Call sign request (Issued)

Hi. After a break of 35 years I decided to fire up the CB.
Only it wouldn't work (surprisingly).

So, I got a new fangled set, wired it all up, and switched to channel 19 to find NOTHING!
Putting out a few calls got - Nothing.

Scanning for someone, I heard a voice, waiting till they were wrapping up, qsk'd them, and - nothing.

This went on for about a week.
Then someone else called out.
So, I answered.

You know the expression "just passing through", the chat lasted for 30 seconds.

Still, here I am, still scanning!

Many many years ago I had a call sign (OS34UKM) (UKM - UK Mil), and a CB handle OddSocks.

That lovely handle given to me by the wife as I was forever wearing - odd socks.

So could I please have a more 'respectable' call sign.

Thanks PaulGray

Hello Paul, welcome to the forum and back to the hobby.

Activity can vary a lot from area to area. Stations are spread much further apart these days so a decent antenna system is a must. At least a half wave vertical mounted as high as possible will be needed for good results. If you need any advice just ask in the appropriate section of the forum. 

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Hello and welcome, Paul.

73s John.

Hi Gary.
I've gathered as much BUT it's not going to deter me as I used to have great fun skipping all over using my recently buried Cobra.

As for the aerial? It is a 1/2 wave pole 14 feet up in the air.
And this is Lincolnshire so flat as a pancake and little between me and Europe.
Happy days eh?

Thanks for the reply.
Paul

Thanks John

73's Paul

Hi Paul,

Welcome to Charlie Tango.


You shouldn't have to wait too long for a call sign as they are issued most days.

'Odd Socks', love it.


All the best,
Victor

Hi Paul,

I had the same sort of shock as you after returning to CB after a similarly long break. Spent months listening to white noise nothingness. When I did make contact it wasn't the friendliest of moments unfortunately.

That all changed after getting back into some CB 'skip' last summer with some great QSO's to Europe!

Hungry for more I decided to take my 'ticket' last year and became a Ham giving me access to loads of bands, frequencies and modes. Now there is always somewhere to go to find some radio action.


We're coming up on the summer 'skip' season, so with your new 6900 and as Gary suggests a decent antenna, (or maybe even a mobile setup), you should get to enjoy some DX contacts. Look out for 'nets' announcements here or on the Charlie Tango Facebook page to see if there are any your way. Also try scanning the CEPT or old mid-block frequencies as often they can be livelier than the UK band in places and don't forget your SSB modes too. (There's still 'freeband' activity out there. )

Either way, just have fun.   


As Gary also suggests there are a lot of helpful members here on Charlie Tango so fire off any questions you may have on the forum areas, (or even Facebook - Our Paddy does a wonderful join over there as Admin )


All the best,
Victor

Thank you for your comments Victor.
Yes, I will have fun.
Happy you've got your ticket, but that's not for me.

Once a rebel, always a rebel.
Only wayyyy older and no sign of hair let alone grey ones.
Happy days.
Paul

Ha!
No worries Paul. I never thought I'd be a Ham myself successfully avoiding it for decades, but as much as I love CB, I actually love radio more! (There seems to be more old CBers on the Ham bands anyway )

You'll still find me scooting around the triple 5 looking for DX as often as the other bands and I'm looking forward to some summer skip fun again this year. Pirate or not, it was always about simply enjoying yourself with radio.


From one old bald git to another, I wish you the best mate.

73's
Victor

Hi Paul, welcome to the CTDX group 
73s
Steve.

Hi Paul, welcome to the CTDX group 
73s
Steve.

Hi Paul, 

Sounds like the antenna should be fine. Hopefully the 'E' season will get going in the next few weeks.

I am delighted to allocate you 26-CT-4080 may you have good luck with it.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Thank you for all the greetings folks, it's kinda like coming home!
And, as the icing on the cake (my favorite bit on any cake), I have a call sign.

Which, when telling SWMBO, she looked at me over her glasses and said, "Dear, you'll always be my own little Oddsocks!

Which I thought was rather sweet until she started chuckling.