i know nothing about them but couldn't believe it wasn't a topic. been meaning to ask about them myself.<div>no idea how they work or what their range is or anything.</div><div>i can't even remember the dukes' handles!</div>
cb radios
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well a place to put this would in the communication area...<br><br>Cb radios are a great tool to have but as you said many are confused as how to use them and get the most out of them, so they mainly sit on the dash unused and not even on...<br><br>The big names truckers use are Cobra, Uniden, and Galaxy radios and any of them would work for the general public... <br><br>the two things needed are the antennae(s) and the radio...<br><br>The two major trucker channels are ch17 and ch19 depending on the N-S or E-W direction of travel... truckers will give allot of info about road conditions and call out the dangers from deer on the road to police looking for speeders... The language used can be found in small books, it really is not that hard to get a grip on...<br><br>Main buttons are the on/off, channel selector, gain, and squelch... For gain this is the distance you can modulate and receive, the higher the further, but also you get allot of conflicting chatter... The squelch controls the amount of chatter from low to high, low being from directly behind you with a friend...<br><br>I run mine with the gain high and control the traffic about mid squelch, squelch also controls your static, the higher the squelch the higher the static...<br><br>This is basics, and the higher end radios have many other updates to use, but a basic radio shack CB and magnetic type antennae will work fine for the average user...<br><br>Hope this helps, if still confused PM me and I will do my best...<br><br><br>
mockturtle
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I've learned useful information from truckers while listening to the CB. And a lot of <i>not</i> so useful stuff, too! <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>
Phantom Blooper
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<P><SPAN id=post_message_1273150493>
<br><br>Does the FCC even monitor the CB anymore?<br><br>Years ago you couldn't say things like are being said now on some channels without sanction.....I by no means have virgin ears....but some early morning or not so early morning...Wow!<br><br>But I do agree the CB is very useful in it's own right and travelling in caravan or with truckers.</SPAN><br>
The answer is yes, the FCC are always looking for non-paying ham radio operators, which is what you become when you 'customize" your radio, basically to much power violating their rules... The FCC demands respect and will hand down stiff penalties if you cross them... big brother in another word...<br><br>I hope i cleared up some confusion about CB,s, if not please pm me and I will do my best to help you out....<br><br>
Phantom Blooper said:
I mounted a handheld Cobra model 38WXST on the fairing of my bike with helmet headset and PTT switch on the grip. Mainly for bike to bike communication during group rides. It's been indespensible along the superslab as well, checking with truckers, i.e. letting them know I'm in their "wash", and getting weather alerts. Plus it's portable so we can take them with us "off bike" when roaming around some scenic area. Highly recommend them, but range is iffy sometimes. Got mine from Sierra Electronics.<br>Just a thot<br><br>
<p style="margin: 0px;">Raven 'rites; "Main buttons are the on/off, channel selector, gain, and squelch... For gain this is the distance you can modulate and receive, the higher the further, but also you get allot of conflicting chatter... The squelch controls the amount of chatter from low to high, low being from directly behind you with a friend..."</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">The knobs on a CB control nothing but the receiver. The Squelch is used to keep you from having to hear the hiss of the system, it also will cut out weaker signals. Normal setting is just so you don't hear the hissing noise. </p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">The gain or volume controls how loud the noise is from the speaker. Nothing else.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;">On and Off is self-explanatory. Off is the best setting. Especially while you thumb through any good book or web site on how to get your amateur radio license and have something to talk and listen to with a little more value and public service/safety.</p><p style="margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="margin: 0px;"><br><br> </p>
offroad
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agree with Vern. and the radio waves do not work very well some years. This is very true of CB radio. something about sunspots, and other interference with radio waves during certain years. <br /><br />best to get a ham radio license. once you get it, you pay nothing more than the cost of buying a new radio.<br /><br />Also you can consider FRS and GRMS radios that camne out ten years ago. They are great for local communication with the kids, and have good power levels.<br /><br />
Pikachu711
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I've been a licensed ham (amateur) radio operator for almost 15 years. I'll be installing radios for communicatins in my future van. I'll also have a CB radio as well. Family Radio Service (FRS) is a handy type radio to have if others have them as well. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is also nice to have. Here's the difference in each of these type radio systems.<br /><br />Ham Radion - License required<br />CB Radio - NO license required<br />FRS - NO license required<br />GMRS - License Required<br /><br />Based upon how much time and dedication you have, a ham (amateur) radio license can be earned. It will take some studying on your part. There are NO longer morse code requirements.
