Is it worth getting a $120 SSB CB radio? Is it still alive?

[Jarwolf]

I apologize if this is in the wrong area.

I wish to ask if CB is still ALIVE in OH, preferably in Lancaster OH which is about a 30 minute drive from Athens. Is it worth buying a $120 SSB CB radio?

 

[mjd420nova]

I think that SSB CB is still a workable communication medium. But it really needs a base or mobile paired to get the most out of it. I still have a base and mobile unit but with no place to mount a base antenna I'm out of luck for now.

 

[robertmac]

I apologize if this is in the wrong area.

I wish to ask if CB is still ALIVE in OH, preferably in Lancaster OH which is about a 30 minute drive from Athens. Is it worth buying a $120 SSB CB radio?

If your intention is for local use, then the next 3-4 years should be good as solar cycle is low and there will be less skip to drown out local use during day light hours. If the intent is to illegally shoot skip, that will be very little for the next 3-4 years until Solar Cycle 25 starts up. At which time, local use during daylight hours will only be good for a couple of blocks. Just look at the postings under the CB thread.

 

[prcguy]

Its perfectly legal to shoot skip on CB these days, no more 150mi rule.
prcguy

If your intention is for local use, then the next 3-4 years should be good as solar cycle is low and there will be less skip to drown out local use during day light hours. If the intent is to illegally shoot skip, that will be very little for the next 3-4 years until Solar Cycle 25 starts up. At which time, local use during daylight hours will only be good for a couple of blocks. Just look at the postings under the CB thread.

 

[spongella]

Back in '76 a new SSB radio cost about $30, and that was 23 channels only so I would say $120 is a good price depending on what you are buying, new or used?

I check my CB daily, and there is SSB traffic on channel 38 when the band is open. A few locals get together late nights on Ch 30 sporadically.

Am not in OH, but wanted to help out anyway. Good luck.