10/12 Meter vs Export Radios vs CB

[Stage 1]

Just a general question on functions and advantages of current mobil radios such as CB vs the new 10/12 meter transciever vs what some call the export radios. I am totally new to radios beyond the old type CB radio. Can the 10/12 Meter and export radios function on CB frequency along with other frequencies. Who is using what on the highways. Any suggestions, my main goal is to communicate w/other travelers and pass time on long trips. Any good reference materials on the functions of these different types of radios?
Thanks,

[GBurton]

Stage 1

The question that you asked is a very interesting one. The

[FisHn2DMax]

George is right!

CB is known as the "garbage band" and I really don't really blame people for looking for considering alternatives to the standard CB radio. However, the use of the illegal 10/12 radio is NOT the anwser!!!

For years some CB single Side band operators have been modifing their radios to "slide" into nearby frequencies (10 and 12 meters) so they could get more reliable long distance comunications by getting out of the CB band congestion. The problem is as George stated, these illegal radios and communications interfere with legitimate radio services and are subject to big time FCC violations and penalties. Ham radio operators in the 10 meter band are very capable and often track down and notify the FCC of illegal radio operators using the 10/12 radios.

Here's some suggestions:
Buy a domestic un-modified CB radio and set it up to scan channel "19". This is a very good channel to have while traveling down the highways of America. Truckers are very informative and monitoring this channel can be very helpful with road conditions and problems ahead. If you want longer range CB communications, Get a ( un-modifed) Cobra Sideband model. You can find them on E-bay once in a while.

There are other alernatives for Non-licensed personal communications including the newly opened UHF FRS and GRMS band radios. These are for 2-5 miles communication and have many, many channels and 100's of sub channel options. If all you need is 2-5 mile personal communications, this is the way to go. Most FRS radios are under $50 and the GRMS/FRS combination 2 watt radios (5 mile) are now under a $100.

Of course the ultimate is Ham Radio, and if you're interested, just let me know and I'll get you the information you'll need to get started in Ham radio. Or you can visit WWW.ARRL.COM

Good Luck...

WB7CQM Gordon :D

[Stage 1]

George and Gordon,
Thanks for the information on the purpose of the various radios available today. This helps out a lot in my decision on which radio to purchase. I will do some thinking and checking out of the web sites provided.

thanks again,
Les

[SoCalDieselNewbie]

Ok, it is now time for my dumb radio/ham/cb question...

Why are 10/12 meter radios that have been "full band" modified illegal is the United States?

[denverdale]

Ok
It seems like there are a few Ham operators that drive Duramax's. Is anyone interested in forming a net for Duramax owners.
Denverdale
KA0SRP

[FisHn2DMax]

SoCalDieselNewbie,

To the best of my knowledge, just owning a 10/12 modified CB radio is not illegal in the US.
If operating (transmitting) with out the proper license, Power and within allotted frequencies, then you're in violation of FCC rules. Also, some "modified" imported CB radios coming to the US are not "FCC type accepted" to the FCC US standards. This means they could cause RF or EFI interference to other communications, TV, radio etc.., due to their poor engineering and construction. The import radios could cause interference just by turning them on, and therefore subject the owner to FCC penalties and fines.

So to clarify, I don't believe it's illegal to own, but if you use it, you'd better have the proper license and work within the power restrictions and assigned license frequencies.

You can get a Technician class ham license now days with NO morse code requirements. With a little study of basic electronics and fCC rules, just about anyone can now enjoy the many benefits of ham radio.
:D

[Dave_WB3FYV]

Stage 1 -
You'll spend a lot of extra money for a 10/12 (or 10/11) meter radio that quite possibly won't work as well as a $30 un-modified CB. The receiver on my $1000 ham radio in the truck is extremely sensitive so I can hear guys talking in Austrailia on the ham bands, but it also picks up a LOT of hash on Channel 19, to the point that it's hard to listen to for very long and things just don't sound right. If all you're looking for is someone to chat with while cruising down the highway, get a quality CB radio and use it for it's intended purpose. Channel 19 is a wealth of information, and abuse, and language that may make a sailor blush - but when the weather turns bad that's where I go. The modified or 10/11 radios may give you more channels, but you may have a hard time finding someone to talk to outside the Citizens Band 40. Trust me, I spend a lot of time driving and listening, there are really very few people on Channel 57 !!! Keep in mind that most CB's aren't modified and not everyone owns an 'export' radio.
Save your money, put it toward some new accessory like the Juice or gauges or running boards or better headlights. Just like modified Ham radios aren't always well suited to operate in the CB range, modified CB radios don't work very well outside the standard 40 as a Ham radio. You get what you pay for, but why buy more than you need? If you really like to talk, get a Ham Radio license, buy a full fledged ham radio and talk to the world! Like others have said, it's a lot easier now, compared to 1976 when I had to visit the FCC, and I'll be happy to help you out!
Several of us have combined CB and Ham radio, so you'll find a group of licensed ham radio truckers operating legally on 20 meters, 14.3025 Mhz to be exact. You'll get a lot of the same info as Channel 19, but also some intellgent conversation and since the range is greater - the conversation can last a lot longer!!!!
Radio Shack used to sell a book title "Now You're talking" as a ham radio primer, not sure if it's still in print but it might be something to look at if you're not sure which way to go.

SoCalDieselNewbie -
Full Band modified is a mis-nomer. The 'full' citizen's band is broken up into 40 channels, and Type Accepted radios are designed to operate on those 40 frequencies only. Yes, there are 'channels' in between several of the normal 40, but other services use them at a cost and expect their rights to be protected. ( I have an antique model airplane Radio Control unit that uses the space between channels 3 and 4 ) There is no reason to modify a CB radio to cover the 'full' band!

[Dave_WB3FYV]

Denverdale,

Yes, I would be interested in a Duramax Net.
What did you have in mind? We're pretty spread out across the country, are you thinking of HF? I usually hang out on 14.3025 since I'm mobile when not working...

Do you think your question deserves to be asked as a New Topic, get it out in the open a little more? :D

[Stage 1]

Thanks to everybody for all the imformation, very helpful. Still thinking it over, will likely start w/a CB radio for now.

[chevmeister]

I have a midland 79-290 AM-USB/LSB-Weather. How can I go about getting my ham license so I can use the other channels in this radio. I have 240 channels?? I believe I have the 10 meter band in there too. What does the ham license entitle you to??

If anyone is interrested I can tell you how to get all these channels out of this radio. I have the directions but didnt do them myself. There there for you ham operators that want them. And no I dont use them. I know there in there and how to get to them. Other than that Im not gettign locked up trying to use something im not licensed to.

[GBurton]

chevmeister
For more information about getting a Ham radio license take a look at this site: http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html

George
k7wwa