Another new guy or old guy depending on how you look at it LOL!! (Issued)

Hi Guys.
The Model Maker Here.

I used to be on CB's many many years ago when i was a youngster, now that i am a pensioner i am seriously thing of getting back into it again and hopefully making new friends.

I have quite a few questions to ask so i will look around the site to find out where i need to post them.

Please could i have a call sign to use for my new start back into this hobby.

MM.

Welcome to the forum MM, you’ll have to fill out your profile a bit so Gary can issue you a Callsign. Like you say have a look around and get a feel for the place, no rush. 

There are plenty of people around to give you any help you require.

Hi Paddy,
Thank you for the welcome.

I am not sure what else i need to add to my profile.
Could you please point me in the right direction.

Thank you.

MM.

Hello and welcome, Martin.

73s John.

Hi John,
Thank you for the welcome.
I have been looking at videos on youtube and i am now looking around on this forum.
I was on CB's way back when it was the done thing and hit the world like a tornado.
Now it is like learning it all over again.
I imagine it has changed quite a bit.

MM.

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

I am delighted to allocate you 26-CT-4242 may you have good luck with it.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Hi Gary,

Thank you for the call sign.
I am really glad it is an easy number to remember.

MM.  26-CT- 4242.

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

Hi SteveG,
Thank you for the welcome.
I see in your profile that you have quite a bit of gear you are running.
You must of been on CB's for many years.

MM,   26-CT-4242.

Model Maker wrote:

Hi SteveG,
Thank you for the welcome.
I see in your profile that you have quite a bit of gear you are running.
You must of been on CB's for many years.

MM,   26-CT-424

Lol, yes Martin been on since 78 apart from a year here and there when all was very quiet. 
That old adage springs to mind, you can never have to many radios, antennas, mics, amps, fishing rod's,reels... 
Steve.

Hi StevieG,

I would be happy just to have one working setup LOL!!!

The reasons that i left many years ago was all the stupid guys that thought it funny to keep playing music and just keying up for no apparent reason.
I did put up with it for a number of years.
They were crazy days you could always get a copy from someone.
From what i am hearing now you have to struggle to get a copy unless you know of net's and what times they get on.
That is why i am desperately trying to fond out what it is like before i spend what little money i have.

MM.   26-CT-4242.

Hi Martin,

My apologies for missing an official welcome here. (I did welcome you elsewhere though. )


In some of the busier CB areas there's still the old music playing, keying over, profanities and on air arguments!?!?!

Some of the old-old CBer's, (1970's), did the flit to Amateur Radio when UK27/81 FM came in and also those that were a little disappointed in the cacophony of every teenager getting a CB in those early 80's Christmas's. Huge boost in Ham numbers back in those days the likes of which was never seen again. Those old CB'ers/Hams are still on air rediscovering CB whilst still also using Ham radio.......you can do both.  

If it comes down to finances and having a good chin-wag with other like minded individuals the Foundation licence isn't a bad way to go really. Most courses are free, (search Essex Ham), the exam is less than £30, it can all be done online and they've dropped the electronic skills etc. making it a bit easier to obtain.

Not only that but if you get a nice spangly M7 callsign you can pick up a Baofeng handheld for less than £30, (often cheaper), and fire up the old GB3SH 2m/144Mhz repeater or GB3SU 70cm/433Mhz repeaters your way.

It's an option......one that I finally took after all these years and thoroughly enjoying it!

£50 - £60 isn't a bad price really and way cheaper than a lot of CB setups. Worth thinking about.


All the best,
Victor

Hi Victor,
Thank you for your welcome.

I did look in to taking the foundation course and test through Essex Ham but unfortunately my brain will not hold the information required plus someone keeps moving the numbers and letters around.
So I know i would just be throwing my money away just trying to pass the test.

MM   26CT-4242.

No worries Martin, just a suggestion mate.  


Our very own Alan Pilot is dyslexic and swore blind he can't remember anything, yet with a little encouragement and supportive emailing he passed his Foundation exam first go. He's now enjoyably busy with his radio shack, being a good Ham and a damn good member here as well as helpful as he can be.

Might be worth having a listen on the PMR frequencies, (446Mhz), your way and seeing if there's any action as it's another unlicensed service.

Can't think of anything else to suggest except to wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.


All the best,
Victor

Thank you Victor.
I do have a radio scanner coming soon so maybe i will get a better idea of what's around.
I am tempted to take another look at Ham radio as i have been offered a radio and power supply and some coax cable for free.

MM.  26-CT-4242.