CB usage?
Are CB radios still used frequently on the open road? Do you use one in your RV? Thanks in advance.
Forum Discussion
CavemanCharlie wrote:
www.arrl.org
I have no idea what you just said. I know NOAA but, otherwise it's just gibberish to me. I am interested in learning though.hyattjlbb wrote:
CB sits on the shelf in the garage nowadays. Run my 2 meter HAM radio now. Lots more range and lots more fun when stopped overnight. Download a "repeater book" app for the phone and/or set the unit to scan for them and no issues. Also has APRS so family can see where I am by going to a website and NOAA radio as well. So much better than the old Citizen Band.
I have no idea what you just said. I know NOAA but, otherwise it's just gibberish to me. I am interested in learning though.- CB sits on the shelf in the garage nowadays. Run my 2 meter HAM radio now. Lots more range and lots more fun when stopped overnight. Download a "repeater book" app for the phone and/or set the unit to scan for them and no issues. Also has APRS so family can see where I am by going to a website and NOAA radio as well. So much better than the old Citizen Band.
Ralph Cramden wrote:
Slowmover wrote:
Sorry the prissy boys get upset. Are you all the same ones wearing tattoos & tee shirts?. Baggy shorts and crocs? Clothes no adult would ever leave the house while wearing? 40-lbs overweight? A visual offense to any idea of self-pride or belonging to an advanced society? But you complain about some words. Ha! Wear an earbud.
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Thank you...thank you very much, that made my whole day ROFLMAO.
Excellent post! Made my day! :BDrewE wrote:
w8lpn wrote:
I have a few CB radios, none currently installed in a vehicle. Although when I am traveling a distance I do like to have one with me. As far communicating on a caravan, FRS is an ok option but very limited range. Usually in a caravan we use GMRS, although it does need a license you can use higher power and better antennas than FRS. Both are on UHF and have their limits.
The FMS/GMRS laws were changed around a year ago, and most all of what were previously FMS/GMRS hybrid radios are now classified only as FMS and do not need a license. (More specifically, any such radios where the transmit power isn't over 2W are now FMS radios and need no license--which covers nearly all walkie-talkies.) As is typical of government regulations (and FCC regulations), the details are a little bit more complicated, but that's the gist of the situation. I assume it was done for much the same reason that the requirement for CB users to be licensed went away in the '80s: the licensing wasn't accomplishing anything particularly useful, and many people were ignoring it whether out of ignorance or otherwise.
True as for the hybrid radios. But what I was getting at, if you want better range in UHF with more power, then the GMRS license is still in place. I forgot about the change, but like you said not many people followd it anyway. WQYA884w8lpn wrote:
I have a few CB radios, none currently installed in a vehicle. Although when I am traveling a distance I do like to have one with me. As far communicating on a caravan, FRS is an ok option but very limited range. Usually in a caravan we use GMRS, although it does need a license you can use higher power and better antennas than FRS. Both are on UHF and have their limits.
The FMS/GMRS laws were changed around a year ago, and most all of what were previously FMS/GMRS hybrid radios are now classified only as FMS and do not need a license. (More specifically, any such radios where the transmit power isn't over 2W are now FMS radios and need no license--which covers nearly all walkie-talkies.) As is typical of government regulations (and FCC regulations), the details are a little bit more complicated, but that's the gist of the situation. I assume it was done for much the same reason that the requirement for CB users to be licensed went away in the '80s: the licensing wasn't accomplishing anything particularly useful, and many people were ignoring it whether out of ignorance or otherwise.- I have a few CB radios, none currently installed in a vehicle. Although when I am traveling a distance I do like to have one with me. As far communicating on a caravan, FRS is an ok option but very limited range. Usually in a caravan we use GMRS, although it does need a license you can use higher power and better antennas than FRS. Both are on UHF and have their limits.
CB radio does work if it is set up properly as was previously mentioned. But again there are limits of about 5-10 miles. One thing to keep in mind though is on CB, right now we are at solar minimum and that closes propagation (skip conditions) for the upper end of the HF spectrum, where CB resides 27mhz. But when solar conditions improve, then you start shooting skip as they say and can talk very long distance which can be fun, but if trying to talk to someone close may be impossible, not to mention trying to find an open channel.
Another option is Amateur radio, you have to be licensed, but there are repeaters around almost everywhere. Now you may not find a lot of traffic conditions here, but if its a long drive may find someone to talk to. But for now for traffic conditions and what not esp. on back roads someplaces, and interstates, CB can be a great tool. TragedyTrousers wrote:
CB is the dodo bird of communications with Ham radio not far behind.
So are smartphones when you're out and about in an RV and can't get a decent cell tower signal.
Satellite communications is the real name of the communications game. We just entered that world thanks to a gift (I couldn't have afforded it on my own).- CB is the dodo bird of communications with Ham radio not far behind.
- No CB anymore went HAM and the rig has one.
