CB radio, How many users?

The use and value of CB's are many as indicated by previous responses. Equally important is knowing where the "bears" are located:):) But I know that there are no RVers that drive faster than the posted speed limit:):)

We use our CB a lot. We live in Arizona and when we travel with friends often there is no cell phone service. We always use it when 4 wheeling.

I use a CB only for things immediately surrounding my RV. Specifically:

1. A CBer who would be good enough to let me know if they see something wrong with my rig, eg a flat or something falling off. I return the favor.

2. A CBer who lets me know of any bad road conditons ahead and what to do about them, eg, a traffic-stopping wreck and advice on getting off on alternate routes, icing on the road, etc.

Anything else (long range communications, entertainment, etc) I don't need a CB for, because I've got cell phones and AM/FM/satellite radio.

So my little Midland CB radio and Wilson 1000 antenna get the job done very well.

gcloss wrote:
This brings back memories of the '70s.

Only had 23 channels and no SSB at the time.

Never had a linear amp, because my father told me the FCC would catch me putting out high wattage.

Thinking back now the FCC probably didn't care.

Interstates 10, 15, and 40 all converge in San Bernardino (CA) via the 15 - whether going East or West.

Back in the CB days, there was a foul-mouth guy most likely with a home base and a *very* high power linear that would reach way, way out - and could "walk over" anyone whenever he felt like it.

Some truckers would try to "top" his foul language, but none could.
Always thought the FAA would put him out of business, but it seemed they never did (or -as above- didn't care).

~

Caravan.
Big group week-long event at Glamis (dunes). For the arrival date, several small caravans could/would communicate en-route on pre-selected channel.
Worked well for short range.
On return, most left Glamis individually rather than in groups.
But.....we left the CB on "our" channel - to hear if anyone would come up for a chat, or?.

When passing the trucks lined up waiting for the scales (Banning?) two truckers happened to be using "our" channel - discussing where they they would score some dope when they got to L.A.

Picked up the mic, said I was in the "Pete" about 4 trucks back and was going to kick both their azzes when they were at the scale for making "us truckers" look bad!
Guy with me was panicked (LOL!) - until he figured it out.
Funny thing......one came back on the air - to say they were "just joking".

We had the last laugh..:B

~

WoodGlue wrote:
I just started using a CB radio since not having one since 1977 or 1978. I am also a licensed ham radio operator, but I find that traffic jams are much better reported by truckers than other hams. Plus it's nice to have the severe weather radio aspect of the CB radio.

I urge everyone to get a ham radio license! It's not that hard and it's a great hobby.

WoodGlue

For severe weather we now have NOAA on the smart phone plus every state has 511weather that has evrything about closures storms etc. Now my MH has a NOAA selection along with AM, FM, and satellite all in the factory installed units.

This brings back memories of the '70s.

I had a CB radio in my '68 Mustang. Mounted a 100+" stainless steel whip antenna and large spring on the rear fender. Only had 23 channels and no SSB at the time. Never had a linear amp, because my father told me the FCC would catch me putting out high wattage. Thinking back now the FCC probably didn't care.

I also had a portable 12-channel CB that must have had 12 AA batteries and used two crystals for each channel, 1 transmit & 1 receive. It had a telescoping antenna that must have been 4 ft long.

I just started using a CB radio since not having one since 1977 or 1978. I am also a licensed ham radio operator, but I find that traffic jams are much better reported by truckers than other hams. Plus it's nice to have the severe weather radio aspect of the CB radio.

I urge everyone to get a ham radio license! It's not that hard and it's a great hobby.

WoodGlue

Thanks for all the information folks. I too miss the good old CD days!
Good idea about getting a ham license.

On your RV you must use a No Ground Plane Antenna.

I owned one or more CB radios for probably 15 to 20 years. I don't own one anymore. I used to be a trucker but even then I kept it turned off most of the time. I didn't care to listen to that mess.
I quite speeding several years ago so I don't care where the cops are. A CB is great for avoiding traffic jams, that's about it.
I've been a licensed ham for 20 years. My wife just got her license. We can talk to each other for miles and miles and there's no foul language to have to listen too.

I like having it severe weather warnings,avoiding traffic backups,and when bored with radio,can listen to truckers . Last time out one trucker was schooling the other guy in keeping tomatoes fresh all winter long.The Wilson k-40 is a good antenna mounted on bumper.