CB Radio

[Rubce]

Hi All

When I was a lad in the late eighties a group of us used to have CB radios in our cars for when we were out and about in convoy. Haven't used one since the early 90's and I think my handset was chucked during a house move.

Seeing as it is still legal to use a CB radio whilst driving I was thinking of getting one for fitment in either of our Triumphs for when we are out on group runs. Maplins, Amazon and many other outlets sell them.

Do any of you still use a CB in your car?

Regards

Bruce

[ChrisLD364]

Got one in the Defender but never turn it on. When I did all I heard were farmers or truckers swearing. Very disappointing.
Good for convoys though but now we all use PMR's. Much more private.

[StokeyStag]

Bruce,

This sound ideal as I understand that a certain gentlewoman with a yellow Stag from around these parts would like to communicate with you from the back of the convoy - "slow down ! you're driving too fast!"

[tractorjames]

A lot of agricultural contractors use them still, and when a contractor buys a new harvester/tractor from work they are usually ordered with a CB fitted. not to mention taxi and wagon drivers. From my experience, if you are using it a lot it will be worth buying a good quality unit rather than a cheepie with poor sound quality.

James

[73 Mimosa]

My old President AR7 is still in the loft some where....

[tractorjames]

When I did all I heard were farmers or truckers swearing.

Yes, rather frustrating and the so called banter is normally rather harsh on the ears. If its going to serve a purpose then fair enough, but a lot of folk seem to just swear and talk crap down it.

[Rubce]

Good for convoys though but now we all use PMR's. Much more private.

What does PMR stand for?

Regards

Bruce

[Rubce]

Bruce,

This sound ideal as I understand that a certain gentlewoman with a yellow Stag from around these parts would like to communicate with you from the back of the convoy - "slow down ! you're driving too fast!"

Pah, when she was spouting that particular comment I was being overtaken by a "cyclist" going down Horseshoe Pass! Yes I did type "cyclist"! Note I did not use the word "convoy" in my original post. Never again!

Bruce

[HersnotHis]

Certainly brings back memories. I am just off the constraint of the A14 where A14/M11/A1 traffic in ether direction is but one prroblem!!!!

[StokeyStag]

Pah, when she was spouting that particular comment I was being overtaken by a "cyclist" going down Horseshoe Pass! Yes I did type "cyclist"! Note I did use the word "convoy" in my original post. Never again!

Bruce

BTW, according to go ogle PMR = personal mobile radio

[Rubce]

BTW, according to go ogle PMR = personal mobile radio

Is that the same thing as a walkie talkie?

Cheers

Bruce

[StokeyStag]

Is that the same thing as a walkie talkie?

Cheers

Bruce

Dunno, as long as it doesn't involve PMT..

[GDPR]

I still have my old Midland 4001 AM set that I used in the late 70s - probably still works, but still not legal to use...

I moved on and passed my Radio Amateurs exam in the 80s and went legit with a G7 callsign

[Kevin Garrod]

Russ am I right in thinking that there is or was a facility of some kind just up the hill from you that monitors illegal radio transmissions etc.
And if so is that why you went legit?😃

[GDPR]

You're right Kevin, the Radiocommunications Agency (now part of Ofcom) had a base in the old Officers Mess at Kenley Aerodrome, although they dealt mainly with pirate music radio stations, and dealing with interference issues. They used to have their leased Marina, and latterly Montego estates serviced by us down at Layhams so I got to know them - they weren't bothered by CBs unless they were using high gain home base antennas and knocking out peoples TVs.

There was a Morse requirement for the Class A licence, if you wanted to use frequencies below 50mhz, but laziness took over and I went for a B licence instead - not that it was easy, as it was a proper 2 part City and Guilds exam! I did it at the time for something to do on dark winter evenings - a few years ago the Morse rule was dropped and mine is now a full licence with access to all frequencies and high transmission powers, allowing complete worldwide coverage.

CB, when legalised on FM became full of bloody idiots and 5 year olds swearing as anyone with £50 could buy a set, and did....the modern equivalent is twitter and Snapchat/WhatsApp...