CB as a tool?
QT40 has a useless meter.
— Distinguishing Skip from Local matters and isn’t always obvious by audio qualities.
Besides, the only functions while underway are:
1). Volume
2). RFG
3). SQ
The rest are worked as pre-sets. Then left alone.
CB as a toy?
(QSO contacts)
— The criticisms don’t apply as they’ve naught to do with safe vehicle operation. Therefore aren’t in use by operator while moving. False concern.
Running around in a local bubble covers up what’s what. Get partway across the country and into conditions which differ per climate, terrain, traffic volume (and demographic) and what matters for radio operation gets real clear, real quick when few options exist for the driver to avoid problems.
One can try to chase a contact due to Skip or an intersecting major road unawares and have lost the only thing of value in risk avoidance: Time (distance). Need-to-Know is measured in seconds. (Relative signal strength).
Arizona ain’t Wisconsin.
Neither of them are Mississippi or Texas.
Saying, “Well, I won’t be going those places”, doesn’t reflect what’s possible. The factors listed above work together. As analogy ones automobile needs to work well summer or winter. “Be Prepared”, therefore, isn’t just for one’s home as one may leave and never see it again. (Ask residents of Lahaina, Pacfic Palisades, or Swannanoa). Don’t shortchange mobile radio choice.
Same for when running low on BATT reserve when engine has problems. One has hopefully used a visual reference for training his ears prior to that day. Ever had to count off down to last PTT?
A minor training problem ain’t a radio spec problem. Less isn’t more.
Baptism by fire can be painful.
(NRC) AM/SSB recommended isn’t by “cool toy” standard. Meter, and minimal training, are necessary for full use under widest variations.
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