Are CB radios still used?

[moparcanuck]

Recently bought my new motorhome (1994 Newmar). It has a factory CB radio in it. Was rather surprised, as CBs had long since faded away. However, in looking, I see that CBs are still options in even brand new motorhomes.

Are people still using these? I haven't used one in years.

[pronstar]

Jeez...you'd think person on the other end of a CB radio has the answer to the meaning of life.

Like anything, having more than one source for communication and information is key. The more options you have, the more prepared you are for any situation that may arise.

To imply that a cell phone can't tell you where to get a good cup of coffee totally ignores social media like Yelp, where people post reviews that you can access on a cell phone, for literally every type of establishment all across the country.

Sure, it's great to talk to a real live person, rather than looking at a darned Smartphone all the time.

But I don't think some folks realize the breadth of data you can access with a Smartphone, either.

Yes, there ARE apps that tell you where speed traps are.

And the apps that monitor traffic - many use real-time data that's updated by tracking the volume of cell phones as they handoff from tower to tower.

Technology is a cool thing.
But it should ADD to the breadth of information we have, not REPLACE any particular part of it.

[westend]

Anyone have a recommendation for CB antenna's? I have the radio and wish to mount it in my F-250. Is there a good magnetic base whip that would work?

[noe-place]

When DW and I were first married (wow) I had a CB in my car. Used it when on trips for traffic updates from 18 wheelers. My handle was "Cotton Top" as my car was a Buick Wildcat painted a beautiful light blue with the white vinyl top. I still have that CB today in my garage and am thinking about putting it in the MH. My only concern is where to mount the antenna.

[down_home]

Got'em but seldom connect them up. Would be useful, if I would many times. I think every compact van owner and p/u towing a flat trailer loaded with whatever ought to have one. Then I could connect mine up directly to the horns. Every time they cut us off or pull other fancy stunts we could wake them up and then instruct them on obtaining rectal cranial inversion therapy...Maybe not. 🙂

[D___M]

Hang out on 19

[bigred1cav]

What channel is used. I pick nothing up and I am 1 mile from I 70?

[D___M]

Does the cellphone tell you where to get a good cup of joe, or where the radar is set up. or where there is black ice forming, at 2 in the morning. Can you ask the slow moving truck ahead of you if its clear to come around on a two lane highway? Can you get instant feedback that by pushing one button? Does it come on and alert you that your right brake light is out?

[2012Coleman]

Bumpyroad wrote:

camperpaul wrote:

2012Coleman wrote:
Now we use walkie talkies when backing into the driveway or campsites - seems that someone is always yelling at me to get off "their" frequency.

If the walkie-talkies you are using are the FRS/GMRS radios, you may be using a GMRS frequency. Some of those frequencies are the input frequencies for repeaters for which you are not licensed (by the FCC) to use.

When programming your FRS/GMRS radio, make sure you are not using a GMRS frequency. The penalties for unlicensed use can be rather severe.

or just fill out the forms to be able to use all of those frequencies. of course figuring out how to fill out those forms is a challenge.
bumpy

Thanks - I'm aware of the channels I'm not supposed to use - can't quote them, but was spelled out in the instructions.

[Jarlaxle]

Its the Google navigation app, almost any Smartphone will have it. Mine is an LG Optimus from Virgin Mobile.

[mowermech]

PastorCharlie wrote:
When hurricanes or tornadoes knock out tens of thousands of telephones in an area, cell are without service. The only repeaters working are those hardened and operating off generators. Local communication becomes dependent upon direct radio frequencies. The success then depends upon the quality and power of the radio service.

Yep, that is when the CBers and the Amateur Operators come into their own!
As for the phone app, will it tell you when the high wind warning for "high profile" vehicles are in effect between Big Timber and Livingston, MT on I-90? Will your wonderful phone even work on U.S. 2 between East Glacier and West Glacier? Does it know what is happening at the 10,500 foot level on the Beartooth Pass, or is it only attuned to "major" highways? Will it tell you if the Beartooth highway is open, or closed for the winter? Will it tell you if U.S. 191 between Harlowton and Eddies Corner is open or closed due to blowing snow?
Are you willing to bet your life (and the lives of your family) on that magic electronic gadget?
I am not!

[Bumpyroad]

re. the cell phone GPS system. exactly how does it know where a back up is and how quickly does it determine that? I mean somehow this has to be reported doesn't it? surely every mile of highway in the country is not constantly scanned and rescanned to see if traffic is moving or not. when is it determined that there is in fact a back up worthy of reporting it vs. just a momentary glitch.

I sort of question its efficacy.
could you provide the exact name/model of phone and which plan does this as I would be interested in researching it a little bit?
bumpy

[Jarlaxle]

camperpaul wrote:

h2guy wrote:

Jarlaxle wrote:
Yes...call up the traffic on my phone's navigation, it will show EXACTLY where the backup is.

Only where those cameras are avail. Not in every city. Probably OK if you are always in the same area.

How well does it work when you are on I-80 near Hastings NE or in the middle of the Mohave Desert?

There are a lot of places where your phone will be useless because you are not in range of a cell site tower.

AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH! For at least the THIRD time: I do not need cell service to use the phone's GPS navigation!

[Jarlaxle]

h2guy wrote:

Jarlaxle wrote:
Yes...call up the traffic on my phone's navigation, it will show EXACTLY where the backup is.

Only where those cameras are avail. Not in every city. Probably OK if you are always in the same area.

No, wrong! I have used it MANY times in places with no traffic cameras!

[PastorCharlie]

When hurricanes or tornadoes knock out tens of thousands of telephones in an area, cell are without service. The only repeaters working are those hardened and operating off generators. Local communication becomes dependent upon direct radio frequencies. The success then depends upon the quality and power of the radio service.

[camperpaul]

h2guy wrote:

Jarlaxle wrote:
Yes...call up the traffic on my phone's navigation, it will show EXACTLY where the backup is.

Only where those cameras are avail. Not in every city. Probably OK if you are always in the same area.

How well does it work when you are on I-80 near Hastings NE or in the middle of the Mohave Desert?

There are a lot of places where your phone will be useless because you are not in range of a cell site tower.