10 meter radio question

If they want you, they can get you. The myth in CB radio is, a mobile can't be found, or that it is very difficult. Surely, you, too, are in the computer age where the advances in technology are quite astounding.
There are several ways to catch a driver operating illegally. If it is an FCC agent, you ought to SEE the state of the art of their equipment!! I HAVE! I did a ride-along with an agent several years ago and his "toys" were just amazing! Ever see "Tom Tom" or OnStar? It is satellite-based and, simply put, they-can-lock-onto-your-signal, get a BEARING to your vehicle DISPLAYED on their dash unit, tell WHAT EXIT (or road ) you are near, and what the DISTANCE is from HIM to YOU! The test gear is custom built
INTO THE DASH and looks as tho it came from the factory!!!! By the time, you realize something is up, IT IS TOO LATE!!!!! The vehicle will probably have NO visible antennas, and the ones they do have are disguised or look like cellphone antennas!!!! Uh Oh! You're BUSTED!!!

The other way drivers get caught yapping outside the CB band is thru the efforts of amateur radio operators. Remember: it is not the hams coming down onto CB, but the CB operators yapping on 10 Meters. They then go out while going to work, going on vacation, running errands and just listen and scan the 10 Meter band. They simply listen for drivers talking "on them thar 10 Meter 'channels" thar". Then they RECORD the company name, tractor number or DOT number, location, frequency of operation, date and time, then forward it to FCC as a COMPLAINT of illegal operators on their frequencies. FCC takes it from there. This is the way over 100+ drivers have been caught talking illegally on 10 Meters. Some of us may not like this, but the simple truth is, Drivers have NO business talking on 10 Meters without the correct license and the hams will NOT tolerate it (nor will FCC). Even with the license, the amateur bands are strictly monitored and must be used in accordance with Federal Regulations, and these rules do NOT allow for 10 Meters to be used in the way truckers try to use it.

Finally, drivers can be "snagged" at scales and truck stops by FCC agents themselves if the agents so choose. They may simply approach you, show ID and request to inspect your radio(s). And a word of caution! ALL radio stations---TV, radio, ham, CB, Marine, ANY transmitting station in the USA---MUST permit inspection on request by an FCC agent. Before you start getting all wrapped in the Constitution and righteous anger about your "rights", Search and Seizure laws do NOT apply here! Never did. You are responsible to READ Part 95 (CB Radio rules) to learn about the inspection requirement. By so much as transmitting with your CB, you are agreeing to abide by ALL the regulations pertaining---which includes allowing inspection. Now you CAN refuse to permit the agent to enter your cab....................BUT there's a "BUT"!!! A B I G "BUT"! The agent won't enter, BUT he will then issue you a BIG fine for refusing the inspection. The fine for the refusal will likely be WORSE than if you had just let him in!! Might've gotten just a warning.

The moral is simply this: You have NO "rights" to, nor business ON, 10 Meters with your illegal "10 Meter" radio. Stay OFF unless you DO have the license. Sooner or later you will be caught!!!

Gadfly

 

Oh I see the radio nazi is at it again.

People have been using high powered radios on the CB bands for years without any troubles.

Get your radio of choice and have it tuned to operate on the regular CB bands and watch your Ps and Qs and you will be fine.

Now if you go harassing people and transmitting anoying things then you may get a freindly visit by the radio police.

Thousands of truck drivers are using these things daily with no problems what so ever.

 

I agree with rat...use it smartly and you won't have a problem...I turn mine off when I hit a scale house, and stay on channel 19( 28.185 frequency) I never use any of the other 200+ channels my radio will transmit on. I've had it for years and no problems. I guess it might depend on where your at also, but around my neck of the woods, DOT is too busy hammering rock buckets to mess with CB's

 

27.185 MHZ

 

Ok, im trying to keep all this straight. If I get a 10m radio, and get the HAM license, can I legally operate on the cb channels? I would just like a radio that allows me so greater distance in the TX and RX. I understand that there are restrictions on the channels in the 10m band. And that I cant use the radio as BOTH a cb anad 10m radio trans.. Like I said, not trying to interfere with other uses of the radio, just want some power.

 

Legally, Nope.

I am not a radio Nazi but according to FCC law, you can not operate with more then 4 watts carrier on the CB band. Having a Ham card does not give anyone the authority to operate with more then 4 watts carrier on the CB bands.

That Export radio would have to be slightly modified to operate on the CB bands properly and internal modifcations are not allowed for the most part.

So leagally you can ot buy a 10 meter (export) radio to use on the CB bands.

Now if you want to get one then make sure you have a competent CB shop align it to operate properly on the CB bands. Watch your Ps and Qs with it and you will be fine. Go crazy and start locking down channels or stepping on people may cause problems and bring the FCC to your door and give you a warning or make you hand ovr your new radio.

 

Finally some common sense. I've been driving for 26 years and finally bought an export radio within the last 12 months and really don't know how I got along the last 25 without it. Ok some of the "hams" here I'm sure never drove a truck and all they are interested in is protecting their little radio spectrum but lets put it in perspective here your gone for weeks at a time you meet an old friend on the interstate going the opposite direction and you have a 53' aluminun wall between you and your friend wouldn't it be nice to actually talk long enough that they are actually out of sight in your rear view mirror before you lose them. Most "bigger" radios will do this. I generally have my radios power turned down to the point of most "4 watt" radios so I don't bleed all over the place or heaven forbid step on some radio nazi's swaztica. I don't turn it up until I need the horsepower. I am quite amazed at the pro "hams" stating you will be shot at sun up with no blindfold if you key up more than 4 watts. Its only a radio we are not taking a gun to knife fight as you "hams" like to make it out as.

OK rant is over I'm quite sure a "ham" will pick some part of this and quote it and try and shot a hole in my canoe but so be it. Bottom line is buy your export radio of choice (I"m not going into what is better because that will generate another arguement). Do some research I did, and listen to what your fellow drivers on the road like. I sure you will make the right decision. You won't regret it. Don't be afraid of what others say "will" happen. Yes in theory it may happen that you are :smt068 shot at sun up for having an export radio. So two thumbs up :smt023 for having more than 4 watts if used wisely and not abused

 

I have a Cobra 150GTL DX 10 Meter and I am pleased with it. I think if I had to do it again though I would buy the Cobra 200GTL DX 100w 10M for the extra's,sideband and frequency counter..........
Be sure and purchase it from a reputable dealer you can talk to.
Reducrider

 

I have a Cobra 150GTL DX 10 Meter and I am pleased with it. I think if I had to do it again though I would buy the Cobra 200GTL DX 100w 10M for the extra's,sideband and frequency counter.............
Be sure and buy from a reputable dealer you can talk to.
Reducrider

 

Hammer down!

I say the same thing. iffin they want to raise a bit of hell just goo to Radio Shack and get the manual. Study and take the test and you will be all set to talk ham or whatever else. You pull out the certification they can't say a #### thing. They don't have a reason to "check" the radio. I have three of them for different things and I have a cobra 25 sittin on the dash. It LOOKS like it is hooked up with mic and all. Just spend $20 on a little radio and keep the other one stealth like..... You trackin me?