Time is now to revive CB Radio

[SIX-SHOOTER]

I believe they did. Wouldn't swear, though.

They have only made Amateur Radio gear and for the Military that I’m aware of and most of those were the same.I would love to see a photo of anything else including a real CB not a converted Amateur Radio with a MARS Mod.

SIX-SHOOTER

 

[Riverman]

Icom makes a “CB” in Australia. However, their CB channels reside in UHF.

http://www.icom-australia.com/products/uhf/ic-450/UHFCB_IC-450_Brochure.pdf

 

[Mudfoot]

I figured they rode the wave during the CB craze and made something.

 

[Slowmover]

I figured they rode the wave during the CB craze and made something.

Plenty of Jap & Hun firms used their American cut outs to start lowering the tariffs that made us wealthy. Post 1963 it took off.

Those firms made things under contract. American brand. Korea got ball rolling; then murdering Kennedy took the gloves off for that international cabal. “Civil Rights” (then Vietnam) were cover for looting our wallets. No more full employment, the start.

Entirely possible some Jap unit made stuff for an American manufacturer. Later got bought by Matsushita, etc.

There wasn’t a presence of Japanese quality in non-defense electronics until with Sony and the Trinitron TVs in earliest 1970s.

Defense-wise, things were already being designed here and taken there for miniaturization. Joint manufacture became a thing; partway.

Story with Germans different. We’d stolen so many of their patents (chemistry) the money investments from here was the continuation of the war to create EU (NATO as enforcer).

Cold War end in 1964, then DeGaulles death in ‘69 set stage for machine, versus electronics. Cars, trains, airplanes.

Truth is, by the 1970s, the ingredients (raw materials) were being shipped worldwide.

Where does one thing end, and another start?

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[Highway Man]

Make Galaxy Great Again!

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

https://midlandusa.com/product/75-822cb-radio/

 

[guitar_199]

Resurgence....... hmmmmmm
I think the stalwarts that really loved it and hang on from solar peak to peak.... I think they will come back until there are no more of them.
Attracting any new ones in to keep it going???
I'm not as sure.......

 

[Slowmover]

Resurgence....... hmmmmmm
I think the stalwarts that really loved it and hang on from solar peak to peak.... I think they will come back until there are no more of them.
Attracting any new ones in to keep it going???
I'm not as sure.......

Yup.

Going to try some out-loud thinking here:

Having someone to talk to (seems the first conceptual barrier). Using Radio as a Phone likely is the model for imagination we encounter.

The truck driver friends of mine I’ve lately urged to upgrade to SSB understand without explanation the value of almost any Radio beats nothing at all. They each of them have driven for over twenty years and have reasonable expectations about airwaves traffic as it has pertained to AM-19.

SSB hasn’t been much of a stretch to explain as there are plenty of men interested in making things work. Cars, scooters, etc.

They’re more than halfway, already.

Having someone at home with whom to attempt conversation is also easy as they come inbound from a trip. That state or nationally. The long and the short distance proof

The other (and sometimes overlapping group) with which I’ve some familiarity is those with camping RVs. Where it’s easy to outline just 11-Meter as basis for someday something more (Amateur licensure).

I think that last the most important. A guy can get a start with a base or mobile installation of CB Radio with an eye towards the promise of
WWDX!

These two groups are really one type.

For the average American it seems like one is selling home canning equipment. Tom knows it’s a good idea (like a vegetable garden), but he’s already in hoc for too much else.

And the alarm for a Netflix show just went off.

Those with teenagers at home (or suitably-aged grandchildren) are maybe the next easiest group. One does feel the urge that they get our best. Especially as they watch us learn-to-learn. Childhood is studying what parents do. Call ahead, and get them to see how far out they can receive Grandpa as he’s inbound.

So my thoughts have been more of an equipment list.
Stuff, versus the intangibles.

But not a price tag.

Gear might get installed in vehicles, let’s say. But it’s then subject to damage from commuter coffee spills or drive-thru sustenance; from really young children’s curiosity or Fido jumping around while being left inside.

Worst is theft for being disheartened.

I don’t think it a hard sell that if phone service goes dead one weekday afternoon at evening rush hour — and Papa wants Mama to have a Radio in her car — hell, he will snap together a base station antenna all on his own. Done deal.

Problem is the family vehicles (I think). Not so easy to install or store radio gear anymore.

I’ve posted several times about using an Apache-brand transport case to safely store radios, accessory gear and spares. A PVC tube to carry an antenna.

But who drives a sedan with capacious trunk? Secure storage for a slew of life’s pursuits.

Anyone remember the portable bar a salesman might carry? Part of camping while growing up was my Dads funny observations about ol’ Joe taking a snort from a bottle kept under the spare tire while Momma got the kids to bed.

Plenty of room for a square case & round tube next to that tire.

Solving “where to keep gear” it gets used as desire lights up, is a description that takes care of the price-tag problem.

I’d bet nearly everyone has gear associated with an after-work pursuit.

1). How to store mobile radio gear (isn’t that hard).

2). Where to store it, is. As it’s going to wind up at the bottom of the closet or moved to rented storage but quick.

No convenient sedan trunk.

If we posit the SUV as being the most likely vehicle owned, then would a nice portable trunk also carrying roadside breakdown equipment plus a Bug Out Bag be the “solution”?

Description of “how” portable or mobile radio fits in the life they already lead without making it extra baggage seems like the battle.

A). Utility is obvious.
B). Hand-held can’t do it all
C). Where to put it away it doesn’t get damaged, stolen or lost, but is still right at hand for use, sure seems to me like “an answer”.

An answer that oils the hinges to imaginations door.

Pictures of such a trunk with radio transport case inside (plus other gear) would be Step One.

Open. Install. Transmit.



.

 

[Tokin]

The attraction will always be there for those who like to venture far and need something more reliable than a cell phone.
Most of the noobs ive seen are coming from the off road community. A couple of times having skip tell you you're heard thousand of miles away tends to get folks interested and then hooked. Forums like this help immensely to keep noobs interested.

 

[guitar_199]

Not that would ever happen.... I'm sure it won't.
It would be nice if FM were allowed in the 11m band. I'm not smart enough to know if there is some technical reason why the FCC won't allow it. From what I understand it works in other countries.

I think a lot of people these days prefer "cleaner audio experiences". You have to have a taste for it to sit and listen to the howls on AM. SSB is cleaner but still you have to be willing to fiddle with clarifiers to get it dialed in just right. FM? From what I've seen in the 2m band since I've been licensed... you turn it on and as long as you can reach the other station you are golden. Much cleaner copy.

Nowadays most just "marvel" at the cell phone and it is a fine technological advance. The problem is.... when you are blowing down the road at 65 and come over a rise and see a wall of brake lights.... just WHO do you pick up the phone and dial to see what is happening ahead of you.... right NOW ???? Nobody. And that is the difference that they either don't understand or, more likely, don't care about.

But those who just have the "interest"....... enamored with the idea of "wow.... I pick up this microphone, push this button..... and like magic...... other people in the area hear me! I can hear them too!".......there is just nothing like it. but when you tell that young grandson about it ....he smiles and says "great grandpa" and goes back to his laptop...gets in a chat room with people from Europe, Australia..... all over the world. He just doesn't see "radio" the same way.

I guess I'm just raving on...... I'll shut up.

 

[Slowmover]

Not that would ever happen.... I'm sure it won't.
It would be nice if FM were allowed in the 11m band. I'm not smart enough to know if there is some technical reason why the FCC won't allow it. From what I understand it works in other countries.

I think a lot of people these days prefer "cleaner audio experiences". You have to have a taste for it to sit and listen to the howls on AM. SSB is cleaner but still you have to be willing to fiddle with clarifiers to get it dialed in just right. FM? From what I've seen in the 2m band since I've been licensed... you turn it on and as long as you can reach the other station you are golden. Much cleaner copy.

Nowadays most just "marvel" at the cell phone and it is a fine technological advance. The problem is.... when you are blowing down the road at 65 and come over a rise and see a wall of brake lights.... just WHO do you pick up the phone and dial to see what is happening ahead of you.... right NOW ???? Nobody. And that is the difference that they either don't understand or, more likely, don't care about.

But those who just have the "interest"....... enamored with the idea of "wow.... I pick up this microphone, push this button..... and like magic...... other people in the area hear me! I can hear them too!".......there is just nothing like it. but when you tell that young grandson about it ....he smiles and says "great grandpa" and goes back to his laptop...gets in a chat room with people from Europe, Australia..... all over the world. He just doesn't see "radio" the same way.

I guess I'm just raving on...... I'll shut up.

You’re right. It is a question of (stunted) imagination. Plenty of other examples exist. TV-centric world. The role of which is to cut off men from their history, culture and religious understanding.

I take it for granted the other man has an interest in doing for himself.

I don’t see this as messianic, per se. But to revive the brain cells that thought (didn’t) they knew what was Citizens Band. Someone lied.


What is a citizen? Is another way to oil the door hinges.

Can you be relied upon?

(Not without comms).


“We got looters headed this way”.

Send the TV-watchers with their Star Wars light sabers on ahead. The Tee Shirt, Tennies & Tattoo Brigade.

Meanwhile, the rest of the neighborhood is doing last-minute remote comms checks and loading a mix of 12-ga rounds.

That’s another (potential) form of appealing to interest.

CB ain’t the ideal. Point is, it’s a start.

.

 

[guitar_199]

Agreed. You know.... from 1976 on, I have had a Cb in every single vehicle that I have had......up until the one I am in now.

I probably would......except.... my job circumstance!!!!
I HAVE to you use the Houston Metro Park & Ride near me to get to work. It is the only thing reasonable......

I started in Jan 2009 and in September of 2009, I got back from my work day, found the lock punched on my driver's side door and the radio (Grant LT) gone! Of course.... it was never tracked down or found. Thinking about it..... that truck sits in that parking lot... unattended.... with 0 security......for about 11 hours a day..... Metro Security in essence said.... "we can't watch everything"..... so I have been hesitant to put one back in. I took the whip off....but apparently they drove around and saw the ball mount. The rest is history. I hate that....but oh well.....

I DO have a Wilson 1000 mag mount..... and could probably fix up a portable..... I just hate to risk another busted lock .... or window.

 

[Slowmover]

Agreed. You know.... from 1976 on, I have had a Cb in every single vehicle that I have had......up until the one I am in now.

I probably would......except.... my job circumstance!!!!
I HAVE to you use the Houston Metro Park & Ride near me to get to work. It is the only thing reasonable......

I started in Jan 2009 and in September of 2009, I got back from my work day, found the lock punched on my driver's side door and the radio (Grant LT) gone! Of course.... it was never tracked down or found. Thinking about it..... that truck sits in that parking lot... unattended.... with 0 security......for about 11 hours a day..... Metro Security in essence said.... "we can't watch everything"..... so I have been hesitant to put one back in. I took the whip off....but apparently they drove around and saw the ball mount. The rest is history. I hate that....but oh well.....

I DO have a Wilson 1000 mag mount..... and could probably fix up a portable..... I just hate to risk another busted lock .... or window.

I believe some ingenuity will work.

Nothing’s perfect, but as I try to tell my son,

Don’t let the condition of your car, or it’s contents tell a story.

1). A clean car is anonymous. I don’t mean the $3 drive-thru, either. Elbow-grease and TLC to keep it looking near-new through the time you own it.

- This is a vehicle nearly invisible going down the highway. It’s not wearing its history.

2). The contents carried should be put away. Nothing laying out. Maybe a telephone RAM Mount. Clothing on hangers. Especially nothing on the dashboard or console.

— So, what with Radio?

The poorly-executed installations are obvious. Even without the Radio present. Conceal what can be concealed.

3). If we use the Uniden 980 + RM Italy KL203 baby amp as the generic rig, they aren’t that large. It’s the mount that increases the visual size. And difficulty of WHERE to mount.

— The roof headliner is best concealment (assuming car or SUV). It’s then the mic cord that tells a story.

— Modifying a center console (from the salvage yard; store the original; this is what we do with big trucks) is probably the “best” solution. NMO Antenna Mount.

Anything else is going to require a camouflage tarp. An ordinary piece of clothing, etc, that constantly is in this dedicated use. (Can’t wear it).

4). I’m no fan of airbags. (The 3-point belt matters). So the passenger-side knee bolster can be sectioned and a compartment with lid can be fashioned, textured, painted. Etc. With my long arms access isn’t a difficulty.

5). Back-side of console or passenger-seat. I’ve done the equivalent a few times where the radio was in more or less constant use. Controls, etc, weren’t needed as conditions didn’t change. Radio stored until needed fits this. Mount ready to go.

6). Radio carrier. Go-Box. Stored until wanted and secured to passenger seat or a floor mount that seat.

As a final thought: Vehicle spec should fit true need. Not ego. The family car carries them all plus luggage. Still can’t beat a sedan for this. (Pickups rollover-prone; super-high percentage of serious injuries & deaths).

Having a trunk to store radio in a case the best.

.

 

[sunbulls]

I believe some ingenuity will work.

Nothing’s perfect, but as I try to tell my son,

Don’t let the condition of your car, or it’s contents tell a story.

1). A clean car is anonymous. I don’t mean the $3 drive-thru, either. Elbow-grease and TLC to keep it looking near-new through the time you own it.

- This is a vehicle nearly invisible going down the highway. It’s not wearing its history.

2). The contents carried should be put away. Nothing laying out. Maybe a telephone RAM Mount. Clothing on hangers. Especially nothing on the dashboard or console.

— So, what with Radio?

The poorly-executed installations are obvious. Even without the Radio present. Conceal what can be concealed.

3). If we use the Uniden 980 + RM Italy KL203 baby amp as the generic rig, they aren’t that large. It’s the mount that increases the visual size. And difficulty of WHERE to mount.

— The roof headliner is best concealment (assuming car or SUV). It’s then the mic cord that tells a story.

— Modifying a center console (from the salvage yard; store the original; this is what we do with big trucks) is probably the “best” solution. NMO Antenna Mount.

Anything else is going to require a camouflage tarp. An ordinary piece of clothing, etc, that constantly is in this dedicated use. (Can’t wear it).

4). I’m no fan of airbags. (The 3-point belt matters). So the passenger-side knee bolster can be sectioned and a compartment with lid can be fashioned, textured, painted. Etc. With my long arms access isn’t a difficulty.

5). Back-side of console or passenger-seat. I’ve done the equivalent a few times where the radio was in more or less constant use. Controls, etc, weren’t needed as conditions didn’t change. Radio stored until needed fits this. Mount ready to go.

6). Radio carrier. Go-Box. Stored until wanted and secured to passenger seat or a floor mount that seat.

As a final thought: Vehicle spec should fit true need. Not ego. The family car carries them all plus luggage. Still can’t beat a sedan for this. (Pickups rollover-prone; super-high percentage of serious injuries & deaths).

Having a trunk to store radio in a case the best.

.

8 track and CB thefts were so prevalent during their hay day (mid 70’s), slide mounts became big sellers. Problem was, those often introduced faulty connections, and people soon were complacent about taking their radio indoors. Besides, you really can’t take the radio in while you shop or go to a theater. With no cameras around, broad daylight or after dark made little difference. I tried your last suggestion of locking everything in the trunk, but I made a critically stupid mistake. . Downtown Chicago 1975…I should have secured everything safe before ever entering a parking garage. I should have known I was being watched. Of course these city garage crooks have master keys. Duh! They cleaned out my trunk, glove box plus any rat turd they could find. I reported it to the cops (possibly complicit), but without any evidence of a break in….you know the rest…

 

[Slowmover]

I was going to bring up about slide mounts, but not made any more.

Best use of them was to bypass built-in connections. Disconnect power, speaker & coax, then slide radio out.

One isn’t going to stop a break-in, per se. Its in avoiding notice as a target.

And I wouldn’t install my favorite radio. One can always lose use of the car itself by theft.

These days urban sprawl is to the point many or most of us needn’t venture to city center.

But I believe it far worse to have no radio at all.

CB isn’t any longer new or exciting in the sense it was forty-five years ago.

I’ve tried to make the point several times I believe carrying a backup radio in a case (complete system) is the right way to operate mobile.

The choice of car & gear is before making their purchase. Best specification. Radio is part of that.

There’s nothing one owns not subject to theft.

House, farm, family (your very life).

Installation of a tool with which to communicate with others? We’re speaking of a few hundred dollars. Not many thousands.

If it helps: make a sale of one or several items that represents a lifetime of Radio gear in dollars. Never buy it in the first place. A bass boat or a Harley won’t ever help your family.

It’s not about theft, per se. Its putting that problem into perspective as one to be solved.

Again, CB Radio is a placeholder. Base or Mobile. Radios capable of greater performance are the goal. Operator education & certification.

The specific unit not the point so much as being able to acquire one and put it to work immediately.

.