Never hear anyone on 19

[kk9h]

I used to travel with a CB whenever we took a family road trip and information from people coming the other way actually saved us a lot of time on several occasions. We now travel between Chicago and Ann Arbor, MI quite often. I have taken my Midland 75-822 and Larsen antenna in the past only to hear practically nothing, not a “peep” along the way, even when multiple Indiana and Michigan state police cars were clearly visible in the median. I reported them just for something to do, but I suspect my calls simply disappeared out into the ether. I no longer bring the CB on road trips. Instead I have programmed various ham repeaters along the way and enjoy those.

 

[poltergeisty]

Back in 2002 when my family and I went to IL I brought my Radio Shack base station with and there was a hold up on the road so I asked a trucker what was going on and he told me. So back then it was alive. Now a days I don't even hear anyone just scanning the CB channels on my scanner. And if there's any evidence CB might just be dead is that my cousin who hauls cars says he doesn't use a CB anymore because of all the "trash." So there's that.

 

[TailGator911]

I suspect quite a few migrate from CB to either the FRS/GMRS/MURS bands or DMR bands, and some even opt for the ham license. CB radio still has popularity among the unlicensed and is still a favorite for neighborhood communications in some areas. It will always be the cornerstone for the trucking industry. Just go to a truck-stop for lunch and scan the bands. CB is still very much alive out there.

JD
kf4anc

 

[poltergeisty]

Off topic but, is DMR available to the average Joe without a license?

 

[DeepBlue]

DMR is an audio encoding format. There is no DMR "Service" or frequency range. DMR is a digital encoding of the audio spoken into the mic but transmitted as FM audio. Short answer, no. DMR radios are only found in business, public safety, public service and amateur radio. Those all require licensing in the US.

Sean

 

[nd5y]

Off topic but, is DMR available to the average Joe without a license?

Not if you want to be legal. Digital voice modes are not allowed on CB, FRS or MURS.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I still catch activity on 19 every once in a while when there's a big jam up or major accident in the greater Philly area.

 

[TailGator911]

Off topic but, is DMR available to the average Joe without a license?

No, in order to get a DMR ID # you must register with a valid FCC amateur radio callsign.

 

[nd5y]

No, in order to get a DMR ID # you must register with a valid FCC amateur radio callsign.

If you are not using one of the amateur radio DMR networks then you don't need a DMR ID.

 

[poltergeisty]

If you are not using one of the amateur radio DMR networks then you don't need a DMR ID.

So I can just buy a couple DMR radios on eBay and use them without a license?

 

[W4ZMJ]

you hear 19 used especially if there's a accident or something going on there good about telling you what lane you need to be in im not a active CBer know more but I have a CB in the vehicle especially for interstate travel its a good back up truckers stay on there phones mostly

 

[alcahuete]

So I can just buy a couple DMR radios on eBay and use them without a license?

Not legally, no. There is no service that allows unlicensed use of DMR...as was already said.

 

[Giddyuptd]

With modern technology one can own, to companies having their own type of radio system and such it is hit or miss anywhere these days.

Some have it on but getting them to talk is another.

 

[nd5y]

So I can just buy a couple DMR radios on eBay and use them without a license?

No.

A DMR ID is a ham radio thing. You have to register and obtain a radio ID that is programmed in your radios.
The ham radio DMR networks will not allow transmissions from radios, or connections from repeaters or hotspots, that aren't registered. It's the same thing that commercial or public safety trunked systems do to keep out unauthorized users.

If hams only use DMR on simplex or stand alone non-networked repeaters then they don't need any kind of radio ID.

 

[cajunjerry]

I only live a couple of miles away from a main highway but I never hear anyone using Channel 19, my radio, coax, and antenna are all good so reception is not a issue. Is 19 just not used anymore?

Most people have gone to the CB that have been modified for frequencies
25 to 32 mhz against the law? Yes, but chances of getting caught? Slim

 

[bpittman]

I live within hearing distance (less than 10 miles) of I-70 in Maryland and US 522 where 25% of the traffic is 18 wheelers and it's dead here also. I see CB antennas on lots of local vehicles but little to no traffic. Yes solar activity is waaaaay down but that doesn't affect local ground waves.

 

[poltergeisty]

No.

A DMR ID is a ham radio thing. You have to register and obtain a radio ID that is programmed in your radios.
The ham radio DMR networks will not allow transmissions from radios, or connections from repeaters or hotspots, that aren't registered. It's the same thing that commercial or public safety trunked systems do to keep out unauthorized users.

If hams only use DMR on simplex or stand alone non-networked repeaters then they don't need any kind of radio ID.

Okay, thanks.