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Manager - N2MG
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Survey Question

Question

Since you have become a ham, how often do you participate in, or listen to Citizens Band radio activity?

Results (2370 answers)

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Survey Comments

None of the above

The survey lacks a response which would go somewhere between "Several times a year" and "Not any more, ever!"

Put me down for either "Rarely" or just "A few times a year." My response is somewhere in that range. I pulled the CB out of my Olds to make room for the IC-2100H. That was almost two years ago; the CB is now gathering dust in the closet. I hadn't really been doing much of anything besides listening with it anyway. I do have a couple of HF receivers, so once in a while I might sweep across 11m, but it seems like there's very little local activity now, and what little activity is left generally doesn't interest me - at least, it's usually nothing that I feel like participating in - except perhaps on SSB. AM? Forgetaboutit.
Posted by KG6YTZ on 2007-09-10

Good Ole' CB

I love CB. It is very a very good way to relax after a long stressful day. On the Ham bands you have to act like a gentleman and play lip service to following the rules and generally play the hypocrite. You are expected to be polite. No matter how stupid the turkey on the other end is who is running his mouth about absolutely nothing. And that is the problem. On CB you can cut loose and let the stupid SOB have it with both barrels blazing! You can really let him have it! That is the good thing about CB. On CB you don't have to take any "you-know-what". You can cuss out that SOB till his ears ignite!
Posted by RADIOWEENIE on 2007-05-04

Mostly potty mouths

People that wouldn't say boo in public, become such rotten mouthed perverts when behind an anonymous microphone. Truckers seem to feel really comfortable dropping the "F" word as every other word. On ham they get ignored but on CB, they are part of the club and feel right at home with all the other "children's banders". Back in the 80's, I enjoyed CB like I enjoy Ham now. But now I wouldn't take one as a gift! And I certainly wouldn't give one to anyone else who I wanted to remain friends!
Posted by WX1F on 2007-04-09

CB still has its merits!

It basically just another group of frequencies that can be used by just about anyone, incliding hams! You can get a 40 channel AM or SSB radio on Ebay for peanuts, throw up a dipole and add a $20 buck power supply and you're on the air. It's great for local and area QSOs up to around 40 miles radius, and is no longer as crowded as it one was. (less dimwits too!) No reason that we local hams can't still utilize the band to chat with each other, and maybe encourage some of those CBers to get their ham tickets. After all, many of todays hams got their first thrills of radio by firing up their old Lafayette, Courier and Cobra rigs. After all, 11 meters was once a ham band, remember?
Posted by ONAIR on 2007-04-04

CB

I was listening in to CB the other day and all the gentlemen talked about was sharing out love and dog poop.

Posted by AE6RO on 2007-03-19

CB

I have used CB on or off for years. Many years ago in the
70's while a teenage I worked for a TV Shop who's owner
was a long time ham. One day he handed me an 23
channel Johnson and an antenna to install in my car. I did
and learned how to do it properly. I made a lot of money
installing equipment. It was fun and most of my friends
and thier parents used cb. Later when I went to college
the cb was not used much. Now I rarely use CB since I use
2 meter.

CB was fun and a lot of decent peaple on it including
hams but there are also many nuts on it as well ( just like
Ham radio has)
Posted by N0SOY on 2007-03-13

Fond Memories

My first experience with two-way radio communication was with my dad's CB in the early 1960's. His call predated the 3 by 4 calls, his was 17W4553. Each radio had a station licence affixed to the radio and there was predominatly quiet on the band. By the mid 1960's I got my own HT from Layafette radio with a full 100 mw. The bug for DX bit me and some of my friends when we were able to work Central and South America on 100mw on that HT with its hot receiver and center loaded antenna from western Kansas. I gave up CB shortly after that and built my novice rig from old salvaged TV parts but the thrill of those times has kept me chasing DX and rag chewing for 40 years. I even remember that the politeness and procedure learned on CB at that time was far better than the protocol I hear on 75 and 40 now.
Posted by KB9GMT on 2007-02-24

Every trip.

Most useful radio to have during my commute.
Posted by N3PM on 2007-02-05

It had its moments

I discovered CB in the 70's and that got me into ham. Dropped CB like a hot potato...but, when I was on the road every day for my job I kept a cb for road reports. The truckers were great and it was nice to know WHY you were sitting in a traffic jam for two hours!
Posted by N2EIK on 2007-02-04

Well...

Except for when I was driving an eighteen wheeler (when the economy was so bad), I haven't done CB since I became a ham more than thirty years ago.
I rarely heard disciplined radio operation on CB. My mother (who had a master's degree and worked for the SC State Department of Education) said that when those Ph.Ds got into their car and onto their CBs, you would have thought they didn't even have a high school diploma.
I did CB at first. But it becamse Bedlam because everyone was running illegal power walking on anyone who was trying to use the radio for legitimate purposes. There was no consideration for others. So I worked towards becoming a ham radio operator.
I'm shocked that the trucking industry hasn't gotten a radio service of their own. CB is antiquated (AM just doesn't cut it) and unstructured. They could come out with a much more sophisticated service and user-friendly radio equipment to go with it if someone would just take the time. If each of these radios transmitted an ID code, there could be option to have the radio ignore those foul-mouthed and abusive operators.
Let's face it, despite its use by truckers, CB is completely outdated technology just like TTY units used by the Deaf are antiquated those they are still in relatively common use.
When is the industry going to wake up to this call and do something about it?
Posted by WB4AEJ on 2006-12-16

Christmas surprise!

To the 75% of those who answered the survey so far by voting "Not any more, ever! and CB was never my thing."

I hope that your wives and girlfriends buy you a CB rig for Christmas, and make you use it.

The only difference between a rut and a grave are their dimensions! Aww, go ahead and try CB! It's okay. You will still be a ham.


Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-15

CB

Use it? Why? I took my CB out of the car when I retired (I had to have it to talk to our truck drivers). Absolutely no need of it ever again. It is most assuredly not what it was in the 60s.

Besides, it's business radio (hobby-type use is illegal) and I'm retired.
Posted by K4JF on 2006-12-15

CB

I came to ham radio via CB in the 70s. Back in the early days of CB it was interesting and fun. Most used their FCC issued calls. It was when the trucker movies came out everything broke down. I will put a CB in the car when I go on a trip to keep track of road conditions. It has proved very helpful in avoiding accidents and road work. In the winter it is a good way to keep track of road conditions in the direction you are heading.
Posted by W3RHB on 2006-12-14

CB

I came to ham radio via CB in the 70s. Back in the early days of CB it was interesting and fun. Most used their FCC issued calls. It was when the trucker movies came out everything broke down. I will put a CB in the car when I go on a trip to keep track of road conditions. It has proved very helpful in avoiding accidents and road work. In the winter it is a good way to keep track of road conditions in the direction you are heading.
Posted by W3RHB on 2006-12-14

Unreal.

You ask if I listen to cb and transmit,ya every once in awhile ,like when certain users arnt present,it seems like some of them for the most part enjoy and respect the use of the radio,while others are just plain ignorant and just think of it as a toy.they dont care what they say and will actully treat you like crap if you dont play there game.Thay are usallysad individuals without any friends and the freinds they do make usally become intolerable of there actions and just decide to let dead dogs rest,next thing its,full blown negativity on the channel.One bad apple and the rest will soon follow.There are still those who dont give up and sooner or later come back out after the bs slows down ,and before you no it ,its screwwed up again.Well its seems to run in cycles like that but yes communicating on 11 meters is definately a pain you know where,but it still remains.when i starte in the 70s i was enthuse cause of hearing someone on the other end talking back to me cool,that for me was like a way of getting out and meeting new people the fun part was the coffea breaks and finally meeting a face behind the mic, and low and behold never who youd expect.today i mostly listen long before any keying up.Cb radio is still enjoyable but to those who want reliable communications and not a lot of bs that goes with the frequency,I would much rather prefer the ham bands, where at least everyone knows there limits and,are willing to abide by the rules.MERRY Christmas,73s to all and to all have blessed holiday KC9JQT.
Posted by KC9JQT on 2006-12-14

Good For Traffic

I'm a long haul semi-truck owner/oper so yes I keep my 11 meter (CB) turned on most of the time keeping an ear open for road conditions.
It has saved me time and money for then once. Personal I can't stand 98% of the talk on there but it is helpful in my case.
Posted by KI4OUQ on 2006-12-14

CB

Sometimes I tune there to see if 10 meters is open. With the sun spots down, there are openings on 10, but no operators. There is always someone on 11.
Posted by WB9NJB on 2006-12-14

FORCED INTO HAM RADIO

Working CB in the middle 60's was fun---A lot of displined radio ops were out there--I continued to enjoy CB then the 70's hit.
I left CB when people were complaining about my signal--accused me of running an amplifer etc--
I got so disgusted me and a friend started to learn the code by using some very crude keyers over the phone.
We then got our ham tickets. I also listen to CB when I am REAL bored.
Posted by WB3DYE on 2006-12-14

CB IN VK

My Dad was a CBer and introduced the hobby to me, I became one of the first VK novice class ops in the 70's and upgraded to full call (VK4TI). The VK CB allocation also has a Marine band located around 27.88 Mhz in 10Khz steps. I needed a new rig for my boat. To my surprise the latest version of the marine radio can also be used on 27Mhz CB checkout http://www.gme.net.au/marine/transceivers/gx300.php
Personally I think CB like the current changes to standards revitalised the amateur network..Things can't change the same forever..
Posted by VK4TS on 2006-12-13

cb usage

reading all the comments above -well-i see why things are like they are. ki4krn
Posted by KI4KRN on 2006-12-12

still listen

I choose not to use CB however I still monitor 27Mhz becasue I live near major highways (5,205,84 and WA-14) that run in and around Portland Or. Although there are excellent V/UHF repeaters in this area, I still like to have the truckers to listen too if there is a accident I dont otherwise hear about on our bands. - Eric
Posted by KJ7XJ on 2006-12-12

still listen

I choose not to use CB however I still monitor 27Mhz becasue I live near major highways (5,205,84 and WA-14) that run in and around Portland Or. Although there are excellent V/UHF repeaters in this area, I still like to have the truckers to listen too if there is a accident I dont otherwise hear about on our bands. - Eric
Posted by KJ7XJ on 2006-12-12

CB pretty much dead in SA

Haven't heard anything on CB for ages. In South Africa, seems like maybe a few retired caravanning enthusiasts are still using it, to stay in touch when driving in convoys. Pretty harmless.

Listening to some local 2m repeaters can sometimes be worse than listening to the soundtrack of some cheap TV soapie though.

Over here some ex-CBers who are now licensed hams typically think that they should do all they can to make entry into ham radio as quick and simple as possible, at the expense of good operating procedure...wonder if the same is happening elsewehere?

Posted by ZS6VL on 2006-12-11

Last Christmas......

...I wanted and received a small CB radio, 40 channel, from Radio Shack...I wanted it for the car for the sole purpose of having a backup means of communication if my cell phone died.....I really like it, in fact I have to check and make sure it's still working as I haven't used in a while....I find it interesting seeing what's on there.....I am, however, curious as to the type of banter I find down on channel 6 and channel 11.....Is that English???....Ebonics???....:-0...It's very bizzare..Other than all of that, CB is just and extra means of (mobile) communications for me.....


Posted by K3NRX on 2006-12-11

Conversion

Several years ago I used to get a lot of satisfaction out of converting CBs to work on ten meters. I would use them for monitors, mostly on FM. By adding an BFO oscillator I could get them to copy SSB. I learned to rewind coils, calculate LC circuits, add FM demodulators etc. I still have one of those rigs in my garage somewhere.

:)

KK7QN
Posted by KK7QN on 2006-12-11

It WAS fun!

I got involved with CB in the early 60's when I bought an Allied regen 100mw walkie.
I used to pour over all the catalogs reading them over and over, Lafayette, Olson, Allied, Heathkit, B/A, and even Radio Shack had neat stuff.
I would dream about owning those big base
rigs from Johnson, Sonar, Lafayette, and Olson, but for a junior high kid at home
they might as well have cost a million bucks.
By the time the big boom hit in 77 I was already into cars and girls. CB'ers were all talking like they were from the Dukes of Hazzard and I was burnt out of CB.
I look back now with a lot of nostalgia for those times when I sat up late, talking
to my friends.
Many of the kids I met on CB are lifelong close friends. I had a LOT of fun on CB but I'm having a lot more fun now with radio as a Ham.
I started to collect old CB's when someone gave me an old "Dream" radio at at Hamfest !
It was a Buddy Base, a rare and cool looking
three piece tube base. I cleaned it up, got it working and put it on the shelf in the shack, next thing I know I'm picking up all the old CB's I dreamed of when I was a kid.
Now I have about 75 old and rare radios and walkie's !!! Don't use them, but they sure look cool up on the shelves here in the shack. Nostalgia IS what it used to be.
Paul, W6PMR.
Posted by W6PMR on 2006-12-11

Curiosity


Well, this question of AI2IA's inspired me to actually monitor CB channels used locally during the morning commute. Because its a rural area most of these early morning QSOs are in Spanish. I actually started using them to improve my Spanish. HaH!

Now, guess what? I bought a 40-channel CB HT on Amazon for $35. Pretty cheap. Could use it for alerts on winter road conditions. Or even to take my Spanish conversation to another level. We'll see.

73,

---* Ken
Posted by WI7B on 2006-12-11

Fun is good!

To WI7B and others hams out there: Glad you found it fun. If you have an old CB set handy, blow the dust off it and hook it up just to see what's going on. You may get a bunch of nonsense, or you may get something interesting. In either event, the experience gives you a different feel once you get back to your ham radio. It's also an opportunity to introduce ham radio to any quality CB friend when they know you dropped in on them once in awhile. I think that hams just talking about CB for a change of pace was a good thing.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-11

CB has a place

I also came to ham radio via CB and am not ashamed of it one bit. They are two different animals but each has its place. I have a CB radios in my car and in my shack and use them every day. I also have no plans to put a mobile ham unit in the car, though I do take my HT with me sometimes. Yes, there is foul language, but I am not offended by it and I do 99% of my driving alone. Yes, there are idiots, but no more so than off the air.

Yes, CB is now a sideline to amateur radio, but it's still fun to me. There's nothing in amateur radio quite like throwing out a random comment and really riling up some action!

Dennis KE5KZX
Posted by CHOIRBOY on 2006-12-11

CBer Kilowatt

When I was a Novice running crystal controlled oscillator @ 75 watts maximum and trying to get my WAS, I was missing Hawaii. A CBer across the street had a 60 foot tower with a 2 element beam and told me he worked Hawaii all the time. I asked "On 5 watts?" "5 watts?", he said, "no way, I'm running a linear." I never had any use for a CBer after that!!
Posted by KQ6X on 2006-12-10

CB usage

While I am not all that interested in CB, I really don't think it is (at least today), the "evil empire" it once was considered by the amateur community.

The band today still has some truckers and locals on it, and the occasional idiot running a couple KW from some mountain top, talking to himself. Or some foul mouthed moron (sad but true). Nevertheless, it seems to be serving at least some who still use it.

The wars of the 1970s where a few self appointed leaders/representatives of the "growing CB movement" (remember the 10 milion CBers 700 thousand hams, who do you think is going to get the spectrum argument, or "CBers will get all the ham bands?), have long gone.

These so called leaders were not stupid, but they knew their "followers" were and they buily the hype and then cashed in on them, laughing all the way to the bank.

The sad reality is that the band will never again be truly useful and quite franky I don't think the FCC even gives a damn one way or the other.

No, I don't like what happened to 27 MHz, but even I will admit it was my first taste of 2-way radio until I discovered Amateur radio. It was actually the "CB boom" of the early 1970s that drove my interest in Amateur radio.

The days before the CB boom saw a band that was actually quite useful, even without "skip". The "boom" really killed all of that.

The "CB boom" did dump a lot of cheap reusable gear onto the used market though. I recall modifying an old Midland CB for 10M FM operations. I've seen others do similar mods for SSB on 10 and 12M

The spectrum is not evil, and those who still use it are likewise not (neccessarily) evil.

No, I have not used CB in over 30 years. I cannot remember the last time I listened, except perhaps to see what the trucker might be saying while stuck in a traffic jam on the interstate.

It seems like some amateurs think simply speaking the word CB will cause one to contract some awfull infection. LOL!

No, you don't have to like it, and/or use it. The band is what it is and all the bitching
in the world is not going to change it.

So fogetaboutit! :-)

To Each His Own!
Posted by KA9FLX on 2006-12-10

cb

i got my first cb in 1972. i got my no-code tech in 1992. as long as i have radios, one will be a cb.in my area there are still a lot of good cbers and all the garbage that has been mentioned is seldom heard.i hear worse on 75/80 meters on my sw receiver than i do on cb.i have no desire to upgrade and could care less about what happens to the ham bands.the only reason i come to eham.net is to register for the giga parts givaways. which if i won, i would sell and buy cb equipment.now start the trashing, but i do what i enjoy and am not ashamed of being a cb operator.
Posted by N5ZTP on 2006-12-09

cb

i got my first cb in 1972. i got my no-code tech in 1992. as long as i have radios, one will be a cb.in my area there are still a lot of good cbers and all the garbage that has been mentioned is seldom heard.i hear worse on 75/80 meters on my sw receiver than i do on cb.i have no desire to upgrade and could care less about what happens to the ham bands.the only reason i come to eham.net is to register for the giga parts givaways. which if i won, i would sell and buy cb equipment.now start the trashing, but i do what i enjoy and am not ashamed of being a cb operator.
Posted by N5ZTP on 2006-12-09

CB?

Hey! want some cheese with that whine? According to this post, the world will end tomorrow all due to CB radio.

There was a story about the sky falling and a little chicken....


Posted by KD5NVC on 2006-12-09

Good Question

My question is Why did the FCC allow the CB band in the 27. MHz in the first place. They knew about the solar cycles and what it would do to the band. If CB was in the VHF/UHF there never would have been any real so called skip, there for no market for amplifiers or my radio is bigger than yours bs. And CB just might be a half way decent today
Posted by KA5ROW on December 3, 2006


Answer from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens'_band_radio


In 1973, various groups petitioned the FCC for an allocation of frequencies near 220 MHz for a new "Class E" Citizen's Band service. This was opposed by amateur radio organizations as well as other government agencies and commercial users who desired this allocation for their own usage. While the "Class E" initiative was not successful early on, the Reagan Administration sponsored some of these requirements for the development of the Family Radio Service, General Mobile Radio Service and Multi-Use Radio Service. These services fulfilled a majority of the requirements (e.g., eliminate some of the interference and skip that existed on the shortwave frequencies) proposed by the petitioners in 1973. Today, these radios are quiet, affordable, and readily accessible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens'_band_radio




Posted by K3DLB on 2006-12-09

A new idea!

Imagine!
What would it be like if they held contests on the CB band?
Imagine the fun! Imagine the language! Imagine the traffic! Er... radio traffic! As for the vehicle traffic during contests, well, that might be an insurance adjuster's delight!
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-09

cb

all are cb!! who doesn't know "cb" is not true ham radio!!!
Posted by IZ8FTW on 2006-12-08

CB

I don't have a CB rig; probably should though. If we need to communicate in the community during an emergency, having one available could be a great way to relay information to the unwashed masses.

In the early '70s it was great fun to listen to the trucker's strike around Chicago and other similar events. Those were interesting times but I don't know what happened to my CB from then; everybody had one.
Posted by KD5PSH on 2006-12-08

CB

I don't have a CB rig; probably should though. If we need to communicate in the community during an emergency, having one available could be a great way to relay information to the unwashed masses.

In the early '70s it was great fun to listen to the trucker's strike around Chicago and other similar events. Those were interesting times but I don't know what happened to my CB from then; everybody had one.
Posted by KD5PSH on 2006-12-08

CB

I have a 100 mile round trip commute every day, and CB is more useful to me regarding road conditions and the location of uniformed tax collectors. That being the case, I do keep one ear tuned to it while I ragchew with hams on VHF/UHF.

I do occaisionally use it to advise a truck driver if I see something amiss with his vehicle, thank one for letting me manuever around him, or to compliment a particularly nice looking rig.
Posted by N2OBY on 2006-12-08

CB Its The Law

In Oregon to access hill top repeater sites it is required to use logging roads. To use the logging roads it is required by state law to monitor and use CB radios to coordinate the location of logging trucks and other traffic in the back country. To maintain our repeaters I now use CB radio more than ever, our lives depend upon it.

N7IS
Posted by N7IS on 2006-12-08

CB and Ham Radio

N7IS has made a most interesting post concerning the interrelation between CB and Ham radio. In fact, many of the posts on this CB radio use by Hams survey have turned up very interesting and memorable comments. Perhaps many of us will now look upon CB in a different and more tolerant light, and perhaps the conditions on the CB band may be improving, at least in some locations.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-08

CB??

You have got to be kidding!! But hell, you hear the same garbage on 75M. Hi
Posted by THERAGE on 2006-12-08

I am 32 years old. I got into ham radio back in 1992, shortly before I turned 18. I grew up with C.B. in the late 70's and early 80's mainly because my dad had a C.B. in the car when I was growing up. My brothers and me had several Midland walkie-talkies that we used to talk to each other on around the neighborhood when we were kids. We would occasionally chat with the garbage me that picked up our trash using these walkie-talkies. The garbage men had a C.B. in their truck that they used. I guess C.B. is what got me into SWL'ing and later ham radio. I still have a few C.B.'s lying around, just never do use them. If I am planning a long trip, I will put the C.B. in the car to keep track of road conditions, and the occasional speed trap. The truckers are still useful for providing road reports or offering assistance if needed, and sometimes 2 meters just doesn't cut it if you need assistance. I guess with the cell phone boom, C.B. has been cast aside pretty much as far as getting help out on the road, but it is still usefull at times.

73,
KU4UV
Posted by KU4UV on 2006-12-07

Local stuff

I do turn on the old Radio Shack 40 channel on occasion to hear the strife that occurs in my local area.

Around here its mostly "base stations" running "power" sitting on the "trucker channel" having conversations.

Of course, they are doing it on purpose, because the other 39 channels have nothing on them. They just conversate on there to get the truckers all riled up.

I guess it could be worse-they could be out causing problems instead of sitting at home jawing on the radio, I suppose.

Usually though, 15 minutes every 2 weeks or so is more than enough. But the radio has history with me, I got it and put it in my first car when I was 16, so its been with me for over 15 years now. I don't know if it still transmits as I just have it hooked to a wire to recieve, and I have no reason to talk anyway, but its nice to be able to turn it on and see it still works.

But other than that, not much on there. Used it when I lived in a rural town, me and other teenagers had them, used it as kind of a party line at night when the noise died down, or during the day for 'car to car' BSing. But once I left the community, the radio came out of the car pretty fast, nothing but noise in more populated areas. It sat in a box for years till I found it and tried it to see if it would still just turn on.

It sits next to all of my "modern" ham rigs now more for nostalgia than anything else. Sometimes I'll just turn it on but leave the volume down, just so it sits there and glows along with all the new radios.

I guess it still serves a purpose. Keeps people jawing on it instead of causing trouble elsewhere.
Posted by KD6NIG on 2006-12-07

Teach your ears to listen.

It's good to listen to CB once in awhile. It's good to listen to Shortwave broadcasts once in awhile. It's good to listen on a scanner once in awhile. You can learn from all sources.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-07

Time to move on.

I think that we have just about beaten this subject to death. It is interesting to look at the bar chart and read the attitude posters have about still using CB, but the time has come to move along. Next survey question, please!
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-06

CB wasn't my cup o' tea

Growing up I built several radio receiving kits, and Radio Shack had a CB monitoring kit that I still have boxed away somewhere. Listening to the CB'ers did not meet my expectations then, or now. That was the extent of CB for me. Had more fun SWL'ing with my Globe Patrol (another RS) kit and a string of bell wire. Never had an interest for AR all that time (studied and played music) until my son asked me: "What's all that stuff boxed up on the shelf of the closet that says RADIO"?

Well, I changed my tune (pardon the pun).I built/soldered him a simple AM receiver from some schematics on a Heathkit Jr. Workshop (you remember those 25 in 1, connect RED wire from R12 to T2, etc.), built some Ten Tec regens, and got a nice second hand Icom R71-A receiver.

It's been "straight ahead" ever since. I wish that I had got my AR ticket when I was a Lil' OM, but I'm content with my operating privs and having fun with ALL modes. Yes, that includes CW too!

* No likes, dis-likes.

* No flames, or attacks.

* Not posting just to see my own comment.

Just didn't care for CB because it wasn't DX!!

73 de Mike
KG6WLS
Posted by KG6WLS on 2006-12-06

CB and standards

REMEMBER:

"The ONLY thing seperating us from CB is the standards. Take away the standards and we will become CB".
Posted by W9WHE-II on 2006-12-05

The privileges demand the higher standards.

The extent of the privileges that we enjoy as licensed amateur radio operators necessitates maintaining the licensing requirements and the standards. The power to do harm with CB is far less than the power to do harm with amateur radio. This is the reason why our standards can never be lowered to that of CB. Yet, there is nothing stopping CB enthusiasts from emulating proper amateur radio operating practices.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-05

Can of Worms...

It always amazes me how 40 little channels can stir up so much emotion! (Good choice for a survey Ray)

Almost every ham has the "CB" skeleton in their closet (even those who do not like to admit it !).

Citizen Band shows us what can happen if enforcement of regulations becomes too relaxed. Perhaps we should look to go back to licensing for this band?
Posted by VE6XL on 2006-12-04

Sad...and True!

11 meters Was good back when. The 70s.
Now THANKS to the FCC it is a joke.
C B ops, run 300% audio to 400 to 1000 watts. They get out of band run 10 meters.
They Wipe out for a lot of Hams 10 , 15, 20 meters bands. Because of the junk they run. THANK YOU TO THE FCC FOR DOING NOTHING TO STOP THIS.
BUT LET A FARMER ,HAVE A FENCE CHARGER TO KEEP HIS COWS IN, GET A LETTER FROM THE FCC>

KD8ZU
Posted by KD8ZU on 2006-12-04

I started on CB when I was a teenager. It was a fun hobby that I shared with my Dad. Then when I was grown, I continued in it even after I got my ham ticket. I enjoy talking to non-hams, hams and anyone else on radio. I use a lot of the other services, too, but I always use the same operating practices as I do on ham, and have even elmered a few CBrs. I have absolutely no problem with CBrs in general. If they start acting up, I just turn the channel or turn it off.

73, Ken
KF6HCD
Posted by KF6HCD on 2006-12-04

CB to No code

CB to No code what a jump now we wonder why Ham radio is getting trashed (Dha!) Let's slide it back and give the 11 meters back to the hams for tune up and a test band. We could test rigs for max. power output and 200% modulation too. We use to hear 10-4 now it's "what's my signal report" from 2 miles away. Some where out there is the guy that gave it all away, we need a sock with a bar of soap in it and go look'n for this spook. Well 10-4 Good buddy catch ya on the flipper.
Posted by N9UKB on 2006-12-04

Hurricane Charley and CB Radio

A few years ago, while living in southwest Florida, I attended an ARES/RACES meeting at the county Emergency Operations Center. One of the new no-code tech members (a former CB’er) suggested we install a CB radio and antenna at the center. He reminded those attending that the truckers bringing supplies into the area during a disaster have CB radios in their trucks. He said it would be a good way for emergency coordinators to contact the truckers to direct them where to take the supplies. He was verbally chastised by the old timers (the 20 wpm HF 80 meter boys) because he dared to mention "CB radio" at an ARES/RACES meeting. Then the inevitable happened……Hurricane Charley hit southwest Florida and guess what…..the old timers (the 20 wpm HF 80 meter boys) were no where to be found!!! They either left the county or were home hiding behind their wife’s aprons. The new no-code tech member (the former CB’er) was volunteering at the Emergency Operations Center and was sitting in his car using his CB radio helping to direct the truckers bringing needed supplies. No one cared what type of radio he was using. He was getting the job done and helping his community. It’s not the type of radio your using that determines the kind of person you are, it’s “how” you use it.
Posted by K3DLB on 2006-12-03

Hurricane Charley and CB Radio

A few years ago, while living in southwest Florida, I attended an ARES/RACES meeting at the county Emergency Operations Center. One of the new no-code tech members (a former CB’er) suggested we install a CB radio and antenna at the center. He reminded those attending that the truckers bringing supplies into the area during a disaster have CB radios in their trucks. He said it would be a good way for emergency coordinators to contact the truckers to direct them where to take the supplies. He was verbally chastised by the old timers (the 20 wpm HF 80 meter boys) because he dared to mention "CB radio" at an ARES/RACES meeting. Then the inevitable happened……Hurricane Charley hit southwest Florida and guess what…..the old timers (the 20 wpm HF 80 meter boys) were no where to be found!!! They either left the county or were home hiding behind their wife’s aprons. The new no-code tech member (the former CB’er) was volunteering at the Emergency Operations Center and was sitting in his car using his CB radio helping to direct the truckers bringing needed supplies. No one cared what type of radio he was using. He was getting the job done and helping his community. It’s not the type of radio your using that determines the kind of person you are, it’s “how” you use it.
Posted by K3DLB on 2006-12-03

Why did the FCC allow the CB band in the 27. MHz in the first place.

If the FCC wants to right a wrong give back all of 11 meters to the hams. 27.000 - 28.000
and create a new CB band. Somewhere in the VHF/UHF, FM only and 25 to 50 Watts. This would give them more reliable communication and far greater range than they ever could on 27. MHz My question is Why did the FCC allow the CB band in the 27. MHz in the first place. They knew about the solar cycles and what it would do to the band. Truth being said if you hear someone half way across country you will try to talk to them, then think wow I talked all the way to ?. Now If, a big IF. If CB was in the VHF/UHF there never would have been any real so called skip, there for no market for amplifiers or my radio is bigger than yours bs. And CB just might be a half way decent today
Posted by KA5ROW on 2006-12-03

cb radio i feel

is better than some of the ham bands. being jamed by BPL testing it is time too sell my radio stuff now!looks like the BPL wins!!..
Posted by AA3JG on 2006-12-03

fun back then

As a youngster, I was always fascinated by radio. I remember my oldest brother having a CB in the basement of our house and used it to talk to his friends. I remember saving my allowance and buying my first walkie talkie to talk to other kids in the neighborhood, then in high school buying a Johnson whiteface and modifying it to do 23 channels and chatting with high school buddies, working skip, and going to gatherings of fellow cb'ers. I met my elmer on CB, visited his house one day and was impressed by his collection of ham radio gear and listening to the various 2 meter repeaters around the area. I even bought some crystals for an old regency scanner so I could listen in at home. He loaned me an old Heathkit SB-101 (or was it a 102?) so I could listen to HF, and before long, I was learning code and basic theory and he soon gave me the novice test. Next thing I knew, we were taking a trip to Chicago so I could take my tech exam, and walked out with my general! The big thrill was the day several of us took a trip to a ham radio store and I bought my first rig, a Kenwood 2400 2-meter HT, then on to Dayton and a used TS-520 in the flea market. After 20 some years and several thousand of dollars, I finally cracked down and got my extra. So for me, CB was a good stepping stone into ham radio and I don't regret a moment of it. I still have several good friends I met on CB, and while I no longer use it, I have listened occasionally and am glad it was then and not now that I was active there.

Happy holidays,
Dan - N9GT
Posted by DAN_TAYLOR_EX_N9GT on 2006-12-02

CB in military vehicles

My only real contact with CB was when I was on active duty in the US Army. My unit did a lot (LOT) of road travel, and I was for a time a driver in a normally 3 truck convoy. Each truck had an off the shelf legal (4 watt) CB for comms. (For some reason, they couldn't get the Army to give them real radios!) I can recall driving across Nevada, on a flat, straight, desert stretch of interstate, being the slow truck, and of course, last in line, and looking at the rest of the convoy ahead of me. I could see them, but could not talk to them. Just didn't have the power over that distance to get them! So much for CB. Years later, after finally getting my ham ticket, after many delays due to family, work, and other considerations, I lived in North Florida. One of my many acquaintences on one of the local repeaters was a long distance truck driver. He wouldn't go on the road without his HF ham rig in the truck. I found from him that a great many truck drivers are also hams. This guy would often hook up with a local ham while on the road, and get a phone patch to talk to his XYL back home. Not to mention he also got really good traffic info from other truck driver hams ahead of him on the road!
Posted by KK4ZY on 2006-12-01

CB Radio

Executive Summary: CB Radio - It was fun while it lasted...

Started off in the 1970's with SWL on a Hallicrafters S-40B. "Moved up" to a AM 6-channel crystal controlled CB radio, 23-channel synthesized (with only 14 crystals!) mobile AM CB radio, then finally to a 40-channel PLL-synthesized SSB CB radio. It was fun back then, especially with my fellow high school classmates to chat with. But then as the sun spot cycle peaked and the bucket-mouths took over the channels, the fun disappeared. Using SSB on CB channels 36-40 allowed me to find other respectible operators to chat with, but still the end was near. As I matured and learned more about radio electronics, I naturally moved on to ham radio and the greater possibilities available. Think of it as intelligent evolution, progressing from SWL to CB to Amateur Radio. I still have a CB in the vehicle for monitoring traffic conditions and chatting with the local farmers during harvest season (many still use CB radio between the combine and grain truck). I figure you can't convert folks to ham radio if you can't first strike up a conversation with them where they are at, which is CB. Sure, the big time farmers have licensed business band 2-way radios, but many still use CB because it is cheap and available at the local Wal-Mart. The bottom of the sun spot cycle has reduced the chatter on CB CH-19 to almost nil. This may prompt more people to get into CB radio, only to eventually become disappointed as the skip & bucket mouths start to return in a few years. Then, perhaps the evolution cycle will begin to repeat as those folks start looking to "move up" to amateur radio in search of something better. I also still enjoy SWL, even though the English language stations are shrinking. I like to think of myself as a "radio amateur" who explores all aspects of radio electronics, instead of limiting myself to just one radio service or hobby. Those weak FRS radios are great for really short range communications. My brother-in-law uses them on the ranch when sorting cattle. But when he complains about their short range, I take out my 2m HT and chat with someone 50-miles away via the repeater. Just another example of how to open the door for another person to get interested in amateur radio and leave the limitations of the unlicensed radio services behind.
Posted by DA2KI on 2006-12-01

Realistic-ally

CB Radio is what introduced many awesome gentlemen to the hobby of "Amateur Radio". This is my story to some extent. First intrigued by SWL at age 7, my interest was piqued. Thought, too much, that Ham Radio was too hard. So, CB route was my first road favorably traveled. Later, realized after college and some further graduate studies that Ham Radio was not hard, just required time and effort......really not that much. Don't have any war stories about passing 75 WPM code, as I just did the 13 WPM test and it was multiple choice at that – go figure! So, not a real ham, merely an amateur. Radio Shack had the goods to many of us "bucolic hoi polloi" and other dullards in the 70s.

CB'rs aren't bad. The question is most applicable to real Hams that think, too much, that they are too good.
Posted by AI4IT on 2006-12-01

In 1959.....

I remember when CB was authorized for the 11 meter band. The rules were quite stiff and the license fee was a lot of money for those times.

It was meant more for commercial reasons rather than chit chat. The local small town peace officer kept in touch with his home, where he was based out of, on channel 3. If his wife received a call she contacted him via the CB. I would monitor that channel all the time I was home. Call me a prototypical scanner enthusiast.

In the early sixtties the whole 23 channels became a wall of beat notes, like the 75 meter band used to sound like before being wiped out by SSB.

People have a need to communicate and CB was an entry into that arena. 99 percent of what went on was totally innocent stuff. It was such a great novelty. In the meantime I knew ham radio was the "REAL DEAL" when it came to communicating.

To each their own I say. Fortunes were made and a whole new sector of the economy was created. All in all it was a positive more than a negative. Many graduated to ham radio from CB. Today the CB band is very quiet. The action seems to be just above it where the freebanders run ham gear and linears to talk across town or hill tops, with occasional skip. I've heard locals chatting with South Africans in the freeband. Too bad there isn't any desire to become hams for most of them. I might add I do know of hams who like to operate with the freebanders. I found this to be true every where I have been in this country.

People just want to be free and speak their minds and CB is another venue for that activity, be it right or wrong. That's Life.

de K2ANE

Posted by K2ANE on 2006-12-01

Curiousity is okay.

CB is still out there. The quality varies with the locality. It does have a relation to amateur radio. How? Their transceivers are made out of the same basic components as ours. If you do a little short wave listening, if you enjoy scanners now and then, if you look into FRS, checking on traffic with CB is not so bad. If you key that CB mike, you might feel that you are back home again when you get back to your ham radio. It helps you appreciate more what you have with your license when you experience the limitations of CB. No harm done.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-12-01

At one time !

I too did CB for many year's from the time in the 70's untill the early 90's. I listened to it go from people having a good time and CB Jamboree's to Truck driver's constant swearing and of course the fighting that even led to death's. I started studying amateur radio back in the 70's and was turned off by some of the elitest attitude's i ran into. In fact it was Ham Radio attitude's that was a often a frequent discussion on the CB. Then in the early 80's i made friend's with a Ham and had pretty much gotten ready to test when family circumstances interfered. So in 1994 at last i made it and to my surprise i've found very few Ham's since then that i would consider elitest only to show you how quick too many of us are to judge the whole by the few......
Posted by FORMER_K0PD on 2006-11-30

Citizen Band?

The term "Citizen Band" and the term "activity" used in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

Oh, wait.. that's another thread... :)

Posted by KC8VWM on 2006-11-30

There is One Use...

I tune to the CB band quite often for one specific reason - to gauge propagation. If I hear lots of traffic on the CB frequencies then that's usually a sign that 10m, 12m or 6m is open. If I don't hear much on CB then it's a good bet that propagation on the adjacent bands is poor as well.
Posted by WB9QVR on 2006-11-30

has it's uses...

I do enjoy listening to the professional truck drivers while on long road trips. Good hiway info. Usually if there is a hiway related problem, you will hear about it sometimes hundreds of miles in advance. The truckers are generally pretty cool, but there are some folks in and around bigger cities that make the band unlistenable. Those are the bunch of idiots that folks refer to.. I started out on that band at age 12, my first CB given to me by a ham. He turned me on to ham radio, and I appreciate that. I also liked learning about the tech side of repairing radios and improving performance. One of my early "elmers" was actually a very technically skilled CB modifer. Not a good thing, but the tech skills learned were applicable to ham and the broadcast industry I'm now in..

Posted by K6VHP on 2006-11-29

KHD-4303 cb call sign

Well...

back in the day (1974)
i got a realistic navaho TRC-23A
with a Turner Plus 2 power desk mike

was a nice 23 channel am only base/mobile CB
(mobile...was too small for a mobile..lol)

worked well..
had a blast with it (at age 12)

when i got a car some years later i went to
cobra 146 GTL with SSB

SSB hooked me
i stepped up to AR-3500
(because skip was crazy and i wanted to be sure that even if there was skip i could get local help when needed...i was prompterd to get the ar 3500 because i got a flat that i could nnot change...in calling friends locally in upstate ny...i wound up getting a texas state troper who thought me nuts)

i then left radio many yrs and in 1999 found cb making a come back...so i came back

realised that the people on SSB were fine
but hated the garbage on AM

so i got my ticket

well once one gets their ticket
is time for non stop radio upgrade..LOL

i moniter once in a blue moon on cb
(my friends always on my case to get on ham radio even...lol)

but SSB CB still is good people

CB has a less need then years of past
however it still has its place on the roads

there is no denying that

obviously it my nicer to use ham radio though

I do laugh how so many put CBers down
and yet most HAM ops came from CB

so give them a break!!!

we all have been there
Posted by KC2MLZ on 2006-11-29

Not much difference

One of the many comments above mentioned that there is not much activity on 11 meters anymore...that's because they are all now on the ham bands!! Now that you could teach your favorite (or not) pet to pass the licensing exams, there really is no difference between cb and ham. Think not, listen to the repeaters and/or 2M/6M ssb activity (other places as well). Only difference is they are using a callsign instead of "handles" like swamp rat, tooth carpenter, beer can, etc... I can be thankful for getting into cb's back in the early 70's, that's what drove me into ham radio..it got me away from that insanity. Now, it's infesting the ham radio world like the cancer it is..it's disgusting.
Posted by W0BNE on 2006-11-29

CB BACK THEN

I remember when I was growing up my family was into CB's pretty heavy back in the 70's. It was neat, alot of local people talking and having fun. I remember when it was fun and respectful and then it went bad I guess. Alot of people started getting them with no license requirements to worry about and it just went really bad. Pretty much a free for all. Sound familiar? This hobby is rapidly approaching the same. Don't think so? Maybe it's just me, opinions do vary.
Posted by WB9QEL on 2006-11-29

CB -SSB

STILL SOME VERY GOOD AND NICE OPERATERS ON 11 METER SSB ,NEVER DID MUCH AM ALL SSB THEY ARE AS GOOD AS SOME OF THE OLDER HAMS ON 75 AND 80 METERS,WHO WILL CUSS YOU OUT ! BUT ANYWAY, GOOD AND BAD IN ALL WE DO !
Posted by KG4WHJ on 2006-11-28

CB -SSB

STILL SOME VERY GOOD AND NICE OPERATERS ON 11 METER SSB ,NEVER DID MUCH AM ALL SSB THEY ARE AS GOOD AS SOME OF THE OLDER HAMS ON 75 AND 80 METERS,WHO WILL CUSS YOU OUT ! BUT ANYWAY, GOOD AND BAD IN ALL WE DO !
Posted by KG4WHJ on 2006-11-28

cb alive and well

My local area must be the exception.I still enjoy 11 meters as another side of the radio hobby. Here locally there is alot of long time cb operators, many with 20+ years and the local channel is run with respect and good radio practice. We get the "nut" case cber from time to time but they just dont last long. I think as with any radio service it takes good people to guide the way , those folks just don't seem to still be on cb in most areas Jay ki4mzg
Posted by KI4MZG on 2006-11-28

cb alive and well

My local area must be the exception.I still enjoy 11 meters as another side of the radio hobby. Here locally there is alot of long time cb operators, many with 20+ years and the local channel is run with respect and good radio practice. We get the "nut" case cber from time to time but they just dont last long. I think as with any radio service it takes good people to guide the way , those folks just don't seem to still be on cb in most areas Jay ki4mzg
Posted by KI4MZG on 2006-11-28

CB - A nice start

I think we all agree that CB is no longer any real benefit except that it may keep away a number of the nitwits that could show up here.

Still, we have to thank CB for laying a foundation that has produced a number of good Hams later on. True the good can come with bad, but I think most of it was good. I kind of wonder if we would not have had a lack of numbers in our community today had it not been for the CB craze of the 70's.

I have to thank the manufacturers for making a few nice conversions to Ham radio.

I still use a Yagi (35 years old !!!) on 10 meters that was originally a CB antenna. I have worked well over 150 countries on it.

I have also had many hours of enjoyment on 10 Meter AM (29 MHZ) with a couple of old classic CB's converted to use on 10 M. (not out of band!!). I kind of wish that would show up again for the next cycle. It was fun ragchewing with "hi fidelity" quality.
Posted by K7DWI on 2006-11-28

Survey

Like most hams I've met, CB (especially SSB) is what got me interested in ham radio. As another poster mentioned, the folks on SSB are usually very courteous and they don't sound much different than us on the ham bands.

I have one hooked up at home but seldom use it. There just isn't much activity there. I wish I had it in the car on my recent roadtrip though. I-20 turned into a parking lot about 50 mi. E of Ft. Worth over Thanksgiving weekend. If I had a CB on, I may have been able to avoid the hour-long delay. Lesson learned. It will be in the car on the next trip.
Posted by N0XMZ on 2006-11-28

CB IN THE UK!

When cb was legalised here in '81, it got me into the radio hobby.
It started of reasonably then after a few years the idiots outnumbered the original users, and that was that!
I had a break from cb radio from about 1989 -2001 when i returned briefly, and it had totally changed!
MOST of the idiots had gone and only a few stations was left, since taking and passing the intermediate licence i rarely check the band out.
At a guess though i would say it is extremely quiet as are the VHF/UHF bands around my area which is SW UK. 73's 2E1DXY
Posted by 2E1DXY on 2006-11-28

CB Radio

I bought a CB in 1974 when some close friends suggested my wife and I use them for the four of us to stay in contact. (Callsign KIU-1052 - a great idea!) At the time I was well aware of ham radio but had no idea how to get involved. Later on another friend showed us how to get our ham tickets. Both my wife (AA0IS) and I earned our Extra class licenses. These days I monitor CB, traffic copter frequencies and a local AM station to avoid traffic jams on my daily commute. Perhaps our radio users in the Midwest (CB, 2 meter ham, etc) are friendlier than other locations, since I continue to enjoy contacts on all of the various bands. I simply love radio - no matter what the mode, frequency or license class.
73.
John
Posted by WB0RXL on 2006-11-28

N8EXF once told me, when you move to a better neighborhood, you leave the junked car on blocks behind at the old house.

Think of CB as a '76 Pinto, standing on concrete blocks in the middle of a weed infested side yard, and ham radio as Sherman Oaks.
Posted by OBSERVER11 on 2006-11-28

What's wrong with a '76 Pinto?

For Observer11 (possibly a CB covert operative):
A '76 Pinto station wagon was the first new car I owned. A great car. I often slept in it. However, I never had anything to do with CB.

So why metaphorically connect CB with my beloved Pinto?

Dave, N0CTI
Posted by N0CTI on 2006-11-28

I rest my case.
Posted by OBSERVER11 on 2006-11-28

Never

Never worked it, at all.

I did, however, install CB antennas (along with TV antennas and all sorts of stuff) as a teenager to make money after school and on weekends.

Some of those antennas were great deals! 5/8-wave ground planes that could survive a winter and cost only $59 back in 1966...wow.

WB2WIK/6
Posted by WB2WIK on 2006-11-27

CB usage

Like Ray, AI2IA, I have some vintage CB equipment in the shack, and a more recent radio in the truck. And, yes I do listen and sometimes transmit at least a few times a week. It's just part of my radio routine, I guess. I agree that CB is pretty much a vast wasteland, but I still don't mind carving out a few minutes of listening time here and there. i'm enjoying ham radio too much to do a lot with CB anyway.

73 to all - Ray, KE5ICG
Posted by KE5ICG on 2006-11-27

OK Sometimes

Got into CB years ago when I lived in a small town. It worked great everyone monitored the same channel, and it was instant communication whenever needed. Now only use it for road and weather info when traveling in my RV.
Posted by KI0P on 2006-11-27

Curiosity II


ThanX Ray AI2IA,

Interesting topic. I hadn't thought about Haven't used CB since 1978 (Novice ticket). Occassionally on 2m I hear some hams talk about it and the predominance in our rural area of Spanish langauge QSO.

73,

---* Ken
Posted by WI7B on 2006-11-27

Not my thing

If you do any traveling, sooner or later you will find interstate traffic crawling along as the result of a wreck. When that happens, I will tune my Icom 706 in the car over to the CB frequencies to learn what the problem might be. No transmitting, just listening for the road conditions, info about possible detours, etc. For that, it's useful.

But I was never into CB. I got my ham ticket at 14 and am still playing ham radio 38 years later. A good friend went into CB radio instead at age 14, he dropped out a couple years later and that was it for his two-way radio adventure. And he used to brag that CB radio was better. My standard reply was, "Better at what?"

Nothing wrong with it. It just never was my thing -- unless the road ahead is blocked.
Posted by N4KZ on 2006-11-27

QA few times each year while travelling

I use it a few times a year while I'm travelling somewhere. It works well for getting traffic updates when I encounter a jam. I've used it to avoid getting into a traffic jam in the first place.

For me, CB is a tool for certain places and times. Amateur radio is a tool for other places and times.

73,
Dave
KB3MNK
Posted by KB3MNK on 2006-11-27

CB

Great way to check if 10 meters is opening.
Posted by WA6BOB on 2006-11-27

effective VHF/UHF CB would be nice

I started with CB back in 1975. In those days it was very civilized. I had some nice mobile QSOs while travelling the NY State Thruway.

Even so, CB was never really that great for communication beyond a few miles. 27 MHz was a dumb frequency to pick. It is not good for local comms and not reliable for DX either. (I saw one explanation that the FCC gave the frequency away to CB because it was worthless for commercial use.) But it was fun and a relatively inexpensive and simple way to play radio.

When CB became a fad and then the sunspot cycle peaked bringing in DX QRM, CB became totally useless. I pretty much quit using CB when I got my ham license in 82.

I occasionally tune to CH. 19 or around the band and listen. Rarely hear much of value, if anything at all.

But it would be nice to have an effective CB band for road and local use. FRS could have been that except for the power/antenna limitations. I doubt the FCC is going to give away any VHF/UHF spectrum, but if they did establish a "high band" CB, I would use it.

It would be great if they could take a small portion of the VHF-HI TV band when analog TV vacates it and allocate a number of narrow-band FM channels to a new CB band, with appropriate restrictions, including a license requirement (maybe simple test on rules and a small administrative fee).
Posted by KC2WI on 2006-11-27

whatever!!!

cb is still good here. lots of good guys.not as busy as 10-20 yrs ago{cell phones,email}play a big part.everyone complains about foul mouth.geeeesshh.i hear that on 75/80,40 meter,etc. cmon guys, im sure many started hear too.im sick and tired of everyone bashing cb.reminds me of the code/no code forum!!!!!like said before,when 2 meter,hf is poor,you can still talk local on cb.all in all its still good in canada.
Posted by VE7REN on 2006-11-26

This is a HAM site!

Why even bring up ignorant CB on eHam.. go to eCB, if it exists.
Posted by WB4M on 2006-11-26

Fact is:

More hams are, or have been, involved in CB than will admit to it.

JCS
Posted by N4CQR on 2006-11-26

11M helpful indicator

At the beginning of a DX session on HF, I often browse 27300-27800 kHz because it is a good early indicator of 10M opening even if the 10M band seems to be dead, including the beacon segment where most transmitters are QRP.

If 10M seems to be dead, but 11M shows DX, I call CQ on 10M and often end up making DX contacts.

If both 10 and 11M are dead, I switch to a lower band, until I can find DX to work.
Posted by VE2SHF on 2006-11-26

Sure, why not.

I like to operate AM QRP on HF.
Posted by IAMAHAM on 2006-11-26

I use it often

I've been a traveling salesguy for 30 plus years, my 4 year old Buick Park Avenue has 165,000 plus miles on it. When I hit the road for a sales trip, out comes the ham 2m, and in goes the Cobra 29.
In today's comm environment, HF and 11 meters,one is no worse nor any better than the other when it comes down to personalities. I have a lot of Fun talking to Long Haul over the road truckers, and have had many Itelligent conversations with several of them. Now when you listen to CB around a Metro area, I will admit, its just plain trashy, mostly local drivers.
I have tried HF mobile and don't find it to be of any interest to me, same old mundane stuff day after day. And before there's any criticism on my CB or Ham habits, listen to the garbage on 75, sometimes 40 and the crap on 20. I have been licensed since 1963, have an MBA and am working on a PHD while doing my sales stint, so don't tell me I'm another DUMB A-- CB'er. Life is what you care to make of it.
Posted by K5UNY on 2006-11-26

Only in the RV

I have a cheap AM CB mounted in our RV right next to an old 2M rig. It's great to check out road conditions that are being reported. 2 meters is pretty worthless for that. I can't think of the last time I picked up a mic to talk on CB though. As far as local use, I wouldn't let my dog listen to the garbage that passes for "communications".
Posted by N7BUI on 2006-11-26

Only in the RV

I have a cheap AM CB mounted in our RV right next to an old 2M rig. It's great to check out road conditions that are being reported. 2 meters is pretty worthless for that. I can't think of the last time I picked up a mic to talk on CB though. As far as local use, I wouldn't let my dog listen to the garbage that passes for "communications".
Posted by N7BUI on 2006-11-26

For seven years I made a 2 hour one way commute to work each day. I kept two radios in the car. One was for 2 meters and the other was a 40 channel CB rig. It was extremely rare when I would make a 2 meter QSO during that drive. The repeaters were mostly dead and simplex is/was a Ghost town.
I made a lot of friends on the Chicken Band during those years( Not too long ago).
"Road Runners" were friendly, helpful, and even somewhat professional. I don't make the drive anymore but I still keep a CB radio in the car and on long trips I still chat with anyone wanting to hold a decent conversation.
Posted by WB2TQC on 2006-11-26

For seven years I made a 2 hour one way commute to work each day. I kept two radios in the car. One was for 2 meters and the other was a 40 channel CB rig. It was extremely rare when I would make a 2 meter QSO during that drive. The repeaters were mostly dead and simplex is/was a Ghost town.
I made a lot of friends on the Chicken Band during those years( Not too long ago).
"Road Runners" were friendly, helpful, and even somewhat professional. I don't make the drive anymore but I still keep a CB radio in the car and on long trips I still chat with anyone wanting to hold a decent conversation.
Posted by WB2TQC on 2006-11-26

CB

I started in CB when I was living with my parents (KBM2665.) We used it to keep track of each other. It worked well for that.

I still have a CB in my car, along with a dual band radio. I listen to it (CB) for traffic information and sometimes listen in to a SSB net that has been around the area for years. I seldom talk and then only to answer local questions.

CB in my area has settled down the last few years. We have a couple of channels where the crazies collect and they are good for a laugh on rare occasions but the rest of the channels are fairly civilized.

Our local 2 meter and 70 cm repeaters are moderately active so that keeps my interest most of the time. We have a few truckers on the repeaters.

CB still has a place. It's a different service than Amateur Radio and can be useful.

Mike
Posted by WG7G on 2006-11-26

Never liked CB!

I've been a licensed ham since 1956 and used 11 meters way back when. I worked for SBE for several years until their demise. When a unit came in for service, the first thing I did was remove all the illegal mods, then repaired the radio. Many people were upset with my repair, but the radio left the shop totally stock, as is was supposed to. The biggest mistake made by the FCC was to put CB on an HF band. Should have been set up on a VHF band and there would never have been all the problems that developed. I did drive big trucks after retirement, and only used the CB installed in the truck to know where all the speed cops were.

My total talk time on CB was probablly less the 1 hour vs. over 900,000 miles of driving.

Mike/K5VSE
Posted by K5VSE on 2006-11-25

No CB For Me Ever.

.
Why would I want CB when I was a licensed Amateur Radio Operator in the year of 1938.

I assume if one could not pass the code test they really don't have much choice but go the path of CB.

CB was unheard of in my younger days and happy about that.

W6TH a non vanity call.

.:
Posted by W6TH on 2006-11-25

WA8HHH COMMENT

SRI to admit how long it took me to figure out the reason and meaning of your comment...but then I almost laughed myself to death. I love your sense of humor.
Ex-KBL-0924. Paid the FCC $20.00 a year for that license back in 1967.
Posted by N4VNV on 2006-11-25

Still has its uses

For a guy like me who runs 35-40K/yr driving miles, 11 meters is a great thing. I don't use it with kids in the car, but for wondering about traffic issues, there is no better item. OK, the use of AM on HF for this band is pure 1940, and the defacto use is 100 watts of varying quality, but the commercial drivers are a great source of info.

I have had maybe two "other" conversations in five years.....chatting is for 2m with hams.

If our FCC cared about anyone not a corporation, we'd get 10 channels somewhere in the 400 mhz-500 mhz area with 25 watt transmitters, simplex only, and end the use of the 11 meter band for this. Since that's not happening, it is truckers with dual whips and 100 watts-which covers about 15 miles on simplex..........

Why anyone still cares about this is beyond me...other than as a straw man whipping boy.
Posted by K2FIX on 2006-11-25

Still Useful

I used CB in the 60s as a tool mostly monitoring channel 9 and assisting with local traffic situations. However now, since I travel about 25,000/year by car I find it a useful tool to monitor traffic and road conditions. I use 2meter and 10 meter in the car and do most of my talking on those.
Posted by N0JYC on 2006-11-25

Errrrr, yeah.

Do I really want to get involved with people that make Beavis and Butthead seem intelligent?

Nope, I don't think so.

73 de G8KHS
Posted by G8KHS on 2006-11-25

Only for MC to MC comms

I only use it when on my motorcycle vacations for bike to bike comms.
Posted by NT9E on 2006-11-25

CB has QSY'ed

Checked 2 meters lately??? FM and/or SSB, doesn't matter much...folks may have left (11 meter) CB but it has found a new home.

In the case of FM especially, the only noticable difference is the squelch tail.

QSL? Roger that; QSL your QSL and roger, roger. It's gotten "puke-a-rific".
Posted by K0CBA on 2006-11-25

CB Mentality

I really can not say never. No option was given for maybe once or twice a year. But when I have I was mostly looking for CB'rs between 27.405 - 28.000. Now this really happened "about 20 years ago, every time this CB'er keyed up you would hear this god offal squeal and it would drag on for 2 or 3 seconds. I told him "being sarcastic" something is wrong with your radio he answers with concern, What, I told him about that offal squeal. He got mad at me and said. ( I Paid Good Money To Have That Done. ) CB Mentality
Posted by KA5ROW on 2006-11-24

Foul Language

I can't use CB even for keeping up with what is going on on the interstate. I usually have three young children in the car with me. The foul language has gotten so bad that I just don't use it anymore.

It really is a shame. Many years ago I had CB SSB equipment and enjoyed playing with it. Companies like Avanti made some great antennas and companies like SBE and Tram had some pretty nice radios. A friend of mine had a nice Stoner radio.

When the FCC let the band go, (eliminated licensing requirements) they really let it go. It is just one big vast wasteland now. I just pray something like this never happens to the ham bands.
Posted by KG4PBG on 2006-11-24

Sad...But True!

Like many I suppose, CB gave me a starting place or simple Introduction to Radio. I followed friends and Mentors on into Ham Radio and I was even more pleased because there "WERE LAWS and RULES" to help govern the PROPER PRACTICE and PROPER USE OF RADIO. I was very glad that there were not "Mule Farts" "ECHO" and "Roger Beeps" wired to microphones, and that for the most part - My Children could sit by and listen there beside me, without alot of the FILTH, VULGAR launguage, and Drunken Fighting that took place on CB! YES YES YES... while these days you sadly can find (as previously written about out here) some of that same practice taking place on 80 Meters, or elsewhere, for that matter! With a deep sadness felt whenever you don't hear the "GROUPS OR CLICKS" offer and Invitation to another operator that breaks in on "THEIR FREQUENCY" to join in with the fun! Those TROUBLE SPOTS or shall I say "Pockets of Resistance" that do not practice by the law in which the FCC have given us to follow? I take Heart and comfort - that a time is coming (sooner or later) when THOSE FEW - will be DEALT WITH BY LAW, and I will read somewhere about it in our papers or a magazine - as "OUR FCC" makes a SHINING EXAMPLE, of our TAX DOLLARS AT WORK! Until that time comes (and it will) when our boys get around, come to town, and take care of that business of CLEANING HOUSE in a few troublesome spots? I will continue... to look forward to meeting "My new Best Friend" with each and every contact I make! All CB'ers are not bad, just as a few bad Ham operators... don't speak, for the entire HAM COMMUNITY as a whole! I will never forget those Older Wiser Hams that said...Come on boy, and let us show you some "REAL RADIO" and they did so with a "KINDNESS" for which I will never forget them, even since many of them, have passed on! May that KINDNESS AND OPEN INVITATION - LIVE ON in HAM RADIO - FOREVER! God Bless each and every one of you and from our family to yours - MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR and 73! DE N5JFJ (Jerry)
Posted by NE5C on 2006-11-24

Offal Squeal

Very descriptive...
Posted by WA8HHH on 2006-11-24

C.B. RADIO

In 1967/68 there wasn't a darn thing wrong with being in C.B. Radio. The idiot foul mouths that came later ruined it. And now those same people are ruining ham radio. Thanks for NOTHING FCC!
Posted by N4VNV on 2006-11-24

Curiousity

I suggested this survey because I have about five very old CB transceivers on the shelf and more for the fun of hooking them up, I get them operating now and then to remind me of early days. I wondered how many other hams tinker with CB now and then and perhaps more than now and then, and if anyone sees anything positive in CB. It should be an interesting topic. So let's have some fun and learn a few things about what we do with it, if anything. - Ray, AI2IA
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-11-24

CB Evolution

In it's earlier days, CB radio filled a niche, was quite usefull. As KWM7767 (remember when it took a license for CB) I used it a lot for highway travel, and could pretty well count on it for assistance, should the need arise. It did once for me, in the middle of the night, and a passing trucker relayed my request for assistance when he got a bit closer to civilization.

But it didn't take long for the whole thing to turn into a garbage pile, and I haven't even thought of it in many, many years.

I have 2 meters in the car, and a cell phone with AAA roadside service (or 911).

I suppose it still serves a good cause, as it keeps a bunch of the space cadets off the ham bands.

73, Jim/k7unz
Posted by K7UNZ on 2006-11-24

Try listening again

I still use the CB rig in my travels--it seems that a lot of companies have installed CB rigs in their shipping/receiving areas to let the truck drivers call in for deliveries and get their door assignments (which door to back into).

The use of CB has died off to the point that truckers on the highway are the main users now, and even though the foul language may still be present, it is far less than it used to be.

Of course, when I drive trucks, even though there's a CB on the dash, I still have a ham rig right beside it--I usually only use the CB at the truck docks, but I still listen occassionally.
Posted by K1CJS on 2006-11-24

cb radio

i alway's have cb radio in my vehicles. now, i have only an rv camp A..i use it as a means of info to wx cndx on roads,general motorist assistance,if known. I have been able to 'assist' in some vehicular accidents..by relaying to a base stn in my hometown area..cb is used here..otherwise it is usaully not used. I have this one cb now in the rv..it was used 'inline' at the shack..but moved to the rv. if i acquire another cb rig,i'll put it back in my shack..use it..probebly rarely..I think it is a necessary mode of communications..the 'foul-mouthed' idiots make the band..and Our society..in a whole Disgraceful! nuff said. ke2eb mid-hudson region,ny.
Posted by KE2EB on 2006-11-24

CB Ops.

Like many, I started on CB. I enjoyed it for several years. I met a lot of nice people, a few I still keep in touch with, and had a lot of fun. I even learned about this mysterious "ham radio" thing:-)

After a few years the "kids" on the CB became intolerable for me, so when I got my ticket I gave it up. Everything I enjoyed on CB I can find on amateur radio, and much, much more. And I don't have to tolerate the "trash." Yes, amateur radio isn't perfect but it is far and away better than CB. It troubles me to hear the "trash" on 75 meters as well, but at least we have many megahertz we can use to get away. And always a new mode to try...:-)

73 all,
and remember, HAVE FUN!

Dan
--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
Posted by K9ZF on 2006-11-24

CB Radio

We do a lot of Interstate travel. I have the CB in the car for the purpose of knowing why the highway has turned into a parking lot ahead of us. There's no way I could just monitor channel 19. The foul language and the totally incoherent conversations are more than I can handle.
Posted by N2UM on 2006-11-24

CB

I, too, use it for interstate travel. I also have a hard time raising people on repeaters now adays. So the CB comes in handy for local info when nobody is listening to the local repeater(s).

73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
Posted by WA8MEA on 2006-11-24

It has its place in the spectrum!

CB has its useful place in the radio spectrum. When you feel like "cutting loose" or just chit-cjatting, the Citizen's Band still seems to be the place to find someone when the repeaters are dead and propagation is nill. Where else can you find local traffic information so quickly?

Posted by AF4KK on 2006-11-24

use to be cber's

i use to be cber's back in 1989 until 2001 when i passed my tech written ! never again go back to cb way too much foul mouth when you have kids be listen to dirty mouth they sure'll they be pick up the words are'nt suppost be cussing. just my 2 cents in.


73
Jackie
KG4ORX
Website http://webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/

Posted by N4MJG on 2006-11-24

Gooooo

We all came from this pond- face it (-:

Alpha Tango forever!
Posted by N0AH on 2006-11-24

FCC form 555

Since I suggested this survey, I figured that I ought to go back and check my records. Sure enough, there it was, an old FCC form 555 Citizens Radio Station License limited to 5 transmitters and effective 07-22-75. The assigned call sign was KSJ 3302. It all seems strange now. I had fun with it back then. I enjoyed making antennas, and I still do, but ham radio has a lot more to offer, and I dust off the old CB sets and run them up now and then just to see them work.
Posted by AI2IA on 2006-11-24

CB Nostalgia?

I too started out in the Class D Citizens Service radio world back in 1967 operating 'under' my older brothers license. Finally, 6 years later I had my 18th birthday and applied for my own and recieved KLW 1475. CB was much different then. Thank goodness for Amateur Radio! I have never enjoyed anything so much before. As with any hobby, the equipment cost can become a quite a finacial burden, but I feel that the investment is well worth the hours of enjoyment.
Just my thoughts...
73 es gud DX,
de Ron, KX5RW

Posted by KX5RW on 2006-11-24

CB ONCE WAS........

I also started in CB in 1969. My license was KDV-2361. In those days CB was reliable, the folks were more respectfull and the call sign was xmited frequently. I met a bunch of real nice people on CB. I was even a CB dealer. I sold the "President" line of base and mobiles. BUT, I wanted more, so I bought an old Ameco 33rpm Code record, and off I went. I was an avid SWL before CB so that helped too. My personal base station was the President Washington. My first CB was an old rock bound 4 channel Gonset. In those days, people really stole cb's out of cars? Now, I found out that if you are a "Good Buddy" you are gay? How that name changed!! Lot of garbage, foul mouths, interference, illegal power and roger beeps. Oh well, I am having more fun now-KU2US..
Posted by KU2US on 2006-11-24

CB ONCE WAS........

I also started in CB in 1969. My license was KDV-2361. In those days CB was reliable, the folks were more respectfull and the call sign was xmited frequently. I met a bunch of real nice people on CB. I was even a CB dealer. I sold the "President" line of base and mobiles. BUT, I wanted more, so I bought an old Ameco 33rpm Code record, and off I went. I was an avid SWL before CB so that helped too. My personal base station was the President Washington. My first CB was an old rock bound 4 channel Gonset. In those days, people really stole cb's out of cars? Now, I found out that if you are a "Good Buddy" you are gay? How that name changed!! Lot of garbage, foul mouths, interference, illegal power and roger beeps. Oh well, I am having more fun now-KU2US..
Posted by KU2US on 2006-11-24