I don't think any hambander travels without a CB or at least a radio that can tune in to CH19. I know I don't.
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SSB Traffic
- Thread starter Bluecat
- Start date
I myself am a big fan of SSB radio.
It's not just the Mode, it's also a level of features and Quality that you would appreciate in having for both AM and SSB modes.
IF you get one, you get at least Volume, Squelch, RF Gain and Clarifier (Voice lock if Cobra) as well as Noise Blanker and ANL - which equates to better Noise reduction.
So to simply go with AM, you miss out on another mode, a lifestyle and kind of communication that you may enjoy far more than the usual Chit - Chat - Trash Talk from other non-SSB'ers on AM.
Considering the cost and the effort of installing it and using it - it is by far better investment in cost effective means and features to help you enjoy radio more.
There are side benefits of SSB modes - Noise reduction and ability to use the Clarifier - slide and be able to center into a conversation one-on-one with another user as well as others with "slide and centering" ability - makes it an even better method of getting your word thru all that noise to others needing to hear it. You may have to get someone to unlock the clarifier so you can slide in TX and Receive (together) so you can have the benefit of getting thru the noise centered in on the other person you want to talk to, its' worth a shot to try it. You always have AM to fall back on too - and that slide effect works on AM too.
You have nothing to lose - why settle for AM - only? For just $20 or <$100 so more get the modes and the quality too - don't let yourself down by being frugal.
Shadetree Mechanic
Delaware Base Station 808
Yeah, those AM guys on 75m sound great on my Hammerlund.
I don't, I usually never have any radio with me when I travel. When I used to travel for work I would bring an HT with but I don't anymore so I don't.
To bad Most Ham operators will deny any use of 11 meters, but we know they do.
If you travel in a vehicle, and you don't have a CB, you will be travelling in the Dark.
Hey I'm a licenced Ham operator, and I will never give up 11 meters, be it AM or SSB.
I enjoy listening and talking with my neighbors on the CB.
I also like to chat with my fellow Hams on 2 meters as well.
If it's Radio I like it Period.
I,m with you all the way, SSB is the way to go and as far as talking on 11 meters go,s I do it you do it and a lot of the ham,s do it or did at one time. No mater what thay say now.
Well now I have to say I know of TWO who does not. I run GPS and cb when on the road. Many times I have avoided traffic tie ups that would have cost me hours of time parked on the freeway.
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I have been a CB'er for fifty years and a hambander for five years. I still talk on the cb from my mobile occasionally, but I do not run a CB base station in the house. I think most of us started on CB if we did not have a relative that was a ham.
I started out on CB... Everyone I knew in WVa had one. The Original cell phone haha. I still talk on one occasionally. Mostly with my brother as there aren't any locals around here who play on CB anymore. I enjoyed it a lot when the band was open. I learned a lot when I joined this site, and eventually moved up to ham radio. That's where Im found most days now, but there is still a CB with SSB in the truck.
Count me in as one hambander that travels without the ability to tune 11m. I haven't had mobile HF in years and now just have the 2m/70cm FM rig. I may change in the future most likely but my mobile HF rig is NOT MARS modded.
Around here if you rely on CB while traveling you ARE in the dark. A 2m/70cm rig will ALWAYS find someone in time of need due to heavy repeater coverage. Note that I said heavy coverage not heavy usage however there is always someone listening.
As a kid I started out listening to late night AM broadcast DX in the late 50’s. Later I started listening to Ham stations in the early 60’s shortly after I built an Allied Knight Kit shortwave receiver. That shortwave radio kit inspired me to get my Ham ticket while I was a freshman in high school. I also had a friend in high school whose father was involved with CB for his grain transport business. Like all things radio related I was interested, but I lost that interest mainly because of CB being unaffordable to me at that time, plus I couldn't get past the business use only concept even after my friend told me otherwise. It wasn’t until the mid 70’s when I caught the CB bug. At first it became a real opportunity for those like me that wanted to cash in on booming radio sales, repairs and antenna installations. I loved having my own business and it didn’t take long with so many people on board to realize how much enjoyment CB was without having all the formalities of Ham radio. Unfortunately the CB frenzy only lasted about 5 years. As much as I tried to hold on to the business, it required me to move on to something more lucrative. That short lived endeavor never stopped me from talking on a CB or occasionally resurrecting a radio that was destined for the dumps. I like to rotate and dabble in different modes and bands. CW is often favored, but CB radio both AM and SSB will always fill a major gap in my enjoyment of the hobby.
Whatever works for you. Personally I just turn the CB on, and select ch19.
With a 2meter rig (which I have) are you relying on 146.520 for traffic report? I monitor 520 all day and usually hear Zip, unless there's a SOTA Activation, or some kind of bike race or marathon that the local Hammies take part in.
No way am I going to try to program all the freqs and tones and what Not before I travel. Just ain't going to happen.
I travel a lot in a travel trailer, and in use the CB exclusively on the road. In fact some big campgrounds use CB for a convenience when at their park, like shuttle rides to town, or casinos etc. Never seen one use anything else besides CB, and I've been through and camped in all lower 48 states. 2 meter has never been informative, but the CB has. Don't get me wrong I love Ham radio, but on the road I'll stick with a CB.
That's how we roll, and how you do it is up to you. Whatever makes you warm and fuzzy.
With a 2meter rig (which I have) are you relying on 146.520 for traffic report? I monitor 520 all day and usually hear Zip, unless there's a SOTA Activation, or some kind of bike race or marathon that the local Hammies take part in.
No way am I going to try to program all the freqs and tones and what Not before I travel. Just ain't going to happen.
I travel a lot in a travel trailer, and in use the CB exclusively on the road. In fact some big campgrounds use CB for a convenience when at their park, like shuttle rides to town, or casinos etc. Never seen one use anything else besides CB, and I've been through and camped in all lower 48 states. 2 meter has never been informative, but the CB has. Don't get me wrong I love Ham radio, but on the road I'll stick with a CB.
That's how we roll, and how you do it is up to you. Whatever makes you warm and fuzzy.