CB & Ham radios
 

I've been thinking of getting a ham radio & a CB radio for the car. Anyone know if you can communicate to a CB radio from a ham radio at home? What are some good brands & where do you get them? TIA

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Icom is one good brand but there are others.

The question is why mix apples and oranges? You could buy a Ham radio that can transmit on the CB frequencies but the FCC might not appreciate it if you exceed the power output limitations of the CB Band.

CB's, especially used CB's are cheap as chips. You could probably get six or more for the price of a good used Ham radio.

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Question?

Do you have a Amateur license?

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Look on ebay for HF equipment.
Look in the public library for information on obtaining an amateur radio operators license.
In the meantime, pick up a CB for ten bucks at the nearest pawn shop.

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

To add on to this ,
Getting a Ham license , Now is easy
you do not have to learn the code like I did.
If you want to use a ham radio , it would be best to
get the license.


There is a ton of stuff on the web that can help you
and if you have a ham club nearby go .
They will be more than happy to help you...
There are some mighty fine people on the bands..!

That would be willing to help you.


Fullpower

I see you are in Alaska
What kind of radios do they use in the bush..
Ham I would think...
??

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Thanks for the help you all. I'll check out a pawn shop to see if they have some CB's tomorrow.

So is it hard to get a licence or is it just filling out some form & paying some $?

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Oh the usual gear. kenwood, icom, yaesu. I ran a Ten-Tec mobile for a lot of years. finally put a Kenwood TS-50 in the pickup, just because it is smaller and will transmit AM.
Almost everything runs on 12 volt DC power these days.
Throw a wire out the back door, toss it up in a tree, and talk 800 miles on 75 meters.

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

If I remember correctly anyone and their uncle can use 60 meters, including the international emergency calling frequency if they keep it under five watts. But then again I haven't down on 60 meters in a while. Just get a general coverage transceiver. Don't dare transmit with it until you get your license.

The FCC has morphed from an enforcement type of agency to a shakedown type of agency in the last 30 years. They are far from the hardcore "CB Buster" they were back in the 70's ~ 80's.

If you're sane, and smart, and don't cause trouble or cause them to come looking for you, (Read RFI - interference) or try and be your own FM radio station, you have little to fear.

The FCC exists to tax those who have wardrobe malfunctions during the half time show now a days. They are far from the Elliot Ness casket cracking days of the early eighties. But with that said, you still don't wanna piss off Riley.

Get a CB, learn about antennas, and see how far you can go with that. Just realize you've scratched about 1/1000th of the surface of radio communications once you've mastered citizens band. Oh and make sure you get a CB with SSB. You will expand the use of the thing 10 fold. AM Just sucks if you're trying to get cross country with the thing.

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Note: Riley has retired from the FCC but they will still warm up the love you have for the federal bureauracracy getting into your life, see our old thread where our lovable LT Dan got his ham license, its simple and easy.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=334256

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showt...=amateur+radio

Hope these helps.
:bull-smile:
CajunCoin, survivalist, RVer, Coin Collector and Hoarder Non-parierel, AMATEUR RADIO OP.

\\\\\

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Check out the American Radio Relay League. www.arrl.org
if you are within 100 miles or so of Dayton Ohio,you might want to pay a visit to the Hamvention May15-17 www.hamvention.org

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Getting the entry level Technician license is easy. Kids do it. If you want more local comms, a 2 meter rig at home and in the car can give you decent area coverage, depending on terrain and repeater towers. Both parties need to be licensed. One way communication is not allowed. The ham radio community is very friendly and helpful. Good ideas have already been ppsted.
JPA

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

In my elementary school Ham radio club we have 4th graders with their license!

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

Licensing is easy but you must take a test, but it is easy. It is 35 questions with with (74%) correct to pass, did I mention it was easy.

see:

WWW.ARRL.ORG
WWW.W5YI.ORG

Did I mention it was real easy?:thumb.aspx:

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

I highly suggest you get a HAM license so the government (and your law abiding civic minded droid operators) can monitor your thought crimes and report any suspicious activities.

Re: CB & Ham radios
 

:Surrender:

They can monitor it anyway, I just give them the MOLON LABE.

:15_1_70v: