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CB Radio Question
#667220 July 28th 2014 9:16 pm
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frank71 Offline OP
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Going through some of my dad's stuff who passed away I found a real nice GE CB Radio and a magnet mount antenna that looks like new...the CB looks like its from the late 70's or 80's. The antenna is modern...nothing special (no k40 etc) and appears to be a 3 foot whip from like Radio Shack - no name at all on the antenna or base.

I'm sure my dad picked this up at a yard sale for like $5 bucks...and I know he never used it.

I hooked it up to a battery in my van and no matter what channel I turned it to I didn't hear any radio chat at all. I havent had a CB radio since the 80's and back then you'd hear people talking etc. I don't live near any interstates and I'm sure this antenna is a cheapie...but nothing? I adjusted the squelch and went though all the channels...

It powers up and looks new. Not sure if there is something wrong or there is no one on the CB by where I was...I'm sure the amount of CB usage has declined big time over the past decade since cell phones etc.

Any ideas? Maybe I should mount it and drive on the interstate and see if I pick up anyone there,,,


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Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667221 July 28th 2014 9:25 pm
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CBs don't seem to be in use as much as back when. Try it on an interstate. 19 is still a trucker channel. You could also check one of the truck stops in the area to see if there is a CB shop in the area to find out if it's working.


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Why is it that when I press 1 for English, I still can not understand the person on the other end????
Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667224 July 28th 2014 10:03 pm
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Remember that CB Radios only had a range of about 4 miles, so if you are not near a highway, you are most likely not going to hear much. If your CB is in good condition, lights up and the squelch works, it's probably working fine - just nothing on the air. Press the mike, and you should see the power needle move to the other side [transmitting]. I installed an old CB in my van, and I am in the city, and near a truck-stop, and rarely pick up anything. When I do it's usually truckers on 19. People just don't use CBs much anymore.
Antenna strength is also a factor, the taller ones are better. They are still a nice addition to have in a van.

Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667226 July 28th 2014 10:23 pm
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Well funny you should mention it...when I pressed in the button on the side of the mike and I didn't see the needle move to the right...just stayed put. The red light on the CB radio lit up when I pressed the mike button but the needle didn't budge.

If nobody uses these at all, I'd hate to invest in a new K40 or similar antenna and waste $75...

What is interesting is that when I am at truck stops when travelling, they sell CB radios and accessories in the area where truckers shower and fuel....parts area...so they still must be using them if they have like 6 different type/brand CBs in their showcases...

Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667228 July 28th 2014 10:41 pm
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I still think your CB is working just fine, the red light indicates that you were transmitting. Your power gauge may not be responsive, depending on the model features. But even the beat up, old ones that I have found, usually still work.
Yes, I wouldn't invest too much money - and you can sometimes find good antennas at garage sales. Of course if you are a trucker, they DO still use CBs, and that is why they sell them at truck-stops.

Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667229 July 28th 2014 11:18 pm
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The CB system you discovered is a travel/emergency walkie-talkie. Its in a black box and not using a full 1 watt transmitter, but rather 100 miliwatts. When not in use, it will go into idle to save power, even when plugged in.
They are nice to have in an emergency or on the highway.
Best Wishes

Re: CB Radio Question
Wheelchair #667251 July 29th 2014 7:48 am
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If you want to check your system you need to get an SWR meter or borrow one, the whip should be able to move up and down for tuning. Also don't transmit without the antenna hooked up, could damage the radio. Channel 19 is you best bet near a major highway on a weekday, transmit and say "radio check, anybody copy this radio" should get a reply.

Craigslist and yard sales for equipment.


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Re: CB Radio Question
frank71 #667305 July 29th 2014 6:27 pm
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As Bikertrash00 said don't key the mike with the antenna disconnected.

Hook the antenna up and place it high on the vehicle, with the CB on, turn the squelch I believe counter clockwise until you get static. Now turn the knob slowly clockwise until the static just disappears. Slowly go through the channels. You should pick something up. If not try getting a plain kids walkie talkie and turn the CB to ch. 14, key the walkie talkie and talk. You should be able to hear your voice through the CB if it is working. If you do, have some one walk about 20 ft. from the CB, then you key the CB mike and talk. If it is transmitting your voice will be heard on the walkie talkie.

Just simple things to try!! Hope this helps!!!!

Last edited by FinallyaVanner; July 29th 2014 6:27 pm.

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Re: CB Radio Question
FinallyaVanner #667309 July 29th 2014 6:40 pm
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Ok. Proper CB lingo is imperative. If you see the detached tread of a tire in the left lane, you communicate this with the phrase "Gator in the Hammer!". The Bandit called referred to Buford T. Justice as a "Texas Bubble Gum Machine". Not sure if that helps you or not...



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