Is it the end of the CB Radio? | TWRS-186

[@mikecricket113]

On my channel I review President Electronics CB radios. There is a huge resurgence in the hobby. Not just truckers. I am Also a licensed GMRS and Ham Operator. We use CB locally between friends and family. I have been listening to your podcast for years. Glad I found you guys on KZbin as well. My friends and family US CB FM with testing it is working out well. FM CB started in the UK . I am glad we in the US have this mode now. Thanks for this video. 73

[@jllucci]

I'd love to see a resurgence of CB. Many weather related auto accidents could be avoided if cars were so equipped so that drivers can get a warning from over the horizon.

[@darkynhalvos]

I'd love to see CB offered as an optional accessory when buying a new vehicle.

[@sonnyinaz]

same

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

here in the buckeye state CB has never died out been running strong since the 1970s

[@tomchristensen2914]

I live in the buckeye as well... Played radio for years base and mobile. Had plenty of power. but I remember when i lived about 5 miles from a major interstate 19 was dead quiet. I live up north ohio now and I am going to set up my antenna again. I just need to find what channels they talk on up here. I have a connex 3300hp that is still a great radio. I will have to listen out for people. shine man 54 on the side

[@kraig8812]

I hope CB Radios never die or become obsolete at all! I just bought my CB Radio and I love it.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

CB radio isn’t dead,. It’s still fairly active here in Southwest & Southeastern OH. I hear truckers on 19 everyday driving on the interstate to work.

[@christophersmith1155]

i still have my CB in my car/home and office here in midtown Manhattan NYC. 73s

[@ke8mattj]

CB is not dead in Appalachia. It's what most used for radio comms. To me, it's a shame there are not any HTs that are SSB.

[@mifak666]

Albrecht AE-2990 AFS :)

[@ghostbaz12]

I agree CB radio not dead clickbait video

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

I only buy CB radios that have sideband (LSB/USB) for talking on. These radios have much better talking range distance that AM only CB radios.

[@benchampion4086]

I still use my CB when we travel and it has saved me from getting into some really bad traffic because of an accident ahead of us by many miles.

[@RustyZipper]

Ch 19 is dead for OTR truckers and I blame Mark Sherman. He’s clearly heard all the way up here in NY. Even with the squelch turned way up he still gets through. No one wants to hear his ego so they just turn CB off. That being said, I love my President Ronald, she blasts through and easy to operate.

[@TheH454]

Thank you for putting a name to this moron. I live in MN and all I hear is that mouth breather on 19 complaining about "window lickers" and "splatter boxes".

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

19 s booming here in the buckeye state us peeps here in ohio have lots of power and we talk over him everytime hes on air he doesnt interfere on my end ever!!!

[@ghostbaz12]

Truckers still use CB radio

[@sprint955st]

U.K. here - who is Mark Sherman, what does he do and why the controversy? Ta

[@RustyZipper]

@@sprint955st - aka “Hard Drive” he’s a loud mouth CB Radio hack who talks down to everyone who works on a CB Radio. He talks quite a bit on CH 19 which is fine except I can hear him clear as day here in NY, he’s in Texas (2500 miles away). None of the truckers listen to the CB anymore because he’s busting through arguing with people

[@dangerzone5908]

I graduated high school in 2017 and most of us had cb’s in our pickups and cars.

[@DVC-BCV]

What state do you live in?

[@blastingcapps4341]

You say had them in your cars and pickup trucks put them back in

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

I'm an old CB operator back just before they stopped giving out CB license I bought my first citizen band license for $4.95 then they was free the next 4 years then they throw them in the garbage but now I'm an amateur operator with an extra class license and I also have my gmrs license which I hear a lot of truck drivers are going to gmrs

[@cactushound]

The new President George FCC with a Digimike microphone is perhaps the most advanced CB radio built to date. Todays CB radios are definitely not our grandfathers' CB radios of the 1970's.

[@user-ef3nu1eh7z]

Hey you calling me a grandfather? The 70s are when I started and still into the hobby today limited to what I can do in the hobby due disabilities can't experiment in antenna building or re routing coaxes but my over the pond contacts have been increasing each year even hit arctic circle south tip of South Africa so on

[@cactushound]

I'm 58 and started CB in 1985. I guess we're all grandfathers. I suppose I should have included the 1960's as well:)@@user-ef3nu1eh7z

[@mr.stonerUDX714]

president radios are for the beginner as for experience radio guys we dont buy this kind of JUNK!!!

[@cactushound]

I hope you enjoy your Grey Poupon:)@@mr.stonerUDX714

[@user-ef3nu1eh7z]

@@mr.stonerUDX714 and why do " ham" operators comment on equipt they don't buy???? Ooohh yeah they take them in for repair and tell the poor owner it not worth repair and then keep those in their own stock since the only thing wrong the owners didn't read instruction manuals!!!! And adjust software and firmware to accommodate their voice and or antenna system!!!

[@castro-kn5wf]

I was a long time cb operator in Michigan and gave it up for 10 years but just bought a new setup to get back into it

[@ChristiannTyler]

Cb is just fun.. the radios the amps it’s just good old fashioned fun. I’m in Southern California I’ll hear consistent chatter on multiple channels

[@johnnorth9355]

As a licensed ham in the UK I still have two CB's set up and ready to use when conditions are good. What's not to like ?

[@darknerd66]

CB radio is not dead its just different than what it use to be. As a radio hobbyist, I have discovered there are a lot of people enjoying multiple services depending on the day. I am a Ham extra but I also have an active GMRS and cb group of fellow radio hobbyist I communicate with. There are also times I rely on FRS.

[@darkynhalvos]

Sounds a bit like what I do. I'm a general class ham (K4EFW) who also uses CB (Iceman) and GMRS (WSAS211). Great to have multiple communication options should some sort of disaster knock out power+cell towers. Always keep a small radio bag with me when I leave the home, in it I've got a couple dualband ham HT, one CB, one GMRS, and a marine HT (just started studying for GROL).

[@alanslade2319]

Hi here in good old ENGLAND we used to have AM back in the dark days, then the government brought out FM , just so we had to spend more money for them. But like you say you have the FM now and we are all in the same boat, and I love that. And I've got back into CB and love it still. Have great days sometimes on the ssb when the skip comes rolling in and wow it's amazing how far we can get out. Not only on ssb even on FM OR AM when that SKIP is there it's a great day to say that I've just got out to wherever but on 4 watts and that just makes me feel great, so thanks for your show love it. Sorry for being a bit late to answering your questions , but thanks again Alan from ENGLAND 73s CT48/70.🇺🇲🇬🇧💯👍

[@sonnyinaz]

1. It's dead as far as local traffic goes. No more staying up till 2 in the morning with dozens of local friends, meeting up with others at dunkin doughnuts for coffee, going on foxhunts etc etc. 2. It's not dead for truckers, cell phones of course can be used but they cant tell you if there's anything blocking your path to a delivery area, any cops nearby etc etc, and just communicating with other drivers to keep from going nuts on the road. 3. Skip shooting is just as big and popular as it ever was. That's where it's at right now as far as popularity. The real loss is the 'local traffic.

[@497SC]

CB isn’t dead! On 38 LSB we work Europe in the mornings and Australia/New Zealand in the late evenings from the east coast. 73! 497.

[@elektroqtus]

I heard some Australia the other evening from Texas. My setup isn't even properly done yet. Crappy coax, very high noise floor QRManmade, and improper grounding makes it tough. Will get a better match at some point. Right now I'm just way too tied up in my life running around to do my employment and personal. By the time I finally get to settle down, it's dark, shadow infested and couldn't see what I'm trying to do anyway other than lose parts and tools. When I can get the materials, tools, time and daylight (good f'ing luck) together, I already know what to do. 73

[@ramrodfishingoutdoors8155]

Good morning I just bought the President George from you and I love it. And now I’m looking at that cobra unit, you were talking about for my truck .I’m an old CB er from the late 60s and early 70s and I’m just getting back into it . And no CB not dead around here. Thank you and have a blessed day.

[@ricdonato4328]

Since the 1970s I have been using CB off and on. When I go on road trips up goes the antenna, around town rarely if ever use the CB. Sometimes with the car in the driveway I will turn on the CB. Used to have SSB Cobra turned into a base station, it was an amazing device. Recall in the late 70s there was much skip occurring. At the time living in North GA I was pulling in signals from across the USA, South America, and much further in the Pacific. Of course, it was rare I could speak to the person on the skip, mostly listen to others as the skip fell on them as it moved across the US. When I was able to connect it was at best brief. As the skip moved, we could hear the person and the others jumping in to talk to the skip, we clearly heard both sides, then it was gone. Fun time. Now at 80 I am again thinking of putting in a base station, but I do not want to get on the roof. If I fall, I do not bounce as well as I used to.

[@simontemplar0468]

It's still very much alive. You, Wolcott, and others still sell the snot out of them.

[@DVC-BCV]

We rely on our cell phones too much. The tower or service goes down you have nothing. CB is always reliable and works. For GMRS yeah you need a license but I don’t see people using it on the road. I see it more for the destination ski resort, theme parks etc.

[@52frj]

I have used CB and GMRS back and forth between CT and NC and found there is still a lot of activity on CB compared to dead air on GMRS. Just an observation.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

The question is: will CB radio ever get quiet again ? Before the 1970s you could squelch out most of the noise and talk county wide. At night you could open the squelch and talk county to county.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

It should quiet down in 4-5 years, we’re in the high part of the sun cycle so skip conditions are pretty good during the day, problem is, like you, I can’t talk to my buddy’s 5 miles away, so we all ended up getting our gmrs license and gmrs radios so we can talk during the day.

[@Tsch6373]

Ordered the Wouxun AM/FM CB during the wee hours of Monday morning and it arrived 2 hours ago (Wednesday)! What I was looking for in an updated CB was a USB-C charging port, AM/PM and an SMA antenna connection. This radio doesn't disappoint! Been using CBs since the 70s until the 90s... I sent an email to the shop. Thank you for your review of this radio. After monitoring for a couple of hours since receiving the radio, I've noticed that CB isn't dead in central NJ, although what I'm hearing is a high-powered transmitter, probably out of NY.

[@radiohobbyist13]

I am and will continue to be very disappointed that Wouxun chose to make a CB walkie-talkie that only puts out 2 watts on AM. They completely ruined what could've been a really cool radio. 😕

[@ke8mattj]

Agreed. Just got two recently to put away in faraday storage box. Tested them out and was very disappointed in that. I won't be buying any more of that radio.

[@Porco_Utah]

CB radio quite useful on Highway, such as accident ahead, direction for detour only local knows, which lane are closed ahead, how long the wait will be, CB should be mandatory for Commercial truck for safety reason. AG6JU

[@RustyZipper]

Nah, pretty quite nowadays. Most drivers use Waze and listen to a playlist

[@skater4169]

CB radio is very popular in the United Kingdom with many KZbin videos being posted quite frequently.

[@GP9railfan]

CB radio is far from dead. In fact there are new models of radios being released on a regular basis. I just talked to a guy in Kentucky yesterday on CH 40 lower side band in my Jeep ,like he was right in town. That’s about 1000 miles away from me

[@GP9railfan]

About 1000 miles away.

[@RogerBrenon]

@@GP9railfan lol not on 4 watts

[@2148aa]

When I drove truck, I always called it "See B". If I could talk to anyone I could see. I was happy. I have always had one on in the car. But finally the channel 6 super bowl has moved to channel 19. Afternoons bullies on channel 19 skip has finally caused me to turn it off in the afternoons. CB, GMRS, MURS// you bring your friends into the hobby with you. Murs don't get enough love. The new Murs walkie talkies Walmart is supplying their stores sound good and I am hearing 5 miles away from the store. For a town talk around that is all I need. Least VHF bends over the hill a little.

[@Lkeyhacle1465]

I have a handheld cobra it don’t transmit or receive far but it’s enjoyable to put on scan with the right squelch you’ll pick up who’s really close to you

[@tkflanagan4449]

C.B. are so so important because of no need to get a License especially for EMERGENCIES !!! I only buy from TWO WAY RADIO !!! GREAT products.... THANK YOU

[@lucusrose]

Here's another sign CB isn't dead. The FCC would be reclaiming the frequencies if it was.

[@TM-gv6zv]

If you go to the 10-meter band and listened when the DX is open you'll notice it's very quiet. But if you go to 11 em no matter where you go it is jumping up and down with DX

[@cbman4767]

What has killed CB is that they fall into the distracted driver category. Same as your cellphone.

[@Adamdaj]

Great Video! The Cobra 75 All Road looks like great radio for the Car Truck or Boat. I'm sure as a base station, if would do just as well. Anyone would be able to hook that radio up to an Antron 99 and solar power pack, for MIC/Controls and talk on the radio from the front porch or deck. Man, I hope Cobra comes out with a GMRS version, because it's compact and easy to store away when not in use.

[@cactushound]

Can you do an in depth tutorial on how to fully utilize the PL Tones (CTCSS/DCS) on the President George FCC radio? Nobody seems to want to talk about this particular topic on the other channels.

[@arlenewolf5260]

Hi Rick, Great Video. You are spot on! I do however blame some of the loss of popularity on the lack of advertising, especially now that FM is out there. Many people had some issues regarding static. FM basically makes the audio clarity nice and clear like that of a police / fire dept radio. It would be nice if their was some decent advertisements showing common uses like the Jeep clubs, the kids with the pick up truck clubs, over the road truckers and RVers. The advertisements would also help sales letting the public know that the NOAA (National Weather Service) is available on many models of CB's.

[@chriscutrara6313]

From my experience, a lot of people in my city; are hams and other radios, they have cb also, and they listen but don't pick up the mic and say hi when a fellow puts out his call. Pretty Sad in my book!🇨🇦

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

CB (11 meter) is the original "social media" ! I use CB radios and 2 meter radios. • My favorite CB radio is the Cobra 148GTL made in the Philippines. • My favorite 2 meter radio is the Yaesu FT-60R made in Japan. The Cobra 148GTL radio CB and UNIDEN Grant XL radio CB currently outperforms most of the newer CB radios manufactured in the 21st century.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

The CB radios and 2 meter radios are good backup communications for when the corrupt politicians shut off the cellphone towers.

[@Hydrostream1972]

President was first out the gate to market for fm cb radio.. Cobra was last to the market. But just Herd Cobra might have a Cobra 25. Am fm rig coming out. 😊😊

[@TruckStopPaul]

The George FCC is the best All Mode CB radio on the market.

[@billsmith-n5z]

I've had a CB radio in my vehicles for at least 20 years. I just replaced it with a GMRS. After all those years I seldom hear any traffic on 19 and it's on all the time I'm in my vehicle. If I do a scan of all the channels I only hear someone yelling "Ye Haw" or some other useless information. Even when on the interstate and driving by a Pilot or Flying J I don't hear much traffic on the CB. Not sure that GMRS is much better but I do hear more useful conversation on it. I also run a ham mobile but there's no road traffic on the ham.

[@fredsalter1915]

...by the time we got to Tulsa Town, we had eighty-five smokin' trucks in all... But now that cloverleaf's gotta road-block, & them bears was-a wall-to-wall.... Convoy forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Walker_328]

Far from being dead. It’s on the rise and has been for the last few years. Truckers may be at an all time low, but other mobiles and base stations are growing at a rapid pace.

[@halfbreed3056]

I just ordered a ranger CB radio, it's getting big with the right😉

[@TheHuntercamper]

One other thing is getting your radio communications up to power...I recommend CB because, there is no license required. Where as with GMRS and HAM you need license. That means they know you have the EQ. FRS is pretty limited to line of sight. Even with a clear way 5 miles will most likely will be pushing it. With CB in AM/FM single side ban (SSB) with upper side ban (USB) and Lower side ban (LSB) adding a home made dipole antenna, during skip you can hear/talk to the world. There are some models out there with short wave and weather info, which is a plus when skip is not working much. You can take and make a mobile unit with solar and or wind to do the rechargeable batteries thing or, when there is power is on the grid, use a DC power source. Mobiles makes a nice home made base station and by making a nice little panel or waffle fan cooled cabinet.. All this can be thrown into a man pack and taken with you as a carry...Find a tree and run your dipole up and your set . It's a low cost item that can be of very very useful. Get your contacts made in your near by and keep random in touch communication. Develop your groups own lingo and go from there... You'll be surprised to find out CB is not de.ad .... Just a note to get skip scan feature you'll like it when you want to scan everything... When skip is up and running you'll be talkn to people in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, near and far East... you'll have world real time up to date info... rock on

[@HoofPrintsDR]

So cbs theses days have fm with higher power out put but is a ham license required to use fm? I’m a cb fan but no longer drive trucks so been out of the radios for quite awhile

[@noniespam]

no license needed for FM

[@daverotroff6873]

I use a CB when I travel from OH to FL twice a year. I had a gap of several years when my vacation plans were different and I got away from using a CB. That gap was late 90's early 2000's. When I started using the CB again I was and still am shocked by how little chatter is on channel 19. Radar traps, broken down vehicles, road hazards such as tire chunks are very often ignored and not reported.over the air. I can't say that I miss some of the trash that was heard all to often. I bought Bluetooth earbuds to save some of the more sensitive ears in my vehicle. I suggested a new CB as my Christmas present in 2022, The President Andy by description seemed to fit my wants. It makes the trips to FL twice a year or more with me. I would like to hear more chatter on the CB. There certainly are fewer cars using CB these days but there are more trucks on the road than ever before. Or so it seems. I have dabbled on and off with CB since the mid 1960's. and still enjoy my limited use. Thanks for the report.

[@OrvisGillette]

I own BOTH a CB & GMRS! They both have a purpose and not a replacement for each other

[@26TM034]

ssb, digimodes, sstv, pirate freqs and 10,000 mile contacts.. Europe to US even in fm... it got a kick in Covid... and now with the cycle at its 11 year peak... its still going well..

[@YouTube_User_9]

There's always some interesting activity on 11m. It's become a woldwide radio culture.

[@JamieStuff]

Trucker here, with a CB in my truck for the last 10+ years. While CB isn't as busy as it was in the 23 channel days (just showed my age), it's not dead. A lot of truckers keep their rigs turned off unless they see a backup ahead, then the channel gets busy. Other times, I can go for days without the squelch breaking. I believe that the turned-off rigs are for a few reasons. One, in-cab audio entertainment; radio, podcasts, and the like. Two, the "big swing" people whose rigs have been messed up so much that you can hear them (two channels away), but cant understand what they're saying. Third, the "low IQ" people whose language is more suitable to rap lyrics. I'm a ham operator (Extra class), and have my Part 97.403-compliant HF rig in the truck. I plan on monitoring the FM CB channels for signs of life, and if I find some, I will likely get an AM/FM(/SSB?) CB.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

Many hobbyists are still using cb, I been an operator since 1988 with a small break between 2000-2014 thinking it was dead, then came across cb facebook groups and realized it was still active, so I bought some new equipment and got back up running and been on the last ten years and looking to buy more equipment lol.

[@BuyTwoWayRadios]

We have a sizable selection of CB radios and accessories on our site, plus our live chat and phone lines if you need assistance: www.buytwowayradios.com/consumer/cb-radios.html Is there anything specific you are searching for?

[@bobdillashaw4360]

@@BuyTwoWayRadios right now just waiting on the economy to get better, but I do want to get the president George fcc when the time comes.

[@CyborgAlienBariaur]

I'd like to upgrade to a Uniden 520XL with FM included, or a similar sized President. I like the compact size for my desktop in my "shack" as a base. I like that I can also use it in my car. I find it does all I need in a nice compact size and does it with great quality sound. It'd be great if someone made a mobile version of the Wouxun Q-10G that can also talk on CB and MURS and GMRS out of the box and be the size of the Uniden 520XL. If it also came with a solar power battery that can power this in a small backpack too, it would be the ultimate radio for bugging out.

[@noniespam]

I think you need a President Randy 2, I have one and use in the car, home and portable like on the bike. I have a car antenna mounted on two different cars, a home antenna and ofcourse it comes with the rubber duckie antenna. I purchased the Randy mic/speaker so I dont have to hold the radio in the car or for that matter anywhere. It comes with an adapter for the PL259 connector.. Just works great..

[@silverperzon]

Its definitely niche these days, but some truckers and off roaders still seem to use them, a be it not as often. I loved the CB setups on older Jeeps and got a used Uniden and Stryker antenna for my wrangler. Looks and preforms great!

[@pascalbruyere7108]

The numbers we’d really need would be a comparison of sales GRMS versus CB. And also what is it that younger truckers install. I am from France and over there some 40-50 years ago CB was very much all about trucks. I installed one on my small Renault and although it worked fine, I did not feel in my element. Guys being rowdy and gross on the air 😂 occasionally some ‘useful’ stuff like the position of a radar trap. Remember that there were no cell phones and no internet! CB was the only way of com inside your vehicle.

[@RustyZipper]

Now most drivers would rather use Waze and listen to a playlist or other music format.

[@arnaudmilner238Wildbillhickock]

Here where I live the only traffic that I ever hear on my CB is a few locals, some truckers when their is a traffic jam on the interstate, and a few clowns on it every once in awhile. Other then that. It stays DEAD WITH NO TRAFFIC ON ANY OF THE 40 channels except for ch 6 the 5,000 watt club and channels 38, 39, 40 on upper and lower sideband. Also when skip runs I pick up stations from all across americia talking to each other for as long as that last. But in general, the 9lbs of noise that used to be on CB is gone now. It’s dead quite almost all day and all night except for a few locals and some stations off in the distance of 25 miles away from where I am at using bases with 500 watt outputs.

[@forgetyourlife]

Didn’t they already have FM in other countries? I don’t think manufacturers are making anything new. It’s just a new mode here in the USA.

[@noniespam]

correct

[@forgetyourlife]

@@noniespam yep, not sure why this is such a big deal. I imagine the USA will continue on AM regardless.

[@noniespam]

@@forgetyourlife Old habits I guess, I do find that FM is a little less plagued with noise like static and perhaps skip. I have found contacts on AM then found a quiet FM channel to talk on.. but in general I am finding there are less people on cb than there were in the 70’s partially do to GMRS, MURS and perhaps cell phones. I know back in the 70,s you could go through the (21) channels and always find several conversations but now I can put it on scan and it will scan for an hour and not pick anyone up other than perhaps some skip or the occasional truck driver. But all in all that’s ok with me.

[@rogerhancock8732]

"Is it the end of the CB Radio? Some say yes, others say no." I say it depends on where you live. I live in a town with a 38k population yet there are less than ten base stations in operation here. Even mobile operators here number less than 100 now a days. The 100 is an estimate agreed upon by the local base operators here in town. Now a city 70 miles way the activity shoots way up. You get to Memphis, and it is alive and well.

[@GUE5TPA55]

This show has earned my subscription

[@mikeingeorgia1]

If I could buy any CB in current existence right now, I’d get that President George for sure. If any manufacturers are reading this, and I could dream up any CB I wish I could have, I’d have that President George and the Cobra All Road make a baby lol. Imagine being able to have the capabilities of a base station without having to run antenna wires into your house…

[@inmyopinion_3672]

Ham radio is great if you want to know all about the radio the other guy is using to talk to you with. Everyone is on a repeater. It does nothing for you on the road because no one uses or scans the simplex channel. GMRS is useful but still not so much on the road unless you're just talking to another car you're travelling with. CB is still needed and will probably be needed even more as the gov shuts down more and more avenues of speech and information because of it's ability to skip.

[@markhager8321]

It’s alive. The secret weapon of Comms. Thanks

[@mobiltec]

As a ham radio operator who got his start on CB I just want to remind everyone that 11 meters was handed over by the ham radio community to be used by others, (citizens) who don't care to get into the ham radio hobby. 11 meters should always be open for use and actually I would love to see all the boot leggers get tired of the band and leave. Too many criminals out there using CB for all kinds of illegal activities. And yes. I call them criminals. They are breaking the law. They should be arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced. And remember, when the FCC does have the time to prosecute someone, the fines are often reaching $10k and more. Some even get jail time. Yep I'd love to see all the bad people leave CB.

[@DuanesMind]

In this day and age I'll rather have a CB radio than not have one!

[@udx-294tn5]

As much as some people would love for CB to be dead, it’s still very much alive! Especially with the current solar cycle bringing in some killer DX!

[@armadilllo]

Why do CB users always sound like tweeking carnival barking sideshow workers, just constant yapping about absolutely nothing, just frickin' obnoxious noise.

[@jimmywayneoconner9225]

Not dead at all, I have 2 and yes I drive a truck for a living.

[@CriticalThinker-42]

CB isn't dead, its just not as popular as it once was. (To me that's a good thing) Widespread use of the Internet and Smart Phones has negatively impacted all forms of Hobby Communications. I'm not a Doom's Day Prepper, but it is a good idea to have a widely used form of back up communications (like CB) in case of natural disasters that can and do occasionally hit our communities. Those communications infrastructures we depended upon usually fail when Mother Nature sends us her worst. Having a CB radio in your car is a good idea, as it doesn't rely upon our power grid to work. As long as you have gas to charge the car's battery you can stay in touch with others. Having a simple wire antenna (like a T2LT Coax Dipole antenna) that you can throw up into a tree will extend your range considerably, is another good idea. It doesn't cost much to build and is compact for storage in your vehicle, just in case... A radio in your car can also be brought into your home. Just add a simple antenna with means to erect it, and a power source like a battery from a boats trolling motor, another car... that can be charged from your car, and your ready to stay in touch. It just takes the foresight to be prepared. - mike

[@bennoah1673]

CB radio is basic communication that can't be killed at the flip of a switch, as cell phones can, at the individual, local,regional, or national levels. Be self responsible get a cb

[@zamzello927]

Many people crazy with digital radio because it's a new thing but don't forgot the analog because sometimes in the future internet system will malfunction by political and economic war.

[@markr9895]

The people that think CB is dead have never been on lower sideband. Right now during this great solar cycle, every frequency is jammed up with operators calling out making contacts and talking to their buddies. I have never heard anyone on FM.

[@jamesm568]

I personally don't find the CB useful anymore, but it could be an amateur backup device if your FM radio isn't working properly.

[@ProudAussie23]

In Australia many many people have them . They are definitely not dying out here. I can understand many use phones but cell coverage is very small in Australia. Plus... a cell service can be interrupted by a bad actor at its source and be made useless .....CB is independent and dispersed so would be very difficult to silence (even after an apocalypse!)

[@tah6746]

CB Radio's are not dead. In my area I hear a lot of AM and SSB signals on my President McKinley II AM/FM SSB Radio. In my area at this time, I do not hear a lot of FM signals. That may change in the future.

[@johnreese8278]

You have an untapped market for RVers. That was my primary reason for jumping back in. No better way to learn about road hazards ahead like an entire truck tire in the middle of the road; ask me how I know. And if someone notices some issue with my RV, they can let me know quickly. Finally, we now know that cell service can go down for extended periods from bad software deployments and hacking. This mode of communication can't be hacked.

[@DVC-BCV]

I believe it depends on where you are. I live in the northeast and it goes in waves. I believe in the Midwest CB is huge.

[@tomchristensen2914]

I really miss the days of CB. even in the 90s it was great. I could yell our an audio at anytime of day and get a response from people I talk with. I am going to put up my Imax 2k at home and set up my cb again. It was so much fun and I never liked ham. Just need to find people around you and what channel the local people play on

[@williamwatt6334]

Iam attack driver. There is still plenty of chatter on 19. And yes we still use it. Not as busy as it once was but I know several people who are starting to put them back in and use them. I talked to a total of 15 different drivers the other night on a trip it all depends on where you are.

[@SevenFortyOne]

There is still a fair bit of CB activity here in Southern New England

[@gmeister03]

With these prices, just get a qt-60. 60 watts. Noise cancellation. Real easy to convert

[@Steven-re7xt]

The 4 watts is not much but with the best antenna or ssb stretches the range 😊😊😊

[@Pimporly]

CB Radios are not Dead I think in the Coming years is gonna me more than alive when the 11 years Solar Cycle will end and a New Era for us will begin with the Propagation turning into our Favor. I still talk all over the country on 11 meters just as conditions are now they are bad. But soon that will change I will never never leave CB Radios. that have been my Hobby since I was 14 years old.

[@nealbeach4947]

CB died years ago when the FCC dropped the license requirement and the shrieking monkeys took over and like locusts have infested the entire 11 meter band.

[@CzechSixTv]

You've got your timeline backwards. The FCC dropped the license requirement because they couldn't enforce it. The people operating without a license, running amps and acting like idiots came first. It happened again in 2017 with FRS/GMRS. People bought radios(that the FCC stupidly certified for both services) and never got the license. They used them on GMRS only channels at high power because "they're just walkie talkies". In 2017 the FCC threw their hands in the air and said screw it. GMRS licensees lost exclusive use the 462mhz main channels and "gained" a few useless 0.5w narrow band channels. With the proliferation of cheap GMRS radios, unlicensed users and illegal linked repeaters, it won't be long before the FCC once again says screw it.

[@chriskuehne6945]

Where was the truck stop located ? Most truck stops in get to have the same 2 or 3 over priced cbs...

[@JamieStuff]

Go to any of the Iowa 80 truck stops.

[@chriskuehne6945]

Thank you

[@adambatchelder4121]

CBs are great you just have to understand enough to be able to tune in antenna and maybe add a little power

[@Hi-lb8cq]

Here in Colorado there is plenty of CB chat but mostly if your on the highway and some or most people keep store hours and dont to tend to talk at night but mostly during the day especially the cb hobbiest at home...u can also buy a handheld walkie talkie and get plenty of chat on those too...some serious chat and some funny chatting

[@bobbynewton4555]

From what I see , CB is getting more popular. With all the new radios coming to market and a lot of people making KZbin videos about CB's and video gates. 5 years ago I could turn on Channel 19 and I just might if lucky I would hear someone now I hear people all day.

[@geraldscott4302]

CB was really only popular for a few years back in the '70s. I know, I was there. At least half the cars on the road had CB radios in them. It was not a niche thing. The channels were so crowded the FCC went from 23 channels to 40. You had no problem finding someone to talk to. That is no longer the case. Unless you are on the highway, there is nobody out there to talk to. Truckers are it as far as AM goes, and they have no desire to talk to the idiots using '70s CB slang. And while most truckers still use CB (11 meters) frequencies, very few are actually using CB radios, at least stock CB radios. The one big problem with CB, both AM and SSB, is the super low 4 watt legal power output. Truckers are using either 10 meter export radios converted to 11 meters, or they are using a regular CB with an RF amplifier. I use converted 10 meter radios in my car and truck, AM only, at around 30-40 watts. That gives me enough range and a strong enough signal to reliably communicate several miles line of sight. At home I have a 100 watt amateur HF radio, modified to use the 11 meter CB frequencies, on SSB, and a very large antenna. That allows me to make contacts thousands of miles away. And it's much easier to make contacts than on the 10 meter amateur band (yes, I have a general class ham license) But I have found 11 meters can just plain be more fun than ham radio, with its FCC call signs and long list of rules. I have a closet full of older AM and some SSB CBs from days gone by. Same with scanners. I must have at least 10 of them, both mobile/base and handheld. There was a time when you could listen to the police and even analog cell phones on scanners. But those days are long gone. Everything is encrypted. They are just as silent as those old CBs. I have not yet tried FM on 11 meters. FM is mostly used on VHF/UHF, which seems like it would be much better suited for FM than HF frequencies. I'll have to check it out sometime. But meanwhile, AM and SSB work just fine, with just a bit more RF output.

[@PhillyTechCheck]

trying to find a decent base station to get into it.

[@CzechSixTv]

FM still doesn't solve the problem of skip from jackwagons like Sherman running multi-kilowatt amps. Tune to channel 19 in FM mode and all you're going to get is static when he's running his mouth. At night you may be able to find a quiet channel and actually have a conversation. The only reason CB is still used by truckers right now is because it's needed for scales at places like truck stops and quarries. Until the current solar cycle dies down, it's nearly useless regardless of mode.

[@fredc3543]

The FCC could have opened up CB like the features of FRS and GMRS. CB now has FM transmission. But limiting the service to 4 Watts [12 SSB] and no repeaters, dooms the band. I'd buy a CB/ GMRS radio, but the FCC doesn't allow the two services on a single radio. I'm switching over to GMRS with a cheap CB for laughs and giggles.

[@JimmyCall]

People like the Channels being preset. Some UHF radios will have Channel's preprogrammed per nation or you can edit them, but it's too much "data" & tinkering, for many. They just want channel number, and U/L SB. It would be nice if China brought out a super cheap CB handheld with AM/FM and SSB. They'd probably need a custom chipset to bring this about. Then you could see resurgence with young people to chat in the locality.

[@ryback6060]

CB will never die. No sad hams on it trying to police it.

[@brentmcc6048]

Still fairly strong here in Aus but if it has no SSB then it's useless here.

[@paganphil100]

Here in the UK very few people use the "official" CB frequencies now that SSB and AM are legal. Most people are now on the high bands using USB (calling frequency 27.555) using "export" radios. I can listen to the "official" CB channels all day and hear nothing.

[@Maurice-uy4wn]

CB radio is dead in Sebring Florida been monitoring for over a year no local chatter at all. The only contacts I’ve gotten are on skip propagation.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Any talk of digital modes? FM might indicate life, but maybe it's just a burst of methane from the decomposition of former life. Where are digital modes? These new models are probably largely software defined, so the existing features and even digital is relatively easy.

[@daveengstrom9250]

The cell phone killed CBs for the general public. Truck drivers is one niche where it is useful.

[@MrLuckytrucker21]

Cell phones did the same for truckers too!

[@HSRA-hg9gc]

CB is not dead, but the most crude people use it. The other bands are not full of over powered morons.