Off Topic: CB Radio w/SSB

[Amused67]

Although this isn't scanner related, it's a similar area, and I wanted to tap into the collective knowledge of this group.

I've been a CB enthusiast lo these many years, but have only dealt with the basic Unidens, Midlands and Cobras.

Part of the 'romance' of CB radio comes from when I was a kid in the 70's, and I found it cool to be able to listen and talk to all the truckers, and just about everyone else back then, with their 'handles' and unique lingo.

Red Rider here.

I got back into it a few years ago when my job took me over the road a lot. I was surprised to find that CB culture is still strong with the drivers, but there is a lot less circumspection, a lot less of the old lingo, and it seems a lot more swearing, etc, which I found to be pretty sad.

The radios of today are federally regulated to be no more than 4 Watts transmitting power, which has severely limited their range. Actually, the new GMRS radios that families are using when caravaning across country are clearer, and have better distance.

But there is still something about CB...

Some of the higher end models have something called Single SideBand (SSB), which is legal to have a lot more wattage, and a lot more range. But to be able to communicate on SSB, the other guy needs to have it too.

Does anyone have any experience with SSB? Is it something that is used?

Breaker one nine for the four one one on SSB...

 

[gmclam]

Ssb

I too am an old time CBer. I was in it as heavily as you can be from aout 1967 til about 1980. I still have all of my old gear. The best way to describe SSB is that it is another "mode", like AM or FM. Normal AM transmissions include upper and lower sidebands. SSB = Single side band (you select which to use upper or lower) suppressed carrier. To receive the transmission clearly, you must fine tune your receiver to closely match the exact frequency being transmitted on. If you're a little off, it will sound funny (some might say faster or slower).

Just as with most radio issues there are pros and cons to SSB. There are people who use that just like there are hams that use 10 or 2 meters. It is a matter of choice. To answer your last question, yes it is used. But the amount of usage depends on your specific neighborhood.

Good luck.