Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2007 03:27:25 +0000
Reply-To: samcvt@COMCAST.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Sam Conant <samcvt@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Radio
Perhaps the major difference between CB and 2 meter vhf communication is in the difference between non-licensed, inadequately monitered and held accountable CB operaters andlicensed, monitered, regulated, accountable operators. There are clear, unambiguos operation's focussed content and usage rules and protocols which serve a positive facilitative function with regard to amateur (VHF/FM) 2 meter communications. Amateur (ham) radio licensees, for the most part, are also people who adhere to both formal and informal self-regulatory communication and technology protocols - accounability which is neither monitered (FCC), required nor necessarily required which results throughout the nation in undifferentially, often socially irresponsible and persistent obsenity being perpetrated to every listener whether using scanners or transceivers tuned to the CB frequencies. Such content is disallowed by law and protocols on amateur radio regulated frequencies. Complaints about misuse of am
ateur radio protocols and equipment can often lead to formal complaints, losses of licenses to operate, as well as substantial fines because of illegal activities. This is rarely experienced amongst the CB community.
I held a CB license (KCG0615 during the late 1950s-early 60s when I was a USN radioman. Back then, the CB frequencies were monitored and regulated seriously by the FCC. Today, there is literally little or no official policing of CB frequencies with any real enforcement attempted which has led to an earned, serious, and negative reputation for the CB community.
My belief is that until/unless CB operators institute some responsible and serious self monitoring (more than merely changing the channel and not answering inane, idiotic, and obscene "communicators," and the federal government (FCC) returns to their responsible regulatory legal role, CB will continue be a relatively negative communication community.
In the meantime, folks not wanting to do a small amount of reading, sit for the amateur radio "Technician Class" license (no Morse Code requirement any more), and spend $100.00 or so for a simple antenna and transceiver, and who want to be able to use radio communication to coordinate with others within a mile or two, might consider some of lower powered, hand-held radios which can be purchased for 50-60 dollars.
For the record, I travel into and through many large cities, and have never had difficulty getting into a ham radio club repeater, and I often use my aging Radio Shack hand held 2 meter transceiver.
Sam Conant (N1PDL)
-------------- Original message --------------
From: David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
> I heard that 2 meter bands are extremely crowded. Wherever the population is
> higher
> the 2 meter bands are busier. Other than that 2 meter radios are more powerful
> and
> they are FM. It's a step up from CB radios. Not expensive and simple antenna for
> cars.
> To use it one needs to have a basic level license, technician class. Correct me
> if I
> am wrong. I got a technician class license and another level up. But still I
> found CB
> being easiest and handy although very small power.
>
> Cheap used Radio Shack scanners are available on eBay. Those are actually very
> good
> for listening only. No license is required.
>
> David
>
>
>
> --- Sam Conant wrote:
>
> > Yup, John. Just to clarify though. Most of the repeaters sited throughout
> North America are
> > connected via 2 meter (VHF) and UHF frequencies, and ARRL sells a thick,
> pocket-sized directory
> > showing repeater sites, frequencies used by repeater, and other information
> useful to someone
> > attempting to access a specific repeater.
> > Sam Conant
> > N1PDL
> >
> > -------------- Original message --------------
> > From: John Meeks
> >
> > > On 9/4/07, Sam Conant wrote:
> > > CB equipment has proven useful and helpful withing the nation's
> > > trucking industry.
> > > > Sam Conant (N1PDL)
> > > >
> > >
> > > One advantage a mobile ham transceiver has over CB is the availability
> > > of "repeater" sites
> > > that are available almost everywhere. These repeaters are usually
> > > located on high ground with antennas on towers providing a wide area
> > > of coverage. When you call into a repeater, your signal is rebroadcast
> > > over a much wider area than your radio alone could reach.
> > >
> > > Many times repeaters are available where cell phone coverage is not.
> > > These repeaters are monitored almost always by local hams who are more
> > > than willing to render assistance if needed. Most repeaters can even
> > > "patch" you into a local phone network so your radio can work like a
> > > phone in the unlikely event your Vanagon (RVC) would need a tow truck!
> > >
> > > When I camp, I usually bring along a small hand held radio and a small
> > > directional antenna that I use to reach any one of the amateur
> > > satellites in low orbit. It's really fun to be out on a deserted beach
> > > or wherever and talk to folks from Canada, US, Mexico and the
> > > Caribbean. But then I'm kind of a geek that way.
> > > --
> > > John Meeks
> > >
> > > Vanagon Rescue Squad
> > > http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
> > >
> > > '91 Multivan, '85 GL
> > > Northern Michigan
> > > KC8ZFN
> >
>
>
>
>
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