Basic CB Questions-Are you like me and stuck in the past?

[Trav0302]

When I was growing up I remember my grandparents always having a CB in anything we took camping. RV's, trucks, semi's, etc. I still remember grandpa switching channels to talk to different buddies or on a semi trip to ask if anyone knew were the next truck stop was. Granted this was over 20 years ago but how many of you still use a CB? I always have one in my garage for some reason. Well I know the reason it's because if I see one at a garage sale for cheap it goes home with me. Even tho I haven't had one hooked up for years. For those that do have them what's the main channel you leave it on?

I'm sure theirs a thread on this but I couldn't find the basics of a CB which I think is important for all that have. Other wise if you get in trouble and need to use it you could be out of luck. I realize their is better options then a CB at this point but lets face it some of us including me just want something simple and cheap and nothing beats the look of a CB on a full size ride.

 

[prerunner1982]

I have always grown up with CBs as well and have kept one if every vehicle. I have one in my Jeep because most of the local group runs CBs and when I lead a convoy it's nice to have communication. I keep mine on 19 as that is what most people run, group runs on 4.

I also carry a dual band HT and am trying to get more of the group to head to amateur radio......but it seems to be a long uphill road.

 

[plh]

I have one (CB) in my '88. Also have a 2M H.T. seams most people are moving this direction due to superior range.

 

[pugslyyy]

CB was state of the art, but these days is kind of caught in the middle between FRS and 2-meter.

I'm a big fan of CB, but the reality is that for a small group of people close together, FRS works pretty good - FM, none of the antenna/tuning issues of CB. A good CB rig is better than FRS, but most folks don't have good CB rigs...

 

[4x4junkie]

I have a CB unit in mine also.

Radios in general have always been an interest of mine, so I'll probably always have them around. CBs can be fun because most of the people you find on it are much more outgoing, though occasionally you'll also run into someone parked on a hill who just wants to be a smartass (the same happens on ham too, though it's less frequent).

Cell phones have pretty much entirely supplanted CBs for emergency roadside communications. When I was young, it was interesting listening to REACT volunteers on ch.9 fielding calls from motorists (stalled cars, flat tires, drunk driver/accident reports, etc.) during various times of the day. Nowadays you'd have to scan the band for a freq in use and try to get a break in for help.

As for channels... 4 does seem popular with off road groups, though all of the lower channels tend to get pretty noisy on days when atmospheric propagation occurs. I like to switch it up somewhere around ch. 31-35 for trail use, as they seem quieter. Local user groups in various towns can be pretty much on any channel, with 12 and 17 being fairly frequent observations. 36-39 are popular with SSB groups, with 38 LSB as sort of a "calling frequency". You might occasionally find people using MURS 1-3 (VHF CB) in some areas also.

, but most folks don't have good CB rigs...

Ain't that the truth... There was a name for stations with the small cheap radios and short antennas that seem so common now: "Mud-Ducks" (their signals often muffled and barely above the noise (a.k.a. "mud") and were good for maybe a few miles distance at best).
A good CB rig can rival a 2M ham rig for distance under some conditions, though there is something to be said of the clearer audio quality that the FM mode on a ham, FRS or MURS rig brings.

 

[Vegas_Nick]

I run a full sized CB with Single Side Band as well. Right under it is my 2M. I think two reasons CB is still out there is because it is cheap and people are scared to take the test for their amateur radio license.

I sell and install comm gear as a side business and still do a ton of them! I always encourage folks to get their Tech license every chance I get. CB is still plagued by "red necks" with their 1KW amps and really bad operating practices. Certain times of the afternoon I can listen to a guy from Alabama here in Vegas like he is in the shop with me and as impressive as it is, is still a pain.

I don't see CB going away any time soon. One thing that people that buy them do need to understand as pointed out already is that it isn't just plug and play. A helthy CB and quality operation starts with a quality installation.

 

[pugslyyy]

Until there is some other way for truckers to communicate traffic / enforcement / accident / obstruction info I don't see CB going anywhere.

I use it more on the highway (listening to truckers for info) than I do on trails, but it is there for whenever I need it. Once you start using 2m for your trail comms it is hard to go back to CB (less range / lower audio quality)

 

[Shawn686]

I have one and love it.

On top of the traffic info, mine also has bluetooth and weather alert. I like the blue tooth becasue the CB speaker is way louder than any other blue tooth out there. I like the weather alert because it will alert even when the radio is off.

Shawn

 

[java]

ch 19 is the standard truckers hailing freq. 9 is for emergency in theory

 

[Trav0302]

Great input all. Glad to hear im not stuck in the past.

 

[EricM]

Golly, I just use all of them. I have a cb in the burb, I have a dual band HT. I have a number of frs radios as well. also, carry a smart phone AND a second android device. I also have 3 hand held gps units.

I need to stop buying stuff.......

 

[RobRed]

Fortunately I'm not a trucker. CB is dead. Move on.

That probably sounds harsh, but the barrier to entry for ham radio is so low that CB makes no sense.

Two weeks ago in Death Valley a group member was talking to me on 2meter from his $40 handheld (external mag mount antenna) at 16 miles. Clear as day. I was in dedeckera canyon he was saline valley rd between lippencott rd and the lower warm springs.

 

[Maverick1701]

I have a CB in my personal vehicle and my work truck.
Once I take the test I am going to install a ham radio as well.

 

[pugslyyy]

Fortunately I'm not a trucker. CB is dead. Move on.

I'm not a trucker, but I appreciate getting a heads up about road hazards before I come up on them. It's also nice to know which lane is closed so I know which one to get into, etc.

I do believe that CB is more useful on pavement than off.

 

[TEJASYOTA]

I have a CB in my truck... For emergencies and for wheeling with groups.
Yes I do have my cell phone and FRS talkies.... But on the trail or caravanning with a group, I rather use the CB.
I been using CBs since the 70s....and no plans on leaving it.