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| CB radio [message #90870] |
Fri, 02 July 2010 18:58  |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
TIA
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] CB radio [message #90872 is a reply to message #90870] |
Fri, 02 July 2010 19:14  |
Charles
Messages: 455
Registered: January 2004
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Larry,
All I can tell you is don't go by price.
I have seen $39.00 CB's out perform
$200.00 units. Check at a truck stop
like Flying J or one of the road side
CB repair shops. I found both helpful
in the past. Maybe one of the Kens will
come in here with better suggestions.
Charles
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Charles Wersal
Duncanville, Texas
26 foot 1975 Glenbrook
Pandora's Box
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| [GMCnet] How about GMRS? (7/7/10 action item) Was Re: CB radio [message #90878 is a reply to message #90870] |
Fri, 02 July 2010 19:45 |
4701
Messages: 62
Registered: May 2010
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There's also General Mobile Radio Service. Most people recognize this
as the toy radios you get at Walmart for cheap but the truth is that
those are just compromise, mass-market junk radios on an older original
service the really allows you 50 watts of power if you license it. This
would be great for GMC use.
I'd planned to do this as a tech session at a rally when I can plan to
get to one but there's an issue coming very soon at the FCC that I want
to point out.
Lot's of us are hams, but not all. For those who want real radios but
don't want to take a tech test there is a often misunderstood
alternative. GMRS was created in the sixties as the original CB radio
(Class A) band but the technology for UHF channels wasn't mature enough
to realistically use it at the time so they opened up the CB (Class D)
band you are familiar with to fill the need.
If you license a GMRS station, you are allowed to use a 50-watt mobile
on a handful of UHF channels in FM mode (CB's are AM and sound awful)
We typically recycle used police, fire, or business UHF radios for the
purpose, eBay is loaded with them. There are also repeater systems you
can get permission to use that enhance your communications over vast
areas. I have a network in the SF Bay Area that covers from Novato to
San Jose that I'm happy to share.
Right now a license is $85 for 5 years and it's easy to apply on the FCC
website. That license is unique because it covers everyone in your
family from your grandparents, grandkids, in-laws, etc (just short of
cousins!) A radio can be had for around $100 and I'm happy to program
it for you if you get a model that I can handle. I can do most
Motorola, many Kenwoods, Icoms and Vertex radios) The antennas are much
smaller and simpler than CB. A 4-inch vertical will do nicely.
The action item right now is that the FCC is soliciting comments to
consider turning the whole band over to micropowered toy radios and
eliminating the high-power service altogether at the request of
manufacturers who want to flood the market. This would be a tragedy as
the GMRS service is the only high powered radio available to personal
users. The deadline for comments is July 7th. If they do this, there
will be no high power option for personal users ever again.
There's a good article and links at
http://www.w5yi.org/ama_news_article.php?id=472
The entry form for comments is at
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view;jsessionid=MTqHCZ5Sg0JQfWTVmy1sxhXxzSZFTMJ3y8z8Ltd2wLt2t2MD1Z5t!-1822637038!2112409258?name=10-119
Desmond "antenna size doesn't matter" Crisis
GMRS KAG0675
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| Re: CB radio [message #90880 is a reply to message #90870] |
Fri, 02 July 2010 20:26 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| Larry wrote on Fri, 02 July 2010 19:58 |
I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
TIA
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If you know someone with a CB or ask a trucker to ask on ch 19 around most truck stops if a driver has a radio for sell. A good used "Galaxy" or "Texas Ranger" can be had for around $100, with a noise cancelling mic, these days. These are the truckers choice of "side band CBs". The benefit of "side band radios" is more power and the ability to communicate sideways across the big road as well as fore and aft.
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] CB radio [message #90886 is a reply to message #90880] |
Fri, 02 July 2010 21:00 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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On Jul 2, 2010, at 7:26 PM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net>
wrote:
> Larry wrote on Fri, 02 July 2010 19:58
>> I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with
>> other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
>>
>> TIA
>
> If you know someone with a CB or ask a trucker to ask on ch 19
> around most truck stops if a driver has a radio for sell. A good
> used "Galaxy" or "Texas Ranger" can be had for around $100, with a
> noise cancelling mic, these days. These are the truckers choice of
> "side band CBs". The benefit of "side band radios" is more power
> and the ability to communicate sideways across the big road as well
> as fore and aft.
> -
It hasbeen many years since I dabbled in Ham radio and I probably
haven't used the CB that I have in the garage for about 20 years, but
I can tell you tha "side band" had nothing at all to do with
thansmitting to the sida as well as fore and aft.
The selection of the Lower Side band (LSB) or the Upper Side Band
(USB) concerns the transmission mode.
Single Side Band (SSB) ISA derivative of AM. In an AM signal you are
actually transmitting a carriar signal and two side bands (one just
below the carrier and one just above it). In the early 1950's
amateur radio operators experimenting with different modes of
transmission observed that the 'intelligence' or 'voice' signal is
actually contained in the side bands. The carrier is just a waste of
power. Both side bands, the lower and the upper, are identical and
contain the same 'intelligence' or 'voice.' So really, you only need a
single side band to communicate. These hams found that if you
suppressed the carrier, and selected either the upper or the lower
side band, the result was a signal much narrower in bandwidth that
also had all the power concentrated into one side band signal. That is
why the FCC allows CB radios to have 4 watts of AM power, but up to 12
watts of SSB power.
If you want to talk farther with a more efficient signal, Single Side
Band is the way to go! It also gives you a 'poor man's encryption' on
the CB band, since an AM-only CB radio cannot decipher a SSB signal.
It just sounds like Donald Duck talking. But to take advantage of the
greater range and power of SSB, both stations must have a SSB CB
radio. All SSB CB radios also have AM capability. You can still select
'AM' mode if you want to listen to the truckers on CB Channel 19."
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| Re: CB radio [message #90927 is a reply to message #90916] |
Sat, 03 July 2010 08:07 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Surbo wrote on Sat, 03 July 2010 04:25 |
| Larry wrote on Fri, 02 July 2010 18:58 |
I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
TIA
|
What is 'LA' ?
Thanks
Larry;
Just a hint...most truckers have them modified 'slightly' with a LA...keeps the frost off the antenna... :>)
Surbo in Dakotaland
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Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: CB radio [message #90939 is a reply to message #90870] |
Sat, 03 July 2010 10:08 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
____________________________________________________
I used to be a CB'er from way back. I still carry the CB to get traffic reports from the truckers and see if those "BEARS" are taking any "PICTURES".
There are several being sold at Amazon.com
First you need to determine which one you want. Also note that some of the units have built in weather radios, and I suggest that one absolutely. It is worth the price for the weather band alone.
Do you need portability???
A handheld can be used, with an outside antenna. WHen you get to destination, you can put the remote antenna on, at reduced reception and take it with you.
There is also the "ALL IN ONE" mike unit, where a box is hidden under the dash, in the side wall or under the seat. All the controls are in the mike.
There there is the classic, underdash. If you get a small unit, it may fit in the side wall, under the side driver window.
I think the Amazon.com units are all either Midland or Cobra, both good, Cobra probably better.
All of the units are ok but read the reviews and make an educated guess from that.
HOW COMPLICATED do you want to get with the antenna?
Again there are several types.
I have survived with a top loaded type that sticks on the window. No wire comes inside from the outside. The antenna is mounted on the glass onthe outside and the inside has another box that mounts over the antennas footprint. run the cord and plug in. Camping world carries them, I think Sportsmans Guide has had them also.
Another top load might attach onto the mirrors, can attach single antenna on one mirror but C0-phased, that is an antenna on each mirror and attached to the radio, gets better ( stronger ) front to rear reception. Ground plane is not an issue with the top loaded antenna.
If mounting an antenna onthe roof, the best place is on the rack. The aluminum roof will act as ground plane and no holes in the roof.
If you mount an antenna in the front cap, you need a top load antenna, UNLESS you have access where you can place a piece of sheet metal or aluminum under the cap, attaching the antenna to it for ground plane.
Lots of choices. These days we don't worry about the SWR like we did back then. If you can't hear, then check it out unless you want to know where your readings started when you installed the CB.
I saw a comment about the LENEAR Amplifier. They are a little box that amplifies the transmit power of the CB. THE CB factory tuned puts out about a watt of transmission power, 3 watts for extended boost. The LINEAR AMP can boost from 10 100 to 1000 amps depending on how much money you want to spend.
LINEAR AMPS come with complications, SWR has to be perfect, interference, MOSTLY FROM YOU, and they tend to fail.
The STOCK CB should be able to go 1 to 3 miles if the radio wave traffic is not bad.
The LINEAR AMP was intended for the HAM and mobile radio stations. IT JUST HAPPENED that they worked on the CB frequency and the CBer were quick to pick them up so they could be heard for skip talking... ( a phenomenum where the radio wave bounces off the upper layer in the sky and returns to land hundreds or thousands of miles away. It is possible to do this with a stock, low power radio on a quiet night but a LINEAR AMP from another tranmitter would over power such an attemp. )
The LINEAR AMPS were bought to overpower the weak traffic or noise on the channel and obviously, get you out further but then, YOU HAVE TO HEAR and your receiver picks up the nearest radio transmission which could be a stock cb in the car behind you, so the whole reason to have the LINEAR AMP is more or less defeated.
Happy Pickens
LarC ( Breaker Breaker, How's that SMOKEY REPORT, Who's got the FRONT DOOR? )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
[Updated on: Sat, 03 July 2010 10:19] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] CB radio [message #90941 is a reply to message #90939] |
Sat, 03 July 2010 10:13 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Hi,
For our Mexico trip we put in a Cobra. Added a big copper sheet ground plane
on the inside of pass side panel. Seems to work well and get pretty darn
good reception.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry" <slawrence111@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 03, 2010 8:08 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] CB radio
>
>
> I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other
> GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
> ____________________________________________________
>
> I used to be a CB'er from way back. I still carry the CB to get traffic
> reports from the truckers and see if those "BEARS" are taking any
> "PICTURES".
>
> There are several being sold at Amazon.com
>
> First you need to determine which one you want. Also note that some of
> the units have built in weather radios, and I suggest that one absolutely.
> It is worth the price for the weather band alone.
>
> Do you need portability???
> A handheld can be used, with an outside antenna. WHen you get to
> destination, you can put the remote antenna on, at reduced reception and
> take it with you.
>
> There is also the "ALL IN ONE" mike unit, where a box is hidden under the
> dash, in the side wall or under the seat. All the controls are in the
> mike.
>
> There there is the classic, underdash. If you get a small unit, it may
> fit in the side wall, under the side driver window.
>
> I think the Amazon.com units are all either Midland or Cobra, both good,
> Cobra probably better.
>
> All of the units are ok but read the reviews and make an educated guess
> from that.
>
> HOW COMPLICATED do you want to get with the antenna?
>
> Again there are several types.
> I have survived with a top loaded type that sticks on the window. No wire
> comes inside from the outside. The antenna is mounted on the glass onthe
> outside and the inside has another box that mounts over the antennas
> footprint. run the cord and plug in. Camping world carries them, I
> think Sportsmans Guide has had them also.
>
> Another top load might attach onto the mirrors, can attach single antenna
> on one mirror but C0-phased, that is an antenna on each mirror and
> attached to the radio, gets better ( stronger ) front to rear reception.
> Ground plane is not an issue with the top loaded antenna.
>
> If mounting an antenna onthe roof, the best place is on the rack. The
> aluminum roof will act as ground plane and no holes in the roof.
>
> If you mount an antenna in the front cap, you need a top load antenna,
> UNLESS you have access where you can place a piece of sheet metal or
> aluminum under the cap, attaching the antenna to it for ground plane.
>
> Lots of choices. These days we don't worry about the SWR like we did back
> then. If you can't hear, then check it out unless you want to know where
> your readings started when you installed the CB.
>
> Happy Pickens
>
> LarC ( Breaker Breaker, How's that SMOKEY REPORT, Who's got the FRONT
> DOOR? )
>
>
>
>
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] CB radio [message #90959 is a reply to message #90903] |
Sat, 03 July 2010 13:11 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Terry,
How about a presentation on this topic at GMCWS fall rallly? I have
the assignment sheet and I can give you any time slot you wish.
On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 9:50 PM, Terry Taylor <terry.n6mon@gmail.com> wrote:
> One of the best basic CB radios ever made is the 40 channel Motrorola
> Mocat. They show up on eBay pretty regular.
>
> On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 4:58 PM, Larry <weidnerl@wwt.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I need to get a CB. Mostly for communications while traveling with other GMC'rs. Any recommendations?
>>
>> TIA
>> --
>> Larry :)
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> List Information and Subscription Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Terry Taylor
> 74 ex-Eleganza SE
> San Lorenzo. CA
>
> Merchanise Web Site: http://www.dldesignstore.com
> Duct tape is like the force.....
> It has a light side and a dark side and
> It holds the galaxy together.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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