Pretty sad at times when I listen in some of the bands.I hear more of that kind of stuff more than I wish.Pretty sad when certain folks end up like that.

I remember my earlier days when I ran my first CB.I used a TV antenna and rotor...:)The amps they run now with cheesy radios is incredibly amazing.The splatter across the radio spectrum is crazy and they just dont get it.May as well use an old Heathkit signal generator on a linear:)We had alot of fun on CB tho as we had good stations. As an inside joke,we knew the newbies would eves drop,or the incredibly dumb and we used to have conversations like winterizing our antennas by filling the tubing with a grease gun.I wonder how many actually did it?Have to admit,there were some funny things on 11 meters as well as some pretty sad people.Too bad the 11 meter band is wasted as it is,would make a great Ham band as it once was.All in all CB radio will still bring good amateur radio operators into the hobby.

What exactly does "Automatically controlled data stations(unattended)" mean on the 28.120 - 28.189 mhz ? If I was to use a 3 watt RTTY beacon using AM mode would that be against the rules?I just cant find a simple answer on this online.ARRL site has info that just goes on and on and on ,I fall asleep reading that stuff:)

12 Would be nice.

Well,for what it is worth,I will post my beacon frequency.28.296 mhz.This Johnson 323A is putting out about 3 watts and holding after several hours so far.Signal sounds clean but will have to wait for reports to confirm.It is running off my 10 meter dipole for the time being and an old PC running CWTYPE program for now.I am hoping to get a NORCAL KEYER or similar and find a good place to keep it.For now,it may go off as I organize a bit.QRZ.com has my email and a photo of the rig.73`s from N2NXZ.

Its just that callsigns ARE ID`s.There is nothing else they could be.To say "FOR ID" after you say your call I just dont understand.

I seem to have found a good method for keying the beacon but for serial port use on the PC.Using a program called CWTYPE.An interface from the pc is found in another program called Multipsk,and the second circuit here>http://www.scomcontrollers.com/downloads/txkeyingcircuit.pdf< So far it seems clean at 3 watts on 28.296 mhz.I hope these ideas help out.73`s

Well,success with my beacon.So far I am using CWTYPE program using the serial port to a simple interface from the Multipsk program,which then goes into another simple circuit to key the PTT. >http://www.scomcontrollers.com/downloads/txkeyingcircuit.pdf<  I hope this info is useful to anyone wanting to use an old CB with the same type of PTT voltage as this Johnson 323A .  73`s and let me know if this whopping 3 watts is getting out on 28.296 mhz.

Yes,thank you for the reply.I did find the other post after I had already posted here.This project is very interesting.Fortunately,the schematics and manual were available for this radio.I will try those ideas.I never used or owned a keyer circuit so I really have no idea how they function.Thanks again and 73`s from N2NXZ.

I am also working on a keying method for a Johnson messenger 323a.I also have the messenger 130A that looks like a telephone.Another good candidate.I will post again on my results if it may help you.I thought it would be a benefit to have a beacon of my own for the fact is I cant be on the radio all day.I have to work.To get email reports to me is like a message in a bottle in a way.It seems on 10 meters its most active during the day.But mostly,its the object of accomplishment.They run 24/7 and eventually fry out.So like everything,they come and go.Why not,better to use an old CB as a beacon than taking space in a landfill.73`s from N2NXZ.

I had just finished converting a Johnson messenger 323A CB to TX on 28.296mhz.It puts out 3-4 watts and also it just happened to work on RX as well.A bonus I guess.My question is this,is anyone familiar with these older 23 channel radios with the Mic/PTT wired directly to the mainboard?How would I use an auto keyer for beacon use?For example:Norcal keyer or something like that?Any help would be greatly appreciated.I am kinda siked about getting it up and running soon.Thank you and 73`s.  N2NXZ Jim.

I was just trying to think of ways to expand the hobby to younger folks.I know its hard for me to explain to my son and his cousin how fun it is,I know it started for me on the CB radio.I just wanted more so took my exam.When I was young,there was NO internet to steer me away from Ham radio.I feel with the "internet kids" today and cell phones,you really have to sell the HAM thing.Anyhow,about CB,I just converted a johnson messenger 323A for a 10 meter beacon.2watts!!!I am suprised how easy it was.  73`s all.

Thanks for the reply,you make a good point on the posts.

Last time I returned to CB I wanted to throw it out the window.

This is probably posted somewhere,but there are alot of posts on this forum to look through.Too bad the old posts were not deleted.Does anyone know if CW is the only mode for running a 10 Meter beacon?