CB Radios

[Defcon090]

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I have a Uniden PC 78 Elite CB is average range 12-20 miles and Midland X-TRA TALK GXT1000VP4 FRS/GMRS 50-channel Two-way radio farthest I have gotten out of woods was 40 miles in the woods about 25 miles Now if the shtf won't these be seriously log jammed? depending on the population of where you are?

In a very populated area like the bigger cities CB and GMRS talkies will be very congested. Unless, there is a huge wide area affected by a power outage. Then the base CB not connected to a battery power source will be silent. The mobiles will be a minor annoyance because of the limited range and mostly the users will be inside glued to a TV. The CB'er connected to a alternative power source will probably be an asset because the users were expecting the SHTF event! Now, out in the mid west where there are no mountains or high ridge lines GMRS will probably be best because of the range and ground hugging signals, and the quality FM signal not affected by most electrical interference including lightning strikes. For CB you'll get the 5-15 mile ground wave contacts and then the several hundred mile skip comms typical of 27mhz signals. I still feel both radios including 2m ham will be a necessity.

[Defcon090]

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There has been discussion within the prepper community about coming up with a "go to channel" when the SHTF happens. I have liked channel 1 because it is farther away from most channels that could interfer with channel 1 from high powered stations, etc. I has been one of the quietest one up until aseveral days ago! Man, it is cooking tonight. Stations from AL, MS, SC, and IL to name a few. Still think it would be the best one to choose, easy to remember, "channel 1" for AM and channel 40 USB for side banders.

[Defcon090]

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Okay, enough talk so lets "get er done".

Preppers CB Net scheduled for August 11th at 12 Noon eastern time on channel 1 (one) channel 2 will be an alternative. I will be working a portable CB station (with some help) with an Antron 99 omni-directional and a 2m station on 146.52, 146.46 alternative freq.

This net will be the first in a series using AM and SSB on CB, AM used on August 11th. For those with beams can point them in the direction of I-70 and I-68 in western Maryland, Hancock, MD

Call signs: at the present time use your user name. For future exercises you might want to establish a "tactical" call sign like Sandman005 or your state bird and 2-3 numbers, just a thought. For the ham's FCC call sign only.

For those participating in this exercise, I'd like to get an idea on the equipment (antenna, etc.) you might use. Post here or PM me. Thanks guys.
KC4YIH
KBPV0253 (yes, my 1970's CB license)

[JLBIII]

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Is this CB net scheduled for Aug. 11th @ noon EST still on?

Joe

[Defcon090]

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Is this CB net scheduled for Aug. 11th @ noon EST still on?

Joe

Yes it is, spread the word.

[RICHFL]

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I have used CB's since the mid 1970's when you had to take a test to get a license and there were only 3 letter call signs. Today you can get one at a fair price at radio shack.

Range depends on where you are. Hills, weather and electrical disturbances (Sun spots) can either help your range or cut it down.

[Defcon090]

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I just read a propogation report for 10 meters (28 mhz.) and it doesn't look good. The CB band is just below that (27 mhz) so the report would be good to follow probably as low as 12 meters, 24 mhz. Daily sun spot activity is extremely low for the time period this cycle has been in and is not expected to improve for a couple more months. So, we may be spinning our wheels trying to make any contacts until conditions improve. Now, I am not saying to just set around but the next couple months will be a good time to inspect our ground, cable and power connections and replace stuff that may be old and not working correctly. Raise the antenna a few more feet and look at the element connections on the beam antennas.

Now, as Jerry has pointed out we should still turn the radios on our favorite channels and listen to what is heard and where it comes from. Sooooooo, we might want to post, here, reports on a weekly basis to know what's happening.

[Iron mike]

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Defcon can I pm you later for some CB advise?

[Defcon090]

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[QUOTE=Iron mike;88117]Defcon can I pm you later for some CB advise?[/QUOTE

Yes Sir........................

[TScott27]

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I got Motorola radios and get my batteries from this place: http://www.discounttwo-wayradio.com/batteries-motorola Haven't tried others as far as I can remember. They do serve me well, so haven't really considered deviating from something I'm used to.