Why Aren't We Talking About This?

[@billdivine9501]

I’m in the disaster area. Just a week before the fire I was talking to a neighbor about this very issue and why people need a cb radio. He replied telling me that the cell infrastructure is very robust and won’t fail. And here we are.

[@FarpointFarms]

I will say a few prayers for you and everyone there, fires scare me more that anything. I am sure he is reliving that conversation to this day and wondering how he can get a cb radio

[@3dtexan890]

"Some people", ask me about my 102" whip on my truck and my answer just seems to float right over their heads. CB radio, who uses that? It seems the good -olé-days of CB is gone. Well not with me. There still are a lot of us out here. lol

[@FarpointFarms]

That is how I feel, they don't want to understand. They are the same ones that complain when their cell phones stop working and they can't get help

[@ryanhealy3074]

My father asks me that question on a semi-regular basis. Besides it's the only antenna that's functionally stable (shorter whips have SWRs over 3:1 where my mount is), CB is still the ultimate fallback that damn near anyone can get their hands on.

[@jonathanwbecker3073]

10 8 and 10 10 my brother !!!!

[@johnkelley6278]

This video shows exactly why CB Radio is still important and available. Thanks!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@garrettlindgren4626]

Excellent video. It made me reflect back to my experience in September of 2001. When terrorists attacked America, cell service in NY was virtually nonexistent. Payphones were no longer a thing. Folks trying to get help by calling 911 for police, fire rescue and EMS couldn’t get through. The only way one could communicate with emergency personnel was to use the ‘ancient’ fire alarm boxes located on street corners. They still worked. Sadly, in the wake of the worst terrorist attack ever to occur in the U.S., city fathers have seen fit to remove many of these devices as a cost cutting measure.

[@ed1968man]

Because they worked and overlooked them. They won't make that mistake again. We're on our own.

[@FarpointFarms]

For us when Helene came through. the newer tech was not working and the emergency departments dusted off the old stuff and reinstalled them. That technology worked perfectly- I am sure they are glad they kept it around. After that, I am sure that they will keep it just in case they need it again

[@erikferguson71]

This is the whole reason I decided to get into radio beyond listening to the scanner. For anyone interested, the time is now. Don't wait until you desperately need a thing to learn about it, because in an emergency that's too late. Back-up power, scanners, shortwaves, CB, GMRS, FRS are all good to be acclimated with. Even a cheap little HT radio will often have NOAA weather built in, and maybe even a flashlight and FM radio. All things that can become very valuable when the lights go out and you need to find out what's happening.

[@KurtClark]

Our neighborhood in the Seattle area lost power for four days after a massive wind storm last November. Cell towers in the area were also without power. Luckily I had all sorts of battery-operated handheld radios - CBs, Ham and FRS. I gave each family member at the house an FRS radio so we could keep in touch around the neighborhood. Range was 1/4 mile and it fit in our pockets. After power was restored i bought pairs of FRS radios for the neighbors and told them to find me on FRS channel 12 if they needed anything in an emergency. Two-way radio is still relevant for sure!

[@mikehamby9723]

I put together a presentation of auxiliary communications for communities - years ago - these events have confirmed those beliefs - your a great neighbor - we have gotten totally reliant on our cell phones - dabbling with Meshtastic now too. other investigation rocket chat with my own servier and wide coverage wifi

[@scottmorris4914]

And there are companies selling these push-to-talk radios, they say they work when cell service is out, yet they say it uses LTE to communicate. This is what people think will save them in these weather emergencies. They need to be educated on these.

[@appalachianmagic6370]

Yeah (agreed), saw a rapidradio ad at the end of the video that specifically mentioned Helene, those weren't effective until about the second week after the cell towers started to get powered.

[@kirktinsley]

SOOO close to 100k subscribers! Congrats!

[@FarpointFarms]

It is all from the support of you guys. I can't wait to celebrate with you all

[@hartranft66]

digital comms go out. im getting a CB radio, right along with my GMRS and HAM radio simplex, alot of hams in my area are missing the point about emcomm. i live in Parma Ohio and this past summer we had a tornado hit. we lost power for 5 days. no one in the ham community in my area were on the repeaters reporting damage. im resolved to communicate with my wife when an emergency happens.

[@FarpointFarms]

We had Helene a few months back and the police/sheriff had to add back the old school radios in their vehicles because the newer tech did not work with no power/cell service

[@micwell2247]

Yeah repeaters go down and that's why I went with a good base unit. Skip is where it's at even if you are just listening. But yeah I've picked up some chatter on CB skip in California but very few

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

​​@@micwell2247 good point about repeaters shutting off sometimes.

[@V_for_Vovin]

@@FarpointFarms Is that because digital radios are tied to cell towers via network data, or because there are digital repeaters located alongside cell towers? I'm just trying to understand how this works because most people around here think magic runs the technology they use every day.

[@Bognerman14]

How do they work? No towers?

[@V_for_Vovin]

I am from the BC Interior, where we have massive fires every year. I have been trying to get all of my (HAM) radio certification and gear in order recently, and I am trying to get more involved in emergency management, especially with volunteer groups. What I have learned is that volunteer groups like SAR and HAM clubs are run more like cliques, and operate more like an exclusive club for senior core members to hang out. I even brought up how I want to get involved with emergency comms, where HAM stations are supposed to fill that role in emergency stations, and the local head club Fudd scoffed at me and claimed this would never happen these days. No preparation, no drills, no interest at all, they just want to meet up every weekend for breakfast to brag about how important they are.

[@theprophecyportal]

I have noticed more people locally on the cb radio, and they all are saying the same thing about having a cb radio as a backup. My family stayed in communication even during Helene using mobile CBs. I believe it will catch on if we keep spreading the word of CB radios. I get asked all the time what is that on your jeep. (Stryker A-10) Then I get to explain and try to persuade them. Some have taken the advice some have not. Waving from Maggie Valley, NC.

[@toddshook1765]

You are correct. My station at home includes ham radio both HF and vhf, gmrs, and cb radio. Just getting to someone with a radio that has ability to call a family member would be calming.

[@FarpointFarms]

So true- Just being able to check in and make sure they are ok is so important

[@Larrymarx]

This video is a great introduction to the need for *two-way-radio* as a second source of communication for all household, vehicles and outdoor activities... Thank you for sharing your knowledge and caring for others... I hope folks take you up on your suggestion...

[@alzeNL]

what a beautiful opening - and you are very right, in a country the size of the USA, having one of these radios would be a game changer. Thank you for this video and blessings to all those effected by the horrific fires.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@jcglock40]

Excellent point brother..just got back into 11 Meter !

[@markviers998]

I remember reading an article in one of the well known newspapers out of NY about using Ham radio after Katrina took out so many cell sites. The cell phone person they quoted in the article said "ham radio...it's better than nothing, but not much" Sadly, I think that's the mindset of a lot of people about CB, GMRS, Ham, they think the cell infrastructure is so robust they'll never need a backup option. Wrong!

[@mikehamby9723]

couple the FLDIGI application with ham radio even gmrs and suddenly you can do peer to peer text messaging over your cell or computer.

[@chrisreynolds6331]

I'm in the UK and I've bought a few PMR446 Walkie talkies (UK equivalent of FRS, licence free). Some people think I'm crazy but they don't consider the fact that during a power outage cell towers won't work for long, and analogue landlines have been scrapped so without power to the modem/router that's gone too.

[@KeithPaolella]

Right on point Erik. We take so many things for granted. Have a great weekend and take care sir!

[@FarpointFarms]

Appreciate that! I hope you have a good weekend too.

[@glyons1843]

Everyone should have a comms PACE plan. A lady I knew who was a professional photographer once told me when it comes to backups, "two is one, one is none."

[@FarpointFarms]

She sounds like a very smart lady- and very correct

[@Poisondartfart]

Bought a brand new Cobra mini 19 for $29 on Christmas Day from Amazons flash sale. I bought this CB for emergency use. CB is still used where I live here near Houston. All the plants and ports use channel 1 for emergency. I pick up the weekly radio checks. Since I live near Bayport Container terminal in Seabrook Tx, I get a lot of chatter from truck drivers on a lot of channels. I think it just depends on your location.

[@FarpointFarms]

It sounds like you're in a great location for CB use! That Christmas deal was pretty sweet.

[@johnblanton-fd3jf]

I'm glad you brought this up! This video will be shared with my adult children and other family members. Hope you're ready for our next cold weather event ;-)

[@FarpointFarms]

I hope your family will find it helpful! After Helene, it has really opened my eyes to communications. I am not looking forward to the snow, ice, and just plain frigid cold. I see my fireplace going non stop to keep up

[@rickreese5794]

Right On 😊

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@wmatay1]

I have a cb radio and a GMRS radio . I have been using them since the 70s. My wife and I talk often. Need to make sure everything is working properly. God Bless You and your family. 🔥🙏🗡⚔️🛡✝️🇨🇭🇬🇪🦅🏴⛪️

[@NCLong]

I agree with you 100%! I used my radios to find out which roads were open after Hurricane Helene and to find area's that did have cell reception.

[@FarpointFarms]

We did the same, it was the only way that we could find out where to get much needed supplies and what areas not to go to.

[@deletemeforevs]

The answer: humanity is so dumbed down through inaction and media that the most useful skills we used to have are now looked on as "lame" or "not cool." Really, society is far to immersed into bullshit and friviality to even bat an eye at reality anymore. It is a shame, as in yesteryear these "dorky and lame" things get lost and forgotten through time.

[@howard9550]

Excellent video Eric,I use CB and scanners in my house and my car.

[@ArrowheadGarage]

Freaking awesome video and you're right having a second means of communication during an emergency is a must!

[@rickreese5794]

Absolutely Right 😊

[@ToyotaPete]

👍 Good point, Farpoint Farms

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@randyripley7527]

Thank you Sir. I just ran across your channel.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are welcome

[@debbilinnebur2075]

This is definitely useful information. More and more people are looking at the useless things they have and ridding themselves of them, and considering their actual needs. Weird phenomenon are occurring with greater frequency and personal preparedness is more important than ever.

[@FarpointFarms]

You said is spot on- The situations are getting weirder and weirder

[@CoryRandomGuy]

This is one thing that i have been trying to tell everyone, always have a backup plan. I am a CB and GMRS operator analog radios will always be the go to when it comes to emergencies. I love your videos man keep up the great work.

[@wg99er]

I tend to find many Cb radios and FRS radios at the goodwill donation centers with the big blue bins for practically nothing. Sometimes they need minor repairs but most of the time they work great.

[@Macjohn1419]

Everyone wants convenience and put all of their faith in the status quo until it fails them. Those of us who are aware of fallibility of established commercial communications know that we need a backup in cases of emergency. I can communicate on all of the ham bands, GMRS and CB from my house and vehicle. Ready for anything. Great wake up video.

[@appalachianmagic6370]

For GMRS, that radio format became more effectual after the HAMs got/kept the generators online during Helene. We were able to pass messages to other GMRS user groups. GMRS coverage in WNC usually depends on a couple repeaters unless one uses simplex. For HAM: N2GE, W4MOE and the Bear Wallow generators had to be gassed each day unless the Feds had diesel up. CB fits a good niche between GMRS and HAM for a number of factors. Regardless, band plans are highly important, so was ARES.

[@raybennett8399]

P s eric, I just hooked up my nineteen seventy six kraco 2320 in my big rig? And the thing works great, I had to rewire a stock microphone. But I've gotten reports that it sounds crystal clear and loud. I could not live without my CB. In my big break, this is an absolute necessity

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree with you, the CB is an absolute necessity, even with all of the new technology. Glad to hear that you are using such a classic radio

[@tomlee8948]

here in Missouri we use CB & GRMS

[@FarpointFarms]

Sounds like you guys are pretty smart there- With having the New Madrid Fault in your backyard, it is wise to have other forms of communications

[@waynedoomad2573]

Right on Eric , they laugh at us when they see our antennas . My neighbor ask me what my iMax2000

[@FarpointFarms]

They can laugh until they ask us for help and they are no longer asking

[@roberthoffman4713]

We used to have the CB and a scanner on all the time. Then we started only keeping the scanner on. The reason we stopped keeping the cb on all the time is the reason why I don't keep it on today. I am in eastern on just about every channel there's someone going on about their agenda for hours on end, or the stations are clogged with I think its mud duck or the I 44 cb store. I looked up the cb store thinking it was near me because they stepped all over everyone else. It turned out that they are in Joplin MO. At least they don't use bad language, like so many others. But I keep them for talking to a few others that are local and still enjoy talking on them.

[@ericblair3009]

Good video!!! P.A.C>E. We have several CB radios, each vehicle has one and I have 2 se up at home. This along with our HAM radios. Many people say CB is dead [or dying] not so... Walmart does NOT carry ANYTHING unless they are turning a consistent profit on it, RIGHT? Well in every Walmart I have been in over the last 30 years [up through last week] there are CB radios and antennas so they must still be selling enough to make it worth while to them.... Several years ago I talked with one of the managers about this and after looking it up on his store computer he said that on average each store sold 20 of them a month [20 radios x 1,000 store in the region = 20,000 radios a month] THAT is a LOT of radios!!! I recall one time I heard about a tornado touch down on the CB before I heard it on the HAM NOAA Sky Warn Frequency.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

I’ve wondered the same thing. You see all those winter pileups on interstate highways in the winter, and wonder how much of that could’ve been avoided if more truckers and motorist in general had a cb in their car? I get asked about my cb in my truck from time to time.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree, they could have tuned in to hear that the roads were pure crap due to the weather. They could have listened in and heard that it was bad already and just stayed put. Much safer that way

[@DCDura]

Good conversation in this video. Doubtful few Law Enforcement dispatch centers and road units monitor CB as they once did. Channel 9 is overrun with spanish speaking stations running high power working skip/DX. I've driven hundreds of miles on trips on interstates and even channel 19 is silent and this has been noted while sitting in traffic caused by some incident. So the trucking community while having the radios in their rigs seemingly has abandoned this simple technology. I've only hit activity in isolated areas-hyper local where the people in that community do use it for the exact way you describe. But I doubt Law Enforcement does. I'm sure there are exceptions. You are absolutely correct on the addiction to cellular devices and their belief that they will not fail. Even First Net will fail under the right circumstances. I hope we can change the perspective. You'll be hard pressed to find leading emergency management agencies at all levels of government working to change this attitude and for individual and family preparedness to do more than "make a plan".

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

I think channel 9 died out by the 80s.

[@danielsnyder2288]

I lived in LA area for 2 years. With all the hills, even when things are OK cell service was crap. Anything relying on line of site is going to struggle

[@FarpointFarms]

That is how it is here, too many mountains to try and get decent cell reception

[@Hairball786]

I've been trying to get my family and friends into radio for years. Decades... So far, zero interest. Thanks for the vid, Boss. 👍

[@FarpointFarms]

It's a tough sell, but keep trying!

[@raybennett8399]

Good morning, Eric. I agree a 110%. I'm working on my technicians license to get my ticket, but I do have a number of radios. Yeah, I've live in the Northwest corner of Morgan. And we get snow quite a bit, my little brother. He lives in Long Beach, California, and he just got himself a whole c. V rig First, mobile car question, what scanner are you using? And then analog one I have a bell thing I use it as a scanner. But I'd like a dedicated skin. Thanks be safe seventy threes

[@Siskiyous6]

I live right on the edge of service now.

[@jimp.7286]

Just throwing this out; even having two-way communication can be a nightmare in a disaster scene with dozens of untrained users all calling for help at the same time. Or giving poor information. Air-wave chaos. Which leads me to the original purpose for the ham service. It was supposed to provide for "trained" operators in times of civic need,... along with the contribution of the advancement to radio technology. So what's my point? Get something to talk on. But while you can, get licensed and most importantly - make connections with your community and other operators near you. Many of them find that part of the "service" the most rewarding - and you'd be another asset. Another related point; the moss landing battery storage facility on the central cali coast which is still burning on/off is causing many of us to wonder what's going on. It's burned before but this time,....there's timing that can't be ignored - ie; the inauguration. FBI wray just admitted to congress a few days ago that chinese hackers have completely infiltrated America's infrastructure. Fires at power stations. Drone swarms that are still happening as I post this with no media coverage. Wray stated that the ccp has no involvement. If you believe wray on that point or most any other - you're a fool. He has a track record after all. Cheers. 👍

[@patriot9455]

I keep an HT in my car, turned off, but the frequency was the 2Meter national channel. a CB set to channel 9 or 19 might be useful as well, a CB installed might be nice, even at 4 watts. a 50watt 2M radio can reach father and the absolute massive amount of 5 watt HT radios that could catch the signal and, hear the details. They might be able to get help out to you, but not if they can not hear and talk to you.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good point of they can't hear you they can't help you

[@jonathanwbecker3073]

Still have my base station and mobile and my call sign from yester year

[@JM-te6ot]

This is why we have CB base And mobil, as well as GMRS. Our family are similarly equipped.

[@FarpointFarms]

You family is smart

[@MikeStamos-v9q]

My favorite cb has been the cobra 25 night watch. I am also a big fan of motorola radios. The mototurbo r7 portable can be programed to transmit on a repeater as well asa non repeater freqcies.

[@FarpointFarms]

That night watch is a great radio

[@Thinks-First]

I bought satellite phones for me and my family. We had two large scale disasters in our area since then that took out the cellphone system. We had no problem communicating. In fact, I was able to meet one of my family members at a location to pick him up and take him to safety because the transportation system was no longer working. Instead of being stranded and alone, I got him and some of his coworkers home. Satellite phones are insurance. Look at it that way.

[@FarpointFarms]

I looked at satellite phones. but the cost was just too much for us. It is a great option though

[@voreshbo7031]

Not everyone has money gor sat phones

[@Thinks-First]

@@voreshbo7031 Work extra hours or get another job. It's not that expensive. You whining "can't doers" are so damn irritating. It's called WORK.

[@V_for_Vovin]

I ended up getting Starlink when it first came out because I lived somewhere rural at the time. First thing I realized was that it could be operated pretty much anywhere, as long as you had an adequate power supply (it is, in fact, extremely common to see them on work vehicles now). I also realized that this essentially rendered sat phones obsolete, especially with the costs that I was hearing about at the time. Anyway, what I found very interesting about the LA fires were some interviews with emergency management claiming they were hindered with comms because they were waiting for Starlink deliveries. If you think about it, Starlink equipment would be relatively rarer in urban areas because normally there is no reason to use it. Even if you did get a new kit in an emergency, you probably still need some way to phone SpaceX to activate the kit too.

[@Thinks-First]

@@V_for_Vovin They have Satellite texting that is cheaper than phones if money is a real issue. I think people are nuts not to have satellite communication of some kind. It's insurance. It's also very cool.

[@defaultuserid1559]

I still have a Midland Power Max (Model 77-250) made in Korea in 1987. I'm hoping it keeps working because it's a great performing CB. Time to pull it out and test it.

[@chadrides914]

Always scanning gmrs freqs on the road with my kg1000 and running 19 on my little cobra and 102 whip. Everyone thinks I’m stupid for still having radios. 🤷 41yrs young. My kids like radio as much as me!

[@micwell2247]

Had your area on my CB base unit during your event with the Hurricane and I'm in Pennsylvania... Also important is alternate ways to power your home base CB unit(s)... back up are always nice

[@mackspubliclandhuntingoutd6715]

thats why I bought a Solar generator.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Why Aren't We Talking About This?" 1. There is no WE. 2. Lovely Astatic D-104 microphone up in the corner! I used to have one of those; no idea where it is now. 3. I spy with my little eyes an Icom IC-7300 HF transceiver! You are well equipped.

[@GeorgeGaines-cx3hy]

You say you have no cell phone service where you live? Congratulations 🎉 I wish I lived there.

[@FarpointFarms]

It is fine by me. No one bothering you at all hours for silly stuff. It is a bummer when I actually could use reception,

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

I am surprised that gmrs is not more popular? Good short-range communication. It is a tough situation in CA.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree, my heart goes out to all of those affected there, it is so sad

[@jordihester3438]

Absolutely!

[@SigSoftNC]

I live in NC country- what HT should I carry in the vehicle at all times? Ham, GMRS, CB, any or all the above? I have licenses my wife not a Ham.

[@FarpointFarms]

Maybe one that is able to cover multiple bands- some of the export ones can do that

[@davebruins8623]

100 % right. great PSA.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

​​@@FarpointFarms keep sharing the truth and benefits for people to own a CB 11 meter radio and HAM radios ✅

[@ThalassTKynn]

Which system do people use, though? Is it still HF CB? GMRS? FRS?

[@FarpointFarms]

I think it depends on the area, for me because of my location, GMRS and the repeaters are hard for me to get because of the mountains. GMRS repeaters need power to work and after Helene that was not an option. CB still worked fine

[@marksutton8504]

What radio is that behind you on the right?

[@toymakerlarry1955]

It's a real shame what has happen to CB Radio i can remember way back in the early 70's i was real big into CB and really miss it we even had a CB Club and would meet once a month at the local Firehouse nothing like the good old days.

[@TractorWrangler01]

CB radio is a great public communication device.

[@seller559]

I have MURS, GMRS, ham access and cb with SSB. To be honest, if I need to make a contact in a hurry cb is where it’s at. Not enough people on the GMRS etc. tons of traffic on the cb.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are smart to have many options and know what one to reach out first

[@e.palpatine2464]

👍👍

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@ezl8002]

I thought the same thing when the disaster struck in Tennessee and North Carolina. CB radio will usually get through when even the police equipment is down since many of them rely on repeaters. Amateur Radio is also not the best solution since it's mostly used for long range DX unless the transceiver is unlocked to work on 10 meter or CB communications. People are too reliant on the cell system and the internet for information and communication. Could all of this be a conspiracy pushed by the GOV, I wouldn't put it pass them. The trucking industry used CB radio for years for road conditions, information on deliveries and routes. A satellite phone system would be down if there was a nuclear war since those satellites will be the first to be taken out for targeting and communications use. Take a look at the Ukraine war and what the military is using. Take a look at the loop antennas on the equipment which is highly directional and less noise prone plus resistant to jamming. For practical purposes CB radio is a real good tool for communications.

[@FarpointFarms]

For Helene, when the emergency communications went down, the emergency services installed old school cb to communicate. The other tech failed to work and they were scrambling to find a way to connumicate

[@2148aa]

Exit 49 off of I380 in Iowa. 1 mile from the scales. A99 5/8 wave Antenna. I asked for a radio check with 13 watts. 3 times times on channel 19/// Nothing. For fun truck stops the Elk Run Heights and Center Point won't do much better. Better yet. Call Walcott Radios and ask what frequencies they monitor???? Answer is they don't.

[@dougpope3045]

Facebook market is full of these things you don't have to have a hopped up one but a good antenna helps. I run a 1978 non Chinese Cobra 32 xlr weighs as much as an M 16A1 rifle .

[@zazugee]

In USA at least you can buy a CB. Here in Algeria it's not even an option. Only people who can get a license to buy s radio are petroleum employees or security. Radio amateurs only have a station at their clubs. The government put huge restrictions on guns and radio after the civil war back in 90's. Some people who worked at my past company got lost in the desert and died because they had no GPS or radio bc our government sucks.

[@rogersmith8480]

I AGREE YOU 💯💯💯💯💯!!!, BUT PEOPLE WON'T BECAUSE IT COST MONEY AND THE ONLY TIME THEY WANT ONE, IS WHEN THEY NEED IT NOW.

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

Ever been to a garage sale? You can get an old CB there for five bucks. The problem is probably the bother of hooking it up.

[@rogersmith8480]

@TomSherwood-z5l Am not talking about myself, just other people who are too ignorant and think they are invisible.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

radio is the best way for emergency coms. starlink is going to be the next best reliable thing. assuming you have power of course.

[@RCAvhstape]

Being reliant on oneself or not being reliant on the "system" has been increasingly viewed as something that people on the fringe or "extremists" or "conspiracy nuts" are into. Radio almost falls into that category, along with CHP permits and prepping. At best, you're viewed as a radio nerd hobbyist and kind of chuckled at. Younger people may use the "boomer" epithet as they doomscroll on their social media apps all day. I admit I've always been a bit of a weirdo in some ways but over the years events haven't dissuaded me from my believe that individuals who can take care of themselves and act with initiative make a better community and take care of each other better than those who stand around wondering why nothing works right waiting to be rescued. Here's to hoping the radio hobby is back on the upswing and has a bright future.

[@jonathanwbecker3073]

Got 4 with 12 volt battery and generator to recharge and emp protected

[@keithsafford3056]

CB and Ham Radio IS ESSENTIAL! Even before Helene and the fires in CA, a number of the major phone vendor's got hacked and there were outages (think AT&T, Verizon). I went to Newland, NC with my prepper group mid October, luckily we had cell service, had Internet, thanks to Elon, but there were many people "in the mountains" who had comms BECAUSE they had a Ham Radio - it may be a QRP (low power, 10W) and some had full power radios (100W) and were able to communicate their situation. AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL. Think CME, EMP, ..., ???.

[@curlyrooster118]

I,ve been buying up CB radios at garage sales for years.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are a smart person for that

[@TUKByV1]

Shared.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@roberthoffman4713]

I have several CB radios base station and mobile. I've been trying to get help to replace the coax on my base station. It's not super hard I used to do it myself. I injured my shoulder and I can't walk the pole up and down or I guess I'm afraid to with the shoulder. I have a few friends and we help each other out. But they have all had health issues and now they can't do that stuff anymore. I guess I could rent a lift but I really don't have the funds for that. I keep hoping to run into someone local will to help me for cash. I have really wanted to get a 50-watt gmrs as a base station to see if it is avtive in my area. In an emergency situation I think many people may show up on gmrs. Oh well at least I have the equipment and my mobile stuff all seems to work fine.

[@robertvance1873]

Just like when I lived in Lima Ohio and 2003 we had a Horrible Ice Storm CB RADIO was the only communication.

[@FarpointFarms]

Point proven that there needs to be other options. Thanks for sharing

[@robertvance1873]

@FarpointFarms I shared the video to Facebook and I am a part of some CB Radio groups maybe I can encourage them to get the word out to the youngsters Who think cell phones are the only option.

[@johnmoton4808]

Cb radio and Amateur radio will come thru when disaster strike.

[@Smith.Wesson.432UC]

I highly doubt Channel 9 was ever used during the LA fires. But at least it was an option.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

Ch 9 hasn’t been mo tired by police & fire dispatchers for years.

[@FarpointFarms]

That is a shame, it is a great option to have 1 channel to tune into

[@frankgutjahr8188]

2 unlocked Ham radios with GMRS,FRS LADD etc, 3 FRS and two walkie talkies along with my CB in the truck. I think im good. Main reason so many big trucks have accidents in winter is because 90 % of them don't have radios any more to warn others. People Don't realize how important these radios can be. Really, for the few bucks its costs for one, why not get one? I use mine all the time here in the back wood mountains of BC for my own safety on logging roads but also to monitor in case someone needs help. So ya, go spend the 40-50 bucks and get one. Its worth your safety. Sorry for the long drawn out comment lol.😎

[@dennissaunders1497]

the law has took their radios outta their cars

[@FarpointFarms]

When Helene came through and their communications stopped working, ours put them back in for he emergency. They were glad they still had them around

[@appalachianmagic6370]

@@FarpointFarms Exactly, VIPER was down and they depended on reports from N2GE and the Charlotte repeater to get emergency situation reports.

[@joseph.689]

Still very affordable. Got a new 40-chnl CB on Amazon, 53$. Then bought a decent antenna and SWR .. thing, for calibration. $100 or so. No excuse.

[@FarpointFarms]

Exactly

[@bobjones9727]

If it was not so serious it will be funny to watch the cell phone zombies holding their phones up in the air and freaking out when their service disappears. They have NO clue how vulnerable they are.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are correct- they seem to forget how it was before cell phones, we had to get creative and think outside the box.

[@NormBlow]

I am prettyhappy with my stryker. My son has one. My wife just is not interesred at all.

[@FarpointFarms]

Wait until she needs one, she might change her mind

[@NormBlow]

@@FarpointFarms one of the best things, is when grandkids start using a cb set. As for my wife... nope, she will never change her mind, she is pretty sure she is right, and will never change her mind.

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

The utility most of the time is not there. During the day now all your CB channels are full of loud "skip" which may alleviate mostly at night. Then at night you can talk a few miles probably if you got someone to talk to, to begin with. Lot of people are more in favor of that GMRS FMRS stuff just for clarity and less interference within their respective ranges. Also for CB radio, a full efficiency mobile antenna is pretty long, and anything shorter has reduced efficiency, down to the handy little bitty short ones which limit your range a great deal. A 3-4 foot magnetic antenna can be fairly good for range versus convenience. Remember CB used to use channel 9 for emergency only until complete and total anarchy took over CB

[@Chumley360]

I've made the point that CBs work when cell service doesn't for a decade or more now. Nine times out of ten I get laughed off as a kook or told to "Just get a sat phone.", by people without sat phones BTW. I mainly use mine on off-road trail rides since about 2010, but even in those situations CBs are scarce.

[@TomSherwood-z5l]

Yep. Gotta have someone listening for it to work. Or if you got skip you need 1000 watts for someone to hear you. Prearranged comms can work if there is not any skip loudmouths shouting.

[@ibetraveler5394]

Is anyone aware if local authorities monitor CB or GMRS? Found out they seem absorbed by their systems instead of monitoring civilian radio.

[@mosinmeister25]

I have a CB radio but I can't find a place to mount it in my Toyota 4-Runner where I don't bash my knees into it. I wish automakers would get away from these over cluttered dash designs.

[@danielkinsman1964]

I've been back to CB over the last 30 plus years. I won't be giving it up

[@danielkinsman1964]

Me and my wife and son have a CB in our cars and one at home

[@ewellcassidy7328]

ME as a HAM I still use CB and FPRS\GMRS raidos check the new ANYTONE 6666 pro great raido 100 watt on AM 140 watt on SSB 21 to 30 mhz !!!

[@willloudner2789]

I have a base setup in the house here in Oklahoma (As well as one in the truck and I have ham hand held's) I have talk to people in upstate NY and Florida. I can hear people from around the country, that's why I set it up so if the SHTF I can hear what is going on. The problem with CB's is the Crap you have to deal with using them. You can't just talk on them because of all the Morons just making Noise. Horsenut in OKLA

[@ThePolarBearProductions]

As someone who travels in areas where cell service is spotty. I want to get a CB. Sure most people On it nowadays are old truckers or schizophrenics just yelling obscenities into it. But even they respect Channel 9.

[@cheifreal]

Her in texasherw in texas 9 is beeing used as the spanish superbowl channel. Almost usless for any coms.

[@jasonbabila6006]

I used to be way much more into CB back in the 80s and 90s but not so much these days due to all of the skip shooters pushing so much power and out of alignment frequencies bleeding to the other channels and clogging the airwaves, once they clog up the airwaves I just turn the CB off, if someone else needs to contact me or I need to contact them I have the VHF radio.

[@pjo7281]

Hi Eric, have you seen the ATS-20+ 0-30Mhz receiver the size of a cigarette packet? might be worth a review (",) Love the videos btw

[@chrisschmidt4792]

Answer to the thumbnail is that people are stupid. Like others have commented, they’re easily fooled into trusting other means of communication. They’re stuck under the thumb of big brother and happy to be there.

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Another upside is having access to a radio is bill collectors can't bug you or woke social media can track you with a analog radio ham, CB, HF, 2M and GMRS.

[@RobertYonng]

Like rapid radios even though they keep claiming they will work. 🤬

[@houseofcluck]

a radio is better than nothing but when you got hundreds of people all using them at once in an emergency they quickly become useless. a quick note most modern 5g cellphones can connect to satellites in emergency situations with no cell service. the more you know.