Citizen Band radios?

[edlegault]

In the USA LEO's have no jurisdiction over transmitting radios. Comes under the FCC. They (FCC) will only act after several documented complaints -- usually by licensed ham operators tracking down illegal broadcasters that are causing interference in other (non CB) bands/frequencies/services.

BTW, some cities/counties, including some in CA, have laws against listening to local public service (police, fire, etc) radio conversations, but I do not know if they have been given permission by the FCC or Congress to do that.

-Ed-
NX6ED

 

[Bird]

When we started full time RVing in 1989, I had a good CB radio installed in the truck, but don't remember what brand. Then when we traded the truck and trailer for a motorhome I had a Uniden CB/weather radio installed And when we quit RVing in 1995, I bought a handheld Cobra, model HH35WX, 40 channel CB and 3 channel weather radio. I think it takes 8 batteries, but I always used it in the car on trips with a cigar lighter adapter.

And I don't guess it's been used in more than 10 years, but I've still got it.:laughing:

 

[Bird]

some cities/counties, including some in CA, have laws against listening to local public service (police, fire, etc) radio conversations

I have no idea what they're doing now, but I was commander of the Dallas Police Communications Division 1975 to 1981, and if anyone wanted to listen to our radios back then (we had 12 duplex channels), all they had to do was call and we'd give the frequencies they needed.

 

[bullbreaker]

Some units now-a-days come with built in SWR meter capability. If swr(standing wave ratio) are not correct cb unit will not transmit correctly(distance wise) and sooner or latter will get damaged.Most of the time output final(s). Talking about base units and mobile units not handhelds.

Boone

 

[flyingcow]

I drive truck for a living. All local, seldom overnight. I run in some pretty rural areas. I have a Galaxy, forget the model number. Out of the box you're looking at 4 watts. I got mine kicked up to a little over 7 watts. BUT as important as the radio is, the antenna is equally important, if not more. Good single whip with 18ft if good coax. Off the rack, nothing beats a K-40 mag mount antenna. Proper tune the SWR meter(had a tech do mine) and watch if the red light comes on telling you somethings wrong. Prolong use of the radio out of tune or bad coax will ruin your output.

Some guys that run outside near good radio shops will get them kicked up alot of wattage and also get set up so they can pull signals out form a far.


Dual antennas are only good on big rigs. They need to be 7ft or 8ft apart.


I also have been looking at goofing with side band and ham set ups. There are still some very good Ham clubs that will be the backbone of our communications if we ever loose this "modern" systems we use.

 

[flyingcow]

I have no idea what they're doing now, but I was commander of the Dallas Police Communications Division 1975 to 1981, and if anyone wanted to listen to our radios back then (we had 12 duplex channels), all they had to do was call and we'd give the frequencies they needed.

Last i knew scanners were legal in all states. I run just in the northern half of the state of Maine. I have a scanner, it works incredibly well in bad weather. Monitor state police channels and a couple of sheriffs channels, and I'll know about cars off the road, accidents, etc. Sometimes just a couple of mins in front of me. cell phone users will call it in, long time before the LEO's cab get there.

 

[Samandothers]

I think i have an old 23 channel Cobra. In addition I think I still have an old Hygain and a Layfayette 40 channel and maybe a Midland still in a box. Enjoyed messing with them in the 70's and even had the 102" wipe on my Toyota Corona:confused2:

 

[Brake Weight]

You still got the Corona?

 

[k0ua]

If some of you have questions about getting into ham radio from a hobbyist or public service perspective I can help answer questions. Of course if you are licensed (I have been since 1971) the penaltys for doing illegal things could be more severe as you cannot plead ignorance. But the opportunity's and the sheer amount of frequency's and modes available are greatly enhanced also. Of course there are some things to learn, mostly rules and regs. and radio theory. There is no Morse code test anymore, and ironically Morse code use among hams is at least as great as it was, and in fact is showing more interest lately. I also like digital weak signal modes that are worked with a PC. Anyway it is a technical hobby, but you can put as much or as little into it as you want, and take it in any direction you want. Ham or Amateur radio is many things to many different people. Let me know if I can help

James K0UA

 

[Depmandog]

Oh this thread brings back memories. I too had the CB - 23 channel back in the late 70's. I remember sending off for my FCC License - thought I was a cool teen.

The people I lived with had a base unit, with the antenna up top a tripole - some 50-75 up. I remember listening to the "skip" and the guys running boosted linear amps. One in particular was from the bayous of Louisiana, and I was in north Missouri. I would hear him all the time. If he was yakking, there would be no way to talk over him. It would amaze me - I had a hard time talking to someone 10 miles away.

I enjoy stopping at the truck stops and looking at the units in the cb shops. Probably won't ever get one again, but brings back memories.