I think I see. Can you elaborate on the complications and process?
I am under the impression that something nearing 0-2 enforcement actions have been taken on CB operators in the last 30+ years.
And these were for prolonged, amplified interference on popular channels (like 19) and only after several complaints were made and FCC warnings were ignored.
Please answer these questions, as I may be over complicating the issue.
Which type of CB should they buy?
What type of antenna?
Should they have two antennas, one for FM and one for AM?
If some of these questions lead to other questions, it's already more complicated than buying a CB rig before the FCC added FM.
Same antennae, FM vs AM. You dont have to use FM, so buying a dual band radio is up to you.
FM may be clearer, but won't go as far.
Cobra LTD 29 has always been the most popular radio. Now you can buy them with dual band.
Wilson 2000 is a popular antenna.
Now, if I was a newbie the "... is up to you ..." yields more questions. There are physical differences, which you mentioned, and practical ones (what are other in his region using). Again, my point was that the rules have changed, and as a result, there is more to consider.
OK. I guess I thought we were talking about fcc/government rules. Which haven't changed.
If anyone was truly curious, they should probably buy dual band and use them both to see whats what. AM is by far more popular still, but may change.
OK. I concede that by allowing FM, this technically a change in the rules by the governing body.
For clarification, the rule affects the manufacturers of radios, not users, as any user with the capability of switching to FM on their custom CB rig before the rule change, would not have beeen persued or charged with any enforcement action.
The CB band (outside of rules for manufacturers of radios) remains largely unregulated.
Its a free-for-all. With enforcement reserved for the less than once-per-decade extreme situation, like interrupting stations for long periods, causing complaints, ignoring warnings and using high-powered amplification devices to do so.
My concern had nothing to do with getting in trouble, and everything to do with properly onboarding someone into radio.
Giving a newbie partial, or inaccurate, information easily leads to confusion and frustration. That's the last thing you want for someone's first radio experience.
As an aside, the FCC has proven to not be a practical enforcer of their rules. That's been left to old men that want to fox hunt for a real "kill".
I like that last bit.
Still, not to beat a dead horse, but new users dont really need to understand this rule change that was enacted for manufacturers.
But they might want some basic info on the advantages of FM vs AM... which was probably your point.
I dont even know what I'm arguing at this point. You're just the only one responding to any of my notes today. 🤣
I've got a little VHF/UHF handset. What's a good CB radio? Something that won't break the bank?
Its called craigslist I think.. 😂
From what I understand, the new cool kid im CB radio is President. They have all kinds of models.
No Craigslist here unfortunately 😂
I looked on our equivalent but CB radios don't exist apparently. I'll probably buy new.
IMHO, the Cobra 29 LTD is the gold standard. I dunno. A couple hundred bucks new maybe. Then you gotta get an antenna.
Buy the best antenna you can afford. It makes a HUGE difference.
Yes, this I know. Thankfully I used to deal with wireless Internet stuff so I have a little bit of knowledge.
My little ham handheld works a lot better thanks to a bigger whip antennae. The difference from the pack in was night and day.
They're retired and lonely, so it makes sense. It still seems like an odd desire.
I've been tempted to cheer them up by keying down with my UV-5R, telling them how my spurious emissions are better than theirs, and finishing with roger-beeps.
Maybe I'll do that if I ever retire.
