CB Radio

[White Tiger]

What did you use for your Faraday box?
I agree with running the 10 meter, 2 meter, and cb (I think those 40 channels are 12 meter). I like your EMCOMM idea!

Below is my EMCOMM - I'll have one for each vehicle, and training for each driver in the family on how to make them work.

And Clydesdale - I know you have plans to study, so this warning is for anyone planning to use something similar to my set-up, and plan to utilize the ham bands WITHOUT being licensed to do so: we only charge $14 for a 10 year license, we provide ALL the questions/answers to a 25 question test (at NO charge, and the EXACT questions/answers on the test), and for this small amount of money and time - you can gain access to thousands of FREE frequencies!? That exam really educates you to safe & proper operating practices - 30 watts DC doesn't sound like much, but in the right circumstances - it's deadly. My other high frequency radios operate at 110v & 120v AC and over a hundred watts of power...so you kinda need to know what your doing...

...even still, flying under the radar is an option, and for some Prepper types it's attractive to stay off the radar - but the consequences aren't good if you're caught - some might argue that in the case of SHTF - no one will care - but I hope you don't wait till then to try and learn how to call "CQ"...and if you do that BEFORE you have a legit call sign (i.e., before you have a license)...well, the FCC has folks lurking around for those types...and most of them are ham radio volunteers!

 

[Clyde]

Below is my EMCOMM - I'll have one for each vehicle, and training for each driver in the family on how to make them work.

And Clydesdale - I know you have plans to study, so this warning is for anyone planning to use something similar to my set-up, and plan to utilize the ham bands WITHOUT being licensed to do so: we only charge $14 for a 10 year license, we provide ALL the questions/answers to a 25 question test (at NO charge, and the EXACT questions/answers on the test), and for this small amount of money and time - you can gain access to thousands of FREE frequencies!? That exam really educates you to safe & proper operating practices - 30 watts DC doesn't sound like much, but in the right circumstances - it's deadly. My other high frequency radios operate at 110v & 120v AC and over a hundred watts of power...so you kinda need to know what your doing...

...even still, flying under the radar is an option, and for some Prepper types it's attractive to stay off the radar - but the consequences aren't good if you're caught - some might argue that in the case of SHTF - no one will care - but I hope you don't wait till then to try and learn how to call "CQ"...and if you do that BEFORE you have a legit call sign (i.e., before you have a license)...well, the FCC has folks lurking around for those types...and most of them are ham radio volunteers!

I am trying to eek out the time to study, but I must admit when it comes to home study.... I suck! I am the kind that needs to see what is being taught. A classroom setting or videos works for me.
I will NOT try and operate without a license. The FCC is most unfriendly about that sort of thing.
Do you have to retest every 10 years, or jut renew?

 

[Loomis]

The power my 10m radio runs on is 15 watts, max PEP (peak envelope power). I currently run it from a 13.8 VDC, 10 watt power supply, but it it can just as easily run off of your car battery (it was designed to be a mobile unit).

I believe 30 watts is max DC, but you don't need that much to make contact...just throw the included dipole antenna over a tree limb (preferrably about 30' or so), unroll the two copper wire "legs" of the antenna, tie them off in an inverted "V" hook up the coax and the positive/negative-ground leads to a car battery...and "Vi-Ola" (as WC Fields used to say)...yer cookin' with gasoline (even if you don't have any in her tank)!

Or you can use a whip antenna for CB - and with 15 watts available - you wouldn't need an amplifier....

...not that I have tried that, as I understand it, CB-er's don't take kindly to the linear amplifier folks "stepping" all over their signal...

I'm going to run barefoot with the Galaxy CB. Lower power is better for me because of my implanted ICD. The higher the power the further away I have to be from the point of transmission. I have a ham license too so 10 meter wouldn't be a problem. It's the power.
Point well taken.

 

[Loomis]

im not sure they work up here in the middle of Rabun county.

How far away are you from Jasper GA airport? I have a 2 Meter handheld I can reach the repeater there. That would be about 61 miles as the crow flies. That is using a Diamond X 50 vertical.

 

[Loomis]

White Tiger:
Ok, I couldn't get it up 30' but did manage to get it to 25'. My idea behind this was stealth. It's not up all the way. I've ordered more paracord to tie the ends down with. Most people are not familiar with dipoles so they don't equate this with "antenna". I can get it up higher but I was measuring how much coax I had and if it would reach the back deck.

As to the 10 meter rigs, I just don't want to get into the cost with ham stuff.

 

[White Tiger]

View attachment 326 White Tiger:
Ok, I couldn't get it up 30' but did manage to get it to 25'. My idea behind this was stealth. It's not up all the way. I've ordered more paracord to tie the ends down with. Most people are not familiar with dipoles so they don't equate this with "antenna". I can get it up higher but I was measuring how much coax I had and if it would reach the back deck.

As to the 10 meter rigs, I just don't want to get into the cost with ham stuff.

Looms, that's a good start...and actually, I have mine 25' up in a palm tree (call it my palm tree dipole), and get great signal reports on 20m and 40m.

I can tell you that the 10m/CB was around $65 - and if you already have the coax and the dipole you're set!

Now, about the configuration of the "legs" of that dipole...you look to have it set up in an inverted "v" and attached to another tree as high as you can reach - and ideally you need to have the legs configured as close to 180 degrees as you can get. The axis point of the feed- line (coax) should be in between - and heading back to the shack. If you don't get it exactly right you'd still make contact...but your elements (or legs) will scramble the radiation pattern of your antenna and rather than gather RF (Radio Frequency) it will mostly produce a lot of SWR (or "standing wave ratio" which feed strong signals back to your radio and have been known to fry some circuits)...

Anyway, that's just what I've learned the past few weeks!

You really need to be able to get messages from the outside world - in and out of your local area during a SHTF type event - which only HF can do. that would maximize your usage of CB - as it would then be a necessary tool to send bulletins out to your local group in closer proximity!

One of the critical functions amateur/ham radio fulfill during these types of events (tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, or even military actions) is to be able to get messages out to folks who don't live in your immediate area, and to get messages from outside your immediate area and to loved ones to let them know you're ok, or what the movements are of certain units - if things get dicey.

You have a good idea, and you must have some HF experience if you already have a dipole, so this may be pretty routine stuff for you...but others may be interested in hearing some of this. As I said in an earlier post, 10m isn't always "there" so it's not as reliable, but it's an inexpensive means of gaining access to the HF bands and it gives you some level of flexibility in your communication planning - plus, if you get a mobile radio like mine that covers 10m AND CB - you don't lose anything if 10m isn't available - still have 15 watt CB (for emergency use)!

 

[Loomis]

Looms, that's a good start...and actually, I have mine 25' up in a palm tree (call it my palm tree dipole), and get great signal reports on 20m and 40m.

I can tell you that the 10m/CB was around $65 - and if you already have the coax and the dipole you're set!

Now, about the configuration of the "legs" of that dipole...you look to have it set up in an inverted "v" and attached to another tree as high as you can reach - and ideally you need to have the legs configured as close to 180 degrees as you can get. The axis point of the feed- line (coax) should be in between - and heading back to the shack. If you don't get it exactly right you'd still make contact...but your elements (or legs) will scramble to radiation pattern of your antenna and it will produce a lot of SWR (or "standing wave ratio" which feed strong signals back to your radio and have been known to fry some circuits)...

Anyway, that's just what I've learned the past few weeks!

You really need to be able to get messages in and out during an SHTF type event - the CB would then be necessary to communicate to your group in closer proximity!

Great advice. What happened was I ran out of paracord to spread the legs in that pattern. Gald I did, plus what you told me. I wanted to use green paracord because it becomes almost invisable. I tried another color and it showed up like a sore thumb.
I also have a 2 meter dipole I can do the same thing with my handheld. I have a tech license.
Another issue: you made a very good suggestion as to using 10 Meter. I've been looking at those. I actually found a Galaxy 2517 base that has a CW plug. now all I have to do is learn CW . New radio is due in Tues, the paracord after that. I'll take another pic when it's finished.
Great flow of info.

 

[White Tiger]

Great advice. What happened was I ran out of paracord to spread the legs in that pattern. Gald I did, plus what you told me. I wanted to use green paracord because it becomes almost invisable. I tried another color and it showed up like a sore thumb.
I also have a 2 meter dipole I can do the same thing with my handheld. I have a tech license.
Another issue: you made a very good suggestion as to using 10 Meter. I've been looking at those. I actually found a Galaxy 2517 base that has a CW plug. now all I have to do is learn CW . New radio is due in Tues, the paracord after that. I'll take another pic when it's finished.
Great flow of info.

Yeah - let me know how it works...and a 2m dipole? I've heard of those, but since most 2m is FM...which is vertical (and a dipole is horizontal)...I'd be interested in hearing how it does for you? I tell you, when I thought about 2m operating, I thought it would be "easier" than HF...MAN was I wrong, you 2m guys really have to do a lot of "stuff" to make contact, my hats off to you! ...I think I'll settle for 2m simplex with my locals...I have an Icom IC-271a 2m rig and a little Chinese HT 2m radio.

I JUST got a Dr Ed Fong (he's a physics Professor at Cal-Berkely that designs cool little antenna's his students then build - and he sells on eBay). I have a 2m J-pole antennas that cost about 25.00...I'll try and find a link for you if you're interested?

Here's the link for the j-pole:

eBay posting for: Dual Band VHF/UHF (Ham, Commercial ,MURS and GMRS

 

[Loomis]

Yeah - let me know how it works...and a 2m dipole? I've heard of those, but since most 2m is FM...which is vertical (and a dipole is horizontal)...I'd be interested in hearing how it does for you? I tell you, when I thought about 2m operating, I thought it would be "easier" than HF...MAN was I wrong, you 2m guys really have to do a lot of "stuff" to make contact, my hats off to you! ...I think I'll settle for 2m simplex with my locals...I have an Icom IC-271a 2m rig and a little Chinese HT 2m radio.

I JUST got a Dr Ed Fong (he's a physics Professor at Cal-Berkely that designs cool little antenna's his students then build - and he sells on eBay). I have a 2m J-pole antennas that cost about 25.00...I'll try and find a link for you if you're interested?

Here's the link for the j-pole:

eBay posting for: Dual Band VHF/UHF (Ham, Commercial ,MURS and GMRS

Well the link didn't work.

when I used the 2 meter dipole I was hitting repeaters in SC. I'm in NE Atlanta and I was using a hand held 2 meter. For local stuff I use a 5/8 Wave telescope that screws into the radio. Good range on that. But I don't do 2 meter anymore. Just got tied of it. Just a bunch of local hams who are so clickish they are not really interested in Tech licenses so they tend to ignore you, too much elitism. I was never an electronics guy to begin with. Getting a Ham license was on my plan in prepping. Slowly I drifted back to CB, and kept the license for just in case.

 

[White Tiger]

Well first, great idea adding comms to your prepping plans!

Second...I've never experienced it - as I dont like the complexity of 2m/repeater operation - but I've heard pretty much the same thing about 2m...and they're probably that way to keep people off of "their" band(?) - but for OPSEC a good j-pole on 144 -174 would be great! Especially if you have an "all mode" transceiver that can SSB, AM, FM and also CW (and digital data) out to about 30 miles (like the Icom 271A).

But the experiences I've had on HF have been completely different! Last night I spent about 20 minutes listening to a self-professed "antenna freak" tell me so much information on dipoles, I filled a notebook page! My first night on the radio calling "CQ" - one guy started holding traffic open for me to help me make a couple DX QSO's on 40m (got a guy from Sweden...who was vacationing in St Croix, Virgin Islands and then a very good contact with a guy down in Valencia, Venezuela). Many of the HF nets I ran across on my 2nd night on the air - when they found out I was new, invited me in and interrupted their nets to allow me to make several contacts...other than running across some repetitive jerks on 20m (mostly at 14.317) on my first night...I'd have to say I have mostly positive feedback for HF contacts!

I've spoken to several older Tech's that used to be Extra's and after 10 years decided not to get the same level of "ticket" they got originally. I wanted to test for my Amateur Extra prior to the New Year...but it doesn't look like any of the local test facilities will be testing the month of December.

Like I said, I think CB definitely has a place in your Prepps - but I also think knowing how to operate on HF prior to an event would be just as helpful. As for the RF-distance issue - the CW would seem perfect for you...because the low power nature of it would avoid any issues you might have...but like you, while CW sounds practical, it doesn't sound attractive!

 

[Loomis]

You definitely have me thinking 10 meter. I will look up the Icom 271A. I see I spent a lot of money in the wrong direction e.g. 2 meter. Now a guy from Sweden is well known, and if it's the same guy, yes he is a nice guy. I've heard he's on the air a lot.
The whole idea of commo in close came from a book I read called Emergency Power for Radio Communications by Michael Bryce, WB8VGE. He states that disasters are usually local in nature so being able to contact someone half way around the world for a local problem is a moot issue. So I designed my commo for close in. Also the fact I can call for help when anything is out.
But I do like the simplicity of a dipole antenna, and the best part is I can just lower it when we have a lightening storm, which are pretty intense. But I think it's time to drag out the ole' key and start again.
I just bought some low pass filters. I don't want to take any chances with neighbors; another reason I chose a dipole. People don't know what it is.
As far a CW: What I can't find on CW is key "Technique", I did manage to find on on ebay printed in 1921. It's the only one that tells you how to hold the key etc, and one video on Youtube. I'll go pound some brass starting tomorrow.

 

[White Tiger]

You definitely have me thinking 10 meter. I will look up the Icom 271A. I see I spent a lot of money in the wrong direction e.g. 2 meter. Now a guy from Sweden is well known, and if it's the same guy, yes he is a nice guy. I've heard he's on the air a lot.

I think I may have confused you - the 2m IC 271A is what I am using for local/close-in communication with my local preparedness group. My 10m/CB is a "Magnum Mini Mag" my emergency communication device that I carry in a EMP proof box. I have 50' of RG213U coax and a 10m dipole and about 60' of rope.

The whole idea of commo in close came from a book I read called Emergency Power for Radio Communications by Michael Bryce, WB8VGE. He states that disasters are usually local in nature so being able to contact someone half way around the world for a local problem is a moot issue. So I designed my commo for close in. Also the fact I can call for help when anything is out.
But I do like the simplicity of a dipole antenna, and the best part is I can just lower it when we have a lightening storm, which are pretty intense. But I think it's time to drag out the ole' key and start again.
I just bought some low pass filters. I don't want to take any chances with neighbors; another reason I chose a dipole. People don't know what it is.
As far a CW: What I can't find on CW is key "Technique", I did manage to find on on ebay printed in 1921. It's the only one that tells you how to hold the key etc, and one video on Youtube. I'll go pound some brass starting tomorrow.

That is a good approach - reading to help fill out a plan - have you read "How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It", and "Patriots"? Those books helped me with my plan....but it clearly shows the difference between the types of things we're preparing for!. If you're preparing "close in" it's easier to expand specific items of your Prepps. It's kind of like the way I started - but after two hurricanes hit within 25 miles of each other, 30 days apart - cut communications with my parents and family (in another city) - for over a week - I was able to read the way to develop/expand my comms to all of my group.

 

[Loomis]

I haven't read that; at least not yet. Good point with further commo though. My CB came in today but I'm waiting for the paracord. I may get my wife's boss to come over and see if he can get it higher then I did.

 

[White Tiger]

I haven't read that; at least not yet. Good point with further commo though. My CB came in today but I'm waiting for the paracord. I may get my wife's boss to come over and see if he can get it higher then I did.

Both books were written to address the issue of survival during non-normal periods - they were written by John Wesley Rawles. The first book I mentioned (How to Survive the End of the WorldAs We Know It"), is non-fiction look at what to store, stock, etc., as well as skills necessary for surviving "off-grid" if the grid goes down for any reason. The other ("Patriots") is a novel that he puts all of the information into a real life scenario. There are a couple of sequel books ("Survivors" and "Founders"), but I haven't read them yet.

Like I said, I think you have quite a good start!

 

[Lone Ranger]

Santa brought me a 40 channel cobra last year for Christmas just never got around to installing it in the GMC as of yet...good project for this weekend....thanks for reminding me.

 

[Overlord]

Wish I could find CB radios locally. In the 1980s, there were a lot but nowadays, it is usually VHF or UHF radios.

I have a pair of UHF radios which I regularly use during my cable installation projects. (this will double as my comm). The range is not that long, I have tested it out to about 3 kms

 

[Clyde]

Wish I could find CB radios locally. In the 1980s, there were a lot but nowadays, it is usually VHF or UHF radios.

I have a pair of UHF radios which I regularly use during my cable installation projects. (this will double as my comm). The range is not that long, I have tested it out to about 3 kms

You can

Wish I could find CB radios locally. In the 1980s, there were a lot but nowadays, it is usually VHF or UHF radios.

I have a pair of UHF radios which I regularly use during my cable installation projects. (this will double as my comm). The range is not that long, I have tested it out to about 3 kms

I have Used Cobra radios primarily, but I now have a Galaxy. Best Buy sells CB Radios at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Car-Audio/CB-Radios-Scanners/abcat0302011.c?id=abcat0302011&gf=y or try Ebay at http://www.ebay.com/sch/CB-Radios-/40054/i.html

 

[Overlord]

Hi Clyde, been using my contacts in the Radio Communications industry (vendors and suppliers), they said that they would have to special import the CB Radios.

OT: my post got double-posted coz been having problems with my DSL connection. How can I delete a post? TIA

 

[Clyde]

What is eveyone's take on CB Radio ? Do you think it would come into play when the shtf ? Would it be useful communication?
A legal CB Radio is only 4 Watts. Range would be limited, 5 miles maybe, but there are some out there that are pumping out more Watts then the Legal Limit. I pick up people all over the country.
So what's your take?

Well, I am looking at the new Galaxy DX 99V2 the price range I have seen on this is $289.99 - $319.00.
I will probably buy a new Wilson 5000 for it, as my Wilson 1000 is about 15 years old, and my Wilson "Lil Wil" just isn't strong enough.

here is the description of the 99V2;

The NEW DX-99V2 is the only Galaxy all mode radio. It operates on AM/FM/USB/LSB. With Dual Mosfet finals (instead of 4 or 8 finals) the 99V2 draws less than 10 amps and can be hooked up anywhere a standard radio is wired. No special heavy duty guage wiring is required. The front mic jack allows this radio to fit in tighter spaces than the original version. While the features are essentially the same as the classic 99V, it has a few significant upgrades: *High performance main circuit board (same as the one used in the DX-98VHP) provides increased frequency stability ans accuracy for sideband, as well as increased sensitivity ans selectivity on receive. *Streamlined Chassis with front mic jack *Blue LED Channel and Frequency displays *Automatic SWR Circuit *Red Modulation lamp *Talkback circuit with ON/OFF switch *Echo and Voice Changer, (no robot) *Extended 3 Year Warranty It also has small LED indicators for the following functions: *High SWR Alert (Red) *+10KHz (Blue) *Roger Beep (Blue) *Transmit/Receive (Red/Blue)

FEATURES:
High performance main circuit board (same as the one used in the DX98VHP) provides increased frequency stability and accuracy for sideband, as well as increased sensitivity and selectivity on receive

• Streamlined Chassis with Front Mic Jack
• Blue LED Channel and Frequency Digits
• Automatic SWR circuit
• Talkback circuit with on /off switch
• Red Modulation Lamp
• Echo and Voice Changer, but no Robot
• Extended Three Year Limited Warranty

It also has small LED indicators for the following functions:

• High SWR Alert (Red)
• +10KHz (Blue)
• Roger Beep (Blue)
• Transmit/Receive (Red/Blue)

 

[Clyde]

Santa brought me a 40 channel cobra last year for Christmas just never got around to installing it in the GMC as of yet...good project for this weekend....thanks for reminding me.

What kind of Cobra? I had the Cobra 148F GTL. I don't think they are available anymore. They were such good radios.
I would buy another of they would put the Frequency counter back in.

 

[Clyde]

What is eveyone's take on CB Radio ? Do you think it would come into play when the shtf ? Would it be useful communication?
A legal CB Radio is only 4 Watts. Range would be limited, 5 miles maybe, but there are some out there that are pumping out more Watts then the Legal Limit. I pick up people all over the country.
So what's your take?

Well I placed my order for a new CB. I am getting the Galaxy DX 99 V2, and a Wilson 5000 antenna.
The Galaxy will be both 10 and 11 meter. This way I can use it once I finally pass the Ham license test.... when ever that is.

 

[Loomis]

I should have went that way. Have fun with that.

 

[Clyde]

I should have went that way. Have fun with that.

What radio are you running now?
I do eventually want to get a good 2 meter radio

 

[Loomis]

What radio are you running now?
I do eventually want to get a good 2 meter radio

I have a Galaxy 959 still in the box. I have a dipole up in the tree but needed para cord to tie out the V from it. Didn't get that far yet. I was trying to be stealth. I put the dipole up months ago. This way the neighbors would get used to seeing it. I ordered the paracord and when it came I found I'm short another 10' coax cable. Still haven't got that yet. I've got some ferrite cores just in case, but I'm missing the coax.
On 2 Meter I use a handheld with 5/8 wave antenna. It's a Yaesu FT-270 5 Watt. I can't go higher due to my pacemaker. I've got a 2 Meter Yaesu FT-2800 75 Watt still in the box which I can't use in my car due to my pacemaker but could use it as a base radio with a dipole inverted V once I get the coax.
But the problem on 2 Meter is in this area we have a bunch of elitist hams who ignore anyone with a tech license and want the ham band to themselves. That is a problem, and why I went back to CB. But you can still listen.
That's why I was thinking White Tiger was right about the 10 meter. CW would take too long and I don't pick it up easy either.

 

[Clyde]

I have a Galaxy 959 still in the box. I have a dipole up in the tree but needed para cord to tie out the V from it. Didn't get that far yet. I was trying to be stealth. I put the dipole up months ago. This way the neighbors would get used to seeing it. I ordered the paracord and when it came I found I'm short another 10' coax cable. Still haven't got that yet. I've got some ferrite cores just in case, but I'm missing the coax.
On 2 Meter I use a handheld with 5/8 wave antenna. It's a Yaesu FT-270 5 Watt. I can't go higher due to my pacemaker. I've got a 2 Meter Yaesu FT-2800 75 Watt still in the box which I can't use in my car due to my pacemaker but could use it as a base radio with a dipole inverted V once I get the coax.
But the problem on 2 Meter is in this area we have a bunch of elitist hams who ignore anyone with a tech license and want the ham band to themselves. That is a problem, and why I went back to CB. But you can still listen.
That's why I was thinking White Tiger was right about the 10 meter. CW would take too long and I don't pick it up easy either.

Sorry to hear about the issues caused by a pacemaker.
Why can you use the 75 watt in the house and not in the car? My non-medicaly trained self would think it wouldn't matter where you are when using the radio.
What did the 959 run you?
I know nothing of "dipoles."

I have heard a lot of good things about Yaesu.
I hope I don't have those types of operators around here.

 

[Loomis]

Sorry to hear about the issues caused by a pacemaker.
Why can you use the 75 watt in the house and not in the car? My non-medicaly trained self would think it wouldn't matter where you are when using the radio.
What did the 959 run you?
I know nothing of "dipoles."

I have heard a lot of good things about Yaesu.
I hope I don't have those types of operators around here.

It all depends where the antenna is placed. At that power It has to about 10 feet away not to have the RFI interfere with my pacemaker, the reason I couldn't use it in my car.
The 959 ran me $200 peaked & tuned. It was used but new in the box. On the low end they run $179.
Just a bunch of snobs here on 2 Meter.

 

[Clyde]

It all depends where the antenna is placed. At that power It has to about 10 feet away not to have the RFI interfere with my pacemaker, the reason I couldn't use it in my car.
The 959 ran me $200 peaked & tuned. It was used but new in the box. On the low end they run $179.
Just a bunch of snobs here on 2 Meter.

If I'm correct then you could run a lot of power just so long as you keep the antenna away from you.

 

[Loomis]

If I'm correct then you could run a lot of power just so long as you keep the antenna away from you.

Yes. The point of transmission above 250 watts needs to be 30' away.

 

[Clyde]

Yes. The point of transmission above 250 watts needs to be 30' away.

Do you recall what the max watts you can push as a Ham Technician level?
I don't think White Tiger has been around in some time.

 

[Loomis]

Do you recall what the max watts you can push as a Ham Technician level?
I don't think White Tiger has been around in some time.

1500 Watts PEP