Used 27/81 years ago... Thinking about getting back to CB...

Good evening folks,

I last used 27/81 as a teenager (49 yrs old now)… Having recently re-entered scanning, and been a family user of 446 PMR for years, I am thinking about dabbling again in the CB world.

As an intro, I'm thinking about the Midland M-Mini unit, with a mag mount for the car, or maybe indoors too, on a PSU.

What I am confused about, and from scanning... The old 27/81 frequencies are not recognised by some scanners (Icom IC-R6 in my case), and there is the fact that AM as well as FM is now permitted...? Surely AM or FM shouldn't be a choice available for each channel?

Comments welcome, I want to start small... Realistically, do many people still use CB, and of those who do, what frequencies (27/81 or CEPT) are the majority using?

Thanks for any replies,

Nige.

Hello Nige, welcome to the forum,

You can now legally use in the U.K the Original 27/81 frequencies on F.M. only and the CEPT (Mid Block) frequencies using A.M, F.M, & SSB.

You're scanner appears to be software programmable so perhaps it's a question of putting the frequencies in yourself?

There is no Issue using different modes of modulation on the same CEPT frequencies obviously both stations need to be using the same mode.

The Midland M mini isn't a bad radio but lacks SSB mode which a lot of stations use these days. You might well find you'll want to upgrade pretty soon.

Starting small in my opinion is a mistake. C.B. is a bit of a niche hobby these days and stations are spread much farther apart than in the 80's & 90's.

A decent radio covering all frequencies and modes and even more importantly the best antenna you can afford or be brave enough to put on your house is essential. Mag mounts on biscuit tins in the loft are not going to cut the mustard any more. From home at least a half wave (18 foot long) up as high as possible is the best option.

For the car a loaded 1/4 wave will do but don't be tempted buy mini springers or anything disguising itself as a car radio aerial, I use a Wilson 1000 nearly 6 foot long!!!

In terms of activity it varies a lot from location to location but most regions will host some weekley nets where everybody comes on at the same time same frequency. We have a nets and skeds section within the forum so you can check your area out there.

Things are much quieter than you will remember but there is enough activity for the determined station and people are returning to the hobby every day.

Operating stye varies from informal chatting using personal names rather than handles which are infrequently used now to a much more formal Ham radio style of contact especially when making DX contacts abroad.

The only other thing I can think of is the fact that instead of us interfering with TV's Radios and Phones etc, the boot is on the other foot now. Modern electrical kit can make operating from a home location very difficult indeed. For some it's not possible because the noise from such kit prevents the reception of any radio signals!!!!

I would get set up mobile and test the water you can get yourself up a nice hill or high spot away from the towns and cities and you'll be amazed what you can hear!

Sorry for the ramblings I think I covered it all, don't hesitate to ask any more questions if I haven't.

All the best 73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

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

Hi again, and thanks for the info...

I know how much radio gear can cost (my late father was into short-wave receivers and Panasonic / Icom kit was often around when I was a kid)….

Actually, I think my question from a couple of days ago should have been "If I buy a new (basic) CB unit now, with current spec- how many potential contacts could I have - Or is everyone using 'non-standard' frequency / channel combinations"?

Hi Nigel, that's the million dollar question!!

Some areas are very active others very inactive. Many ops are using export radios and HF sets to work the freeband frequencies.

Just a thought. You may wish to consider taking your Ham exams. You get access to a large chunk of the radio spectrum. I spend most of my time on 20 & 40 meters at the moment which are still very active and offer good DX opportunities at most times.

73's Gary.

C.T. Admin.

Hello and welcome, Nige.
73s John.