How much is the CB used anymore?

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by GreenMonster9669, Oct 3, 2014.

  1. GreenMonster9669

    GreenMonster9669 Medium Load Member

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    I've been out with my trainer for a couple of weeks and I can count the number of times somebody has broken the squelch on the CB on one hand and still have fingers left over. I've been through traffic backups, lane changes, open scales, you name it--the radio stays quiet. A couple of times when he's used it he's gotten replies so I don't think it's a radio problem. He says that it's just that quiet out there these days. If that's the case I might not bother buying one for my truck when I go solo.
     
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  3. kor b

    kor b Light Load Member

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    Not a lot of CB activity anymore. I wouldn't think of not having one nonethe less. If you have it on most of the time you will learn of traffic backups and other road conditions. sometimes it's fun to listen to the chatter at the bigger truck stops.
     
  4. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    It is true that there is not much activity on the band anymore. I go days without keying the mic sometimes. But there are those times when I'm very thankful I have one in there. Occasionally I will still get in a good conversation with another driver, sometimes one I know, sometimes a total stranger. It has come in useful several times this year when deciding which way to go west from Memphis (road construction). With the restrictions that are being placed on phone usage by most companies, I'm wondering if CB might make a comeback. Course it seems like if there are more than two people within range, one of them will be a wise guy, complete idiot, or a CB Rambo!

    The other reason you might not have heard much is the present day stock antenna set-ups on most late model truck are pretty much useless unless the one you are talking to is in sight. And, even then if you are on flat level ground they can get out of range before getting out of sight! Putting a good antenna and coax on your truck will enhance your listening experience about 100 fold!!

    Also, many vendors still utilize CB for directions on their property.

    But do you NEED one? No, you can get by without one and many do. My thoughts are that even if it only comes in handy now and again, I want one and I want it to work well when I choose to use it!!!
     
  5. GreenMonster9669

    GreenMonster9669 Medium Load Member

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    That's definitely the situation in my trainer's Cascadia. Wherever the antenna is, it's not mounted to the outside of the cab. The only antenna I've seen on the truck is a little one mounted on the upper rear of the cab that looks like one of the old cellular antennas you saw back in the 80s with the little coil formed in the center.

     
  6. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    Yep! I drive a Cascadia and am very well educated in their lack of a decent CB antenna system.
     
  7. HalpinUout

    HalpinUout Road Train Member

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    I haven't had a CB for the past 5 years... Don't need it, don't miss it...
     
  8. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    Ditto on the stock antennas, BTW, I'm not using the stock mounts or anything, but today someone was trying like heck with one, and a radio equipped with roger beep.

    I was able to figure out who he was by how close he was, and he faded out completely within 2 miles or less. There has been more talk lately, but it depends on what's going on and where you are at. Was something going on at the intersection of 294 and 55 yesterday, it got noisy for a few minutes.
     
  9. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    I've got a good radio and antenna and hear plenty. I'm not a big talker, but do key up once in a while. Had a good bit of chatter across SC on I-85 coming back home Monday night. 2 of 3 had good radios, so we talked for around 80-90 miles even though I wasn't running with them.

    When it gets quiet, or degrades into politics or racism, I just turn on the 2M radio and usually find some intelligent life on there.
     
  10. jessejamesdallas

    jessejamesdallas Road Train Member

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    Guess it depends on what your wanting to use your CB for as to how much use they get...

    Get on some of the other channels when DX is rolling and there's plenty of activity... A good decent set-up in a truck, and you can talk all over the Country. Granted, "Most" of what you'll hear, is guys mostly interested in just getting their names called, and then they move on. But if you get on some of the less crowded channels, it's not that hard to find someone who likes to carry on a conversation for a while.

    If all your interested in with a CB is road conditions and smoky reports on channel 19, then you may find the CB is Not what it was 30-40 years ago...Get you a smartphone with unlimited talk-time and a GPS instead.
     
  11. mike5511

    mike5511 Road Train Member

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    Funny you would take the time to read posts on this forum.....much less comment if that were true.
     
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