Hello all and a call sign request (Issued)

Hi all.

60+ years user here and I want to return to CB radio after a 42 year absence. I'm based in Essex now after redundancy, divorce and COVID gave me the opportunity to semi-retire, move to pastures new and start a new beginning and trying to enjoy life fully.

In the 1980's I was an AM user in North London. I had a President JFK and gave up the hobby after FM became legal and my radio died an early death from overuse. I used to love getting DX contacts when skip allowed on the low band using the lowest amount of power possible - the move to FM effectively killed my hobby of DXing. I have retained my interest in radio ever since and love scanning using my Uniden 125XLT, Malachite clone SDR and an old Phillips D2935.

After finding this group and seeing that I could possibly get an callsign - I have just taken the plunge and have just ordered a CRT6900N and a 1/2 wave silver rod. I am initially going to just use the radio for scanning and getting a feel for the evolution of CB. I'm very excited about SSB and this is the main reason I have bought the new kit. I'm considering getting a foundation licence for AR too.

I'm still a little confused about the current CB channels and the modes of transmit/receive allowed, but from what I can see, the government finally caved in and gave the UK AM and SSB in the end? 

Thank you for reading!    73's. Tim

Hi Tim,

Welcome to Charlie Tango.


Great introduction there and enjoyable to read a little about your radio history.

You're quite right, we do now indeed (and have for some time now, 2014 I think?) have access to AM/SSB transmissions but legally just on the European/CEPT frequencies or what we used to call good old mid-block being the original USA frequencies. The UK FM band (the old 27/81) is still FM only and of course 'freeband' is a no-no......not that it stopped anyone.

May I also wish you well with any path you take towards the Foundation exam.
(The frequencies you have access to and almost constant DX capabilities is astounding!)

I hope you enjoy your steps back into it all with your 6900 and get to experience the 'skip' we've been enjoying on this solar cycle so far.


Keep an eye on this posting for when our admin Gary comes along to allocate you a call sign.


All the best,
Victor

Hi Victor.

Thank you kindly for the warm welcome! 

I am strangely really nervous about getting back into it - so I will be just listening on the side for the first few weeks once I'm setup! 

Tim

Hello and welcome, Tim.

Great intro.

73s John.

You're more than very welcome Tim.  

I know what you mean and when I came back to CB after a few decades I didn't know what was what let alone start talking on air! Luckily all the helpful people here at Charlie Tango did their very best to help me along even to the point of eventually gaining my 'ticket' for AR.

Never been happier.


Good to have you aboard and I wish you well.


73's
Victor

Thank you John123 and Victor.  I am sure I have an old Astatic Teardrop somewhere amongst the many boxes I still haven't unpacked from moving in nearly a year ago . If. it still works, I may see if I can find a wiring diagram on the web to match to the 6900.

73's! Tim

Hello Tim, welcome to the forum.

I am delighted to allocate you 26-CT-4634 may you have good luck with it.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Hi Gary. Thank you kindly for issuing this. I'm looking forward to my baptism of fire once the hardware arrives and is set up.  73's to all! 

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

StevieG wrote:

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

Thank you StevieG!