Hi Tom and the group:

Yes, you can still communicate with CB folks, however only with a CB radio. Keep in mind that ham gear is generally FM or SSB on the 2 meter and 70cm bands, and CB is mostly AM, with a mix of SSB on certain frequencies. There is also a maximum power input of 5 watts (4 watts or less out to the antenna) and most ham gear is far in excess of this. Even our hand held walkietalkies do better than CB legally can. Actually, it is convenient to have separate radios in case of an emergency situation, so you don't have to leave active frequencies to relay messages. I actually have a CB that I can throw into the Tahoe in case of Hurricanes, because there are a lot of folks who have CB and need help too. I also point out that in Hurricane Camille in Biloxi years ago, we actually only had CB for a couple of days in the destroyed area, because of the damage to the ham antenna installations
due to the 200 mph winds in the area, and many repeater sites did not have backup power. A lot of them that did by being co-located with municipal radio systems were blown away or squashed when the towers failed under the huge winds. The point of this is also that many RV folks also have only CB, and have no real interest in trying for a ham license, even though it is very easy to obtain.

Costs. Mobiles new vary for 250-600 dollars depending on whistles and bells. Good used gear can be had at most hamfests for 2-300 dollars. The trick here is to find a ham and ask for opinions. The biggies are Kenwood (the stereo folks), Yaesu, Icom, and Alinco. All are good radios, but all have made clinkers once in a while, so having a knowledgeable ham to consult is nearly required on used gear.

Hand held gear also runs the same range. The radios range from tiny, to large, and all sorts of sizes in between. Here the consideration is for the options available, such as batteries etc. These are normally
available from sources other than the manufacturers of the radios, and is actually better on the pocket book. The manufacturers play a cute game of making the radios very affordable and functional, then really put the hurt on the wallet with the pricing of the extras. Batteries are something you get from anyone but the manufacturer, as are the quick chargers. The third party stuff generally runs 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of lesser stuff from the manufacturers. Isn't competition wonderful !

The good news is this: Most new no-code hams purchase handheld VHF/UHF dual band units as a first radio. The reason for this is that you can participate in activities such as Red Cross, or Emergency Services activities. A popular use in the Baton Rouge area is to give Red Cross aid stations at LSU Tiger Stadium rapid and reliable communication at the football games. Many times this system has saved lives of heart attacks and heat strokes. In situations like the tornado damage over the past weekend, Hams provide a priceless service with the portables by providing interagency communication that is not possible in any other manner. You will find out that in a major disaster, Ham radio is ALWAYS able to function in the worst possible situations, simply because we practice such activity at an annual "field day". Hams are also generally the only group that knows what is going on at all times, and this includes police agencies, though many dot like to admit that fact.

CB has its place, but due to the very short range, and limited frequencies legally available, it is not possible to provide the consistent, reliable communications that the amateur radio service provides anywhere, anytime, in any conditions.

Byron has sort of alluded to the fact that we have ham radio satellites in orbit. Presently there are about 15 active "birds" available for free to anyone with a no code license! Really neat stuff! There is a new bird about to be launched that will give a hand held radio the capability to talk with someone anywhere inside the footprint of the bird, which can be half of the earth at a particular time. FREE !!. This satellite has cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 million dollars, raised by hams all over the world in cooperation. Many corporations have donated very expensive spacecraft components without cost.

One of the things new hams discover is that when you become licensed, you inherit a very large, worldwide family of friends who will just about do anything possible to help a fellow ham. It is a fine
fraternity where lifetime friends are made all over the world.

THIS IS A GREAT HOBBY !!!

Doug

Zumatg@aol.com wrote:

Good point,
If you use a Ham Radio, can you communicate with people on CB. That would be a rather important use if on caravan or at a rally.  If so you have a convert.  How much would a mobile unit cost? Do they come in hand held models?

By the By: Has anyone thought of having a little rally for US on line listies?  What about Colorado or some place equally difficult for all.

Tom & Catherine
87 Sovereign (Belle)
96 Dodge 2500TD (La Bete)
New Member WBCCI #4956 At Large