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- - CB Radio (http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=308198)

JJ_ | 10-02-2008 12:41 PM
CB Radio HELP! I'm about to begin active (and unfortunately hurried) research on CB radio options. What I'm thinking on is a configuration boosted to about a 50mile flatland range. Also want to pick up a scanner. Bear in mind - I'm an absolute noob on the topic - so I'll be learning from this point foward. :fan: and I dont have comms...:banghead:

latitude22 | 10-02-2008 12:48 PM
Re: CB Radio What are you looking to use it for? What I mean is, are you going to be in touch with people you know, or just trying to communicate with random people? I'd go with a Ham/SSB if you really want to communicate, can't hurt to have a CB either though. Get a marine VHF too LOL

JJ_ | 10-02-2008 01:04 PM
Re: CB Radio 2 reasons- 1) for picking up information on open channels. 2) for... umm ... comunnicationhttp://goldismoney.info/forums/pictu...&pictureid=220 For me - something vehicle based is preferable... (mobile and runs off the vehicle battery) What are the primary differences between: Shortwave CB UHF VHF If ya'll could school me, I'd owe ya..:beer:

Co6aka | 10-02-2008 01:57 PM
Re: CB Radio http://www.icomamerica.com/en/produc...0/default.aspx http://www.radioreference.com/

Fullpower | 10-02-2008 03:17 PM
Re: CB Radio CB radio is very inexpensive, easy to deploy, no license req'd and most of the transceivers you will find run on 12 volts DC. Effective range can vary widely with conditions, but reliable communications with verticle whip antennas will be in the 5 to 20 miles range over land, and up to 35 over smooth water. On a very much more random basis, dependant on solar and atmospheric conditions that you have absolutely NO control of, nor predictive ability, communication range can extend to 2500 miles to transglobal.... yes you can talk around the world at solar peaks./ Unfortunately when the sky is HOT and the skip is rolling in from australia, you can not communicate locally. signal from your wife's CB 3 miles away are often drowned out by a VERY LOUD guy cussing from the Phillipines. For reliable local comm in the zero to 500 miles range, you cant beat Near vertical incidence skywave in the 2500 to 4500 KiloCycle frequency range. Commercial marine and amateur radio transceivers are available to run SSB modulation in th is range, almost all run 12 volts DC, most rigs are in the 100 to 150 watt peak output range, and you can probably get a good radio used for 800 or a thousand FRN. New equipment is in the thousand to 4000 FRN range. For close in work, up to 500 miles or so, a very simple low mounted dipole antenna works well, figure about 125 feet or so long, center feed and strung up just high enough to not strangle any one walking through the yard. With a good quality antenna coupler, you can use ANY random length of wire. from 9 feet long out to a quarter mile if you want.

wallew | 10-02-2008 03:28 PM
Re: CB Radio As you mentioned 'vehicle based', I thought of this modified Suburban. The third picture is of the comm gear. I don't have a clue what the one with the monitor and keyboard is. Unless it's just a really sheilded computer or something like that. The first picture shows the squawk speaker and the place for two headsets attached to the switchable box. http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.p...topic&p=226668 Thought you might like to see what someone else has done. CB is generally short range, five miles or less, generally line of sight. Unless you use a linear amplifier, which is illegal to USE with a CB. However, if you do use a linear amplifier, you can stretch the distances considerably. But you need to be careful using it, because you will override all others on a given channel and probably 'bleed over' onto each channel on the each side of the channel you are using. Shortwave is HAM radio. But shortwave is listening only. Distances can be extreme, depending upon the linear amp you add to your radio. BUT if you just want to listen, then a good shortwave radio, with a good antenna will allow you to listen only. UHF, VHF. Same type of thing, but my basic knowledge is limited. I believe that Marine radio is VHF, but that's sheer speculation on my part. But, Marine radios have a longer range and if you had a pair or more you could communicate with your group without a lot of interference, IF you live no where near water (no boats, ie generally no marine radios broadcasting - but again, speculation on my part). If you live near water, it gives you the ability to listen to their chatter.

TechGuy | 10-02-2008 03:43 PM
Re: CB Radio I was thinking UHF, but I am not sure what it would take to get up and running. Ike shows that non cell communication is going to be essential.

JJ_ | 10-02-2008 04:04 PM
Re: CB Radio Thanks for the replys guys- Man - been hard to get any work done today between reading warnings, news, researching, and actually trying to work... Anyway.. VHF - I've seen "land" and marine based radios and it looks like VHF is the way to go.. looks like marine radios can be had cheaper. My budget for this is about 200 bucks. I wonder if the channels are the same.. or if there's at least an overlap for instance say one operator has a land VHF and I have a Marine VHF- could we talk?... I'll have to do some more reading tonight at the house... God I've never felt more like I'm running outta time.:banghead:

renegade_01 | 10-02-2008 04:46 PM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1328500) God I've never felt more like I'm running outta time.:banghead:
I feel the EXACT same way. I'm going to the bank after work to pull out the majoriy of my cash, and picking up more buckets with lids at the garden center. I have this feeling like I may be a day late and a dollar short....but I've been prepping to the best of my slacker abilities for 2 yrs now.

Fullpower | 10-02-2008 05:33 PM
Re: CB Radio Marine vhf is good for about 20 miles over land, dependant on terrain, wont go through "hills" 30 or 40 miles over water, unless it gets rough, then range is very limited. Down in a trough between wave crests, you cant talk 50 yards. Handheld marine vhf are channelized, idiot proof units, and can be had in the range of 100 to 250 frn. range for handheld units is limited about MAXIMUM of 8 or ten miles, on a real clear signal path. radios easy to buy, but land use is bootleg. regular VHF marine-mobile mount radio units go from 100 to 400 bucks, mobile antenna may be a tough thing to acquire. just about have to mkae one, or modify a commercial or ham radio vhf antenna for road use.

Glass | 10-02-2008 07:15 PM
Re: CB Radio marine vhf is different to land based vhf. The channels a different frequencies. Your options are: UHF CB - no license, units are cheap. Low mileage in city, ok mileage in flat country VHF - CB - no license. This is the old AM CB from smokey and the bandit days. Can have an SSB capability which gives longer range. LSB or lower sideband is the preferred long distance. With the right atmospherics, and a 5m pole antenna you can get out thousands of miles. Under normal, conditions you can get 30 - 40ish miles. Australia can talk to the US when there is skip. You can get these pretty cheap on ebay. The radios are 20 years old or so. New VHF CB radios don't have SSB any more so you need an old one. Like a Uniden President 144 or similar. SSB is what you want. HAM - Amateur license required. Basic license easy to get. More bands available to operators. You can work in the same band area as VHF - SSB. You get upper and lower side band on many frequncies. Depending on the HAM band you are on will determine what distances you can reach. You can range from 70cms which is close to UHF CB and go right up to 80Metres. I think 10Metres is pretty popular for long range BUT I am still a bit of a newbie. By metres I mean the wavelength. Your antenna length needs to be derived from the wave length you are using. 10metres needs a 10m antenna or a 2.5m one which is 1/4 of 10m. Its a 1/4 wave antenna. 5metre antenna used on 10 would be a 1/2 wave antenna. you can get good mobile HAM radios now. Yaesu and Icom do some very functional ones. You ca get dual band - 70cm & 2M right through to quad band and full mode which is all the frequencies. There are also some battery powered units for expeditions etc. Check out eham.net for user info and reviews on HAM radios, antennas and other gear. There are a couple of good BUG out type designs there which people have put together. There are a lot of volunteer emergency people in HAM and they have built multi band multi radio battery powered radio stations in tote boxes for portability. Repeaters UHF CB is the current CB in use. Most people are on this now days. Repeaters are in most cities. Repeaters will re-transmit your signal over a wider area. Where I live there are 4 of them covering most of the city. One of them is so powerful it covers the whole city to a radius of about 70miles. VHF - SSB. while old, there are still a few people who use this band. It is good for longer distances than UHF but it doesn't have repeaters. So it is point point. ISHTF then chances are repeaters would not be operational anyway so the further you can reach on your own the better. HAM - Most bands have repeaters available. All of them are run by amateurs on their own or in clubs. Many will be working after SHTF because they are built with solar and all that stuff. Biggest problem is that HAMs love beaucracy and rules... so they might follow them when SHTF. Awareness - I am staggered and relieved at the number of people on the radio who are aware to varying degrees. Like here on GIM there are lots of opinions as to what is wrong although everyone agrees something is wrong. I was pleased to find most people on the radio are like that. Many are even planning preps and so on. Radio is good fun, I am in it because of SHTF and an early life desire to do HAM but not ever getting to it. I would highly recommend going to eham.net and having a read of reviews and DIY projects.

Armed.peasant | 10-02-2008 08:25 PM
Re: CB Radio If you get a scanner, pick up a copy of Police Call frequency guide, most Radio Shacks have them. It will list out all the frequencies used by law enforcement and fire departments along with many others.

Ghost Recon | 10-02-2008 08:31 PM
Re: CB Radio CB's are great for the car. You hear about road conditions up ahead. Including radar, accidents, detours, which lane to get in etc.

Ghost Recon | 10-02-2008 08:33 PM
Re: CB Radio The problem with scanners, if the cops upgrade in your AO, you have a worthless scanner. For the local cops anyway....

JJ_ | 10-02-2008 08:37 PM
Re: CB Radio :adore:Glass - That's solid gold to me right now - THANKS for that. Exactly what I wanted to know!

JJ_ | 10-02-2008 11:04 PM
Re: CB Radio Glass or anyone else want to offer an opinion on these: http://www.twowayradioonline.com/IC2200H.asp http://www.twowayradioonline.com/FT2800M.asp From what little I gather- I'm thinking this is what I'm going to need... 65W max output and each model has over 200 channels...

Worldmariner | 10-02-2008 11:57 PM
Re: CB Radio HELP! Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1327958) I'm about to begin active (and unfortunately hurried) research on CB radio options. What I'm thinking on is a configuration boosted to about a 50mile flatland range. Also want to pick up a scanner. Bear in mind - I'm an absolute noob on the topic - so I'll be learning from this point foward. :fan: and I dont have comms...:banghead:
Well, having 5 FCC licenses myself, 1 of which is a HAM license, the other 4 being commercial operator/maintainer licences, I would say this to you: 1) You seem to know WHAT you want and WHY you want it and HOW you will use it. COngrats! You are WAY ahead of the game!! 2) 95% of a radio rig is the antenna and the transmission line. The actual radio is only 5% of the mix, IMHO. CB is High Frequency (HF) and will skip around the world if you desire. It will also skip around the world even if you DO NOT desire. It all depends on atmospheric conditions. VHF and UHF are both "line of sight", that it, you cannot transmit and receive to someone over the radio horizon, which is a function of your antenna height. The most important thing I would say to someone new to radio is: STUDY ANTENNAS! Learn about a ground plane and how it effects radio transmission. Any antenna attached to a vehicle will do an Ok job of Tx/Rx (Tx=transmit, Rx=Receive) if properly ground planed. To be honest, if you dig around on ARRL's website www.arrl.org you will find it a wealth of pretty easy to understand information.

Worldmariner | 10-03-2008 12:12 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by wallew (Post 1328402) Shortwave is HAM radio. But shortwave is listening only. Distances can be extreme, depending upon the linear amp you add to your radio. BUT if you just want to listen, then a good shortwave radio, with a good antenna will allow you to listen only. .
Anyone with a HAM license can transmit on the HAM frequencies. Same for marine and aviation VHF/UHF frequencies. ANYONE can LISTEN on shortwave, of course, without a license. All you need is a SW receiver. Inexpensive ones can be had at www.ccraneco.com. This is a useful link for a crash course on what radio is: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/pl...8,7,Background ALL VHF and UHF are "line of sight". Anyone can listen to anything at any time, no licence required, regardless of anything. All you need is an approprite radio that will receive the frequency you want to listen to. The ONLY time you MIGHT need a licence is when you want to transmit on radio. Again, www.arrl.org is a GREAT resource for all things radio!!

Worldmariner | 10-03-2008 12:15 AM
Re: CB Radio HELP! [quote=JJ ShortStroke;1327958]I'm about to begin active (and unfortunately hurried) research on CB radio options. What I'm thinking on is a configuration boosted to about a 50mile flatland range. :banghead: quote] You might find this very handy: http://www.arrl.org/cep/

Glass | 10-03-2008 12:29 AM
Re: CB Radio HELP! Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner (Post 1329620) CB is High Frequency (HF) and will skip around the world if you desire. It will also skip around the world even if you DO NOT desire. It all depends on atmospheric conditions. VHF and UHF are both "line of sight", that it, you cannot transmit and receive to someone over the radio horizon, which is a function of your antenna height. The most important thing I would say to someone new to radio is: STUDY ANTENNAS! Learn about a ground plane and how it effects radio transmission. Any antenna attached to a vehicle will do an Ok job of Tx/Rx (Tx=transmit, Rx=Receive) if properly ground planed. To be honest, if you dig around on ARRL's website www.arrl.org you will find it a wealth of pretty easy to understand information.
I was gonna say on the HF stuff.. yes my bad. Thanks for picking that up Worldmariner. As for everything else you said 100%++ ARRL is a goldmine on knowledge. I need to get their handbook for my next level. And you are right about the antenna. It isn't really about power, it is about propogation of your signal. Get that right and you will be able to reach out and talk just about anywhere. HAM has lots of special interest areas, satellite comms, television, repeaters, long distance, low power. The low power guys are amazing, its all about sensitivity and propogation. They deliberately shun the high power rigs but can still reach everywhere where power can go. Less kit, less dependence on mains power.. that kind of thing As for those 2 radios. I cannot comment other than on brand reputation. I would suggest doing some research on what bands are used in your area. The IC2200H is a 2m radio. See if you can find (google) 2m repeaters in your area. And then look for 70cms as well. See if any have an internet link so you can listen in and see how much traffic there is. Find the band with the most traffic I guess. I also thought there was a HAM university in the US somewhere. Perhaps they could be a good contact point. This one: http://www.twowayradioonline.com/FT8800R.asp is a dual bander covering 70cm and 2M. I point this style out because it runs on both bands at the same time. You can see from the pic, one side of the display is one band and the other side in the other band. You can scan both at same time and some of these dual banders you can do what they call cross band which I think is being in like a conference call but one party is on one band and the other party is on another band and you are on both. You actually plug 2 antennas in to this type of rig. But they are not HF. Up from there are the multiband mobile rigs like these: http://www.twowayradioonline.com/FT857D.asp http://www.twowayradioonline.com/IC706MKIIG.asp But you can see we are in much bigger bucks now. My advice is to take some time, search your area for repeaters and find out what bands are most active before putting some money down.

Worldmariner | 10-03-2008 01:18 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1328500) Thanks for the replys guys- Man - been hard to get any work done today between reading warnings, news, researching, and actually trying to work... Anyway.. VHF - I've seen "land" and marine based radios and it looks like VHF is the way to go.. looks like marine radios can be had cheaper. My budget for this is about 200 bucks. I wonder if the channels are the same.. or if there's at least an overlap for instance say one operator has a land VHF and I have a Marine VHF- could we talk?... .:banghead:
The answer is "No"... unless both radios are built to have overlap on the freqs. Hit a BoatUS or that other big Marine place and ick th ebrain of their radio guy.

Worldmariner | 10-03-2008 01:23 AM
Re: CB Radio HELP! Quote:
Originally Posted by Glass (Post 1329654) HAM has lots of special interest areas, satellite comms, television, repeaters, long distance, low power. The low power guys are amazing, its all about sensitivity and propogation. They deliberately shun the high power rigs but can still reach everywhere where power can go. Less kit, less dependence on mains power.. that kind of thing n.
GREAT catch Glass!! I forgot all about low power!! That would especially be useful in a SHTF scenario~!~!

Randall | 10-03-2008 08:40 AM
Re: CB Radio Forget the cb and marine radios. Go to http://www.qrz.com/ and take the Technician practice tests over and over. Then take the HAM test, and you will have your ticket. Buy a Yaesu FT-1802 radio for $140. Build yourself a copper J-pole antenna for about $25. Buy good co-ax and connectors. This will give you the 50 mile coverage you wanted reliably for about $200 total.

JJ_ | 10-03-2008 09:01 AM
Re: CB Radio HELP! Thanks again guys - this is good stuff.. If there was EVER the perfect definition of a crash course.. This is it for me! I used to be kind of unintrested and bored regarding radio... talk about regret. Quote:
Originally Posted by Glass (Post 1329654) My advice is to take some time, search your area for repeaters and find out what bands are most active before putting some money down.
ok - 2 things I don't have - Time - and much money to invest. - mostly because of time. I think that effectively eliminates HAM. I found this below - Repeater stats from a local radio club. I'm willing to guess that this is more or less the standard for the area... they probably are able to moniter / are compatible w/ the first responder system.. right? <TABLE width="80%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD><TD>Frequency/Offset</TD><TD>CTCSS</TD><TD>Callsign</TD></TR><TR><TD>2m</TD><TD>145.410/-</TD><TD>100hz</TD><TD>W5SFA/R</TD></TR><TR><TD>70cm</TD><TD>444.875/+</TD><TD>103.5hz</TD><TD>W5SFA/R</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=4> </TD></TR><TR><TD>2M (Houston)</TD><TD vAlign=top>146.960/+</TD><TD vAlign=top>103.5hz</TD><TD vAlign=top>W5JUC/R</TD></TR><TR><TD>2M (Columbus)</TD><TD vAlign=top>147.140/+</TD><TD vAlign=top>103.5hz</TD><TD vAlign=top>W5SFA/R</TD></TR><TR><TD>DX Cluster</TD><TD>145.710</TD><TD>n.a.</TD><TD>BELLVL K5OWC-5</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> so they run 2m - I'm trying to determine if these radios will work with that.. more later... works crazy right now thanks again guys.

Randall | 10-03-2008 09:13 AM
Re: CB Radio You will need your HAM ticket to transmit on any of those repeaters.

JJ_ | 10-03-2008 09:41 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall (Post 1330107) You will need your HAM ticket to transmit on any of those repeaters.
Not really looking to talk to those guys... was just trying to get a handle on what m wave they are running.

Glass | 10-03-2008 09:43 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall (Post 1330107) You will need your HAM ticket to transmit on any of those repeaters.
This is very important. Randall is very 100% correct. You need your HAM license to transmit. You can listen without a license but you can't transmit. Unlicensed transmitt"ors" won't be tolerated. You will be surprised how little they are tolerated and how easily these people can track someone down. Fox hunting is another very popular aspect of HAM. The IC2200H is a 2m radio. It will work on the 2m repeaters. In fact both of them are. I don't know what the entry license requirements are for the US. Down here I found it very easy. Basically if you can use a mic, change channels, connect up a radio from antenna right through to power socket you were qualified. Oh and you knew electricity is dangerous. It is how they say? too easy :D

JJ_ | 10-03-2008 10:03 AM
Re: CB Radio are you guys telling me that I need a HAM ticket to transmit on either of these.. http://www.twowayradioonline.com/IC2200H.asp http://www.twowayradioonline.com/FT2800M.asp or just certain Freq's? What are my limitations specifically? In my mind - all I think I need is 1) a public channel w/ relatively low traffic for my area (which I'm sure will have to be determined once I get on the air) - that I can Tx to another reciever(s). 2) The ability to Rx on as many channels that my unit is limited to- preferably Rx HAM-CB-and State/Local first responder transmissions. Both on an approximate 50 mile range- lands real flat around Houston. The 2 models I listed above are within reach for me- I'm aware that I'll need an antenna -(2m i think) hardware (connectors) and coax.. in addition to the radio. If all that is go - I guess I just not sure why I'd need a HAM ticket.. I'm not viewing this as a hobby.. for me, this is a necessary last minute SHTF prep. thx for puttin up w/ the radio noob.

CajunCoin | 10-03-2008 03:10 PM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1330226) are you guys telling me that I need a HAM ticket to transmit on either of these.. http://www.twowayradioonline.com/IC2200H.asp http://www.twowayradioonline.com/FT2800M.asp or just certain Freq's? What are my limitations specifically? In my mind - all I think I need is 1) a public channel w/ relatively low traffic for my area (which I'm sure will have to be determined once I get on the air) - that I can Tx to another reciever(s). 2) The ability to Rx on as many channels that my unit is limited to- preferably Rx HAM-CB-and State/Local first responder transmissions. Both on an approximate 50 mile range- lands real flat around Houston. The 2 models I listed above are within reach for me- I'm aware that I'll need an antenna -(2m i think) hardware (connectors) and coax.. in addition to the radio. If all that is go - I guess I just not sure why I'd need a HAM ticket.. I'm not viewing this as a hobby.. for me, this is a necessary last minute SHTF prep. thx for puttin up w/ the radio noob.
Problem is that IN YOUR MIND you do not realize that transmitting on Freqs in which you have no LICENSE for will bring up 4th and goal with the FCC or whoever is in charge. Those Radios are AMATEUR RADIOS and they are set up for the 2 meter band which is the area between 144 to 148 MHZ in the VHF Low Band with 137 to 144 and 148 to 150.5 belonging to the DOD (Department of Defense NOT NICE PEOPLE IN AN EMERGENCY ) The first responders and police that you wish to be in contact with are located around 153 to 156 MHZ and they do not take nicely to noobs playing in their territory. In SHTF times, not having the right documentation will limit your options. Learn about radio, radio physics and operational theory and you will see what the posters here are talking about, bootleg and illegal ops are not tolerated in good times and in a TSHF, you might find out radio BS has a low amount of toleration. Amateur Radio is not a hobby in the Hurricane Season, it is BUSINESS and BS is not tolerated, for example, a STUPID NOOB decided he needed to block up the local fireman's Freq and when we tracked him down, he got a surprize-ARREST. He made the mistake of giving a false Ham Call and when he was questioned in court, it was found to be false and he was re-arrested for mis-representation during booking, another 15 days in the SLAMMER. :504: RANT OFF Listen to Glass and Worldmariner, getting the License is a last minute preparation and not hard if you are not lazy which lazy in TSHF times is not a desirable tract. Find a local ham and talk to him or her about radio and learn the difference between CB, AMATEUR, BUSINESS BAND, FIRE and POLICE, MARINE or else you might just wander radioly into a bad neighbourhood.

Worldmariner | 10-03-2008 10:51 PM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunCoin (Post 1331072) Problem is that IN YOUR MIND you do not realize that transmitting on Freqs in which you have no LICENSE for will bring up 4th and goal with the FCC or whoever is in charge. Those Radios are AMATEUR RADIOS and they are set up for the 2 meter band which is the area between 144 to 148 MHZ in the VHF Low Band with 137 to 144 and 148 to 150.5 belonging to the DOD (Department of Defense NOT NICE PEOPLE IN AN EMERGENCY ) The first responders and police that you wish to be in contact with are located around 153 to 156 MHZ and they do not take nicely to noobs playing in their territory. In SHTF times, not having the right documentation will limit your options. Learn about radio, radio physics and operational theory and you will see what the posters here are talking about, bootleg and illegal ops are not tolerated in good times and in a TSHF, you might find out radio BS has a low amount of toleration. Amateur Radio is not a hobby in the Hurricane Season, it is BUSINESS and BS is not tolerated, for example, a STUPID NOOB decided he needed to block up the local fireman's Freq and when we tracked him down, he got a surprize-ARREST. He made the mistake of giving a false Ham Call and when he was questioned in court, it was found to be false and he was re-arrested for mis-representation during booking, another 15 days in the SLAMMER. :504: RANT OFF Listen to Glass and Worldmariner, getting the License is a last minute preparation and not hard if you are not lazy which lazy in TSHF times is not a desirable tract. Find a local ham and talk to him or her about radio and learn the difference between CB, AMATEUR, BUSINESS BAND, FIRE and POLICE, MARINE or else you might just wander radioly into a bad neighbourhood.
Again, more accurate information! I understand where you are coming from. I understand your frustration. Every one of us in radio started out JUST LIKE YOU... LEARNING and gathering information! Honestly, the fastest way into radio, other than going out and buying a scanner, a CB, and two FRS (Family Radio Service) handheld radios at Radio Shack, is to go to the SOURCE. You want comms ina SHTF scenario? On the ARRL.ORG website (the Home AMateur {HAM} website) there is a link to EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. These are the HAMs that ASSIST the local Fire/FEMA/Police in times of emergency. Find a group local toyou and go to a few of thier meetings. Or just read up on the topic online. VERY INFORMATIVE. There is a thing called... THE BAND PLAN. But, unless you know what you are looking at, and you do not right now, it will do you no good... BUT... the Band plan lists bands, freqs, who uses what, in what country, etc. YOu need someone to explain it toyou. Preferably in person. Propagation tables. Very straightforward, but you have to know what the following things mean at the technical level... VLF, LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, and Challenge Athena. OOPS, forget Challenge Althena, you do not need to know about military green laser communications... They are the names of the frequency ranges. AGain, easy info, IF you have someone spoon feeding you. In the HAM world, that coach is called an "Elmer". QRZ and ARRL are great places to start. Again, stick with the CB and FRS radios unless you want to invest a little time. Radio is MUCH easier than you think!! Right now, you just walked in the radio "door" and you are probably feeling overwhelmed. The world will not end in the next 60 days. Relax a little bit. In 14 days you can learn everything you want to know about radio if you put forth a dedicated effort. Not a HUGE effort, but just give radio an honest 14 days, and I think you will be amazed at how tremendously far you can come in learning about radio in that short time. Ccraneco.com is a fun place to learn about radio, AND they sell some WAY cool SWR (Short Wave Reciever) radios, expensive to fairly inexensive (You REALLY DO get what you pay for in radios!) , alternative power supplies for radios, (VERY handy!) and a booklet called "Shortwave Tips and Tricks" which is about 10 pages long and th ebest quicky introduction to radio I have ever met. If you send me a private email here with your email address, I will send you an attachment for entry level people in radio that I think you will find helpful.

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Fullpower | 10-04-2008 03:10 AM
Re: CB Radio JJ do please get in touchworld mariner, he is making a generous offer to help bring you into the world of amateur radio. If he is offering the time and info, you may want to take advantage. 73

Glass | 10-04-2008 04:07 AM
Re: CB Radio I guess in a true SHTF scenario, we're talking the big one, I would be picking up every radio I came across and going hello hello on which ever frequency I could find in the hope that I found someone. I would expect HAMs to be straight into it if such an event occured, helping to broadcast information. Question is, would it matter post SHTF if anyone, even obvious non hams had access to radios regardless of the band? I doubt it and I'd expect the Govt to be broadcasting on all public frequencies with advice for citizens anyway.

JJ_ | 10-06-2008 10:26 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunCoin (Post 1331072) Problem is that IN YOUR MIND you do not realize that transmitting on Freqs in which you have no LICENSE for will bring up 4th and goal with the FCC or whoever is in charge Those Radios are AMATEUR RADIOS and they are set up for the 2 meter band which is the area between 144 to 148 MHZ in the VHF Low Band with 137 to 144 and 148 to 150.5 belonging to the DOD (Department of Defense NOT NICE PEOPLE IN AN EMERGENCY ) The first responders and police that you wish to be in contact with are located around 153 to 156 MHZ and they do not take nicely to noobs playing in their territory. In SHTF times, not having the right documentation will limit your options. Learn about radio, radio physics and operational theory and you will see what the posters here are talking about, bootleg and illegal ops are not tolerated in good times and in a TSHF, you might find out radio BS has a low amount of toleration. Amateur Radio is not a hobby in the Hurricane Season, it is BUSINESS and BS is not tolerated, for example, a STUPID NOOB decided he needed to block up the local fireman's Freq and when we tracked him down, he got a surprize-ARREST. He made the mistake of giving a false Ham Call and when he was questioned in court, it was found to be false and he was re-arrested for mis-representation during booking, another 15 days in the SLAMMER. RANT OFF Listen to Glass and Worldmariner, getting the License is a last minute preparation and not hard if you are not lazy which lazy in TSHF times is not a desirable tract. Find a local ham and talk to him or her about radio and learn the difference between CB, AMATEUR, BUSINESS BAND, FIRE and POLICE, MARINE or else you might just wander radioly into a bad neighbourhood
Apparently I have not been able to communicate that If I had access to HAM frequencies, that I have no intention of broadcasting or otherwise breaking any laws.. What I have been asking is regarding the models that I inquired about - is there a Freq. that I CAN legally use without a HAM ticket?? IF I CAN'T- I WONT UNTIL I GET A CERTIFICATION. I DO know that radio land is NOT a playground... I'm quite sure you've seen your fair share of dumbshits- I aint one of em:s15: I have stated quite clearly that I don't know - that's why I 'm looking for some answers. I did not realize that getting liscensed was that easy. I'll look into it. Other than your presumptive and condecending tone.. that was a good post - Thanks:bull-smile:

JJ_ | 10-06-2008 10:33 AM
Re: CB Radio Good stuff.. I've kinda taken time to slow down a bit over the weekend and realize this is not something I can do in a day or two. I'm willing to look into this and do more study on the matter :507: Thanks. Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner (Post 1332109) Again, more accurate information! I understand where you are coming from. I understand your frustration. Every one of us in radio started out JUST LIKE YOU... LEARNING and gathering information! Honestly, the fastest way into radio, other than going out and buying a scanner, a CB, and two FRS (Family Radio Service) handheld radios at Radio Shack, is to go to the SOURCE. You want comms ina SHTF scenario? On the ARRL.ORG website (the Home AMateur {HAM} website) there is a link to EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. These are the HAMs that ASSIST the local Fire/FEMA/Police in times of emergency. Find a group local toyou and go to a few of thier meetings. Or just read up on the topic online. VERY INFORMATIVE. There is a thing called... THE BAND PLAN. But, unless you know what you are looking at, and you do not right now, it will do you no good... BUT... the Band plan lists bands, freqs, who uses what, in what country, etc. YOu need someone to explain it toyou. Preferably in person. Propagation tables. Very straightforward, but you have to know what the following things mean at the technical level... VLF, LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, and Challenge Athena. OOPS, forget Challenge Althena, you do not need to know about military green laser communications... They are the names of the frequency ranges. AGain, easy info, IF you have someone spoon feeding you. In the HAM world, that coach is called an "Elmer". QRZ and ARRL are great places to start. Again, stick with the CB and FRS radios unless you want to invest a little time. Radio is MUCH easier than you think!! Right now, you just walked in the radio "door" and you are probably feeling overwhelmed. The world will not end in the next 60 days. Relax a little bit. In 14 days you can learn everything you want to know about radio if you put forth a dedicated effort. Not a HUGE effort, but just give radio an honest 14 days, and I think you will be amazed at how tremendously far you can come in learning about radio in that short time. Ccraneco.com is a fun place to learn about radio, AND they sell some WAY cool SWR (Short Wave Reciever) radios, expensive to fairly inexensive (You REALLY DO get what you pay for in radios!) , alternative power supplies for radios, (VERY handy!) and a booklet called "Shortwave Tips and Tricks" which is about 10 pages long and th ebest quicky introduction to radio I have ever met. If you send me a private email here with your email address, I will send you an attachment for entry level people in radio that I think you will find helpful.

CajunCoin | 10-06-2008 10:50 PM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1336531) Apparently I have not been able to communicate that If I had access to HAM frequencies, that I have no intention of broadcasting or otherwise breaking any laws.. What I have been asking is regarding the models that I inquired about - is there a Freq. that I CAN legally use without a HAM ticket?? IF I CAN'T- I WONT UNTIL I GET A CERTIFICATION. I DO know that radio land is NOT a playground... I'm quite sure you've seen your fair share of dumbshits- I aint one of em:s15: I have stated quite clearly that I don't know - that's why I 'm looking for some answers. I did not realize that getting liscensed was that easy. I'll look into it. Other than your presumptive and condecending tone.. that was a good post - Thanks:bull-smile:
Sorry to come off sounding that way, presumptive and condescending, but like you said, I have seen my share of "nitwits' and VHF only has the MURS Freq which are open to unlicensed operation and then they are limited to 2 watts, limited antennas ans such other stuff. Ham Radios were designed to transmit in the Ham Bands and their designation or lack thereof limits their use in ordinary situations, in an emergency anyone may use whatever means at their disposal. Glass's posts detail how Amateur Radio works and since your initial question started out by asking about CB Radio and then showing a VHF 2 Meter rig, most posters and viewers assumed there may be a problem in understanding the relationship and legalities. Since the license is easy to get now, (NO MORSE CODE), and a 35 Question test, it will be easy to pass Technician and General to get a license and set up a station for under 200 bucks, once you get bitten by the bug, you will find it very addictive. :bull-smile:

Glass | 10-07-2008 12:42 AM
Re: CB Radio it was quite an eyebrow raising experience for me on the weekend. Each sunday there is a national news broadcast put on by the wireless institute. Basically the amateur peak body. Its all about radio news, not real news. :wink: anyway they were saying that someone just got busted for using their equipment before their license had been approved. Lost their gear, computer etc. Don't know what else. perhaps the right to have a license? Thought it was an interesting coincidence after this thread.

Worldmariner | 10-07-2008 08:16 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ ShortStroke (Post 1336531) Apparently I have not been able to communicate that If I had access to HAM frequencies, that I have no intention of broadcasting or otherwise breaking any laws.. What I have been asking is regarding the models that I inquired about - is there a Freq. that I CAN legally use without a HAM ticket?? IF I CAN'T- I WONT UNTIL I GET A CERTIFICATION. I DO know that radio land is NOT a playground... I'm quite sure you've seen your fair share of dumbshits- I aint one of em:s15: I have stated quite clearly that I don't know - that's why I 'm looking for some answers. I did not realize that getting liscensed was that easy. I'll look into it. Other than your presumptive and condecending tone.. that was a good post - Thanks:bull-smile:
Well, if you want to get on the air as quickly as possible, then hit a Radio Shack and ask them for a CB radio/antenna kit. You can legally talk and it will give you some mic time. Same with some FRS radios. :)

Worldmariner | 10-07-2008 08:38 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunCoin (Post 1338633) Sorry to come off sounding that way, presumptive and condescending, but like you said, I have seen my share of "nitwits' and VHF only has the MURS Freq which are open to unlicensed operation and then they are limited to 2 watts, limited antennas ans such other stuff. Since the license is easy to get now, (NO MORSE CODE), and a 35 Question test, it will be easy to pass Technician and General to get a license and set up a station for under 200 bucks, once you get bitten by the bug, you will find it very addictive. :bull-smile:
Oops! Another good tip! I forgot about MURS!!! Definitely worth looking into, and MUCH more useful on a day-to-day keep track of family members while they are wandering about, than CB. If you want something to be able to listen in to the ENTIRE WORLD, music, news, and whatnot, from news agancies from ALL OVER THE WORLD, I suggest a $180 Shortwave receiver. In the vent of a SHTF scenario, you can at least lsiten to shortwave, AND ALSO LISTEN to many HAM freqs, miltary (if unscrambled), upper and lower sideband, etc. It is interesting to listen to the BBC or orther English speaking news broadcasts on shortwave, because you get a good idea of how the other nations in the world perceive us here in the USA. VERY VERY different fronm the CNN and Fox News we are spoon fed every day... This might be a good choice: http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...ave-radio.aspx And there are alternative power supplies for it available as well. Hook a long piece of plain'ol wire to it, say 60 feet or longer, and you can listen to almost anything bouncing around out there. If you feel like choking out $250, this is a really good radio for the money. I have owned both, and currently own this one. http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...ave-radio.aspx This is kind of a handy radio for the trunk of the car: http://www.ccrane.com/radios/wind-up...her-radio.aspx

JJ_ | 10-07-2008 08:54 AM
Re: CB Radio No hard feelings Cajun... And you guys are RIGHT!- When I started...I really had no idea what I needed, but in-between posts I was studying up.. I still dont know much but I can see now how the title can be really misleading. It turns out - after all you fellas' expert input - that I need mobile HAM gear to do what I wanted. However after doing some reading- I'm not sure I want to go beg Uncle Sammy for another chit to do something that I want. I have to have a liscense to drive and to carry and to do lots of other stuff...so for now- I'm going to go slow till I figure out what I'm gettin' into.

JJ_ | 10-07-2008 08:57 AM
Re: CB Radio :479: ____________ Quote:
Originally Posted by Glass (Post 1338902) it was quite an eyebrow raising experience for me on the weekend. Each sunday there is a national news broadcast put on by the wireless institute. Basically the amateur peak body. Its all about radio news, not real news. :wink: anyway they were saying that someone just got busted for using their equipment before their license had been approved. Lost their gear, computer etc. Don't know what else. perhaps the right to have a license? Thought it was an interesting coincidence after this thread.

JJ_ | 10-07-2008 09:06 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner (Post 1339403) Well, if you want to get on the air as quickly as possible, then hit a Radio Shack and ask them for a CB radio/antenna kit. You can legally talk and it will give you some mic time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner (Post 1339403) Same with some FRS radios. :)
Thnx WM - I that's right - But I'm concerned about range... I need at least 30 miles... so like I said.. I need to take some time and explore more options Thanks guys for all your help

TheSimpleton | 10-07-2008 02:01 PM
Re: CB Radio Did anyone follow the PSK31 on ultra-low power QRP? That looks golden. Text over local ham without the static. Also saw this: http://www.twowayradioonline.com/ICPCR1500.asp Probably no sustitute for knowledge, but could make your day much easier. TS ...Unless there's an EMP

Worldmariner | 10-11-2008 08:03 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSimpleton (Post 1340114) Did anyone follow the PSK31 on ultra-low power QRP? That looks golden. Text over local ham without the static. Also saw this: http://www.twowayradioonline.com/ICPCR1500.asp Probably no sustitute for knowledge, but could make your day much easier. TS ...Unless there's an EMP
I am wondering about the practicality of texting in a SHTF scenario, at least from a mobile unit?

CajunCoin | 10-11-2008 10:24 AM
Re: CB Radio Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner (Post 1351206) I am wondering about the practicality of texting in a SHTF scenario, at least from a mobile unit?
If the mobile phone service is still intact, yes, but if the cell tower is without power you are SOOL. Generators at the towers run on diesel and if they are not being refueled, SOOL in a SHTF. If the switching centers are gone, SOOL. :thumb.aspx: The phone systems and internet are not designed to be a robust system for safety of life, so understand commercial facilities will probably go down as they do in every Hurricane in Louisiana!! (EXPERIENCE):36_1_32v:

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