Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:35:06 -0700
Reply-To: "M. Jade" <tinho2010@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "M. Jade" <tinho2010@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: CB
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTi==JhH7GSY24vFiFzhvwNS-8su9Tzn9R4BYGFfm@mail.gmail.com>
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I have a collection of a Hallicrafters One CB radio. It is the most interesting CB radio I have ever seen. It's entirely made with tubes and it has only one channel, channel 1, out of 40. It is still in its original box almost never used. I once plugged it in and it worked just fine. It is probably just as good as a collection. I do not plan to use it other than collecting it.
CB radios provide the most basic two way communication among multi points. They are simple and fun to use. I particularly like CB radios with side band capabilities. CB radios are limited to 4 watts max of RF power. But in side band mode it is equivalent to 12 watts (called PEP power or something?). In side band mode (SSB) you can communicate with partners more than 10 miles away. If the antenna is properly tuned and mounted high you can reach 15 miles no doubt.
I have a pair of Raido Shack TRC-485 and a TRC-465. These are often found on ebay from time to time. I believe they were actually made by Uniden. They are probably the best latest vintage CB radios with side bands to collect. Some people connect their TRC-485s with small HF power amps and use them like 10 meter rigs. It's illegal I know. Without a power amp a TRC-485 on its side band on a Vanagon you can reach 10 miles realistically. That's plenty of reach. In rural area where there is no cell phone coverage CB radios on the side bands will prove to be the best toys to play with.
I have not tried those little hand held FRS or GMRS radios available from electronics stores today that claim to have coverage of more than 20 miles. Are they better than CB radios? Well, at least the antenna can be much smaller and easier to deal with on Vanagons.
MJ in Sunny California
--- On Tue, 7/27/10, Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
I use to collect CBs.
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
Full Timing Since March 1999
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************************
On Tue, Jul 27, 2010 at 7:14 AM, Steve Drier. <Vanvw1@aol.com> wrote:
> I am in the process of researching the install of a CB in my 91 Carat
> weekender.
>
> Would appreciate feedback from list members who have them installed on
> units, location for the unit in the van, antenna's and other issues.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Steve
>
