Who's Got Their Ears On?

[MWF]

Being a childhood fan of all the classic car TV shows and movies it was only a matter of time before I lost my CB virginity.

The other day I installed my newely purchased newb spec 'rig' up by the sunroof motor in the Volvo. I have a long ballet dancer aerial on a magnetic mount and the microphone I have held by the back of the sunroof so anyone can access it.

I have to say I was half expecting it to be a real let down, I knew that CB's were never going to be like you see in the movies but I have to say I have been pleasantly suprised and found it fun listening to various chatter on the air waves.

So much so I really want a rig in my XR4i now, the second level of the bi-plane spoiler could be a perfect location although wouldn't give a good ground plane sadly.

Anyone else here using one?

[Thrasher]

Got a silver tastic retro rig, works fine...will probably put it in the t25 when its finished..

can you use any sort of aeriel !?

[MWF]

You can use any sort of aerial but it really is the weakest link in the chain so it's a good idea to get it right. Most important factor is the SWR level of the aerial, SWR stands for 'Standing Wave Radio' and it's the amount of power the aerial reflects back down it, the reason this is important is when your transmitting a load can come back down the aerial and fry your rig. Although if you are a lurker like me this will never happen LOL!

Most new CB aerials have the SWR pre-tuned to be as low as possible, considering they are about £20 and another £5-£20 for a suitable mount it works out a worth while investment.

[Thrasher]

Aha ! I thought it was something like that ! the rig was only £2 i think......but i wouldn't want to trash it, its disgusting !

[guz]

i've got one in my T25.

the guys on p067.ezboard.com/bclub8090chat
are really helpful with them.

(and owt else to do with T25s TBH)

oh and 194.242.159.246/brickyard/tpfrm/clssc/index3%5Bc%5D.htm is good too

[DarrenW]

Cool! I haven't used one for years - last time was when i was following the RAC Rally with a mate (back when it was a PROPER rally) in a Lancia Beta... It was great fun racing through the Welsh countryside listening to where all the traffic hotspots were...

My brother has got a huge 30ft aerial on the side of the house and a Rotel home base rig, but never uses it...

Must have a look on eBay, see how much rigs'n'twigs go for these days!

[MWF]

I got a full starter kit, rig, aerial, mount for £80 from www.thunderpole.co.uk and am happy with the price. I wish I had one of these when I was convoying down to Bodmin. Me and a friend were strategically attacking a BMW driver and the comms would have come in handy.

[SkoCan]

It's like old times here.
I started in CB back in '75.
Three types of antenna
Bottom load
Centre load
Top load

Top load is preferable but centre load is easier to tune.
Mount to a good metal surface. No plastic or fiberglass. Centre it for omni-directional transmission characteristics.

[superden]

I still have my CB set.

Havent used it in years.

Me and some mates used it as an alternate telephone system ;D

Free too ;D

[Revolution 9]

You know I grew up around lorries, so one of my earliest memories is hearing CB chatter when I used to go with my Dad in his customised 1976 Scania 44 tonne artic. (quite an old lorry then, this was the mid/late 80s that he had it)

[nickb]

Were these of any inspiration, perchance? ;D ;D ;D

[Revolution 9]

10:4 good buddy!

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Blue850]

Jackie Gleason should have got an Oscar

[MWF]

Grrrr always irritates me seeing the Smokey and The Bandit cover, the police cars did not have square persuit lights!

[TheFrequentFryer]

I got one in the mid 80's for Christmas one year. Fantastic. the first year after the 27Mhz FM radios became legal. Properly licensed and everything.

Next year, went to renew the license at the Postoffice. "you want a what license, we don't do them anymore, don't know where you would get one" came the reply. Hmm, that craze didn't last long did it.

Thinking about getting another one though. Was good fun, and they are starting to make a comeback. Keep hearing people talking about getting them in cars and trucks again.

So what is the status quo at the moment. There was always the AM/FM legal/illegal debate going on, and all the benefits of burners etc, and those damned annoying power and echo mikes.

[MWF]

I beleive the need for a license expired August this year.

[TheFrequentFryer]

Even better. When I had trouble getting one, it must have been 10 years ago at least. And by then the post office was selling so few, they didn't even stock the forms anymore, and wouldn't get any in.