 2 months lateranother storm came and only took the power out for 9 hours but again no cell service until the power came back.
@@ryanzessinger8062 battery backup and generator backup only means that the cell site has power. It does not mean it has service. Don't think people realize cellphones rely on T-1s or 10/100 to make the call. If the storm damaged the local T carrier provider's system that the cell site uses, then it won't have back haul to the MTXO (Cell provider switch). Cell sites are not peer to peer. Your UE (cellphone) sends a signal to the antenna at the cell site, from the antenna the signal travels down to the BTS, where usually some kind of control module routes it out to the T carrier's circuit office, then from there to your cellphone carrier's MTXO. From there it is routed to its destination. (Simple of explanation as I can make it) The cell site can be radiating a signal, but if the signal path is severed you will not be able to make calls or send text. Also, VSWR, the storm probably damaged the antennas and/or the RF lines. Again it could be radiating a signal, but not a usable signal.
good reasons to have the cb, at least you will have some form of communication
The thing that is weird is if it was a legal radio, your range was probably like 5-6 miles? It's better then trying to yell to the guy on the pole over, but that still isn't a whole lot of communication.
In AUS, 8 hours, at most… The amount of traffic on a single tower here is a good day 3-4 hours. The battery life on this system is dependent on huge budget cuts. And now ddos is now another factor on burning power…
I am a European truck driver and a few years ago I was in Cherbourg france and could clearly hear two Americans chatting in US.
Skip was strong with that one
Now that's too cool! Blessings to you over The Pond. 😅
Talk about hearing people who had been in "skip land"!
I've been playing around with CB for the first time today with a crappy little dipole that is way too small for this wave length. I'm also at the bottom of a hill. Still, I was hearing folks from northern Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas and I'm all the way in NC. 11 meter travels well!
Cell phones are only good for contacting people in your address book. CB radio is for everyone so you have a much greater chance for information then modern technology. Great video!
Bingo! Cell phones don't help in traffic, CB does!
Hey Eric the Cb radio is such a great hobby as a 58 yr old male it truly was my generation’s true social media back in the mid to late 70s it was only 23 channels until 1977/78 I was 13 at the time and it seemed like every other house on my city block had a cb antenna on the roof. My first radio in 1977 was a midland 23 channel that was about the size of a wallet with the display on top not on the front can’t even remember the model # and I had a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna. I talked to many people with that setup. By 1980 and entering high school I now had a 40 channel radio and the airwaves were full of people young old boy girl it didn’t matter and because of the Cb radio I met a girl a town over from me talking on her parents Cb that was 43 years ago this February 2023 and in March we will be married 34 years all because of a Cb craze way back. I got away from the base station set up after dating took over and then marriage then kids and their sports but never fully got away from Cb because I’m a local truck driver and have one in my truck which I use daily. A few years ago my wife’s aunt gave me her late husband’s cobra 1000 base station from the 80s and that got my wheels turning again to establish a home base setup. And in fact I did last year when I purchased a cobra 2000 gtl base over the phone at an estate sale in another state. It was the radio I always wanted as a kid but just never had the opportunity to get one. Everyone who knows about Cb radios knows the cobra2000 was always a favorite. So getting back on the base station after being away for over 40 years and talking skip is a lot of fun but most of all because of a CB RADIO 2 teens met, dated, got engaged, got married , had 2 children THE CB RADIO WAS A BLESSING IN MY LIFE !!
Great story! Thanks for sharing!!
My story was similar but never hit as far. I was at a friends house and we used his brother's CB Radio, I'd just left England fir Canada and thought this was fab. We hit chatting with these cute sounding girls fir a few days. We soon agreed to meet as they were from other side if town. We were all on 5 or 10 speed bikes. They weren't the most attractive girls except this cute blonde with braces. My friend wanted to leave and I wondered why, as I was trying to get closer to Blondie, he hit mad and took off so I apologized telling them thanks fur meeting and we'd talk soon. They must have felt rejected as they never really spoke much and my heart sank.I have never forgotten that cute blonde and wonder what could have been? It turns out my friend grew up to be gay. Lessons here us Never listen to your friend if you find someone who interests you!
Used to sit in my dad's truck, back in the late 70s, for hours talking on his radio. One of the few things I really wanted after he died. Gawd he'd be mad the next morning when the truck wouldn't start to go to work.
I am 44 years old and back when I was growing up. CB was basically our cellphone and internet as kids now have today. The internet had just been started but unless, you remember how to use DOS and wait forever... It was much faster and more convenient to grab the radio!
GREAT story. CB in the seventies. Good memories. Especially if teenager during that lovely time. Was driving 9 hours each way at 17 to and from helicopters that took me to and from 1 and 2 week shifts on oil platforms in the gulf . Sure did piss off a lot of truckers with my big mouth. I still remember over the radio "HEY THERE HE IS !!" and then try to run me off the road. LOL. Great memories
As a trucker I can tell you guys, CB radio saves life.
I agree 100%, you take care my friend
I’m 100% Agree I owned a 4 Baofengs UV5R Radio
yea... 911 does not, but old fart with CB saves.. are you also on fentanyl?
the good thing about GMRS is it keeps the noise down in Wyoming CB is still king of the road
The first time I keyed the mike, I was 12 years old.I'm 64 now, and I have a 23 channel GM original equipment CB,a 40 channel Cobra mobile, and a 40 channel Navaho base/mobile.In all honesty I haven't fired them up in a while (since the early 90s) but this video has rekindled my interest! Thanks!
Dust them off and give it a try!
I am a Ham and I agree with you 100%. I got my start in CB radio in the late 70s and still enjoy it today. Many times it has helped me on the road, precisely how you stated it. Thanks for the video.
thank you for sharing
Yep. Odds are far greater that there will be a CB user within range when on the road and you're out of the limited range of repeaters.
I’m also a ham licensed since 1990. I will agree that CB radio is a good hobby to get into to test the waters. and I also know from experience that when I come across a traffic jam on the road, I know I have a better chance of getting a hold of someone on CB versus ham radio.
I also got my start in CB radio. Back then it was relatively disciplined. Now, ham radio is relatively disciplined.
ALWAYS had SOME kind of transceiver in the car when travelling!! Now I'm worried about a SHTF situation!! Even have riot gear!!
I have a CB in my shop at home. Hooked it all up, got myself a quick radio check from a great trucker on I-35 in OKC. Instant peace of mind!!!!!
Exactly!
As a retired trucker I agree with you 100%.
Glad to hear it!
CB radio is one thing that got me interested in radio and into ham radio. I still have a CB in the shack and one in my truck for the exact reason you said about traffic updates.
Cool, a great reason to have one
OMG, just came across your video on CB radios. I’m 70 now and have sold literally hundreds of thousands CB radios. I was in retail during the switch from 23 channel to 40 channel and later was a distributor in the SE US, for unidentified, Cobra, and Midland radios. We sold both domestically and internationally. What fond memories of those days I have. Thanks!
I am glad that I could bring back those memories- I might be a bit jealous that you were able to sell that many.
What's a good choice radio brand to get?
@@rezzer7918 Uniden and Cobra probably come from the same factory Midland may be different. I would decide on features that you want then find the best deal. Good luck!
“Literally hundreds of thousands” beeeee essssss.
@@Bob-lz4bz There are somewhere north of 40 million CB radios in the USA alone. Seriously. That many were sold with new ones being sold everyday. There wouldn't be 8 different CB radio makers if these didn't still sell like hotcakes.
I am one of your ham radio followers. I just purchased my first CB radio. I have felt that communication is key and part of being prepared is covering all of your bases. Thanks for keeping us informed. I live in Central NC and hope to hear you in the future. Cheers!
Glad to have you in the CB hobby as well!
I still have my old GE CB radio that I bought in 1971, and it still works. It was great for getting road conditions, reporting accidents, finding good restaurants in an unfamiliar town, learning where the cops were hiding out, etc. I'm now thinking about getting one of the new AM/FM CB radios. The FM is a game-changer for CB.
You will love it!
If your thinking about upgrading I would have to recommend looking into what the President CB offers for you. Got an Am/Fm President CB radio an I have to say.. I am very impressed. Would recommend. Small, Compact, many functions, quality sound, And the build quality exceeded my expectations.. I would personally recommend it.
I didn't know FM made a huge difference.
Smokies on the superslab with X Raymachine. Don't drop the hammer
I always run with a CB and like you it's saved me. From getting caught in a horrific traffic jam to being warned about debris in the road ahead. I also found a set of old Walkie Talkies at a rummage sale that operate on CB channel 13. I bought them for the "what if" scenario. Great video.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm a ham, but I love CB! Has a special place for me because I grew up using it with my dad. I got his old radio still and use a Uniden 980 SSB as my base station.
Sad hams will bash it, but just makes it easy for me to avoid those folks.
Thanks for your content!
As time passes, less and less hams complain about CB. Now they view it as the gateway to all things radio. Many are returning to it as well!
@Shack Ti 1 ... Nice... My Dad too -explained the whole thing when I was around 5yrs old. CB is a free for all & lot's of fun. When you can't use your cell, etc. Just turn on the CB & there you go!
All excellent observations. I'm an Extra Class ham, but I have several CBs around, just in case. One thing I'm seeing down on the flatter lands is a big uptick in GMRS radios. A $35 license (no tests and you get it online) from our benevolent government and you covered yourself, your spouse, kids, grandkids, aunts and uncles and the family dog. To me, the biggest thing is that people are putting up repeaters and linking them into networks. As long as there's power, this is a powerful tool. Radios are a bit spendy, but nothing like ham gear. More commo is best commo.
I agree with the GMRS- it is kinda of an in-between for many. The $35 fee is worth it to CYA
@ Bill Seward ... And the family Dog... Absolutely....!!
Yeah, I have been noticing more and more truck drivers are roilling with GMRS when driving on highways (note, they are dual riding with CB and GMRS). I do like hitting up reapters in the local area. We have two in our county which hits almost everywhere, it's good to have one when hiking around when cell service is not great. Yeah, the GMRS Net Hub is REALLY neat!
GMRS is the CB replacement IMO. The problem with a CB radio is you need a decent antenna. GSRM get a handheld it works just as good as CB or better.
@@Mike-01234 Should always have a decent antenna no matter what, GMRS is real nice. Have both... You'll be happy. I remember when FRS first was coming around & that was fun too.
My father and I did CB before getting our Amateur radio license. I learned a lot from CB, but I enjoyed the technical aspect of radio. I am now an Extra class licensee. CB is a good starting point for a radio hobby. You can get everything pre made, pre-measured and, pre-built. It makes it very turn key to operate. However since being licensed in the 90's I haven't owned a CB since my 144 Mhz mobile took it's place on my desk about six months after getting licensed.
It's the gateway to all things radio!
I’m a retired salesman. I spent over 30 years logging thousands of miles driving to customers, trade shows, etc. I installed my first CB in 1975, and to this day, I will not be without one in my vehicle! Finding a shop that knows about them anymore has become difficult, but I’m keeping my CB anyway!
Glad to hear your helping keep it alive and well in 2023!
100% Agree! I was an avid non-trucker CB'er back in the 80's and with cell phone popularity, It just got pushed to the side. Last year, while sitting in traffic, I said I miss and want my CB back! My husband thought I lost my mind. But guess who now enjoys CB's in all our vehicles? I will say that the truckers now are a different breed than truckers from the 70's & 80's. I don't know if they don't have radios or if they are just anti-social. That's OK! I still get my highway info when I need it!
Right on, glad to hear that he is on board with you now
When I moved from the northeast to Nevada, I found that the truckers out here are no where near as talkative then east coast truckers. Thought they must be using some new way to talk I couldn't hear.,.wrong..they don't talk. A real disappointment.
This is great info I’ll be passing on to my son , we were talking about cb and it’s benefits last night , what a coincidence !
please do, never bad to be prepared
Since I started watching Mower Junkie & you I have expanded my Communications Capabilities. Built a Comms desk in the house with CB & SSB with 3 base station's and 3 Mobile Units. Two in the Truck & 1 in the BobCat ToolCat for when I am moving snow. And a hand held as well.
Glad we could help get you deeper into the hobby.
Great video, Eric. Not to long ago I came across your videos. I never had a cb till just a few months ago. I now have 3. President McKinley in my p/u, President Thomas in my car and now a galaxy base station for the house. Really enjoying the hobby and have peace of mind during these uncertain times. Thank you , Erik. 345 Big Chief west Tennessee. 73's
All great radios,
So what's a good handheld CB Radio
@@anthonysaggio6551 president Randy cb radio handheld
@@tinachavez8712 I’ve been thinking about one of those because I need vehicle to handheld comms and this Cobra 38 sucks. Are they really good?
@@servicetrucker5564 UA-cam has plenty of videos on those models you can check them out..Seems to be a nice little radio.
I agree with you 100% , up here in British Columbia CB radio won't go over the mountains , everybody , log trucks , gravel trucks , use UHF .
Good to know
Got back into cb during covid lockdown after 28 years away here in the UK. When the skip is up I've contacted the USA. Love it
Oh wow! I've talked overseas a few times, but it's rare.
I got a my Ham license in September 2019. CB radio was a way for me to get into HF without spending a lot of money on HF Ham equipment. And then I became addicted to the radios! I was a teen in the 70s, so I am a huge sucker for those old 23-channel radios with the big channel dials on them. I have several fully-function 23-channel AM and SSB radios that are fun to use and share with others. Definitely a great hobby. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for sharing
Nice! I got my ticket August of '20!
Ah yes, back in the day you had to have a license for CB. (KCP-5156 here). Would talk to my Grandparents every afternoon, they lived about 100 miles away.
@@GeraldWalling I have my (long gone) grandpa's 23-channel Craig CB at home. Still has a label with his CB license on it!
@@GeraldWalling KDP-4943 here, mid-1970's. I may get a CB again after finding this video by accident!
I still maintain a CB in my daily driver and have a shelf of them in my garage.
I do also have a 2m/70cm wideband in my daily. Something I do often is jump on 38LSB and see what is out there. I have talked to Italy and Austria from GA,USA as my standing record.
that is a good record-
Where are you at
@@gulfy09 OTP-E
Where can I get a Cb radio? I don't use EBay. Thanks
@@torgomax don't know where you live but a truck stop is where you get legal ones. Can get a digital anytone or Stryker 10m and set it to cb band with a yt tutorial.
Long ago in the first golden age of CB, literally the era of C.W. McCall, my parents were still alive and I had a job in the other end of the state. I would drive home some weekends and I put a CB in my truck to pass the time during the drive. I got some of the craziest skip messages and got to be friends with several fellow travelers. CB offered an interesting sub culture that was kind of fun. Glad to hear it’s growing again. I still have the radio and think I will get it out.
Dust that thing off, and power it up! You'd be amazed at what's still on the air.
I’m a semi retired truck driver. I’ve been around CB radio almost 35 years. I got rid of my radios a few years ago, because they were collecting dust in my garage. I still dive trucks on my retirement job and have been thinking of getting another one. I get on a plane, fly to where the truck is, deliver it, then start the process again. Whatever I get has to be small, lightweight that I can carry in a suitcase as well with the antenna. What kind of outfit would you suggest? I was thinking handheld, with a short magnet mount. What do you think? I enjoy your videos on all types of radios
President makes a good handheld radio, your idea of a better antenna is great. The antenna that is on it is good but the range is limited/.
Thanks, I’ll check it out
This just makes so much sense. Great intro, I am now subscribed. I have an old system CB, a hand held modern CB pair and a marine band hand held. They are kept charged, but now I am going to dust off the manuals and follow your channel and learn more about how they work.
Thank you for subscribing, I hope you will enjoy the channel
I drove a truck in the mid 70's into the 80's still have my cb radio in my daily driver for the exact reason you spoke of.
glad to hear that,
Great points! When I’m traveling interstates from state to state a CB radio is immeasurable. Speed traps, road closures, accidents are all tracked by drivers. Granted there’s apps out there like Waze and whatnot but you’ll need to physically read what’s happening versus hearing it first hand on the CB. Good video!
great point, no distractions trying to read a phone.
So would a small handheld CB radio ok to have?
I got one out in my shed, fun to go out and listen to the skip now and then, sometimes try to break in and talk.
I do the same thing- break in from across the country
I am 59 been a trucker most of my life, I don’t own any vehicles without a CB. I have stykers in my semi’s, I have a few galaxies in my cars and pickups. Great advice
Cool! My cars and trucks also never leave home without a CB.
@@FarpointFarms I thought it was and is a great way to communicate. I also have a galaxy home base unit. Used to be in 10 11 and 20 meter ham radios lol. Ou never know when it might be needed lol.
Sat here in north west england listening to you guys across the pond. On the mid block LSB channel 38.. Sounds like you guys are sat outside..You all sound grand on the band. CB radio is very good at the moment and will only get better due to conditions. I have had contacts all over europe but yet to contact the good old USA.. Just listening and waving..
Glad to hear we are making the trip!
'Absolutely, CB has so many interesting facets. Keep preaching because you are so right that it will be key when the excrement comes in contact with the ventilating system.
Well said!
My ham radio came with the cb frequencies in it. It's a 1951 World Radio Laboratories Globe King 500C. The receiver I use is a Collins 75A-2 which also has the cb frequencies in it. In the 80's we had a bad storm here in Idaho and it knocked out police/fire comms. I had a 6 element quad and an omni-directional antenna up and I ended up dispatching police and fire calls on CH 9 CB radio for 36 hours before the emergency service comms were repaired. You make good points why people should have a cb radio. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for sharing, I am impressed with the age of the radio you are using. They make some quality stuff back in the day
Thanks for the cool story. I've heard many others like it over the years.
Just came across your post and love it. In 1976 I worked at a CB/Stereo shop at the peak of CB Radio sales. Still own a few and had a base station in my parents home. This really brought back some beautiful memories, and yes, the CB saved my butt several times while traveling from Michigan to Florida and back. Thank you!!
You must have some cool stories from that era! I came in during the mid 80's still a great time, but not as cool as those days.
We used to cruise gratiot ave back in the mid to late 70s cbs helped us out when we needed help or to help the other Cbers. Good times.
@@kryptoekid How cool and me as well! I reside in Macomb County. CB Specialist's was the name of the store located in Warren and Royal Oak.
Back in the 80's I always had a CB in the car, this was how we communicated with each other, and also with the truck driver who always knew the traffic conditions. I miss those days. And when the cells go out, this will be it
Right!
I'm hardly the type to comment on youtube, but you might remember me commenting once in a while. I've been into CB for over a decade. As a younger guy, most in my generation don't even know about it. I recently dabbled into GMRS as well with a license. I have many friends who aren't necessarily preppers who share the same idea that if things do go down in an emergency, we will have our own radio network going for communication. Wish you the best UA-cam friend.
I do remember you as well! Thanks for chiming in.
You're absolutely right! As a trucker, my CB saved my butt more than once. Most days I heard little traffic but, when I needed it, it was there!!! I wish more people would get and use CB's
I hope more will!
I had a cobra back in the late 70`s and wore that radio out,,,Present day i still travel with a CB in a truck with GPS and all them bells,,,But you cant beat the ole CB radio
Where can I get a Cb radio?
@@torgomax Amazon has great prices
I have kept all my CB Radioes that I used in the 80's just for the TEOTWAWKI. And mounted in my cars so I can talk to my friends while we drive down the Highway on camping trips. They just come in handy!
Not to mention my handhelds are perfect to carrying while hiking around the camp sites. And yes, my wife is a LIcenses HAM operator. But I still have my CB's as a backup.
Thanks for sharing- CB do come in handy
I would say the 3rd reason is the most important reason..for you, it was Hurricane Fran....for us here in the Northeast, it was Sandy....sandy knocked out power for days! I was fortunate enough to not lose power. However, I remember seeing lines for gas at all the local stations, eggs, milk, bread, and water completely wiped off the shelves. It would be great if more people had a CB to communicate things better. I've had one in my daily driver since 2014. It has helped me avoid multiple accidents, and bad roads that weren't plowed over the years. Definitely more useful than modern crap in my opinion.
Good point with Sandy- that was a pretty bad storm for sure
I'm 63 and packed my CB away years ago along with a pair of great antennas, but with everything going on this is making me think about pulling them out and powering it up.
I say go for it, it might bring back some great memories for you.
This ham radio operator ( KN4JKZ )has a Bearcat CB, I think I'll install it tomorow, next to my Icom 7100., good job friend.
Glad to hear it!
You need to do a CB radio product review. I've had and made dozens of diferent 11m antennas over the years,also owned commercially built ones as well. I recently purchased a Sirio Gainmaster 5/8th wave verticle and are blown away with its performance, it easily puts the Antron 99, imax 2000 and other "Fiberglass" verticles to shame, and the coolest part is you dont need to tune it, i have a flat match straight out of the box.
Erik, youd be besides yourself as well, the Gainmaster is a bad ass antenna as far as iam concerned, I hear stations ive never heard with using the competitors fiberglass verticles.
Great video as always!🤠👍
Erik has done several cb radio reviews , click on and scroll through his channels , you’ll like what you see. That’s great input on the antenna you mentioned , thanks.
I'll look into it!
Great ideas! Im a ham operator but I always find myself going back to CB! Such a useful tool and a hobby thats a ton of fun!
It's the wild west at times, but CB is nearly always where it's at!
What a thrill. The fact as a 13 yo in early 70s was able to speak to people in NJ from CT with just some wire on my roof and a cheap radio shack base station.
It was and still is magic!
Wonderful, isn't it? I was driving through San Antonio in the rain one afternoon when the urge hit me to turn on my Robyn SD510 and Palomar 200W box. I talked to Kingston, Jamica like we were neighbors.
I remember the CB radio craze of the late 70's and 80's. I still have my old vintage 70's CB radio.
I got in on the tail end of the 80's and it was crazy!
You are correct, my grandfather taught me this in the 70’s, communication, you can’t see over the next hill, but you can talk over the next hill, or to the guy meeting you coming the other way!
your grandfather sounds like a smart man
I still have my CB radios, only one antenna though. I had my one CB in my car last summer and was bummed there was really no one on the air. This was how we communicated when I was a teenager and it was a lot of fun! Everyone had CB's! My dad got me into them, he was really big into them....
These days. most people just monitor CB. It may seem silent, but give a shout for a radio check and usually people hop to life.
Lower side band is active all day. Ch. 37 thru 39 on LSB.
In Australia all CB radio has now migrated to a 40 channel UHF system with repeaters in certain locations. Its quite popular with truckers I believe The 27mhz band was to be shut down but has not been. Not sure if anyone uses it, maybe in remote or outback areas.
Oh they use it. With current propagation the last several months, no problems getting down under and into the mini grass(hawaii) On a daily basis pretty easily considering i don't have a beam up. You will find them on lsb between 36 and 40 as your swinging into greyline here in the southwest. Above 40( 41 through 45 are of frequent use too. International call frequency is 27.555 usb, throw a cq out there and move them off is the common practice. Keep in mind we are still on the upswing of the solar cycle, we have several more years of super good propagation on 11 meters(cb bands)
As for what i call local dx( anything in the states, i am in Vegas) am'ers like to run 6/11/28 the most, but you can find it everywhere, and of course 19 is always a mess. I dont dx on am here, not on purpose anyways. For ssb, 38lsb is like 19 am, nothing but H&D all day everyday, its always a mess. I am at the base of a mountain directly to my east, so i have a big dead zone usually running from the middle of the east cost extending down through florida and the caribbean for me here. My primary is a 955hp with some moderate help on a 5/8th wave Ground plane at only about 18 feet to the base of it, as i am limited on what i can do here with antenna's, but no matter what i run here, i can never bore a hole through that mountain. But any other direction i can talk to anyone i can hear unless the frequencys a mess and it always is on the hot channels, lots of big stations behind me in california that i cant hear (too close) roll right over me a lot. But a lot of those guys are hamsters and the like running their 7300's and henry 2k's or better with long john beams and the like. That's the dx situation for me here.
As for more activity on 11 meters than the 10 meter ham band? That's because most all of the hamsters are running down on 11 meters and the free bands! lol Most of the time you will only hear them running ft8 if anything up there, most don't run phone there because they are always down on 11 meters slumming with us "cb'ers", or the local ones, the sad hams(that's a whole other can of worms) are too busy jamming up our local GMRS repeater all the time( yeah i got a GMRS license too)
If your ever rolling through Vegas looking for local info, good luck with that. 19 here is the "local base station" channel, and everyone there runs loads of power, and their are all gonna tell yah 17 is the trucker channel lol. If the skip isn't laying your S meter into the corner during the day, when the night time comes all those dudes are gonna lay the swat on yah. Most of the regulars there are running an average of 1 to 1.5 kw at all times, lots of big radios in Vegas. I know of one in particular that can run 6k when he grabs third gear. Vegas is a rough radio town!!
Thank you for sharing all that information. If i am ever in vegas i will keep my ears open for you
@@acidreign8551 Very interesting. I am close to Sydney and have bought a CB radio for the car I have not installed yet. It will be used when I travel to the Central/North coasts and Southern Highlands area using the freeways mainly. I think CB in these areas is basically UHF. Australia being such a large country I can see where the 27mhz band would be very useful. A friend of mine who was in the police told me they used shortwave in remote areas of New South Wales to compliment where the VHF (now mainly UHF digital) would not cover. They used to publish propagation charts to help the operators. I would assume that emergency services in these areas now would also have access to satellite phones etc.
27.355 LSB channel 35 is popular in Australia
You’re absolutely right we had an Internet outage here in the Ohio valley where we live sometime back that affected cell service and a lot of other things. I started thinking about installing a homebase unit(CB)and one in the truck so we could communicate in a situation like that. We’ve talked to people that are with Ohio Homeland security and they believe sooner or later the grid will probably go down for a while if that’s the case, the old way may prove to be the best way.
With the increase in natural disasters, there is a good chance that communication will go down at some point. There was a hurricane in Fl a few years back that took out cell service for over a week. CB radios were still running strong
Dude! Back in the 80's I bought a CB radio and my handle was "Yellow Fever" I had so much fun! I am going to go out and buy another CB radio I'm glad I watched your video you got me excited again it was so fun. Thx.
Very cool!
Retired OTR trucker. Going on 78 now, and I've had a CB just about since they first came out. My first one was a 23 channel Pace - 123. I've still got one in my pickup.😁
That is awesome! Glad to hear that you are still with the hobby-
I like your videos. I wish CB would come back again also! I've been using CB's since the 80's and also a ham radio operator. I know some hams don't care for CB, but I'll always have a CB radio in my vehicle and at home for the base station. The CB has helped me on the road several times and it's just fun to talk with other people in your area or even on "skip".
Right on! Ham and CB are both great ways to chat.
Good video! And great reasons for having one. I recently got a Midland MXT 275 GMRS radio. In the last couple months while sitting at an intersection waiting for the light to change a few people have roll down their window and ask what my handle is?
that is pretty cool
I am a Ham and have been for ten years, but got my start in CB radio in the late 70s with so many other people. I'm now diving back into CB radio, have an 11 meter end-fed outside and can not believe the amount of SSB coming in from all over the country, I'm in Arizona. I am particularly encouraged by the modern versions of handhelds being released lately. Great video as always.
Thank you sir!
Do you or anyone else hear this recording 1111111 all ones on channel 38 lsb
What handheld do you think is the best?
Which one do you recommend from which store, for someone in the southwest?
Ham here, for 64 years. Also did CB for reasons mentioned. My dad, in Hondo TX, maintained watch on chan 9 and 19. He often gave directions to gas, food eateries still open late and for medical/ ambulance help. We had REACT then, which has faded but is still there to help across country. Folks in remote rural areas often have no cell and if landline is down CB can save lives. Btw you can get basic FM VHF radios for the same price and sma kits or older but working HF gear ( plain but works) for price of a CB. Dint need morse code but it is fun and lets you use simple transmitters an portables that can do worldwide contacts. CB is still very useful however. 73 from FL
I remember the tail end of REACT. We should try and bring that back.
64 years. I got my first ham license in 1965. I still live in Texas, and have radio stuff..
I just bought a Thunderpole T2000 - Ive got no idea what Im doing and Im so excited by it. Enjoyed your CB videos through the years. Thanks!
That is half the fun-- learn what works and what does not
A little while ago before I moved, there was a point where I was getting skip in northern Canada from guys in the Southern US, including places like Texas and New Mexico. It was thrilling, although I don't think my little mobile installation in my 4x4 could reach those guys who were probably using linear amps and stuff. Even so, there was just something awesome about hearing voices from folks thousands of klicks away and bring able to understand even some of what they said. So cool. Now I live in a much flatter area than before, I'm thinking I might just set up my CB radios again
In 1975 I was living in Amarillo Texas and had just put a CB in my car. It had a clip on Antenna Specialist antenna attached to the drip rail on the roof. Not even a permanent install and the CB was plugged into the cigarette lighter socket. My point is this was not an expensive setup. I was waiting for my wife to come out from a Dr appointment and I was listening to skip. Conditions were good and I could hear people talking about traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway! That's the Chicago area. I called out and got an answer and told the guy where I was in Texas. That lasted only a couple of minutes but that's all I needed to get hooked on radio. If conditions are favorable you don't need a huge linear to work skip.PS- I just remembered the brand of radio it was a Robyn I believe it was an off brand radio..
Skip is one of the coolest parts of the hobby. Hearing those distant voices as they roll in and out of the static.
Years ago, i got the 980 ssb as you suggested. I keep it in my truck.
Great content!
I hope it worked out well for you
@Farpoint Farms I've used it a few times. But i have it for shtf prep.
4th reason ,, we’re in a really bizarre sun-cycle !! I’ve been talking into Europe every morning for 3 hours on 50 watts (RMS) the last several weeks . Right now I’m making contacts to the New England states on a basic tuned and aligned Grant XL doing 5 watts RMS and about 15 peak.
73’s Erik , hope all is well on the Farm
I love sun spots. they are great for communication.
UDX-362 waving to you UDX-347......
I couldn’t agree more but it’s not like it was back in the early 70s. There’s hardly anybody on the radios up here in Vermont anymore so it’s like you’re talking to them I can never get anybody to come back to you. But I still love my CB world. Great video thank you
The more we return to CB the more people will be out there to answer.
I dont know if you ever saw the movie "Contact,"but there's a great scene at the beginning where a young girl is on a CB saying CQ, THIS IS W9GFO ... COME BACK,& her dad comes in the room& she tells him,Im not getting anything, & he sais ,"small moves Ellie,smallmoves. Then she tries again and a voice comes through saying " HELLO W9GFO THIS SO&SO FROM Pensicola Florida. She asks her dad what should I say,& he sais "just be yourself.Plus she was tansmitting from Wisconcin!I thought that was so cool.Cb's could be our last line of communication in the event of a castrophic event.Great video,great work!
Agreed!
I love my cb. I’m studying for my ham license at the moment. You look at the price of mobiles and base stations it’s coming back
I do believe that- I swear people are wanting to disconnect from their phone while still communicating. They no longer want smart phones, just phones
@@FarpointFarms people are starting to wake up my friend we’re tired of being spied on with these phones getting ready for the ( zombies) lol
@@FarpointFarms I tell my kids 30 years ago this was my cell phone
Back in the 70s I had a Cobra 139 base with single sideband, and a Teaberry 5X5 mobile with 40 channels and a Big Mama antenna. My handle was Cannonball. I wouldn't mind having another one. I started out with a Midland mobile with a 103" whip antenna. Those were the good old days.
Sounds like you had some nice radios back in the day.
73 CB Guy/Ham UK CB still has its place good video
Thanks!
I had the good luck of having a CB when a bad accident occurred on I-95 in Georgia going North and a trucker steered everyone with a CB radio to a detour saving me an hour and a half in a mile long parking lot. Love them truckers!
i agree, truckers have saved me many times
just an idea, list a link to a unit for the car and another for the home you would suggest for newbies..
I had thought about that but I did not want people buying something that did not have the features that they wanted in a radio. I also did not want people to think that I was getting paid commission if they bought one that I recommended
great reasons to have a CB. I don't currently have one in my vehicle but i might put one back into one. I have found that the amount of people on the CB channels is far far less now than there were in the 70s and even 80s. Lots of truckers refer to them as their "back up" radio because they only seem to use them to get info on a back up in traffic.....as you mentioned. I've had a number of radios since the 70s and i think my favorite was my Pace 2300 with a pair of 102" steels on the back. My little linear helped it reach out a bit....lol. i might just have to get a power converter and get back into it. Thanks for the reminder.
We have gotten lots of use while stuck in traffic- able to see how far ahead was the problem and it if was worth trying to take a detour
I agree with you on that that is why I have a real CB radio something that does have a kicker build in a general HP 40W and I've used it multiple times and it has saved my hide multiple times dealing with pileups on the highways and byways and I will continue to always have a CB radio setup in my car no matter what people say everybody should have a CB radio setup in their vehicle and in their big rigs as well and CB radio communications will always be there anyway keep up the amazing videos on UA-cam
Thank you sir!
I really enjoy your coverage of C-B radio. They are so handy for the many reasons you mentioned. I ran C-B in my school busses back in the early 70's with great results, could get to parents at home at route pick-ups, and after basketball games. Today I've set up a base station and several mobiles for the reasons you mentioned. Keep up he good work!
School bus still use that type of radios- It is a great way of keeping in contact
I had 43 CB radios here on the farm...every truck, every tractor, etc. We went to VHF and so the CB's went on a shelf...a flood of 5 feet of water took care of that. I had a stack of Uniden Grant XL's...I miss them the most.
Oh man! Sorry to hear that!
Just picked up a Wouxun KG-S72C as my first CB radio. This little handheld was more than enough to make me realize that the last 20 years of me doing a blue collar job that requires a lot of driving throughout the day without a CB was dumb. I use Waze, and it’s great, but it’s not the same. Sometimes just knowing what lane to be in quickly is a big deal, and I’ve already had those moments.
Waze is great for areas that have good cell coverage, where I live it does not work. On long drives I like to scan the channels and see what is going on
I've always loved and had fascination with all radio equipment whether it be AM FM CB ham or scanners
Me Too!
Even though I am an Extra class ham from 1986 when the tests were much more difficult I agree that CB radio has its place for sure. Propagation sometimes only occurs on the lower frequency ham bands depending on the solar cycle. Driving on the road CB is superior to amateur radio in many cases. I learned that the hard way one time.
Agreed. for road use, CB is still the king.
A overwhelming majority of the citizenry take it for granted their cell service will always be available at their disposable.
As well, voice communication is becoming
less of a communication practice.
Elon Musk as guest stated in the context of a popular podcast recently that voice communication could / would be eliminated by AI in the not so distant future.
This video is most visionary on your part Erik.
In with the old, out with the new
I certainly worry we have been setup for failure.
Failure by design... The over subscribed model is designed to generate excess revenues used to bid on tying up more spectrum with government "over"sight...
Hey Erik, it's been a long time! Spending some time tonight catching up on your videos that I've missed over the past year or so.
I'm installing a McKinley with a 102" whip in my truck tomorrow, but I'm definitely not installing my RM Italy foot warmer!
Looks like I just missed your live stream last night, but I'll keep an eye out for the next one so we can catch up. I really enjoy your CB videos, and you're the reason I got back into it after a few decades away and I really enjoy it.
Welcome back!
When i drove over the road, always had a CB in the truck. Nothing elaborate but tuned proper & could talk on a hot humid day for 25-30 miles. On side band, was in KC,Mo. & talking to guys in Baltimore. I think every vehicle made should have one. Don't have to use it but nice to have when something comes up.
I've also had one in my cars and trucks since the late 80's Never regretted it!
I'm a ham operator but I do enjoy CB too. I'm ready in case the SHTF. Great video, Eric.
Thanks- let's hope it never does
Proud owner of realistic navaho trc 458 with sigma venom in my house and yaesu ft 450 both with same antenna and cobra 29lx in my car with hustler mag mount antenna
sounds like a great setup
I agree 💯💯💯 old school technology at it's finest I talk skip every day and local talk yea cellular etc..is ok but I call it convenient cb is alot of fun also
Right on!
CB radio saved my bacon on several occasions decades ago, with a breakdown on the way to work and running out of gas a couple of times. Now after back to back hurricanes I'm looking around for a good used SSB unit to keep on hand.
I think they are a really good idea to have on hand for emergencies. After Helene nothing was working and people were able to use CB to communicate
I've owned a couple of the Radio Shack units over the decades. They work well, and sound good. That said, I found that it's a good idea to reinforce the solder joints of the small circuit boards that sit perpendicular to the main printed circuit board. They fit through a slot in the main board, and connect to the main board with solder joints which connect the traces in that 90 degree junction. If you look at the board, it'll be easier to see what I'm talking about. Those joints would crack due to not enough solder from the factory (at least this was the case when being used in R model Mack trucks :) )... but it's a good bullet-proofing mod to do to those radios, and any other which have those 90 degree sub-boards as part of the design. Other than that, I never had any problems with those models.
I was a radio tech in the USAF, and went to truck driving when I got out, so it was a natural thing for me to start modding and repairing CB's. :)
Thank you for the tips on making them stronger
Good information! I still have a few very good ones, even though I'm a ham radio operator.
glad to hear that you still have some
My first “rig” was a base price Midland mobile unit (23 Ch.) along with the RadioShack/Tandy power converter for home use back around ‘77. Cobra was also a solid rig also back then. RadioShack, you mentioned and Sears also sold very good equipment.
I've owned a few JCpenny CB's but never a sears. I am always looking though.
The Midland 23 was my first also. Around 1972. Combined with a five or six foot whip. Got out twenty miles easily on four watts from my car. Smokey and the bandit. Also had to apply for FCC license in those days. A lot of fun times
On my bicycle.
PING........ remember the old Browning's Golden Eagle Mike's remember well when things changed over to 40 channels my father all his brothers and myself are all retired truck drivers
I still have my dad’s Cobra 21X 23 channel. Need to find a mic and fire it up again. Very solid radio.
I still have mine in the garage with a magnetic antenna. Bought it in 1979. It still works!
Dust that old bugger off and fire it up!
I have a CB in my home, I mainly just listen. When conditions are "right", CB communications, in my area, in south eastern Ontario, Canada, are dominated by over powered illegal transmissions from South of the border; I couldn't respond to them, even if I wanted to, as they seem to be not set up for listening.
The most active SSB channel is 38, LSB which has become a call channel. Seems like "everyone" transmits at the same time, trying to hold a qso on what is, supposed to be a "call" channel. Many are on frequency, many are not, a challenge to listen to sometimes.
When conditions are not favourable for skip, I can communicate locally. There is very little local activity, though, but occasionally do have qso, and that makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks for sharing.
Skip does some strange stuff. It can be fun, but it can certainly can mess with local communications.
I have my cobra 2000 cb base station with an a99 antenna my every day cb radio on my personal vehicle and my work truck one in my garage with another a99 and 5 spare cb radios.
Get a Sirio Gainmaster 5/8ths wave verticle, you'll toss your A99 in the trash. My Gainmaster out performs the A99 in every aspect, I'll never use an A99 or a Imax 2000 ever again!🤠👍
@@ericdee6802 I was thinking of replacing both of the a99 because I have then almost 8 years thanks for the recommendation
@@ramonortiz5651 Your Welcome. The few extra bucks a Gainmaster costs is well worth it.!
The Cobra 2000 is a GREAT radio!!
@@FarpointFarms yes is a great base station I bought it back in 2015 and is still going strong 👍👍
I drive a lot. Nobody seems to be using CB's anymore. I literally hear nothing anymore on the channels. To the point I bought another unit to test mine to make sure it worked. It did.
Sadly, gone are the days of drivers talking anymore. There was always the one guy that keys his Mic up and causes a serious disturbance to the rest of the telecommunications world with the power he was was throwing out. But all memories..
Be the guy that starts talking. Get on 19 or 14, or 28 and talk. No one answers? Tell a story, tell a joke. Keep talking. Someone is always out there, but they never key up.
Thats right, In a nut shell. wast of money.....Retired trucker.
Recently dug up my Cobra 23 channel CB radio from our old 1976 Caprice Classic. It was actually wrapped in shag carpet! LOL.
Still have an amazing magnetic trunk antenna too.
Thing still works great and is now a base station with a solar battery system!
Looking at a more modern 40ch model for the car. Thanks!
That is a great starter setup right there! Off grid, works, and gets the job done on the cheap! Love it!
i have a connex 3300hp cb and i hit canada and florida abunch and in oklahoma its so much fun im only 17 years old and i have one in my 1st pick up im so happy i got in cb radio its such a fun hobby too have with a grandparent that your radio is always making him mad we just laugh
Welcome to the hobby!
@@FarpointFarms what can Channel you talk on so maybe I can talk with ya when the skit is right
I was a mobile cb operator in ireland back in 1980 till 1986 had a ssb mc kinley rig till it was stolen, shortwave listener in 1990 mainly listened to the uk 40m ham also 20m dx, did the ra course in 1994 which was a full general license plenty of theory to learn, 3 hour written exam (not the easy multiple choice now) passed and i have a life long call sign, great hobby
Good background. I hope your able to get new users on the air!
I'm an amateur radio operator and don't have anything against CB radio. If I had a car, I would have both a CB radio and a UHF/VHF Ham radio in it. I may get a CB radio just to see what's going on those channels. 73 from KC2TEL.
thanks for sharing, not all hams are willing to say that
Also a ham. Funny story with last years snow storm. We were down for over four days (others had it worse). One ham community (220MHz) I found out the gas station that had power AND gas near me. I mentioned to the other ham community (2m) near me (on one of their nets) it might be a good idea to do a quick check-in around lunch time to see the status of the different club members exchange information like what stations had power AND gas and if they needed anything for heat, etc. and was told that they wouldn't want to get into any trouble on the pecuniary front. I still don't understand how looking out for folks could get us into trouble. Nobody that I knew of was getting paid for the info. They were just looking for fuel too.
That is a good example of why we need alternate forms of communication. Just for that reason.
This is where clubs can and ought to be more educational. You cannot run YOUR business on ham radio but you can order pizza (the classic example of what you could not do, now you can). But CB is a no questions asked medium.
@@thomasmaughan4798…
A lot of misunderstanding about the law regarding cb radio usage and conducting business.
Conducting business is fine:
Relating information or instructions to coworkers, “Hey Billy, send a mechanic out to jump start truck #12.”
“XYZ Trucking, back your trailer into dock 3.”
and things like this.
ADVERTISING/PROMOTING your business is a no no:
“Hey folks… c’mon in to ‘Billy Joe Jim Bob’s CB shop’ for all your CB needs… “
And similar.
The comment you made on cell towers failing is not an old but possible issue. Hurricane Ida in 2021 knocked out the cell towers in my local area so we couldn't look up any information online or on the phone unless we drove to another area (which wasn't possible immediately due to trees blocking roads for the first few days). CB would have been a great tool to have to talk around town and see what was going on. It took about a week or so for cell service/data to come back.
It saved my butt back in 1996 and again in 2015 when we had long term grid down events.
You are right, i have have used a cb for years and you can talk to anyone who has one on the road, or a draw bridge i cross often that. great vid my brother.
Thank you sir!
Hurricane Ian sat on Port Charlotte Florida, where I am located, for a VERY long amount of time. After returning home the family did the cleanup as I setup the generator. Put fresh batteries in an old AM/FM for the news as well as a Realistic TRC-226 "Handie-Talkie". I could hear a lot of local traffic but had issues making contact. Assembled ~20 ft of 3/4" pipe with couplers, mounted an old Antron 99 on top, strapped it to to side of the house, found a good ground and ran ~ 100 ft of RG-8U into the garage. Dug out and connected an old President 2510 and was in business. Invaluable for finding out which gas stations had power and still had gas, which grocery stores were open, etc. Since then the 2510 went into a vehicle with a Wilson 5000 and a Cobra 66-LTD went in my Jeep with a top-loaded Firestick. Working on a base setup this spring.
I am glad that you were that resourceful in that time of need. That was one powerful Hurricane for sure.
Can you still get police calls did they do away with them. ?
Most areas have gotten away from monitoring them, but not all.