CB radio...

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Discussion

AdvanceRoadcraft

Original Poster:

279 posts

213 months

Saturday 19th March 2011
quotequote all
1)Do you?

2)Does anybody (except truckers, maybe) anymore?

Got a strange yearning for a new (read that as "revived") hobby.

Is it still fun...is it worth it...any experiences...any thoughts...all contributions welcome.

Best, B

Edited by AdvanceRoadcraft on Saturday 19th March 22:30

AdvanceRoadcraft

Original Poster:

279 posts

213 months

Tuesday 22nd March 2011
quotequote all
OK, thanks to all who replied. I'm going ahead anyway!

Kit bought; install this week. I'll let you know how I get on.

I've used those PMR446 jobbies for keeping in touch with a group (bikes) when on tour and for instructing. Tried 'em all from the cheapest to Ride magazine's top stuff. (Even had one unit fitted by the manufacturers at the NEC.)

Without exception I found them a useful bit of kit (even the cheapest) for, say, half a click in line of sight; never found one that wasn't useless at 1km+ on the open road or round any corner in a city.

Maybe more modern stuff is better? But, if the CB bands are so empty, I'm wondering why we didn't splash out a little more cash for the sake of legally upggrading from 0.5 to 4 Watts and from a rubber duck to a decent whip.

Best, B

AdvanceRoadcraft

Original Poster:

279 posts

213 months

Tuesday 22nd March 2011
quotequote all
Fractal said:
Because UHF radio carries better than VHF radio does so you get a bit more bang for your buck with UHF. CB still has a greater range but you are using much larger aerials. Most people are also turning a blind eye to using linear amplifiers but these are still illegal to use.
Linear amp...."but it's only powered up when it's set to receive, officer!". (And it's hidden away in the boot, not on show with the set.)

Best, B