CB is hooked up

[stormcrazyman]

I got my president HR2510 CB hooked up today. I just need to get the FCC certified and I am ready to go. I can't pick up signals and did not hear anything with the Vol. turned to max. If anybody has any ideas let me know
Thanks

[KF6NFW]

I got my president HR2510 CB hooked up today. I just need to get the FCC certified and I am ready to go. I can't pick up signals and did not hear anything with the Vol. turned to max. If anybody has any ideas let me know
Thanks
You do relize that that radio will never get type certified? and unless you have a ham lic it is a good violation to avoid.

[stormcrazyman]

You do relize that that radio will never get type certified? and unless you have a ham lic it is a good violation to avoid.

I don't understand, I have to get a HAM lin.first or just get a new CB?

[KF6NFW]

because the radio is marketed as a CB it is illegal because it is not type accepted by the fcc which can cost you a few grand if caught with it. if you have a ham lic you can operate it in the ham bands which is only 10 metere for that unit, save the hassel and get a cb with an FCC type certified sticker on it


If you need more info let me know, other wise I would suggest going to the FCC web site and researching.

[KF6NFW]

page 2 of the manual for that radio says you must have a valid amateur radio lic to operate that radio.
the reason being is because it will operate outside of the cb band and has a higher ouput then allowed for the cb which is 4 watts measured at radio.

[Dave]

Hang on. Do you want to talk on CB frequencies or on HAM/Amateur Radio frequencies?

[KF6NFW]

http://swap.qth.com/fcc/fcc-cbtable2.htm while this is not the FCC site it is a copy of the FCC position on these types of radios.
the fines can be as much as $10k per offense and each day is considered an offense. There is the chance of jail time but not likely going to happen unless you are being stupid with it.

[KF6NFW]

Hang on. Do you want to talk on CB frequencies or on HAM/Amateur Radio frequencies?
I am assuming the CB channels is what he desires as he appears not to have a ham lic. also the fact he reffered to it as a cb and not a 10 meter rig.

[KF6NFW]

Dave, even if he has a ham lic. it is still not legal to use this radio on the cb bands but he could on the 10meter portion.

[SKYWARN IL-227]

This is true.. if the radio operates on standard CB 40 channels, that means it has been modified to do so as this particular type of radio is a 10M HAM rig. FCC states that any radio modified to operate outside its normal frequency band is an illegal rig. Also, CB is regulated at a max of 4 watts at output. Most HAM radios operate quite a bit higher wattage as you know. So, its a shame shame radio and a really stiff fine and confiscation if the FCC says hello to you.... In fact not too long ago there was a guy selling Galaxy 99DX radios modified for CB use. These are imported radios and modification is a BIG no no. His little radio shop got fined and shut down. I miss that shop..:redface:

[SKYWARN IL-227]

My suggestion is if you want a CB buy a new one fresh off the shelf from the local electronics store or walmart, like a Cobra 29LTD. These are really nice radios and operate great. Make sure it says it's a CB not Amatuer Radio. If you want a HAM radio i would say go get the license and buy a nice starter radio and park the other on the shelf. Also, if distance is what you want, remember the better the antenna, the greater the distance. You get what you pay for...

[KF6NFW]

please dont take what I sent as a method of causeing issues, just want you to know whatthe rules are, and how it can impact you, as well as others in the group should you be with one on a chase and this is discovered..

I am more then willing to assist in any way I can to help you get lic. but of course it is you who has to do the study. Note Morse code,(CW) is no longer required and mostly any monkey can get a lic now days.

[Tenn.Spotter]

HAM Ticket is the way to go!!! Takes a little study time....but when you do, I believe that HAM Licensed SKYWARN Spotters are in the upper eschalon of Emergency Preparedness, Recovery, etc...

[stormcrazyman]

Thanks for all you help, can I connect a HAM to my CB power convert. and antena.
Thanks

[jimd]

You have a ham radio. If it is modified to work in the CB band, using it as such is illegal. If you are not licensed as a ham, using it in the Ham bands is illigal.
I'm not up for a good argument, but having a radio that has been modified to operate outside of it's factory bands, even if it includes CB, or business bands is NOT illegal. USING it outside your license class is. Additionally, using a non-type-certified (btw, the fcc now only calls it "certified") in business, or cb bands is illegal.
JimD
KE5OKT - General
Creek County Oklahoma AREs EC
Vol Fireman/Chaplain

[NW-SKYWARN]

speaking of a Cobra 29 LTD I was just given one today. it been sitting in a box for a few years. so im takiing it apart, and cleaning it out and making it look like new... it getting hooked you to a 4 ft FirestikII still in the package that was givin to me by a local car audio shop. i guess i got the hook up....

But ya man.. put that thing away and go get a new CB at your local retailer... And Go work on that Ham exam... Good luck out there.

[KC8TCQ]

My suggestion is if you want a CB buy a new one fresh off the shelf from the local electronics store or walmart, like a Cobra 29LTD. These are really nice radios and operate great. Make sure it says it's a CB not Amatuer Radio. If you want a HAM radio i would say go get the license and buy a nice starter radio and park the other on the shelf. Also, if distance is what you want, remember the better the antenna, the greater the distance. You get what you pay for...

I agree, the most important investment you will make is good feedling and the antenna. A crappy feedline and antenna will make a great radio perform bad.

The Cobra 29 is a good radio, and of you want to work sideband on cb, the uniden Grant is a good radio.

[KF6NFW]

Thanks for all you help, can I connect a HAM to my CB power convert. and antena.
Thanks
Not sure I understand your question, care to try to explain?
If you are asking if you can connect a ham radio to your cb antenna the answer is yes, but with unsatisfactory results. it also would depend on which band you intend to operate. as cb is closest to that of 10meter, the two share a lot of antennas, but mostly only the 102 inch stainless steel is of a contender for mobile operations, other wise it would be reccomended to get a true antenna for the bands of desire, there are several to choose from.

as for the cb power convert I am assuming that you are talking about a power supply that is typicaly used for tabeltop use. again the answer could be yes, but generaly not as the HF band radios tend to operate at much greater power levels and as a result require a more substantial power supply. However if you use 2mter or 70 cm the most common V/Uhf bands then yes the little 3 amp supplies will work just fine for most low pwered radios. I use an astron SS-18 for my 50Watt rig on the desk here, the would indicate it is an 18 amp power supply continues and a 20 amp on peak for intermitent operations.
I seriuosly would suggest agin the use of www.qrz.com to learn more, also the www.ARRL.com site. The ARRL (American Radio Relay League is by far the worlds best org to get fammiliar with should you desire to persue a ham lic. and has many pages and links of usefull and helpfull things to know.

Maybe we can add a section to this site to discuss such things so as to not tie up, or Highjack a thread like this, as this is a situation that many spotters/chaser deal with, especialy those of us who have our ham lic.

The cb has its place and while I thik your intent is honest and real, I would suggest getting a real CB radio from a reputable store, even garbage shack(radio shack) has a few. if you arent interested in paying the 40 to 300 for a new radio you can always find them used for very cheap. I have three on the bench that are plain simple CB radios thay all put out thew legal limit of 4 watts measured at radio and are nothing more then a standard base radio as the only difference is appearence of the radio and the better antennas for base operation.

[stormcrazyman]

I am getting a new CB. A midland handheld.

[KF6NFW]

Wow what a switch from a mobile to a hand held!

a couple of notes about handhelds, they too put out the same power as a mobile or base unit, but are seriously lacking in the antenna dept so they suffer extremely when used for distance.

The advantage is that you can plug an antenna into the radio and use it as a mobile and then switch over to the antenna that came with it for any short haul transmissions.

Keep in mind that a handheld with good batteries and stock antenna will only work over a distance of about 1 mile, which means that whoever you are talking to is going to have to have a good antenna system of their own to have a usable signal on you.

I still encourage you to go for your Ham license as you will find a different world of radios and equipment available to you, and with much better results for even a handheld..

[stormcrazyman]

Do you know where I can get a ham? About how much PM me.
Thanks
Jeb

[Greg60]

Being new to this thread, I would tell you to go to www.arrl.org. Look around and there is a link that will take you to a page that you can find out about ham radio clubs in your area. Usually they have links to the club web pages and there you can find out if a club has classes to get your license. Then after you take the class the clubs usually have test sessions that you can take the test and get your license. The technician license allows you to work 2 meter, 440 mhz, some 10 meter and 6 meter. The 2 meter is where I find most of the Skywarn activity here in New England. Also, after you get your license you can get into Echolink. That's a "voice over internet protocol" program that will allow you to connect with repeaters and links all over the world while using your computer. Severe storm watches and hurricane nets work the Echolink. You can make contacts with most of the National Weather Service offices throughout the country when there are watches. You will be able to post severe weather Skywarn criteria also. If you are into Skywarn you'll know about the Skywarn Recognition Day. That's when the National Weather Service recognizes the volunteers and spotters and all they have done through the year.

CB is ok. I started there back when the conditions were very favorable for the band, but now I've gotten my tech license and have worked with Emergency Management here in Taunton, Ma., started our own club, the Taunton Area Communications Group. I'm a Skywarn spotter and operator as I am able to go to the Taunton office of the National Weather Service and work the radios for the forecasters there.

Like I said, CB is ok but ham radio is the way to go. I think everyone else here in this thread will agree.

Good luck.

[KC0UWF K9 Cop]

I am getting a new CB. A midland handheld.

save your money,, a Ham radio is like 150 buks or less, antenna is same price as CB antenna.
ham test is 14 buks...

sell the illegal radio to someone you don't know..

[KF6NFW]

we have been chatting it on PM so we can get him set up legal and with better equip then he may be acustomed to.

and actualy he cant legaly sell that radio, granted no more then who was able to buy it but as the rules are only lic amateurs may make private sell of such equipment, which does fall squarely in to the Ham catagory.

[KC8TCQ]

and actualy he cant legaly sell that radio, granted no more then who was able to buy it but as the rules are only lic amateurs may make private sell of such equipment, which does fall squarely in to the Ham catagory.

Correct. What he could do is once he is licensed, he could use that radio on the 10m band in the novice portion 28.300-28.500 USB, as well as use a transverter to put the radio on the 6m band.

[KC0UWF K9 Cop]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477

alot of your questions can be answered here. It's helped alot of us guys out.

[KC8TCQ]

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477

alot of your questions can be answered here. It's helped alot of us guys out.


Very informative link. You might want to post it in this thread in the personal/business links section.
http://www.skywarnonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=962

[directory]

i'd leave that cb at home and get a regular one. then also get a ham license.

[KF6NFW]

Very informative link. You might want to post it in this thread in the personal/business links section.
http://www.skywarnonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=962

Funny you would post this just after it was also posted on the QRZ site in regards to same.

I guess I should include the link that was actually posted http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...&f=22&t=604477.

I have never heard of or dealt with this site untill this afternoon.


I am hoping that the thread on the Zed is that of the same person here as it will make it easier to work on, as it is the thread there has sprung to life rather quickly, and even a comment or two from MUK on there as well.

To the OP of this thread, please make your identity known in some manner so I know if it is you on QRZ.com

[CodeBreaker]

Keep in mind that a handheld with good batteries and stock antenna will only work over a distance of about 1 mile, which means that whoever you are talking to is going to have to have a good antenna system of their own to have a usable signal on you.

My Cobra 38WXST handheld with the telesopic Antenna I got to cover about 4 miles in Indep. My friend has another CB so we tested it and he could still hear me at 4.47 Miles. I drove down I-70. He stayed at Bandana's parking lot. With the normal one i got a little over 2 miles before it gave out.

[KF6NFW]

note that like you mentioned it is a telescopic antenna which is likely of the 4 foot variety which works out to a crappy 1/4 wave with the center loading coil in it, but most of all it is a more efficient radiator then the rubber duck antennas that come with nearly all handheld CB's now days.

Also keep in mined that it is possible to jump a signal across the country with that hand held, but I wouldnt count on it daily.
However for reliable communication, I would not count on more then a mile.

I would not trust a handheld CB to be any solid form of communication, especialy if I was out spotting.

Note also that atmosphere conditions will also have an impact on the signal, could be good could be bad, but it will effect it, another reason not to rely on CB!

I think that for a spotter who wishes to stay alive and effective, it is in the best interest to get quality and proper equipment.

CB(11 meter) is technically a HF band, and while it does work just like other HF bands they arent always reliable to get through, hence why Hams have a better chance of passing radio traffic as we have access to several bands, which one is bound to get through. Should you have doubts do some research on ARRL website about HF propagation, and how each band has its own characteristics.

If one is so inclined there are alternatives to amateur bands that are also just as reliable.
No study needed, but you still wont have the best coverage.
One can pay the $85-90 for a GMRS lic. in which they may use the assigned freq for their use, all imediate family members are covered by the lic. but if used in a buss. type enviroment then all persons operating need to have their own lic.
One may also use the color dot frequencies, also known as MURS.
These are a set of freq. in the VHF and UHF band.
They have excellent signal quality, but are also limited to power output and range, though much easier to work with the MURS options then that of CB, as you can have a higher transmit power.

Anything over 4W measured at radio output is illegal and not in the spirit of good operation, and as a ham myself, would be put into a situation to protect my rights withen the ham bands and have to raise concerns over uch illegal practice, call it the radio police if you will, but allowing it to happen would only show a lack of character on my part which is in part related to my amateur radio lic, which I intend to keep.
Also the black eye it would give to Skywarn or whatever other agency one wishes to operate with.

Bottom line for me is that the CB is a bad choice for most spotters unless they are knowingly close enough to another person who will relay or respond to their needs should it be needed.
Other wise a gambel at best on ones life, which frankly I dont wish to be a part of. I would much rather teach someone a better way and encourage them to do so, for the sake of safety.

[ctcroson]

just use it in the CB band and you will be fine

[SKYWARN IL-227]

also, dont forget the one simple rule...

"Unless someone else is using the same equipment as you, CB, HAM, MURS, GMRS/FRS, it wont matter as no one will hear you anyway.."

I however do carry a CB, HAM, MURS, and GMRS/FRS radios with me on chases so I would hear you and be able to chase and spot with you. ;)

[KF6NFW]

Ok so if you are serious about getting a ham radio, you will first need to get a ham license. I have resurrected the thread you started on QRZ.

the only way you are going to be able to check the comments is if you stop in and check, also the boards move quickly, so it is easy to get pushed to a page or two back, which means you may have to hunt for your topic. I have brought it up to the front again just a few moments ago, and have asked that if anyone is in your area, that maybe they could mentor you into getting your lic, which is really easy, and could truely be done in a weekend, (My wife did).

Other wise I would suggest to atr least visit the QRZ site regularly and try to read up on a few things, many of the topics are gooing to be well over your head, but some wont be.
Also there is a practice test area on there, that you can use as often as you like. It would be in best interest to start there, and ask questions as you go.

Again the test questions on there are the actual test questions, so there will be no suprises when it is time to take the actual proctor test.


Let me know if there is anything more I can do to help, other wise it all rests on you to make the choice.

There are many hams on here that can also help. ??9MUK has stopped in a few times on the Zed (www.QRZ.com) as well so I am sure he is willing to assist, just like the other nearly 700K others around the world.

With the ham license you will have the opportunity to talk to the International Space station, the Space Shuttle when in orbit, you can bounce your sig off the moon and back to the other side of the world also. There are numerous activities you can legaly enjoy with amateur radio that you simply CANT with a CB radio.

Either way the ball is in your court now!

Have a good day either way.

73
Chris
KF6NFW

[KF6NFW]

just use it in the CB band and you will be fine

How can you in good conscious tell some one to break the law knowingly?
Are you willing to pay for new equipment and legal fees should he not be "fine"?

Personally I find it appalling that anyone would suggest the breaking of such law when it is so easy to abide by the law.

Here are a couple good reasons to not just use it besides the fact it is modified.

1. it presents the opportunity to interfere with some medical devices which reside in the same band and some are in between the CB channels.

2. you may interfere with someones 27MHz cordless phone, though not so much your problem, it most certainly would be if you are operating an illegal transceiver. and before the flames start about cordless phones dont operate there anymore, keep in mind that there are still several thousand in use even if antiquated, and many cant see the point in replacing if it isnt broke!

3. there is no assurance that the radio is operating with in the specs and may cause intereference to other users of the band, as well as may not perform propper to begin with.

4. the fines can be extremely severe, which could be $10,000 per offense, which is calulated as each day in operation is an offense, then there is the part about imprisonment.
while all these are only if you get caught why take the chance? Also though the fines are set high and stiff, many times they are reduced to a much lower monetary fine, but none the less a fine to be payed.

5. should you be caught with the unit, you risk not being able to hold any radio license for the remainder of life, which really sucks when you fined out that you like the radio , and decide to pursue it further, but cant because you got caught operating an illegal station.


Bottom line, dont just use it, yes you probably will get away with it for many yrs and maybe you wont, whats it worth to you?

[silver_bear47]

One may also use the color dot frequencies, also known as MURS.
These are a set of freq. in the VHF and UHF band.
They have excellent signal quality, but are also limited to power output and range, though much easier to work with the MURS options then that of CB, as you can have a higher transmit power.



MURS freqs listed in available reference on line are in the 151 to 154 mhz portion of the VHF band, none listed in UHF band - power output limited to 2 watts - not higher than hf CB.

Hope this helps.

[KC8TCQ]

MURS freqs listed in available reference on line are in the 151 to 154 mhz portion of the VHF band, none listed in UHF band - power output limited to 2 watts - not higher than hf CB.

Hope this helps.

True, but you can use a high gain antenna, and no license needed. So they will perform better than the FRS/GMRS radios. and with FM so less noise in the ears. And MURS is also less crowded as many overlook that radio service.

[silver_bear47]

Good point, Keith, and apropos since he doesn't plan to interface with NWS over the air ...

[KF6NFW]

MURS freqs listed in available reference on line are in the 151 to 154 mhz portion of the VHF band, none listed in UHF band - power output limited to 2 watts - not higher than hf CB.

Hope this helps. You are correct on the VHF, that would be a typ on my part.
MURS are allowed up to 5 watts however.

Dont compare wattage between bands as they have zero bearing on effectiveness in that rgard because each band has its own charecteristics that make it what it is, also note that while CB is truely an HF band it dont always perform as such, as it is more suseptable to that of sunspots and intereference then you will see at higher bands.

and again, being able to get an antenna outside is so much better then anything else you can do for a system

[KF6NFW]

True, but you can use a high gain antenna, and no license needed. So they will perform better than the FRS/GMRS radios. and with FM so less noise in the ears. And MURS is also less crowded as many overlook that radio service.
MURS is over looked by most, but the criminal element is moving into the band because of it, they will coordinate a break in or other such with them as they are less noticed there then anywhere else.

[KC8TCQ]

You are correct on the VHF, that would be a typ on my part.
MURS are allowed up to 5 watts however.

Dont compare wattage between bands as they have zero bearing on effectiveness in that rgard because each band has its own charecteristics that make it what it is, also note that while CB is truely an HF band it dont always perform as such, as it is more suseptable to that of sunspots and intereference then you will see at higher bands.

and again, being able to get an antenna outside is so much better then anything else you can do for a system

11m is one of those wierd bands, it has some propogation characteristics of HF, and at the same time, some characteristics of VHF. Much of the band openings on both 10m and 11m are sporadic E skip. In some ways 10m, 11m, and 6m have a lot in common. 6m is considered VHF Low, which can be a lot of fun when it is open.

[KF6NFW]

11m is one of those wierd bands, it has some propogation characteristics of HF, and at the same time, some characteristics of VHF. Much of the band openings on both 10m and 11m are sporadic E skip. In some ways 10m, 11m, and 6m have a lot in common. 6m is considered VHF Low, which can be a lot of fun when it is open.11 meters would be a much more fun band if a the idiots went away, which means more enforcement fromFCC, and two to be able to have more leway on antenna structure. I dont care to much about power as I have fun with QRP.