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Possum · 11-19-2013, 02:00 PM

Not posting this as a proven item but pure hearsay. I have been told that the poilce in BC are watching for CB and Ham radio operators using hand held mikes. It is a fine stretch of the law but using electronic devices is considered a no no here and of late the police have been doing every safety check they can think of to get tax money from the drivers. I am in the process of finding a good VOX mike to go with my unit. Its kinda like a blue tooth for CB's.

traveldogs · 11-19-2013, 02:25 PM

Thanks...I've heard that...but also ran across several posts where RV CBers would leave the channel on, but no one was ever there..."shrug"

traveldogs · 11-19-2013, 02:30 PM

Ah...I wondered about that Possum. Esp. since they want no texting while driving and the like.
I'll keep that in mind about the VOX.
However, if I get a radio the installer will also be plagued with having to train me on how to use it too, since I've never, ever used a CB...not even in the 70s. I thought all those people were weirdos back then! Ha! So the VOX will have to be yet another thing to learn! When I tried the Bluetooth...I didn't like it, and stopped using it...oh well!

Ray,IN · 11-19-2013, 02:36 PM

I've used a CB in my vehicles and home for years. It is a tool to aid in driving now, and has faded away for other uses since the common use of cell phones. Anonymity on the radio seems to make the worst of people come out, the result is offensive language and rudeness. This resulted in good people leaving the CB radio service, leaving even more room for those offensive, rude people.
Now that's out of the way, IMO using a CB radio has a lot of advantages over attempting to use any other type of communication method. The ham bands are a great form of communication IF it were widespread, common in use, and affordable the same as CB equipment; so that method is not going to happen.
Cell phones will never work because they are not an instantaneous method of talking to other (unknown) drivers.
The remaining option is CB radios, which are already firmly established in mass surface travel communications. CB radios are used in marine travel too.

Buy a medium-priced radio W/ weather channels installed, and a reputable antenna for about $150 total, install everything yourself and you are ready for keeping updated on road conditions where you are currently driving. You do not need to know about road conditions more than a few miles ahead because things change rapidly while driving (the reason cell phone traffic apps do not work effectively).
I have a CB in my truck, our MH, and 2 hand-held battery-powered units for parking/backing, etc. All CB radios are limited to 4W final output power, but those CB shops at truck stops will turn up the output to about 25W. clean the interior, and tune it up (on frequency) for ~$20.
Hope this was not boring, it's only my thoughts. Welcome to the domain of CB radios!

traveldogs · 11-19-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

install everything yourself

Thanks for the input on what to get...but precisely: I need someone knowledgeable to install it for me..any suggestions?

ronspradley · 11-19-2013, 02:58 PM

Traveldogs, if you need an installer for a radio and antenna, and cannot find one at a nearby truckstop, you might try a ham radio club. Someone there should be able to help or at least tell you where to go for an install. Radios are not hard to install but the antenna will need some help to tune the radio to the antenna.

Also might get help from them about radio protocol. There is really very little formal protocol.

ronspradley

traveldogs · 11-19-2013, 03:03 PM

Ahhh...Ron, thank you...that's a good suggestion!

ronspradley · 11-19-2013, 03:16 PM

And on this forum, Hobbies section, there is a section for ham and cb radios.
Might try there for Mesa Az if you are not having any luck elsewhere.

10-10, sittn on the side.

ronspradley

codgerbill · 11-19-2013, 03:23 PM

If one is going to do a "Caravan" does that require a CB?

Possum · 11-19-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codgerbill

If one is going to do a "Caravan" does that require a CB?

Only if it says so in the brochure.

traveldogs · 11-19-2013, 04:08 PM

Ha, ha!

I found a guy in Chandler...asked him if he can "do" motor homes. I guess I'll see, soon enough!

Possum · 11-19-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traveldogs

Ha, ha!

I found a guy in Chandler...asked him if he can "do" motor homes. I guess I'll see, soon enough!

Cindy, not much of a learning curve with a VOX mike. You turn on your radio and have at 'er. You do not need to touch the mike once the sensitivity is set for your voice. You talk - it transmits. The problem is the road noise that sometimes triggers the mike all by its lonesome.

Ray,IN · 11-19-2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codgerbill

If one is going to do a "Caravan" does that require a CB?

Normally they all use FRS radio frequency walkie-talkies. A reliable, re-chargable set will cost ~$50.

George Lewis · 11-20-2013, 09:04 AM

My .02 on CBs. I have used CBs for years and am a ham radio operator. An easy way to install a CB is to get a "through the glass" antenna. Stick the antenna on the highest point of your windshield and the other part on the inside of the windshield....your signal goes through the glass with NO trouble. As posted, a truck stop shop can do a more professional installation. I just set my CB on the dash and plug it in my 12v outlet.

If you have four watts into the final jacked up to 25 or ?, you can talk farther...BUT the person can not reach you as their CB is stock. It is a waste of money and illegal....

I have a CB on my Gold Wing motorcycle and on Interstate trips, I check with oncoming 18 wheelers for WX, etc. I also fall in behind a 18 wheeler going my way, and if compatable, change channels and visit....sometimes for miles.

Over the years, I have had a problem on my scoot and called a passing trucker for help....try it, you will really enjoy your CB and RVs are going to Ch. 13 I hear....

George Lewis, WB5WFW (I talk to the world)