CB still exsists. Many of the old timers in the US still use AM. But if one wants to increase their chances of being heard in an emergency on CB, they'll need to familiarize themselves with the SSB (Single Side Band) aspect of CB. As far as RFI goes, it's quieter, you legally get 12 watts, and there is far more traffic on SSB when conditions are right. CB, on the AM side is still of some use locally as has been mentioned, but much less range. I've had similar difficulties finding local call channels on AM, but here on the Island, just a couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with Alberta and Alaska in the same evening on 38 LSB. While hunting, I've talked to Ireland, Italy, Australia and others from the mobile in my truck. It helped that I was up on the mountain, and there was favourable solar activity, but that's not happening on AM.
There are some excellent, well built old radios out there if you know what to look for, and where to find them for cheap cheap. I also think that if you have one in your vehicle, you should have a base station at home as well. There are a few of us up here who are fairly well equipped in this regard.
RU
A whole lot of tech I know nothing about. One more topic to research....
Nagol, it isn't really 'one more topic to research'. The theory is all the same in radio. If you wish to use ANY radio to its full potential, especially in SHTF, research will be necessary. Ham is more expensive, and if you want to be legal to transmit, you'll be doing alot of research. CB is an excellent intro to two way radio communications, and it's so cheap that if you wreck some equipment, you hardly feel it. But to each their own.
RU
sorry for delayed reply, i have been flat out on many fronts and had no time to catch my breath let alone catch up on internet things, and finally after long trials and much messing about by the powers that be, i have my canadian residency, so im here in NS or good now so woo hoo on that..haha,
Thanks Denob, i tried channel, 19 round these parts ..not much success, but then again, there wasnt much chatter on any channel, Nagol, yes i heard some guys talking an said channel 9 was indeed still monitored, but it was in no way regular or reliable as to when or for how long anyone monitored it... but i still have cbs on hand as i feel they are more use than people realise, Nagol, no need to drill holes in your truck at all, you can get very strong magnetic base antennas, and even better than that, you can get the new breed of super strong magnets that will stick your cb rig to any exposed metal, my one tip on this is, for the antenna and rig, make sure you use some thin soft cloth between magnet and bodywork, this helps stop any scratches as you mount or dismount the gear... cheers guys,
Congrats on getting your Canadian Residency!
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/
CB radio still exists in some places more places than others.
I have studied for my Ham license, but over here is a pain in the ass, so I mostly do 11 meters freeband and occasionally listed to ham 10 meters.
a CB radio is a good tool , better if it has SSB capability (focus all the power an reaches farther). I use mine mostly in home with a 30 AMP power source and a stationary full size antenna . Even on these times of low sun spots (limits how far the signal reaches) I hear Argentina, Central America in a daily basis, in a couple years after the deep has passed and sun spots start to increase no doubt I will hear Europe and Oceania.
Some radios can be modified to operate outside of the 40 regular channels (illegal in most places), but as long as you are not a dick, no one cares an many people uses 11 meter frequencies without trouble (freeband).
The radio I use also puts about 2 or 3 times what a regular CB radio puts (export ham radio). No problem to listen on many frequencies, and just not be a dick, learn a litle and you can transmit on many too.
Radio will always exist so long as one has the ability to create radio waves. As for CB's popularity, in my area it is almost non existant, although I do see a few vehicles with antennas here and there. The lack of popularity could be an asset though. CB radios can be found for next to nothing at garage sales and flea markets. Almost anyone could afford to put a used CB set in a vehicle. So long as you can provide power, you have a source of local comms. The lack of popularity also means less people are likely to be listening, but remember, as with any radio wave, anyone with the ability to receive can listen in and you would be none the wiser.
