CB Radio Communications

woodbee · 03-10-2012, 01:51 PM

I just installed a CB radio in my SMB a couple of weeks ago. I have noticed a lot of skip but it seems there is not much talking over the radio. I haven't used a CB sense the early 80's and back then you couldn't hardly get a word in on channel 19. I live 2 miles from highway 101 in Northern California and I hear nothing.
My SWR is real low, about "1".
Just wandering if there is a whole lot less people on the CB now compared to the early 80's.

Thanks,
Woody

loren85022 · 03-10-2012, 04:48 PM

Those dastardly cell phones replaces all the CB's, I suspect.

Viejo · 03-10-2012, 05:24 PM

In this area, log truck drivers and other forest workers use 'em a lot to broadcast their location along narrow twisting haul roads. Along many roads, you'll see mile post and CB channel numbers painted on trees every so often.

woodbee · 03-10-2012, 05:57 PM

Thanks for the responses, it all makes since.

Woody

86Scotty · 03-10-2012, 06:52 PM

Channel 19 is constant talk on this side of the states. Do you have your squelch set too high?

**macmcintire** · 03-10-2012, 07:28 PM

I've had my CB in my SMB for over a year. There is very little chatter most of the time on Channel 19 along I-15 in and around Las Vegas. I've done radio checks and have not had anyone come back. So many times I think my radio is not working, but when I check it out, it is working fine. I guess cellphones and Ham radios have replaced CBs. That's why I'm getting a Ham Technicians license in April and will be adding a Ham radio to my rig after that. Since I typically camp alone, there have been some times when I've been tired driving home and needed someone to talk to to keep me awake. I'm hoping the Ham will do that for me.

Dango · 03-10-2012, 08:20 PM

One of the very first times I had the van out, the CB just started beeping...and loud! I didn't even know what it was that was beeping until the emergency broadcast guy started talking. Scared the B'jesus out of me. Once my heart beat returned to normal I realized how cool it was that the broadcast (turned out to be weather warning in our area) actually came through when the unit was off! Just for grins, I turned it on the other day and started flipping through the channels and caught to two or three complete wackos bantering on about some silly s---. It was very entertaining.

Don't think I'll use it too much- 'cause the wife has no patience for this stuff- but I really like the weather channels and am glad there is an emergency channel as well.

**daveb** · 03-11-2012, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodbee

I just installed a CB radio in my SMB a couple of weeks ago. I have noticed a lot of skip but it seems there is not much talking over the radio. I haven't used a CB sense the early 80's and back then you couldn't hardly get a word in on channel 19. I live 2 miles from highway 101 in Northern California and I hear nothing.
My SWR is real low, about "1".
Just wandering if there is a whole lot less people on the CB now compared to the early 80's.

Thanks,
Woody

Still a bit of truck chatter on 17 along 99 hwy but nothing like years ago

loren85022 · 03-11-2012, 01:53 AM

My girlfriend just rolls her eyes when we roll with a few buds who have CB comm. 5% practical, 95% fun.

Gnarvan · 03-11-2012, 08:10 AM

The CB channel rule of thumb is channel 17 if your are driving north or south, channel 19 for east and west. I stay away from the cb's in my work truck. There seems to be way to much racism and bigotry out there on the radio. In my opinion a lot of people on the CB are way to eagar to broadcast their ignorance.

If there is a traffic backup or the roads are right on the edge of turning to ice I'll turn on the CB and hope to get some usefull road information from other drivers.