cpfinlay
Feed Provider
I've noticed on social media (Facebook, for example) that there are a lot of new/returning radio enthusiasts that are buying radios only to be surprised by the lack of radio traffic in their area. I am wondering what is driving this renewed interest and wanting to hear other people's ideas.
This seems especially true for CB Radio. As with many, my 2-way experience started with CBs in the 70s. Once I got my ham ticket in the early 80s, I left that spectrum behind. It seems people assume CB is as it was back in that time and are surprised to find out that it's not.
I also see a lot of posts for GMRS. This seems mainly driven by "preppers", but also some people who want to talk to others and at distances not suitable to the designs of the spectrum allocation. I am also amazed how many feel strongly that they should not have to get a license.
I even see this on and off regarding ham radio, which means so many different things to different people. CW to some, phone to others, etc. I've been mostly digital since the mid 80s and that continues to evolve. But when I see someone comment that ham radio is dead/dying, I wonder what they mean since it is far from dead according to my waterfall.
I ask because I recently retired and apparently have too much time on my hands.
I got a GMRS license and a couple of radios. I even bought a NOS CB. I occasionally hear kids on FRS, a couple of businesses on MURS and there is a local (private) GMRS repeater with a lot of range but is mostly quiet. My CB is mostly static with some skip but I need a much better antenna (on order).
Anyway, do you also think there is a resurgence of interest in 2-way radio communications in the last year or two and if so, what do you think is driving it? My guess is news/TV/movie exposure for emergency communications and people fearing an apocalyptic event. As a scanner enthusiast, I always like to listen but want the capability to respond.
This seems especially true for CB Radio. As with many, my 2-way experience started with CBs in the 70s. Once I got my ham ticket in the early 80s, I left that spectrum behind. It seems people assume CB is as it was back in that time and are surprised to find out that it's not.
I also see a lot of posts for GMRS. This seems mainly driven by "preppers", but also some people who want to talk to others and at distances not suitable to the designs of the spectrum allocation. I am also amazed how many feel strongly that they should not have to get a license.
I even see this on and off regarding ham radio, which means so many different things to different people. CW to some, phone to others, etc. I've been mostly digital since the mid 80s and that continues to evolve. But when I see someone comment that ham radio is dead/dying, I wonder what they mean since it is far from dead according to my waterfall.
I ask because I recently retired and apparently have too much time on my hands.
I got a GMRS license and a couple of radios. I even bought a NOS CB. I occasionally hear kids on FRS, a couple of businesses on MURS and there is a local (private) GMRS repeater with a lot of range but is mostly quiet. My CB is mostly static with some skip but I need a much better antenna (on order).Anyway, do you also think there is a resurgence of interest in 2-way radio communications in the last year or two and if so, what do you think is driving it? My guess is news/TV/movie exposure for emergency communications and people fearing an apocalyptic event. As a scanner enthusiast, I always like to listen but want the capability to respond.
