Ham / CB

[jumpingcloud]

Hey Guys,

So, I'm trying to get back into radio after a long hiatus, and so I'm new to this forum. I'm working on getting my technician license but don't want to leave CB behind is there a portable/mobile radio that will support both bands? with or without moding is fine. Is this a strange request?

I suppose I'm looking for a few suggestions on gear.

Alright, thanks!
JC, Chicago

 

[KE3W]

Until someone pipes in with the actual regulation...

You may NOT use a ham radio (of any sort) on the CB band. CB radio's are limited to 4 watts, 40 channel, un-modified and FCC Certified (it will have an FCC sticker and certification number on the back). I suggest reading Part 97 (Amateur Radio Regulations) and Part 95 (CB Radio Rules and Regulations).

 

[W5LZ]

'JC',
"Is this a strange request?"
Not really, it's probably one of the most common questions you'll find. And while it isn't legal, it's also probably one of the most common things you'll find.
Most of the ham HF radio gear made in the last 20 years or so can be modified for use out of the ham bands.
If you think you'll be wanting to do ham radio I would suggest getting at least a General class license. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Technician class license but it's very limiting.
- 'Doc

 

[jumpingcloud]

Hello,

Ah I see, so you're saying it will definitely be some kind of a mod job, and that I need to be conscious of my output. Great, that's fine, so what's an easy rig to mod this way? I'm not scared of solder btw.

I have a VX-8R and I don't believe there is a way to tx on 11M but it can definitely receive.

 

[jumpingcloud]

W5LZ,

Thanks, I am not planning on stopping at tech, just want to get my feet wet. Also planning on leaning code too.

Do you think you could point me in the right direction, as my searching hasn't yielded much help.

Thanks again,

JC

 

[Wire Weasel]

Hi JumpC,

The problem here is that most all-band HF ham rigs don't give you that "blasting loud AM modulation" that CBer's like. Some do a respectable job on AM though. I find that the modern Icom rigs sound decent on AM if you set them properly but you still won't have on-board widgets like echo or roger beeps if you like them.

So you need to make a decision as to which features you really want to have.

If you demand blasting loud AM then you'll have to get separate radios. A modern CB or export type radio like a Galaxy or Magnum ect....and then an HF rig for the ham side.

A good mobile ham choice for acceptable AM performance plus has ALL the ham bands and modes would be like a used Icom 706 Mark II G which has HF (including CB) 6M, 2M & 440.

Good luck!

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

Very common question..

Very easy answers..
Many radios you can choose..

I have found most who are doing like you..typically get a Icom 706 MLIIG... Maybe if $ not an issue an Icom IC 7000

However there are countless ways to go..
Modding is fairly easy..

A few years ago i did basically same as you are about to do
(along with a couple of my friends)
We all started with the 706 MKIIG..
Then after a couple of months got our tech license and since..
We all have a huge collection of Mobile , HT's and base radios..

Welcome back to radio by the way

 

[Interceptor]

Hello,

Ah I see, so you're saying it will definitely be some kind of a mod job, and that I need to be conscious of my output. Great, that's fine, so what's an easy rig to mod this way? I'm not scared of solder btw.

I have a VX-8R and I don't believe there is a way to tx on 11M but it can definitely receive.

So.. then.. you are looking to violate the regulations, while getting a ham license? Hams are better than that (or are supposed to be)

IMHO skip the ham license and go whole hog on CB... if you wanna violate the rules, CB is the place for you.

Yeah, I've bent a rule or twenty.... Had a nice freeband radio and loved those talks to Europe.... loved it. Till I grew up and got a family... I need to lead a positive example.

Not wanting to dog ya too much okay... the stuff is fun as hell....

Do what you want... but let your concience be your guide

73

 

[towerdog]

.........Or

You can cross over to the dark side. It only takes a few minutes to clip D22, go ahead, join us, welcome to the dark side of the force.

 

[Roger Dodger]

.........Or

You can cross over to the dark side. It only takes a few minutes to clip D22, go ahead, join us, welcome to the dark side of the force.

What force? Surely, you meant to say farce. Afterall, 11 meters has turned into a complete farce.

 

[gamegetter]

greetings jumping cloud

and welcome to the show..........attached is a quote from a thread i started here some time back and I found this quote from moleculo to be very helpful. The link to the whole thread is also attached below. Hope this helps out, good luck get on the air and start enjoying the hobby.

"Quote:
Originally Posted by gamegetter
I obviously opened a touchy subject and I appreciate the opportunity to learn. (Seems i learn everything at the school of hard knocks)

I am licensed ham and am keeping the cb and ham separate, although as mentioned it sure is difficult not to buy an export--it is so easy and they talk them up. But with the forum's help I have been able to differentiate the two. I have also learned how to choose radios for each hobby. Thanks again to the forum


Gamegetter,

You can use whatever radio you like on the ham bands, as long as it complies with the emissions standards. You can convert your toaster into a radio, if that sounds like fun to you. That is the WHOLE point of Amateur Radio - experimenting and hobbying. If you want to buy a 10 meter radio to use on the ham bands, go right ahead. Just remember that you're not supposed to use it on 11 meters. Even web sites like Universal Radio that print things like "This device has not been approved by the F.C.C. This device may not be offered for sale or lease or be sold or leased until approval of the F.C.C. has been obtained." are making invalid statements. That statement simply is not accurate when it comes to Amateur Radio transceivers. Even the "list" of so-called "Illegal CB Transceivers" that appears on QTH.com is B.S. As you can tell from reading that last court Order, I posted, the court didn't even consider that list as a valid argument by the FCC. The facts are, that list was compiled from someone in the FCC that doesn't even have authority to publish it!

Bottom line - on Amateur frequencies you can use whatever you want - just make sure your transmissions are legal. "

http://www.worldwidedx.com/general-ham-radio-discussion/79614-10-12-m-exports.html

 

[Wire Weasel]

and welcome to the show......

Bottom Line - just make sure your transmissions are legal. "

REAL Bottom Line: Hams running rampant with near impunity. CBer's running rampant with near impunity. There is tiny little enforcement in either service taking place. Stop it with the legaleese scare tactics. No one is fooled and it's not nice to try and scare the noobies.

 

[VA3ES]

Hey Guys,
So, I'm trying to get back into radio after a long hiatus, and so I'm new to this forum. I'm working on getting my technician license but don't want to leave CB behind is there a portable/mobile radio that will support both bands? with or without moding is fine. Is this a strange request?
I suppose I'm looking for a few suggestions on gear.
Alright, thanks!
JC, Chicago

Actually, your choices are vast. Depends on your budget. Almost any amateur transceiver can be modded to cover 11M. Many of the better "10M/Export" radios can cover the entire 10M band, and some even have true ham features like repeater splits, and even subaudible tones. It's your choice.
Now to the legalities... none of it is legal. :bored: :bdh: I consider this issue boring. Only Pecksniffs and the anal retentive give a damn.

I've been a ham for over 40 years, and I own a whole pile of "10M/export" radios, which I use both on 10 and 11. I offer myself to the "Radio Police". Put the cuffs on me. I'm guilty as charged! (Making a "wanking" motion with my right hand...)

10M/export radios are a wonderful resource, and a miracle of technology. That these manufacturers can pack all that innovation into such a cheap package (and these rigs are cheap, make no mistake), is a miracle. Yeah, they can't compete specs-wise with even the cheapest ham HF rig, but that's not their intention. Their intention is bang-for-the-buck, and they succeed.

It all depends on your budget.

 

[towerdog]

Actually, your choices are vast. Depends on your budget. Almost any amateur transceiver can be modded to cover 11M. Many of the better "10M/Export" radios can cover the entire 10M band, and some even have true ham features like repeater splits, and even subaudible tones. It's your choice.
Now to the legalities... none of it is legal. :bored: :bdh: I consider this issue boring. Only Pecksniffs and the anal retentive give a damn.

I've been a ham for over 40 years, and I own a whole pile of "10M/export" radios, which I use both on 10 and 11. I offer myself to the "Radio Police". Put the cuffs on me. I'm guilty as charged! (Making a "wanking" motion with my right hand...)

10M/export radios are a wonderful resource, and a miracle of technology. That these manufacturers can pack all that innovation into such a cheap package (and these rigs are cheap, make no mistake), is a miracle. Yeah, they can't compete specs-wise with even the cheapest ham HF rig, but that's not their intention. Their intention is bang-for-the-buck, and they succeed.

It all depends on your budget.

Yeah!

 

[psycho]

REAL Bottom Line: Hams running rampant with near impunity. CBer's running rampant with near impunity. There is tiny little enforcement in either service taking place. Stop it with the legaleese scare tactics. No one is fooled and it's not nice to try and scare the noobies.

With all that's going on in the world today, the FCC couldn't care less about 11 meters and they are caring less about Amateur radio. Hams do a good job of policing themselves and Cb is just withering away more and more each year.