"Voice Portal" for WEATHER/NEWS/DRIVING DIRECTIONS INFORMATION

[JT646]

Before Smart phones and internet got popular  "Voice Portals" were available to get useful  information over a phone/cell connection.  Service is voice activated--all you have to do is speak your request.  I sometimes still use this to check if freezing weather is expected (Weather option) for the town I'm heading to.  Not as fancy as a web page but often faster and easier to use.

Phone # for "Information Line":  408-752-8052

This is also a nice option if you need the current News headlines (Voice prompt:  "News Center", "Top Stories").  Apologies if this has already been (?) posted.

 

[SoulRaven]

I still use my CB radio when on the road, great for live updates, and no cell service required. Great for directions if needed too, or to find good food, gas, parking, etc.

 

[JT646]

I still use my CB radio when on the road, great for live updates, and no cell service required.  Great for directions if needed too, or to find good food, gas, parking, etc.

Good idea 24/7--and much cheaper than a satellite phone!

 

[highdesertranger]

while I have a cb I only use it when traveling with someone else for vehicle to vehicle communications. this is because most of what is left on the cb bands nowadays is cr*p. I planning on getting a ham to take up the slack. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

while I have a cb I only use it when traveling with someone else for vehicle to vehicle communications.  this is because most of what is left on the cb bands nowadays is cr*p.  I planning on getting a ham to take up the slack.  highdesertranger

I really don't find this to be true.  The truckers  and sometimes other travelers can be a great wealth of information, and nearly immediate help when it's needed.

Last spring I pulled over to help with an RV fire on the side of the road, I called it in on the CB.  Within minutes there were truckers everywhere with fire extinguishers, and we had the fire out long before the fire department or LEO's arrived. 

Seems the RV owners were told by some idiot RV dealership that it was perfectly normal to leave propane appliances and furnace running while driving.  BIG MISTAKE!

 

[highdesertranger]

see I have had totally the opposite experiences. I heard more than a few people thinking the cb was there very own radio station. one guy was god radio another was Nazi radio. both these guys just keyed up and broadcast like they were a radio station. another place the local whore house was calling in the truckers, "ice cold beer and hot showers", with all the happy ending cr*p. then there are the truckers with their amps and echo boxes stepping on everyone. I will agree that if that's all you have it's better than nothing, but let's face it having a cb isn't what it used to be. highdesertranger

 

[offroad]

I still use my CB radio when on the road, great for live updates, and no cell service required. Great for directions if needed too, or to find good food, gas, parking, etc.

My GPS has all that built in. Update the map once a year and you are set. No data connection needed. Satellites overhead. Defiantly get a ham radio license. Twenty mile coverage o the nearest two meter repeater is nice.