Breaker! Breaker! Who uses CB radio anymore?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Sun, 31 May 2015 20:48:05 -0400

Who among us uses a Citizens Band (CB) radio these days? I have a large magnetic base car antenna and a portable 40-channel hand held model. However, I haven't used it in awhile. What about you? By the way, what's your handle?

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made May 31 at 2015 8:51 PM

Cpl Shawn Hueter — Sun, 31 May 2015 20:51:02 -0400

I have a Cobra 29 in my truck. I use it everyday since it helps with traffic and passing time. I don't have a handle, usually we don't use handles.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2015 8:52 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 31 May 2015 20:52:52 -0400

Dude, Talk about a Flashback Chaplain! Damn, Breaker, Breaker Blue Shark here. I haven't seen one or touched one in years. More than made up for it "Anyone on this Net Arkansas here, Radio Check over".

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 31 at 2015 9:04 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 31 May 2015 21:04:33 -0400

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, I took one out of a company car that I returned to the company in November 1979. That's the last time I used it, although I'm pretty sure that it's still in a drawer in my garage!

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 31 at 2015 9:15 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 31 May 2015 21:15:31 -0400

Got one in my car. Provides some entertainment and info passed along by truckers can be helpful like accidents and cops locations.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 31 at 2015 9:25 PM

SPC Carl K. — Sun, 31 May 2015 21:25:19 -0400

I haven't used a CB in about 7 years. I used to keep one in my SUV for my travels across country for my job. My last CB handle was Hawk Doctor. I have since graduated to Amateur (HAM) radio. Call sign KC3EEW.

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made May 31 at 2015 10:02 PM

PO2 Michael Berry — Sun, 31 May 2015 22:02:17 -0400

I have not used a CB radio since the mid 1990's. but I do own 2 hand held units that work very well. Most truckers that I know and I do not use them.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 31 at 2015 11:03 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 31 May 2015 23:03:06 -0400

I haven't used a CB in over five years. The language just got to be excessively foul. That's not something I'm ready for my children to have to experience just yet.

Response by PO3 Wade Linschied made May 31 at 2015 11:34 PM

PO3 Wade Linschied — Sun, 31 May 2015 23:34:08 -0400

I just purchased a CB. I'm a ham radio guy, but figured a CB would also work in my shack. My call: KD7ILP :)

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 6:25 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 06:25:10 -0400

I've got a Cobra 18 WX ST II in my truck, got it mainly as a backup comm device to use when I'm off-roading/camping somewhere outside cell coverage. Also works as a source of entertainment on long drives occasionally, if/when I can understand what the hell the truckers are even talking about lol.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 7:48 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 07:48:29 -0400

I was very active years ago, base unit and a couple of mobiles.

We went to group coffees and met some really good people.

I don't remember when I last used it but it has probably been at least ten years.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 1:46 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:46:03 -0500

I actually want to get into it - not sure what a good starting point would be (brand/capability/function), and if how do the FCC certifications come into play.... I wasn't a Radio Operator, but while working with them, realized how fundamental, practical and advantageous is having a grasp and use with just a plain radio (in any situation).

Response by CAPT Eugene Oleson made Feb 26 at 2017 7:31 AM

CAPT Eugene Oleson — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 07:31:39 -0500

Mid 1970's FCC CB license KAGR-1302. Quickly went to amateur radio WB7EYW > KB4JI > N7EO.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 8:56 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 08:56:38 -0400

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have them with their communication/entertainment systems. They might be an optional item, I'm not sure. We use them on group rides to keep things organized between the lead rider and the rear guard, and those in the middle, in case we get split up at traffic lights and such. Pretty convenient. I listen to it on long highway trips just to keep updated on conditions, but it's hard to stay up with what everyone is saying.

They were big in the early 70s when I was stationed in Alaska (Ft. Richardson - Anchorage). Had one in my truck and a base station at home. People would jump out to help someone who had slid off the road, had an accident, or whatever. Might have twenty CBers help someone get out of a ditch at 2am on a Sunday night at 10 below zero. Then we'd all go get coffee somewhere. It was a real community of people.

Response by SPC Glenn Norris made Jan 20 at 2024 5:02 AM

SPC Glenn Norris — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 05:02:10 -0500

Used one every day for 35 years. Sadly modern truckers aren’t using them as much anymore and it often bites them right in the keister. Ie; pile up accidents, getting caught under low clearances etc.