CB radios - Do you use one?
Wondering if a CB radio is still beneficial. Used them in the 70s, but has the cell phone made them dinosaurs?
Forum Discussion
Introduced this past year are a handful of radios (more to come) with integrated DSP (Digital Signal Processing). Literature calls it NRC. The world of Amateur has had it quite awhile, and external devices have been available (I’ve used an amplified DSP speaker the past eight years)
This is the biggest change since the expansion to 40-channels. A level of performance others are unaware exists.
I run a CB 300-days/year, several thousand hours. DSP uncovers the RX your radio received, but couldn’t make legible (audible). QUALITY of what’s heard is significantly increased, and QUANTITY (distance) is bettered. Makes listening all day much easier. (I can run close to wide open all day re SQ and RF Gain).
CB today is for the few. It has no peer, much less any substitute for when it matters most (like a seat belt or pistol). Proper installation and best antenna mount location are key. Quick and dirty delivers terrible performance. Avoid that. Read, make lists, get supply & tools.
www.k0bg.com is the Mobile Radio Installation Bible.
HEAR, AND GET HEARD
1). The latest Stryker HPC (955 & 655), or the ANYTONE AT5555N2.
2). Center roof mount SIRIO 5000 Performer on a BREEDLOVE Mount.
3). (Used) KENWOOD KES-5 mil-spec external speaker mounted just ahead of drivers seat firing into footwell (can listen to NOAA 40-yards from truck you crank it up).
4). Marine-grade wiring & terminations (USCG-spec) POS to BATT & NEG to closest DC ground (think inches, not feet). Encased in split-loom, etc.
It’s common for me to converse easily with another those right around me can’t hear or can’t make out. Easy to alter plans with a heads-up 12-15/miles out versus 2-3/miles. . Big trucks are harder to do, expense is higher, yet it pays for itself 2-3X year (past accounting of crash avoidance).
DISTANT EARLY WARNING.
The phenomenon of SKIP (solar cycle upswing caused) means daylight hours it’s more difficult than just a year ago. Jerks on overpowered base stations with no job except this one. Must pay okay to screw up CH-19 as it’s the Devils work. (Read on, Solar Propagation).
DSP plus a MyAntennas CMC Choke reduces noise such that voices stand out better and audio controls can be set more easily. (Don’t give up: the $250 AT radio & $15 speaker noted are the equivalent of what I spent $600 to achieve).
“Export Radio” (as above) have the wattage to get heard (40-80W). The antenna is the biggest factor, but don’t expect any responses in daylight with 4W. (Scott’s Radios or Walcott Radio; antenna at DNJ Radio; mount at Breedlove).
OWN THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
Ten years or more is a realistic expectation of service.
.
This is the biggest change since the expansion to 40-channels. A level of performance others are unaware exists.
I run a CB 300-days/year, several thousand hours. DSP uncovers the RX your radio received, but couldn’t make legible (audible). QUALITY of what’s heard is significantly increased, and QUANTITY (distance) is bettered. Makes listening all day much easier. (I can run close to wide open all day re SQ and RF Gain).
CB today is for the few. It has no peer, much less any substitute for when it matters most (like a seat belt or pistol). Proper installation and best antenna mount location are key. Quick and dirty delivers terrible performance. Avoid that. Read, make lists, get supply & tools.
www.k0bg.com is the Mobile Radio Installation Bible.
HEAR, AND GET HEARD
1). The latest Stryker HPC (955 & 655), or the ANYTONE AT5555N2.
2). Center roof mount SIRIO 5000 Performer on a BREEDLOVE Mount.
3). (Used) KENWOOD KES-5 mil-spec external speaker mounted just ahead of drivers seat firing into footwell (can listen to NOAA 40-yards from truck you crank it up).
4). Marine-grade wiring & terminations (USCG-spec) POS to BATT & NEG to closest DC ground (think inches, not feet). Encased in split-loom, etc.
It’s common for me to converse easily with another those right around me can’t hear or can’t make out. Easy to alter plans with a heads-up 12-15/miles out versus 2-3/miles. . Big trucks are harder to do, expense is higher, yet it pays for itself 2-3X year (past accounting of crash avoidance).
DISTANT EARLY WARNING.
The phenomenon of SKIP (solar cycle upswing caused) means daylight hours it’s more difficult than just a year ago. Jerks on overpowered base stations with no job except this one. Must pay okay to screw up CH-19 as it’s the Devils work. (Read on, Solar Propagation).
DSP plus a MyAntennas CMC Choke reduces noise such that voices stand out better and audio controls can be set more easily. (Don’t give up: the $250 AT radio & $15 speaker noted are the equivalent of what I spent $600 to achieve).
“Export Radio” (as above) have the wattage to get heard (40-80W). The antenna is the biggest factor, but don’t expect any responses in daylight with 4W. (Scott’s Radios or Walcott Radio; antenna at DNJ Radio; mount at Breedlove).
OWN THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
Ten years or more is a realistic expectation of service.
.
