I guess channel 19 is dead??? what are the truck drivers doing now?

[radiosniffer]

NICEGUY
I agree and understand what you were asking. It use to be an amazing tool to get off on a ramp before traffic backup, car accident etc!! Now, very sad.

 

[PACNWDude]

I still run an old Cobra 75 WX ST to listen to whomever is transmitting. I do this because I work for a corporation where the commercial trucks have to be equipped with two forms of radio communications (besides cell phones and computer tablets for DOT logbooks). These include Motorola mobile radio for when near a major corporate site (site specific comms) and CB (Cobra 29 Classic) for backup and highway use.

CB is still used, but it just does not sound that good or work like FM radio (we have yet to buy a newer FM capable CB radio and test it out). In this use case, channel 32 is mostly used, and the mics always break. President CB radios seem to be make better, as well as Astatic mics, but I have yet to convince anyone to purchase these instead of the Cobra 29 piece of garbage (old Cobra is great, have a 2000 GTL that still works great).

Some vehicles that must use logging roads also have CB for communicating with logging trucks and other vehicles on the mountains.

CB is still in use.

 

[niceguy71]

I still run an old Cobra 75 WX ST to listen to whomever is transmitting. I do this because I work for a corporation where the commercial trucks have to be equipped with two forms of radio communications (besides cell phones and computer tablets for DOT logbooks). These include Motorola mobile radio for when near a major corporate site (site specific comms) and CB (Cobra 29 Classic) for backup and highway use.

CB is still used, but it just does not sound that good or work like FM radio (we have yet to buy a newer FM capable CB radio and test it out). In this use case, channel 32 is mostly used, and the mics always break. President CB radios seem to be make better, as well as Astatic mics, but I have yet to convince anyone to purchase these instead of the Cobra 29 piece of garbage (old Cobra is great, have a 2000 GTL that still works great).

Some vehicles that must use logging roads also have CB for communicating with logging trucks and other vehicles on the mountains.

CB is still in use.

Cb still in use was never a question.... How is the question???? So many weirdos on it with big wattage radios.,...I really don't think truckers can hear or talk to local traffic or anyone... All you hear is people talking skip all day long with thousands of watts... Making it impossible to talk over them for close range use .... I'm going to assume truckers will be turning 19 off from now on .. at least in the daytime

 

[N6JPA]

back in the 90's CB channel 19 was always busy and had a ton of back ground noise, but it was still usable... if I was driving, I would turn the squelch up in case someone close needed directions or to get traffic alerts... mostly just to hear people that were really close by and see what they were jabbering about.... I got my CB installed in my pickup truck 6 months ago and found the noise was always 9 plus! ALWAYS???... but I could still turn up the squelch and leave it on 19.... lately it's all mega powered radio's and people trying to talk skip on 19???? the last month or so I have had to turn the squelch almost all the way up!!! so I would think with the squelch up that high I won't hear anyone, unless I see them.... so how on earth are truck drivers using the radio's the way they were designed for? such as traffic alerts etc.??? or has all the morons with big power talking non stop skip on 19 just caused all the truckers to turn off their radio's..... I feel sorry for any family going on vacation and hooking up a CB for safety only to find out it's now useless.

Apple & Google Maps now gives updates about traffic all across the USA. There is no need to use CB radio channels 17 (N & S) and Channel 19 (E & W) Technology keeps on progressing.

 

[Trucker700]

Apple & Google Maps now gives updates about traffic all across the USA. There is no need to use CB radio channels 17 (N & S) and Channel 19 (E & W) Technology keeps on progressing.

Both of those resources are good. But, not infallible. In rural areas, they are of little help. While CB use is down compared to several years ago, it is still a useful tool. I have been in Northern New Mexico late at night during the winter. And having a CB radio on has saved me and other truck drivers from dangerous encounters with wildlife late at night.
One night in particular, I was driving south on US285 in northern New Mexico and another driver heading north called to me on the radio saying that there were some Elk on the roadside about a mile south. I thanked him and sure enough, about a mile further on I saw the shadows of some Elk crossing the road. I stopped and sat for over 15 minutes while a huge herd of Elk crossed the road. Just as I had stopped I could see in the distance another truck heading north (saw his headlights and clearance lights). I called to him on the radio and he answered back. As I said, we sat there for over 15 minutes while that herd crossed the road. They were moving at a fairly fast pace. So, there had to be at least a hundred or more of them crossing the road.
Google Maps or the Apple traffic app would have been useless in that situation. There isn't even any cell service in that area.
I have encountered similar situations where a phone app would not have helped. And sometimes, even if the app does work, the information hasn't been updated and the warning is no longer valid. If you leave your route based on outdated information, you can end up having problems you could have otherwise avoided.
I agree with SlowMover and others that drivers need to up their game and make sure they have a good CB and have it installed properly. Truckers need as many tools to help them get to where they need to be safely. CB radios, scanners,and a GPS that has live traffic and weather updates, designed for truckers, are necessary tools to make the best choices on the road. Cellphones are good to have. But, depending solely on a cellphone and cellphone apps is not smart and could endanger a driver. Use all the tools available to you.
The idiots causing problems on channel 19 will slowly disappear as the current sunspot cycle starts trending downwards. When it is difficult to use the radio, use the other resources. But, don't abandon the CB thinking it is no longer useful. It is, and will continue to be, useful.
James

 

[mmckenna]

One night in particular, I was driving south on US285 in northern New Mexico and another driver heading north called to me on the radio saying that there were some Elk on the roadside about a mile south.

The other driver called you because he saw a truck and assumed there would be a CB installed and it would be turned on. That's good, and how it should be.

But for those of us not in a truck, just a car, van, SUV or pickup, would a trucker waste their time announcing this, assuming that the oncoming car/pickup/van/SUV would not have a CB in it?

 

[Trucker700]

The other driver called you because he saw a truck and assumed there would be a CB installed and it would be turned on. That's good, and how it should be.

But for those of us not in a truck, just a car, van, SUV or pickup, would a trucker waste their time announcing this, assuming that the oncoming car/pickup/van/SUV would not have a CB in it?

When I was driving that area,I would call out on the radio that there was a problem up ahead. If I didn't get an answer, I would flash my headlights off and on ( not high and low beam) to get their attention.
I did that till I passed the other vehicle. More often than not, I could see them slowing down. If anything beyond that occurred, I don't know. But, I always tried to warn others when I knew there was danger ahead of oncoming vehicles.
That was the best thing I knew to do. I am sure some probably ignored the warning. Or didn't understand what I was trying to convey. But, if they have driven in those areas any at all, they would probably understand that there is a lot of wildlife in the area at various times. And hopefully, they would be on their guard for such things.
I have had cars use the same technique to warn me of problems at times. So, I do know that at the very least, they could be warning me about a speed trap. But, it occurred for other situations like accidents as well. So, there are ways motorists and truckers can help each other in situations like this.
James

 

[mmckenna]

So, there are ways motorists and truckers can help each other in situations like this.

I was taught to appropriately use my lights when a truck was passing me, flashing to let them know it was OK to move over. Or to warn of issues ahead. I thank my dad for teaching me that.

I had CB's in my pickups for a long time. My last pickup (purchased in 2018) never got one, and I'm not sure I miss it. I'm sure it has potential, but never got around to installing it. 95% of my driving wouldn't benefit from it. The other 5% might, might not. Last long trip I did (CA to TX) I only talked to someone once. Most of the time I had to keep the squelch pretty tight to keep the skip racket manageable.

I've personally had good luck listening to FRS/GMRS and 146.52.

I dunno, I gotta make another Texas run next month. For sanity's sake, I tend to avoid the interstates and stick to the rural areas, mostly camping along the route. I'll have to think about installing a CB again, not sure I want to listen to the current sunspot cycle racket, especially if 19 is useless. My tolerance level for listening to BS on the radio is really at an all time low.

 

[Trucker700]

I was taught to appropriately use my lights when a truck was passing me, flashing to let them know it was OK to move over. Or to warn of issues ahead. I thank my dad for teaching me that.

I had CB's in my pickups for a long time. My last pickup (purchased in 2018) never got one, and I'm not sure I miss it. I'm sure it has potential, but never got around to installing it. 95% of my driving wouldn't benefit from it. The other 5% might, might not. Last long trip I did (CA to TX) I only talked to someone once. Most of the time I had to keep the squelch pretty tight to keep the skip racket manageable.

I've personally had good luck listening to FRS/GMRS and 146.52.

I dunno, I gotta make another Texas run next month. For sanity's sake, I tend to avoid the interstates and stick to the rural areas, mostly camping along the route. I'll have to think about installing a CB again, not sure I want to listen to the current sunspot cycle racket, especially if 19 is useless. My tolerance level for listening to BS on the radio is really at an all time low.

I understand how you feel. Since I retired I don't have a CB in my pickup anymore. I do have a Icom 5100a dual band transceiver and for a while I kept my handheld scanner in my pickup as well. The 5100a monitors 146.52 on one receiver and scans airband on the other.
I do have a couple of CB radios. One has a built-in scanner as well. I have been tempted at times to put it in my pickup.
James

 

[kb1fua]

I was taught to appropriately use my lights when a truck was passing me, flashing to let them know it was OK to move over. Or to warn of issues ahead. I thank my dad for teaching me that.

I had CB's in my pickups for a long time. My last pickup (purchased in 2018) never got one, and I'm not sure I miss it. I'm sure it has potential, but never got around to installing it. 95% of my driving wouldn't benefit from it. The other 5% might, might not. Last long trip I did (CA to TX) I only talked to someone once. Most of the time I had to keep the squelch pretty tight to keep the skip racket manageable.

I've personally had good luck listening to FRS/GMRS and 146.52.

I dunno, I gotta make another Texas run next month. For sanity's sake, I tend to avoid the interstates and stick to the rural areas, mostly camping along the route. I'll have to think about installing a CB again, not sure I want to listen to the current sunspot cycle racket, especially if 19 is useless. My tolerance level for listening to BS on the radio is really at an all time low.

We are headed to SoCal next month. I have a CB with sideband, but too big for our car with my dual band mobile already mounted, so I purchased a hand held CB from amazon, (Uniden), it has FM too. I have my DMR HT I will be using too, with my pi-star hotspot using my cell for wi-fi.

 

[mmckenna]

so I purchased a hand held CB from amazon, (Uniden), it has FM too.

My last CB was an AM only version like that. Nice thing about it was that it was a standard RJ-45 connector between the remote mic and the RF deck. That let me install the RF deck behind the rear seat with the Motorola VHF and just run an old Ethernet patch cord up under the dash.
Unfortunately the radio was damaged while in storage, or I'd give that one a try.

Looking at amazon, I'm not seeing any radios that pique my interest, and not a prices I'm willing to pay. I think I'm going CB'less on this trip.

I'm sure I'll survive. I'm not in a hurry.

 

[Digger73]

Well, Niceguy I fully understand your concern. After receiving some sage advice from Slowmover, I move forward with trying the CB hobby again. My initial experience has been as disappointing as yours. I obtained an Italy NOS 203 (not 203p) to serve as a learning toy, and after weeks of being distracted by wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and elderly parent, yesterday I place the whole new apparatus in my vehicle. Powered my President George FCC/Stryker SR-10A on and the instantly it was filled with nonsense from the Mud Duck, Mark Sherman from Lordsburg, NM regurgitating verbal diarrhea about window lickers, perverts, and splatter boxes. This diatribe was steady for 30 minutes with mini “back to the bench” interruptions announced with and by patently false declarations. When it finally swirled the bowl and flushed I could find no one on 19 at while driving around 50 miles and gave up. I am looking forward to a drive to Austin and I-40 was quite lively with adults communicating. And, if the sunspot activity makes this more worthwhile, that would be great. Of course, like many others I pine for the days of the 70s and 80s when CB was viable. I will try again today.

 

[mikewazowski]

Unfortunately you can spend all the money in the world on a decent rig but you're not going to beat the sunspot cycle. RF is RF and unless you reduce your RF gain and crank your squelch you're still going to hear all the crap.

CB's are not the tool they used to be.

 

[kb1fua]

My last CB was an AM only version like that. Nice thing about it was that it was a standard RJ-45 connector between the remote mic and the RF deck. That let me install the RF deck behind the rear seat with the Motorola VHF and just run an old Ethernet patch cord up under the dash.
Unfortunately the radio was damaged while in storage, or I'd give that one a try.

Looking at amazon, I'm not seeing any radios that pique my interest, and not a prices I'm willing to pay. I think I'm going CB'less on this trip.

I'm sure I'll survive. I'm not in a hurry.

Hmmm, I like that idea! I have an Ethernet cable about 25' long that would work!
Yes, they are a bit pricey! If my jeep patriot had more room in it...(we will have our 2 dogs with us, and their kennel, our cooler, luggage, etc)...I would just set my ssb CB on the seat or wedge it between the console and seat.

 

[dlwtrunked]

A lot of truckers now listen to satellite radio including a truckers channel and traffic channels. They find that more interesting than CB.

 

[Trucker700]

A lot of truckers now listen to satellite radio including a truckers channel and traffic channels. They find that more interesting than CB.

Yep, I had SiriusXM radio in my truck. Loved Radio Classics and several of the comedy channels. I grew up towards the end of radios shows still being broadcast. I lived with my grandparents for a few years off and on. My grandmother loved the different soap operas that were broadcast. And in the evening we would sit and listen to several different serials before going to bed.
It took a lot of talking from my uncles and my mother to get my grandparents to let my uncles buy and install a black and white TV for them. But, once my grandfather saw wrestling on TV on Saturday night he was hooked.
When one of the guys at my last employer showed me his SiriusXM and told me about all the radio shows that were playing on Radio Classics channel, I had to get one for my truck. It sure brought back a lot of good memories. And helped me pass the time out on the road.
Now that I am retired, I no longer have a SiriusXM even though it is available in my pickup. I am not in my pickup enough to make justify a subscription. But, I have found a ton of old time radio shows free to download or listen to online.
There is a lot of things available now to truckers to help them pass the time compared to when I started driving over the road. I would never have thought of having all the choices that are available now. I think it helps making being away from home and family a bit more bearable.
James

 

[mmckenna]

There is a lot of things available now to truckers to help them pass the time compared to when I started driving over the road. I would never have thought of having all the choices that are available now. I think it helps making being away from home and family a bit more bearable.
James

I think there's a lot of good tools available. I think as the younger generation takes over, they don't have the interest in the older technologies. I've got an 18 year old son, and he has no interest in ham or CB radio. To him, he's got better tools. The fact that he can surf the net or text/phone anyone in the world from a device in his pocket is plenty for him.

While two way radio has it's place, CB is doing the long slow fade. It has it's place, but some of the talk sounds like the old hams demanding that everyone use CW to communicate because that's what they enjoy.

Time marches on, so does technology.

Unlike what some prefer to think, younger people don't go into a panic if the cell network goes down. Life goes on...

 

[kb1fua]

I think there's a lot of good tools available. I think as the younger generation takes over, they don't have the interest in the older technologies. I've got an 18 year old son, and he has no interest in ham or CB radio. To him, he's got better tools. The fact that he can surf the net or text/phone anyone in the world from a device in his pocket is plenty for him.

While two way radio has it's place, CB is doing the long slow fade. It has it's place, but some of the talk sounds like the old hams demanding that everyone use CW to communicate because that's what they enjoy.

Time marches on, so does technology.

Unlike what some prefer to think, younger people don't go into a panic if the cell network goes down. Life goes on...

Nailed It !!!! 👍

 

[dlwtrunked]

Yep, I had SiriusXM radio in my truck. Loved Radio Classics and several of the comedy channels. I grew up towards the end of radios shows still being broadcast. I lived with my grandparents for a few years off and on. My grandmother loved the different soap operas that were broadcast. And in the evening we would sit and listen to several different serials before going to bed.
It took a lot of talking from my uncles and my mother to get my grandparents to let my uncles buy and install a black and white TV for them. But, once my grandfather saw wrestling on TV on Saturday night he was hooked.
When one of the guys at my last employer showed me his SiriusXM and told me about all the radio shows that were playing on Radio Classics channel, I had to get one for my truck. It sure brought back a lot of good memories. And helped me pass the time out on the road.
Now that I am retired, I no longer have a SiriusXM even though it is available in my pickup. I am not in my pickup enough to make justify a subscription. But, I have found a ton of old time radio shows free to download or listen to online.
There is a lot of things available now to truckers to help them pass the time compared to when I started driving over the road. I would never have thought of having all the choices that are available now. I think it helps making being away from home and family a bit more bearable.
James

I was unbelievably lucky. Right before XM and Sirius merged, XM in trying to increase its value called me with a one time deal to pay the cost of a 3 year subscription and I would be licensed for the life of that radio and one replacement. I thought they were kidding or it was a hoax but took them up on it. But they told different people different things and it went to court. Now, for life, I can replace the radio and pay $30 to transfer the subsciption. Best bargain I ever got and I am sure they will never offer such a deal again unless maybe someone again tries to buy the company. Not paid a thing in decades with that same radio still working. I mostly listen to Radio Classics also but am very tired of hearing "Johnny Dollar" which I do not care for--much prefer Superman, X-1, Dragnet, etc. (Since then, my Toyota has put over 500,000 miles on it with me listening to satellite radio.

 

[merlin]

I laughed... You think 2000 watts is enough??? .
...years ago if I was driving, 19 would be on with the GT
squelch up high and I could still hear people close giving / asking for traffic or road conditions ..
Guess I'll just give up on 19.... The old days are gone.

All my years with CB the station with the most known power was a kindly old guy with the handle 'Quarter Horse'.
Operated downtown LA with a droopy drawer antenna into his Johnson invader 2000. Problem was he was always over driven and a mic preamp at max. Talk about bleed over. Most others run those sweep tube amps, a pair driving 6 more and no filtering pumping about 600 watts. Those were worse yet.
19 does get some sheit transmitters and 6 is lousy with them.
The problem today is cost. A decent station can run over 2 grand. You want to compete with the power, a 1 KW transmitter will run $5000
More than 5 times my total station cost and that was a 2Kw collins and R-390.
Yea, 19 is still usable, you just have to deal with the 20 over junk.