Is CB Radio worth considering for a HAM?

[SouthernRoller]

SpockVulcan, I really don't see the need for the name calling...CB is still alive. Maybe not breathing as strong as once but none the less still breathing,, I myself run a Galaxy DX33Hp2 converted for 11 meter use and freebanding..Swinging 50 watts on the high side and the flip of a switch or 2 can bump it up a few more.. Then toss in the echo and roger fart and give name calling people like you something to really talk about..

 

[AK9R]

Folks, let's get back to the original question.

If you want to discuss how CB is being used by CBers, take it to the CB forum.

 

[K4EET]

I know only very little about CB radios, so I'm wondering if getting one is even worth consideration now that I've got my HAM license?

If I understand it correctly about CB:
- No license required at all.
- CB has 40 fixed channels with no privacy codes.
- Limited to 4 Watt max output.
- There are no repeaters for it.
- Can be good for urban and open-road environment but not good in city.

Despite its limitations I can understand its popularity due to its "just buy and use" operation. So, what's the bottom line on CB? Is it worth considering for a HAM, or save my money on some HAM stuff instead?

Also; I've seen a couple of handheld HAM radios that can be modified for different worldwide band coverage as well, including CBs. These are the Magnum 1012 - Albrecht AE 2990 - Dragon SS 301.

Any experience with these or other handhelds? Anyone selling them with the mod-options built-in?

Thanks.

For those that don't remember, the above quote is the first post by the OP...

73, Dave K4EET

 

[wb6uqa]

Many hams got a CB radio first. Not recommended in a big city.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Very definitely. I got tired of biking across town every day to check on a couple of friends in the weeks after Katrina. CB is perfect for this.

For everyday users and non hams, CB fills a notch for local and over the road communications.

 

[K7MEM]

For those that don't remember, the above quote is the first post by the OP...

Which really has nothing to do with Amateur Radio. I'm not sure what the acronym "HAM" is suppose to mean.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[krokus]

Which really has nothing to do with Amateur Radio. I'm not sure what the acronym "HAM" is suppose to mean.

Martin - K7MEM

It is not an acronym. It is a nickname, whose true origin has become lost. There are many theories and claims, but nothing substantiated.

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[NDRADIONUT]

HAM = Home Amateur Radio

 

[KK4JUG]

HAM = Home Amateur Radio

That's as good as anything and certainly sounds plausible.

 

[K7MEM]

It is not an acronym. It is a nickname, whose true origin has become lost. There are many theories and claims, but nothing substantiated.

The nickname is not upper case and never has been.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[SCPD]

Another thread

It is not an acronym. It is a nickname, whose true origin has become lost. There are many theories and claims, but nothing substantiated.

This could be the topic of a whole new thread.
The most oft origin I've heard is that the English were shortening Amateur to "Am" and it evolved to ham.
Another had amateurs, once again in England, being compared to pigs in some old stage play, and somehow that evolved into ham.
A third story I read somewhere was that back in the day, amateurs just made up their calls, and one of the pioneers initials were HAM, and somehow that stuck.

But like Krokus says, nothing can really be substantiated.

 

[N8IAA]

Deleted, double post.

 

[N8IAA]

Folks, let's get back to the original question.

If you want to discuss how CB is being used by CBers, take it to the CB forum.

Also, the fact that MrGClips hasn't been on for two months. So, all these posts aren't relevant.
Larry

 

[AK9R]

OP's question has been addressed. Thread is now headed off on tangential topics. We're done. Thread closed.