CB Ham radio for the Apocalypse!

[@backyardbasher]

I am in the UK and those radios are sold under different names, Alinco and Superstar are a couple. Astatic made the best ever selling CB microphone called the Teardrop, 30 years ago you could buy them new in the UK for about £40, now nice ones fetch around £100. I used to work at a Truck Stop repairing CB's and could fix most problems on the spot, I hold all three (Ham) Amateur Radio licences and I am also an RSGB Registered Assessor and help people to get their first licence (foundation license). CB is pretty much dead here in the UK but I still have a house full of CB and Amateur radio equipment, you will know if you have the SWR meter wired up wrong as the needles will move backwards. If you are going to put that Aerial up at the fortress get as big of a metal sheet that you can to put it on as they do need a good ground plane, Good luck Alan.

[@-108-]

The all time best desktop mic for an 11m base station always was and still is an Astatic D-104. Especially when you pull the padding out of it and crank up the audio circuit in your transmitter. Hehehehe

[@serdneb]

Some called it the “chicken choker” 😂 We had one for our base station I bought when I was 13 with my lawn mowing money. All this encouraged me to go into Engineering! Thanks for the video Alan! Keep em coming!

[@jonstorey6414]

I remember in the early 80's my dad had his own CB shop. He had 2 CB. He had a Ham International and a Cobra 148. I remember him talking to America a few times. The best memory is when Dad turned on the Ham International on and we were listening to astronauts and their first flight in the shuttle. While watching it all happens on TV.

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Best ham radio story I've heard. 👍 When I was a teenager I went over to a neighbor's house that had about 100 ft+ tall antenna ham radio. He fired it up and we were listening to people in Japan, all the way from Utah. 📻👁️👍

[@shawnkilmer1249]

My 1st "big" radio was a 148gtl!!

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

Can add FM mode, on - via one of the switches:-) Or buy new.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

@@tigerlilypritchard1237No adding FM.It’s a waste of time and energy anyway on 27 mhz.👎🏻

[@matthewmcdonald9878]

I just got my grandpa's old 142gtl cb radio plan to get the old thing fixed up when I can find the right person

[@allanlansdowne340]

The wizard is preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

[@adamnowakowski2611]

"zombies" as in all the ignorant, mindless people out there with no food or water put back for what's coming!

[@Morrisonspouch]

Wizard / wranglerstar

[@TheAmericanCanadian1973]

Probably preparing for government overreach.

[@unclebuck5051]

Alan is a zombie.

[@justnana2256]

We've got an apocalypse coming that would make zombies seem like a good thing.

[@nateroberts1978]

The wizard doesn't always buy new toys, but when he does, he buys 3

[@michaelfowler8289]

Yeah I've got some like 19 late 70s and early 80s Cobra radios mobile I have a home / mobile unit that looks more like a home unit but they call it's from the late seventies still brand new in the box can't wait till you get them going out to get an antenna and microphones it seems like everything is missing that

[@nickel19941]

Probably for his family too

[@OttawaInHD]

BACK UP OF THE BACKUP

[@abertzaleharroaii7449]

​@@OttawaInHDRedundancy, as in the airplane, is a safe principle.

[@middletnpyro]

amytime the Wizard nerds out on something its always interesting

[@mkelleyp7]

Alan, I started with CB as a kid and finally got my HAM license. 30 plus years later, I am still having a blast! I am always learning something new. Give it a try. You won’t be sorry! 10 meters has been hot lately!

[@mobiltec]

Ya 10 meters has been hot lately. BUT remember that HE ISN't LICENSED... And that radio is illegal to own, sell or operate in the US.

[@mkelleyp7]

Did I not suggest get a HAM license??

[@mobiltec]

The radio is still illegal in the US.@@mkelleyp7

[@bradlong7941]

@@mobiltec Yeah, that is the naughty "EXPORT" radio. 10/12 meters, flip a switch and add 11 meters. Nobody seems to enforce the ban so a lot of them out there in Trucker Land.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

​​​​@@mkelleyp7 You did indeed! CB reliant folks, truckers etc, IF they buy such radios, should stay OFF 10 meters 28+MHz frequencies, or the 12 Meter 24-25Mhz range *completely*. Must EARN that operating right globally, this aids in support of tidy spectrum asset management. Allowing "chaos operation" - ruins spectrum efficiency and usability. So, become a ham! ITU band plan applies. 26-27Mhz CBRS only, if not a ham, regardless of the purchased radios spectrum capabilities. Then, CB users should know what certain CB channels are used for (emergency/road and call channels), use and behave accordingly. HAM folk are always suggesting to earn an Amateur radio license, an item many CB folk should try at some point in life, many are technically capable of doing so. Could be driving across The Sydney Harbour Bridge or be at The Sydney Opera House Forecourt talking to a Ham operator in Chile, yet for "road conditions" anywhere in country; NOTHING beats a CB's Road Channel for that info/Intel you need for road safety, journey and conditions.

[@cjsmith1760]

Allen is correct. Antenna makes the unit. Low watts and a good antenna out preforms high watts and no poor antennas.

[@rickfrazier3528]

I definitely recommend getting your Ham license...super easy to do, and opens up a whole world of possibilities...

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

It's a lot of fun. 10 meters is open now.

[@donaldbrown6707]

I agree it's a lot of fun and can be interesting if you take part in the Emergency training drills.

[@TheMadWookiee]

Allen as a CB and a licensed ham radio operator I appreciate you putting a spotlight on the radio hobby’s I found it satisfying to hear the gator stations and Mexican powerhouse stations as you’re first stops. I can’t encourage you enough to get you’re amateur operators license you will learn a lot and have a lot of fun also get a base station antenna at the fortresses and remember CB is limited to 4wats am.

[@TheMadWookiee]

Per the fcc CB radio is allowed 4wats AM hams are limited to 1.5 KW SSB the military to my knowledge does not use CB they have there own frequencies They use and there own power limit.

[@mcarroll5885]

Videos on fish and courage others to break federal communications laws.

[@mcarroll5885]

correction: "Videos like this encourage others to break Federal communications laws."

[@thedr309]

@@mcarroll5885the fcc hasnt enforced radios in years as ann fcc officer told me they got better things to do..

[@shawnkilmer1249]

Hey Alan. The antenna is 75% of the radio. Get a base antenna for the fortress and ground it. You will not regret following my advice. You and I have a lot in common. Also I love your new radio!!

[@macgyver5108]

From experience I'd say it's even higher, like 90% or even 99% antenna! An amateur radio lady here locally makes her own antennas that are absolute wizardry... They're so efficient that when she transmits with her 5w radio her signal _STOMPS_ on operators using 50w with typical store bought 1/4 wave antennas! As the maxim goes: "A watt is a lot and antenna is _everything!"_

[@davidrichter9164]

Grounding an antenna. No s--t.

[@macgyver5108]

@@davidrichter9164 there's more than "one" type of ground for radios Dave, and most folks without an amateur radio license don't realize that. I'm a mentor for a popular radio tech net on air here locally and even a good many _licensed_ amateur operators who (had to take a test!) never progress beyond being mere "appliance operators" learn that either. There's the lesser known but very important RF type of grounding besides the National Electrical Code (NEC) _"required"_ electrical/earth ground with an 8' ground rod for any antenna coax which enters a building which also needs to be bonded (tied) to the main building ground rod with the correct size heavy gauge wire. _That's_ just for a lightning arresting countermeasure, not for RF signal gains...

[@steventaylor681]

Hello Alan. It's really wonderful to see you so excited about your new ability to communicate. Now your really cookin, hammers, vice grips, CB/Ham radio and so much more. Congratulations, as a 'old fart' you're making me jealous of all that you are doing. Keep it up. All us subscribers out her are living vicariously through you and your adventures/projects.

[@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь]

That guy bought a Ham radio and don't even understand how sideband works? He thinks just by selecting USB or LSB and automatically hear them clear, no he has to use the clarifier button and tune it..🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😆😆😆

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

​@@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь Sure, you live n learn.

[@noside8469]

Your strenght and will are so unbelievable, working full time with sparks and fixing your fortress... Watching all theway from the Philippines 🇵🇭 with ❤

[@Mike.hobbies]

@-Mtn-FortressLabs I have one for you, called reporting your posts 😂

[@Enjoythepour]

Just make sure you have a couple in your faraday cage, in the event of an EMP.

[@Horsewomann]

Seriously, get the Ham license. It’s easy, doesn’t cost much, and being able to use ALL the ham channels anytime you want can be fun. I’ve been a “no code Tech” for over 20 years. I used to do Skywarn (storm spotting) on the local Ham repeater. I haven’t been active for a few years since I started working as a nurse, but I should dust off the old Ham Shack and make sure everything still works. Some day I’d love to contact the ISS (International Space Station) 73’s! -KC8EKM

[@michaelsickels7600]

There is a thing called HAM cram, where you spend about 4 hours learning and then you take the technician test. Typically 90% or more pass. Then you can use the technician frequencies for 10 years. I know you are very busy but spending a Saturday doing that is rewarding.

[@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь]

That guy bought a Ham radio and don't even understand how sideband works? He thinks just by selecting USB or LSB and automatically hear them clear, no he has to use the clarifier button and tune it..🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😆😆😆

[@bradlong7941]

@@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь Classic CB radios can have the SSB capability. The Galaxy 959 is top of the line complete with the FCC stamp on it. You can transmit up to 12 Watts on CBRS. But....most of the CB radios sold are the 4 watt AM only. So most are not aware of it and no idea how to use it.

[@chris_vandepeer]

@@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь Chill everyone has to start somewhere and it is better to teach people than to mock them on how to and not to work something.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

​@@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь Patience, you live and learn.

[@GinCollins007]

Ever since my elementary school years i remember building crystal radios, I've always been fascinated with the electronics hobby, I was given an old Webster tube type CB that required a plug in crystal for each channel, CB was fun and most people followed the FCC rules, this was back in the 60's, now days CB has gone to hell with many running excessive power (400+watts) just trying to talk over the dog pile to someone one mile away, A friend introduced me to Amateur radio, I studied to get a license, got me general class, had to learn morse code and lots of rules and regulations, everybody uses their real name on the air and none of the garbage type talk rampant on CB, FCC issues a call sign you announce when you transmit to talk, the hobby is fun clean and rewarding. Amateur radio is recognized by many government agencies as a helping hand during times of disaster and are often called upon. So for all you guy's and gal's out there who stumble across our bands, PLEASE get your license and operate responsibly, the world will be proud of you!

[@brucechapman1946]

I had a CB with a quarterwave antenna in my car and could talk to people in New Zealand from Australia, good luck with the range Alan.

[@professornuke7562]

Must've been serious coronal mass ejections that day.

[@jonnothetrucker]

​@professornuke7562 yupp, and what's with people calling Citizen Band, Ham radio and vice versa 🙄

[@GemmaRussianInUSA]

​@@jonnothetruckersome Ham radios can be modified for CB use now.

[@jonnothetrucker]

@JemmaRH a lot of radios can be programmed differently, yes, it was being done years ago, and long before eproms when crystals were more common, and I've even had the privilege of using valve radios. I had an amateur radio operating on 10 metres, but after it was modded, could also operate on channels 1-40 on UHF, with a massive scan group, ran 50w on transmit. What I'm referring to, is say a uhf cb, or a 27mhz cb is citizen band correct? Hence the reason they are referred to as CB's, much like hand held's are sometimes called walkie talkies. But what gets me, is calling say for example a codan HF rig a CB... it's not. Yes I'm aware of dual band sets too.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

Skip between NZ and say the East Coast NSW, VIC, TAS in AUS is a daily thing, esp during winter months, daytime, fades at night to nil. For readers, NZ has a 40 channel allocation with Ch 1 being 26.330Mhz, and Ch 40 being 26.770Mhz. Road Ch is 11- 26.450Mhz. AM Call is Ch 15- 26.500Mhz. SSB Call (LSB) is 35 26.720Mhz. SSB PWR is 12w PEP. AM PWR is 4watts. The CBRS Class license up for review, in Australia, will likely accept FM mode, CTCSS/DCS, it would likely reflect in NZ too. Time. (Australia, NZ, Malaysia also use an 80Ch 476-477Mhz, 5 watt CBRS, with repeater availability, also used in PNG etc). If your not a ham, do NOT use 10m 28Mhz, or 12m / 24-25Mhz allocation. In a SHTF scenario, our Earthly Hams will be instrumental in getting comms through for people, and government agencies. CB folks will appreciate the local conditions feedback, or skip Intel gathering. Know what channels are used for what.

[@nomoneynotalk5021]

Cannot wait to see the radio work. Watching from Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@ronnydowdy7432]

❤ I bought my first CB radio in 1975. Royce 1-602A 40 ch. Would do 5 watts lol. Back then you had to have a license. Mine was KWF-4942. I have had many radios but my favorite one was the President HR 2510. AM,FM,USB,LSB.CW. I modified it to get frequencies 26.000.0 - 28.690 Mhz. I hardly ever used the regular 40 channels. I used the lower channel 26.090.0 LSB and talked all over the world. Had friends who I would talk to on a almost daily basis in England R.I.P. JOE., talked with at least 6 truck drivers in Arizona, New Mexico, California or sometimes wherever they were in the United States at different times of the day. Didn't have to use much power to talk to them but my radio would do 55 watts on side band plus I had a good tube type leannier/kicker built by SCOUT-500 it would make 950 watts. I have cards from people from all over the world using that radio. I did all of the alignment of the radio myself and ALWAYS had a SWR/POWER/ANTENNA TUNER hooked up directly to the radio and another power/SWR meter between the amplifier and the antenna. I never did get a ham license but I didn't have any problem talking to my friends and family. For my truck I had another HR-2510 with the 101 inch whip antenna and a 4 stage Texas Star amplifier. It would put out 1000 watts. Had to use the big coax with double shield ground wire 98% shield so no RF leakage through the coax. ALAN I STILL HAVE THE SWR/POWER/ANTENNA TUNER IF YOU WANT IT. If you're only going to talk on the 40 CB channels you may not need it just make sure when you set your antenna up where you are going to use it that you adjust your antenna on channel 20 and try to set the to 1.5 or less and remember it doesn't take much movement of the antenna up or down to make a difference in the SWR. I WOULD NEVER TALK ON A RADIO WITH THE ANTENNA HAVING A BAD SWR OF 2.5 OR HIGHER. HIGH SWR AND A RADIO THAT HAS 40 WATTS OUTPUT IS BAD FOR THE FINAL OUTPUT TRANSISTOR IF YOU TALK A LOT. MOST MAGIC MOUNT ANTENNAS IN MY OPINION DO NOT PREFORM VERY WELL AND ALWAYS HAVE A HIGH SWR NO MATTER WHAT. THAT IS WHERE THE ANTENNA TUNER COMES IN HANDY. USING THE TUNER WILL FOOL YOUR RADIO JUST ADJUST IT TO A 1.5 SWR AND YOU WILL NEVER DAMAGE YOUR RADIO. ALWAYS SET YOUR ANTENNA AS CLOSE TO 1.5 OR LESS IF YOU CAN BUT IF YOU CANNOT THE TUNER WILL HELP IF YOU HAVE LIKE A 3 SWR JUST USE THE TUNER AND SET IT TO 1.5 UNTIL YOU GET A BETTER ANTENNA.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

Not President but Uniden HR-2510. I HAD A PRESIDENT JACKSON AT ONE TIME BUT IT DIDN'T HAVE A DIGITAL READOUT AND I WAS TIRED OF USING THE CHANNEL CHART TO FIND THE CORRECT SETUP FOR THE CHANNEL OR FREQUENCY I WAS LOOKING FOR. LOVED THE 2510 WITH THE VARIABLE VFO. BEST BASE STATION I HAVE EVER USED.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

Sorry I made a mistake it was a Uniden HR-2510. I have been looking for another one but have had no luck as I would want one already with the extra channels in it because I have forgotten the modifications I did back in the early 90's lol.

[@MattBrownbill]

I really enjoyed messing about with radios and CBs when I was young, this was a blast from the past for me. 😊

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Thank you Wizard! 👁️ You couldn't have picked a better time to upload this information. My wife and I are about to pull the trigger on an RV and a ham radio is on our list. 📻👍

[@MsterIL-yi9yx]

I am truly thankful for this video. I don't have my Ham operators license yet, but that is on my priority list. This is an awesome little CB radio! I hope ya'll are doing well!

[@talfacprez]

My dad was a licensed HAM radio operator. One of the things his Ham radio group was responsible for watching for weather advisories to pass to other HAM radio operators. This was way before weather radar was available. I remember when there was a tornado came through the area where we lived in the early 1970s..

[@xitec75]

I also think that you should make the HAM license. It takes time to learn, but I think you are the right person for this.

[@92dieselunit]

Im a big Cb guy also. Im a anti hammie ham guy though, I have ham radios for emergencies. Glad to see some CB content. its still going strong

[@garyhopkinssr8561]

Thanks for the video Alan I love CB I've had CBS for 40 years and I enjoy him a lot they're very good for information from talking to people to keep from falling asleep and above all emergencies I know you know this but don't forget to match the antenna to the radio thank you for the video

[@DirectCurrent4u]

Alan, Thats a real sweet Radio! With a nice Base Antenna You will be able to do some talking for sure! Keep up the great work and look forward to Your next update after You got it all set up. 👍

[@CharlesLScofieldJr]

You said you bought three of the same radio, I would suggest that you take one and put it inside of a large military metal ammo box along with the mike, and the coil of the antenna. If we have a EMP attack at least that radio would have some protection otherwise it would get fried.

[@ryanmorgan5677]

A plain ammo can will do nothing against a direct emp attack. Not to mention a plain copper wire antenna will not be effected by an EMP. He is relying on technology he knows nothing about. Just regular ol prepper porn.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

​@@ryanmorgan5677 FARADAY applies, construct accordingly, use and store.

[@I_AM_the_ITGuy]

This is a person who has more ideas than time or money. Which is much better than having no ideas but lots of time and money.

[@loueckert4970]

Ham operator since high school. Easy to pass FCC technical test. 73 de KT1R

[@hillslide]

THIS! I'm a truck driver and see so many new guys out here with no radio. Great to have somebody out here advocating for CB/HAM radio. Mine isn't ham but one day. I've got an amplifier on it putting off 350 watts so I can get out a few thousand miles with the right conditions.

[@-108-]

You can get out a lot further than a few thousand miles with the right conditions. I talked to Hawaii one time from So. CA on 150 watts through a K-40 in a mobile.

[@woodsinme]

You kids and your radidios.

[@-108-]

@@woodsinme CQ DX! CQ DX!!

[@DaveStewart-qo4bd]

With a properly trimmed dipole antenna for the frequency you are going to transmit on, you can talk half way around the world on 4 watts on a QRP radio. Ham operators have been doing it for decades.

[@hillslide]

@DaveStewart-qo4bd my antenna is only as long as I'm going fast my man but that's bad ass

[@peterfiala585]

Thanks man. Appreciate the heads up and prepatory concerns. Your a good man..

[@Janet-sf3tq]

Are you call yourself The Wizard. Enjoyed your lessons today, until next video.Your always thinking ahead.Love them!

[@tc2425]

We purchased the CRT SS6900v this past summer in Romania....cost was about $270 Super clean audio and no ignition noise ....covers 25 to 31 Mhz

[@dannyccollige1711]

I bought old thoughts. Cb radio back 70's . I have people in California from Michigan. Michigan to Texas, so on. With regular base unit. I still have Cb radio in storage now.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

Grab one with FM mode, try an ensure it has CTCSS/DCS as it's a handy feature.

[@briandepoppe7209]

When I was a kid in Minnesota, I would park on the ice and pack snow around the tires. Pour water on the snow and listen all around the country. Wonderful memories. Let's be friends. Your a worker my friend. Brian

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Alan, The Wizard knows everything about anything !

[@libertyroads7342]

CB is a great option and those 11 meter radios are awesome if you ever need to turn up the power and reach somebody. I just discovered your channel today and have been watching a few of your recent videos. Can't wait to see the fortress complete! Just a side note from a HAM / GMRS guy. Most of the off-road community has moved from CB to GMRS because it works just outside the 70cm band and allows up to 50 watts. It won't skip off the atmosphere like a CB but the signal propagation is quite different. This is an over-simplification, but imagine a low gain antenna puts out the signal in a donut shape pattern. It can sort of go over hills and obstacles, but doesn't reach very far. A high gain antenna is more like a pancake. It goes farther but doesn't work so well at reaching someone over a nearby hill. Might be worth checking out with your terrain up there. Could even setup your own GMRS repeater using channels 15 through 22. I still prefer HAM because of the repeaters, digital modes, and other options though.

[@tommyhardin8720]

Allen make sure you set your swr reading on you rado. Matches antenna and radio for better performance. Your looking for a 1.1 to a 1.3 on your metet.

[@todddewell6314]

Thanks for your video. I was big into shortwave and loved it. I built my own antennas a long wire and a dipole and could listen to the ham radio guys from all over depending on the conditions.

[@jeanries434]

Please know you are teaching a new generation important skills. Encouragement, hard work, turning from useless endeavors, belief in their abilities that God has given them, finding their dwelling and their purpose. Using You Tube to its maximum for good. God bless as you continue on your path.

[@dougsnova1]

CRT radios are actually built by Anytone in china for CRT. Just labeled different .Anytone/CRT are about the best stable CB/10 meter units on the market today.Better than anything galaxy builds. I've been in the radio game since about 1964 and tried about everything ever sold.

[@chrispierce2942]

Yup this is just an anytone quad 5 relabled

[@Oldtimered]

From way back in the 70's I, was a CB nut. Had my reliable JC Penny, 23 channel radio in my Ford Pinto. Had a few handles; that was what we called our radio names, Hunter, Night Owl and then one was given to me in the USAF, SNAFU. Seemed everything I did or anywhere I went a problem would occur from a whole different area, or machine. That curse has stayed with me ever since.

[@vantelontheroad1750]

Good video. Glad you Mentioned that a license is required

[@ralphbuschman3364]

I agree with other posts a good antenna, grounded properly will be huge. The higher or taller the better. I once lived on top of a hill in town I lived in. Adding a 20 foot pipe over top of roof got me range similar to a directional antenna. The side band was easy way to add range and clarity when trying to use atmospheric skip.

[@Spawn303]

1:11 that moon on you right shoulder is super cool shot

[@randyc4959]

Pursue a ham radio license, go for whatever they call the highest level now. It will expand your options greatly. Other modes include packet/APRS, Slow Scan T.V. and the most reliable of all, C.W. (continuous wave aka morse code). I've been out of the loop for a while, but I think there are other "modes" in the digital world that are now an option. With the top license, you could even do E.M.E. (Earth-Moon-Earth, or 'moon bounce'). I'm an 'old school' ham operator, every license level was hard fought for. I had to go to the Federal Building to take the theory test to get my tech level license. 10 years later I decided to double down and get my 13 wpm code test and get my General class. By then, testing was being handled by higher class operators in the local clubs. They took the 20 wpm test first, and I decided to participate as a "warm up" for 13 wpm. I passed it. They could have pushed me over with a feather at that point, until they told me I had one year to get my extra class theory or I would have to take the code test over again ... suddenly, I'd made more work for myself. It's been worth it, though. The mode I've enjoyed the most? SSTV! We were trading MEME's long before it became a thing on the internet! Most surprising contact was a man named Chester that lived in Tennessee (let's see how many figure that one out!).

[@lunkerzinc.8718]

The Apocalypse is coming pretty quick Allen, I hope you can get your castle all setup in time

[@alkennedy1124]

Yes uppers and lowers ham, all the way around the earth right, thanks BigAl

[@tomhendricksen1805]

The SWR bridge you are inserting inline between the radio and antenna does not need to stay there if you don't want. This model is useful for measuring output power of the radio, but also for measuring the standing wave of the transmitted signal. In other words how much power is not accepted by the antenna and reflected back to the radio. It is also useful for tuning the antenna bor the lowest returned power. Longer antennas work on lower frequencies. Shorter antennas work better on highter frequencies. if you adjust tha antenna so that the SWR is the same on channel 1 as it is on channel 40 you will have a lower SWR on the channels between. If you do get a Technician class Amateur Radio licens you will be authorized to use frequencies above 50 Megahertz. For lower long distance frequencies you will need a General class or higher license. Your review of this radio is very good and I will look into locating them and possibly offer them with my service/repair offerings.

[@chrispierce2942]

Same radio as the anytone quad 5.

[@AEZAEZEL-187]

The CRT brand is from France but the actual radio that CRT makes are from Romania. I also have a CRT radio. It is the CRT SS 7900 and CRT SS 9900. I highly recommend the CRT radios. Have fun with your hobby!!!

[@truckindawg1]

It’s funny I literally did a search for best ham, radio for the apocalypse. I can’t believe your channel popped up lol. Love you guys and everything you guys do. Truck driver from Central Oregon.

[@macgyver5108]

The age old radio maxim: "A watt is a lot and antenna is _everything!"_ There's a really effective antenna design you can build yourself out of coax called a Bazooka, or even better yet a double Bazooka (a dipole like "rabbit ears" vs a single vertical whip). There's several videos how to make them and I've got a couple tricks of my own to make them a cleaner design if you're interested.

[@kramwilliams9768]

Nice, I’ve been wanting to put a SSB in my sailboat. Got to love the ionosphere. Great Video

[@wushock92]

You're so smart, passing your Technician exam will be a cake walk. That ham signal you heard was upper sideband. WØRHP

[@ericpeterson9051]

Back in the 90s my father and Uncle used to talk to people in Scandinavia and in Australia and my dad also had a friend in Alaska with their ham radios from New York

[@underwaterspottersofkentuc7171]

Ranger makes a great radio that is CB and HAM capable.

[@Trent28888]

Im a amateur radio operator here in tassie but the stryker radios are better for alot but what u need is a antenna analyzer as they are ALOT better than a SWR meter but u could check out the moxon antenna calculator or just a simple yagi and get alot more out of it and btw the 10M amateur band is USB from 28MHz to about 29MHz and then it goes FM and the VHF and UHF part theres a thing called tropospheric ducting and with a yagi u can bounce it off a mountain if ya not usin a repeater and that will extend the range

[@jungleman4921]

Ive just bought the CRT SS 7900V, for my Motorhome.Have not installed it yet.

[@deshb22]

Very cool. Would be neat to set up a time/channel so we could start a "talk with Alan" club

[@ki6hzs]

You need to get a multi-band HF transceiver. What you have is 10 meter radio that’s been modified to cover 11 meters. I would recommend a Icom 7300. And for god’s sake, get a docent base station antenna. The mag mount you have is fine for a mobile, get an Antron 99 for the fortress. Love that you are excited about radio. Sounds like you may have help but if you need some more advice on the subject I’ve been into CB and Ham radio for 50+ years. Enjoy!

[@w.rustylane5650]

Since I'm a general ham operator, my CB radio is my Yaesu 991a which had the MARS mod done so I can use it on 11 meters. Plus the fact that I have several old CB radios in the closet so I'm set for the apocalypse. I use an Antron 99 for my CB antenna. Of course I paid a good deal more than you did for your radios. Cheers & 73 from K9POW in eastern TN

[@mtnfortresslabs]

Tots Wizard!

[@thelifewedo]

Breaker breaker. A few weeks ago, I installed a CB in my truck. I miss the days of listening and talking on the airwaves....boy times have changed, no truckers talking and bantering, nothing (up here in Alberta, Canada) At least i can listen to the skip on overcast days.

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

Your radio, FM mode capable?

[@thelifewedo]

@tigerlilypritchard1237 I've no idea. I picked up 3 different Cobra 29s. I'm running the WX NW ST right now.

[@barrymeyer2805]

A really great video you put up. I just put up a 5 antenna Pole. With HF UHF VHF scanner and two CB radios. Like you said with everything coming down thank you for sharing your video it's great

[@ve2cii]

One other thing. CW does not mean continuous wave. It means carrier wave which is a mode of transmit/receive.

[@ComandoRebelles]

Perfect radio, this model is the best choice in this days. Enjoy

[@Wvbackinthebrush]

Cb radio is very while alive all frequencies it's making a come back just listen to channel 6 or 28 can hear station's all over the world. We use cb everyday here in wv.... Allen where the fort is you would be able to talk all over definitely look at linear amplifiers and a base station antenna also. Hopefully hear you on the air. 73s

[@richardmcmahon8113]

Alan, you've inspired me! I purchased a CB for our van 4 years ago but haven't installed it yet. Gonna get 'er done. Thanks!

[@АлексейЛесуков-ч3ь]

That guy bought a Ham radio and don't even understand how sideband works? He thinks just by selecting USB or LSB and automatically hear them clear, no he has to use the clarifier button and tune it..🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😆😆😆

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

US CB allows now FM mode in addition to AM and SSB. So grab a CB with AM & FM as a minimum. FM is nicer car to car, car to base - than AM. A feature of FM on some models, is CTCSS/DCS; you can set a Code to a channel, and with squelch Off, won't hear a thing on that channel, UNLESS the radio hears that Code. Great, for a much quieter household, where historically, other signals like carriers, noise, will often break squelch, annoying the hell out of the residents; so, grab an FM rig with CTCSS/DCS for a much quieter household. You'd tell your friends, we're on this channel, but you must enter this CODE for us to hear you!! Just don't set those CTCSS/DCS Codes on the emergency channel 09, or SSB call channels (38LSB US/35LSB AUS Pacific) or any Road Channel, like 19.

[@Mr.Avuncular]

Get you license fior amateur radio its not difficult wizard! Ive had mine since the 80's They are great tools of communication!Youve got the best place to put a Antenna up on the mountain my friend,you should do well

[@ralphbuschman3364]

CB radio has been around and popular since the 70's.

[@ScottsRadios]

Thanks for sharing my info Alan!

[@Thegreatmryoshi]

My dad had a cb Radio o the apartment that was on all the time as he listened to people as well as the police and the ambulance. And he could talk to people too

[@Kathy98363]

Congrats on your new radio. Looks like you will be set up well. Keep Smiling. Stay Safe. God BlessYou!❤🙏

[@matknight]

Ive been on radio since 1979 Al, the 6900 is a much better radio than the 9900 imho. one thing i will say, a radio on top of your mountain will be awesome, you'll talk and hear for miles. good luck and 73.

[@Screamingtut]

FYI that radio is an Anytone AT-5555 PLUS rebranded I'm a Ham also on the 10 meter band they use USB

[@justnana2256]

Communication is very important in a crisis, so I hope you have people you can rely on to call for help or to give help to. ❤️👍🇺🇲

[@fatblokes_ferguson]

Hi Alan, I was a CB radio in the 80’s, I lived in a road terrace type thing, but I had a chimney so with a few metal brackets for the Ariel but a cable so it was helping the movement of the aerial. I had a 20 foot high antenna which helped me reach nearly reached to gateway airport area, I had a booster in-line to add power, I could transmit only south England, the reason for that was tower blocks between my Birds Eye view to the north. I lived in north east of London so I could reach about 50 miles. It’s great with your fortress holding the antennas high , you reach would be brilliant, as for the ham radio, it was something that I got involved with. Great job Alan AKA The Wizard.

[@aeromech8563]

Great radios man I got one a few years ago in England still have it mine is the 8800 use a Sirio 4000 megawatt antenna works a treat. Fred in the shed KZbin channel he loves these and does some awesome tutorials 🤠🇦🇺

[@brianbuswell6112]

Those were our cell phones back in the day , I had the Cobra 2000 base with the echo mic . And in the truck the Galaxy General Lee

[@milesunderwood2380]

👍 cool I have a license got it in 2011 KK4EGM glad to see you are interested in getting one

[@Superior_Autos_Motorcycles]

I’ve had CBs for 60 years , was a trucker in the old days, keep one in all my vehicles. Some are single side bands like what you’ve bought. I’ve got my 27 meg. license but never could pass the test for ham. I can imagine what all your got to be able to receive up on the mountain.

[@stevepeterpaul1541]

I never heard of this radio be4. Very interesting. Thanx for the info! Try to get a kicker to get out and a good mic. I like this radio Why can program the frequency. Like the Chinese radios. Later!

[@DutchmanRadio]

That thing can do SSB, that's all you need. Cool stuff man!

[@carlgruver695]

You strongly need a external speaker. and a good tower for your home base and a better mic

[@snipezilla69]

I didn’t know you were big into cb and ham I’m now a bigger fan of Alan and I hope to hear you on there sometime and say hello! I’m running a cobra s2000 with 75 foot tower Antron antenna and a Texas star 667v ;)

[@CindysGems]

Takes me back to being 4 years old. 50 years ago‼️‼️‼️‼️ Mom & Dad were in a CB club. Used them for farming communication as well. We stopped using CB’s about 1995.

[@jaycehall]

You gotta get at least your tech. The HAM community around you is very active, and there are some great repeaters right next to the fortress. Add to that you could mount your own repeater and be in complete control of your comms.

[@alisterwest6987]

Hi from the UK just subscribed enjoy the the channel 🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@hankdoughty4375]

Beofang hand held can be programmed for the cb frequencys ,gmrs and ham.

[@johnstoffel5885]

not CB

[@fishhaulergreatlakes8208]

FM's great for communicating the other people say like on a rescue or a recovery

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

CB FM mode, was legalised a year or so for the US. Gear appears in greater number for purchase.

[@billbradley2480]

The Fortress is perfect for a radio room. I was into CB radios years ago and we had a club here in town. It was fun because we’d get together and play games. I had a Uniden HR2510 Ham radio it also had the CB band.

[@-108-]

@@sheepwolf1stBut it doesn't require a HAM license to own, just to operate outside of the 11m citizens band. So he's good, cuz he will never TX outside of the CB... and never run more than 5w... and never use FM or CW on the CB... right? Hehehe

[@GemmaRussianInUSA]

​@@-108-FM is legal on CB in the USA now.

[@-108-]

@@GemmaRussianInUSAShut up. Are you f'ing kidding me right now??

[@-108-]

@@GemmaRussianInUSAOh hell yes!! I did not know that! Just looked it up. That's sweet. Now I can use my RCI 2950 and my Cobra 148 EX on the FM MODE. Hahaha Cool. Thanks for the heads up!

[@GemmaRussianInUSA]

@@-108- No I am not kidding about FM on CB. Presdent radio is selling FCC type accepted CBs with FM now.

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

as always you find stuff most people don't even think of good job be safe god bless

[@thedude8046]

Its a good radio, i will be purchasing one👌

[@deancartwright9784]

In the mid 70's I used to drive Truck in the Western States. I had a 200wat Bi-linier amp on the CB and perfectly tuned dual antennas. If I was crossing Donner Pass I could reach a long, long way. In those days the police in Lewiston Idaho found if by parking in a certain spot along the RR Tracks they could talk to Florida in the City Police Car most any night.

[@slimshady6718]

I bet it was waters and Stanton , in Rayleigh Essex . A few miles away from me I bought my CB and police scanner from there many years ago

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Ham license are 35$ plus testing and there good for 10 years after that you just have to renew for 10 more years, I have a General Ham license for 20 years now and talk to 146 different countries.

[@johnkirby6547]

Hi Alan, glad to see you found the radio you wanted.

[@BOARDMAN16456]

I'm 47 from here in scotland, I used cb radio back in late 80s and early 90s,,

[@tigerlilypritchard1237]

Re-install. What channel do you guys use for road use, and FM Call??

[@waynegnarlie1]

It's true. CB does skip long distances from time to time, but always in the daytime. I once talked to a trucker near Charleston, SC from Los Angeles at about 3PM one August afternoon on five legal watts, lol.

[@bradlong7941]

Hmmm. I have had the best luck around twilight time with 11 meters. Day can be very good but I have gone cross country at night like the other guy is sitting next to me. Most times, 11 meters goes line of sight at night ☹

[@davepatti2296]

Solarcon A-99 is a great base station antenna, for both CB or 10m.