CBs in use anymore?

CB use is nothing like it was in the past, but I wouldn't travel without one. Your channel 19 will come alive when there's a traffic backup, etc.

A handheld can be OK until you can get a real mobile unit. If Im restricted to handheld i will connect the handheld to an external antenna. The rubber ducky antennas really suck

You'll get a lot of answers to this post so I'll just leave it at that

 

Very few drivers chat at 300am to aliviate the boredom of the drive ( sirrius/xm) most just use it as a business tool ( shippers, receivers, traffic reports etc.) When needed, that being said channel 19 is the unofficial " truckers channel" and In sure traveling I 10 east and west in AZ during busy times there should be alot of airwave chatter, if anything from the multiple wash and shine places ( " if it doesnt shine you dont spend a dime") . For starters I would look at a Cobra 29 and resist the urge to get it peaked and tuned, it should work just fine stock out of the box with a good antenna setup. Google cb swr setting and learn how to check it and adjust it and you are good to go.

 

Right now skip is rolling ( long range transmission 500 to 3000 miles) scan the band with your handheld and see if you receive anyone, you should be able to hear cbers on 6,11,15,19,28,just to name a few channels, if you dont then little hand held probably isnt receiving too good.

 

I’m self-taught in CB lingo. Add my own flair..Other drivers don’t like my chat.

 

The biggest thing is the antenna. The "tune ups" are usually a trade off between "loudness" and range. A better antenna will be the most bang for the buck. But i'd wait until you are in a truck, just to be frugal about it.

I'd say you are off to a good start. We need more people like you on the radio, it is dying. The SWR thing does help. It's isn't as bad as it sounds!

 

CB use is in decline. I believe it's a combination of the newer trucks not having as much exterior sheet metal, which is required for most mobile antennas to work properly. Without it, you end up with swr issues.

That and the fact we are on the downhill of skip cycle 24, which it was difficult some days to get a word out. Skip hasn't been as active lately, but I can see how it would've caused anyone trying to talk locally, to turn off their radio.

 

Yeah well you might want to stop starting of with " hey good buddy "