CB Radio (license, train, rich)

[Mike78613]

I know cell phones are in, but how about CB Radio. Due to dramatic weather changes, any of you active and use CB Radio as backup?

I just like to know b/c when I am on the highways out here I like to listen in to everyone and see whats going on.

What I like most about CBs is that when there is a shut down on the roads I grab the mic and call in to get status. Usually someone chimes in and tells whats going on. That way I can decide to choose my detour route. anyone use them?

[Charles]

I haven't used CB since the mid 1970s but I think I have one in my truck's toolbox. Just try it and see, couldn't hurt. Heck, go one step farther and get your amateur license and a hand held radio. You don't need to learn Morse code anymore.

If I had the money I'd get one of these...


Kenwood - Portables


Welcome to Yaesu.com

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by Charles

You don't need to learn Morse code anymore.

Another fine example of the dumbing down of America.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

Another fine example of the dumbing down of America.

Ok, read my response below:

-... .. --. -.. . .- .-.. .-.-.- .-- .... --- ..- ... . ... -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .- -. -.-- -- --- .-. . ..--.. .. - .. ... .- -... --- ..- - .- ... ..- ... . ..-. ..- .-.. .- ... .-.. .- - .. -. .-.-.-


[ Moderator note: I sure hope that doesn't spell out any dirty words! ]

[BarryK123]

Charles,
The same can be said for why would anyone sail, bicycle, climb a mountain, etc.
Oh, and there are tens of thousands, if not more, hams who still use Morse code.

Even if one chooses not to use it any longer, why should it have been kept in the exam? Because it took some effort and a commitment to learn, rather than just handing out licenses.

[sorryville]

Originally Posted by Charles

Ok, read my response below:

-... .. --. -.. . .- .-.. .-.-.- .-- .... --- ..- ... . ... -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .- -. -.-- -- --- .-. . ..--.. .. - .. ... .- -... --- ..- - .- ... ..- ... . ..-. ..- .-.. .- ... .-.. .- - .. -. .-.-.-


[ Moderator note: I sure hope that doesn't spell out any dirty words! ]

I think that's the funniest thing I've ever read on here!

[BillRadio]

I disagree. I found Latin useful, but only in the last few years. It helps one understand Latin-based languages without actually having studied them. However, Morse Code does seem to have reach the end of it's usefulness. The claim that code "gets through" when other signals won't is lost now that most receivers are digital.

What do I use for a backup? A second...and third, cellular phone, all using different networks. However, I was once looking for a B&B in the Kenai Penninsula (Alaska) one night and was out of range of cellular and any ham repeaters, but was able to find help on 2-meter simplex!

.. .-- .. .-.. .-.. -.- . . .--. -- -.-- .... .- -- -.-- .. -.-. . -. -.-. . .- .-.-

BTW, I used CB radio on my cross-country trips just a few years ago and found the noise (from interference and poorly-modulated signals) too great to bear.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by BillRadio

I disagree. I found Latin useful, but only in the last few years. It helps one understand Latin-based languages without actually having studied them.

I agree. I took Latin in HS for two years and absolutely hated it. But you are correct in that I can understand English words that I wouldn't have otherwise understood.

[Mike78613]

Originally Posted by BillRadio

BTW, I used CB radio on my cross-country trips just a few years ago and found the noise (from interference and poorly-modulated signals) too great to bear.

I just got a CB installed yesterday.
I enjoy channel 19 and 21

They seem to get good traffic on these two channels.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

Charles,
The same can be said for why would anyone sail, bicycle, climb a mountain, etc. Oh, and there are tens of thousands, if not more, hams who still use Morse code. Even if one chooses not to use it any longer, why should it have been kept in the exam? Because it took some effort and a commitment to learn, rather than just handing out licenses.

As a student of railroad history, there is a rich history of morse code use for many years, but it's been gone from the RR scene for quite a while, though some long-retired old timers still know it. There used to be special pay rates for telegraphers, most of whom worked in the small wooden structures by the tracks (aka "towers") where trains were switched from track to track, and by dispatchers to send notice to distant towers that train such-and-such had just passed and you should hold all traffic until he passes, etc. This was long before use of radio's became prevalent in the 1960's and 1970's.

RRs issued rule booklets containing code words, which were the equal of entire phrases, done to save keystrokes, and especially to save time. Us RR geeks collect all sorts of old rule books on train operations, I've a boxful.