New callsign please? (Issued)

Hi, my name is Kevin and I live near Brisbane in Australia. Just getting back into CB after many years absence. Deciding what radio to go for (Ss9900 or Icom 7300) and what antenna (silver rod etc). Hopefully this is enough info to get a callsign?
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to Charlie Tango.


Also a warm welcome back to CB radio, it'll claw you back eventually.

To obtain a call sign you'll need to ensure your profile is filled in as per the instructions at the start of this section. Just click the 'Profile' button at the top of the website when you are logged in and enter your name, country and QTH, (yes, I know you mention them here but it helps admin responsible if the details are in your profile). As soon as that is done our Admin guy responsible for call signs, (Gary), will be able to allocate you and usually does this most days.

SS9900 or Icom 7300? Big price difference between the two and I'd say the 9900 is the sensible choice if just using CB frequencies with the 7300 being a firm choice if you are a licensed Amateur or plan on being one in the future. I know there is a certain fashion for 'Posh CB' nowadays with CBers using Ham gear, (although that was always the case judging by the condition my poor old Yaesu FT757gx came to me in!), but it doesn't really make long term sense....to me anyway. Up to you in the end really.  

Judging by our other Australian members here at CT it looks like there's been some great propagation conditions on CB/11m and that'll just get better as we ramp up the solar cycle over the coming years.

I wish you well with everything you do and I hope you enjoy Charlie Tango there being some great international membership with very helpful people.


All the best,
Victor

Thanks for that, I have updated my profile. I have just transferred my UK amateur licence over to Australia and plan is to buy and use the 7300 on 20, 40 and 11 metres. The problem isn't buying the radio its deciding what antenna to buy. Still wondering whether to buy SS9900 and Antron 99 and having separate 11 metre setup or the 7300 and something like a Hustler BTV4 tuned to 11 instead of 10.
Back when I was young in early 80's I had Cobra 148GTL-DX with Sigma 4 on the chimney, CB was very busy in those days as we all know and I bet its really quiet over here in comparison!
Anyway, looking forward to getting it all setup and hopefully now and then can hear the UK coming through

No worries Kevin and thanks for updating your profile. Our Gary is usually along most days so just keep an eye out on this posting for when he allocates you a call sign.

I know we have members here who are Hams but also like to keep a separate radio just for CB use, this could be for legal reasons or maybe just personal choice. I'm sure there are just as many that use wideband modified equipment including those that are CBers only.

CB is very different over here nowadays compared to 'back in the day' and sure that must also be the case in Australia too. When I came back to it a few years ago it was a bit barren and unfortunately still some of the old ways persisted such as constant swearing, multiple roger beeps, keying over and general unfriendliness. Luckily there were quite a few 'civilised' users that were interested in a friendlier mode of transmission including DX activities and was how I came across Charlie Tango. 

In the end I went on to obtaining a Ham licence, (after much support and enthusiasm given here), so now enjoy the bands available to me.

When the 'skip' or Sporadic E is favourable it seems you can fire signals around the globe with the proverbial piece of wet string and a few watts. Obviously different antennas and power levels will give you more options.

I haven't heard Australia on anything but FT8 up to now so have my fingers crossed for a good solar cycle.


Best of luck and all the best,
Victor

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

Hello and welcome, Kevin.

73s John.

Hello Kevin, welcome to the forum.

I am delighted to allocate you 43-CT-967 may you have good luck with it.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.