Don't feel too bad...I'm an Extra-class ham, until recently in charge of Emergency training for my ARES district and my whole family has their license.

I too have a CB.

Why? Besides the fact that like many amateurs, I started on CB (my mom was a long-time CBer and was listed in her obituary by her handle.....no redneck jokes please LOL), there are some very good practical reasons to use one...or at least be aware of the frequencies so you can program them if need be. In many areas, it's the best way to communicate with truck drivers and local volunteer firefighters, who will almost always have CBs of their own. In Waveland, one of my jobs was escorting truckers to their destinations since most did not have GPSs and there were very few recognizable landmarks...the CB was invaluable.

According to the ARRL Level One Emergency Communication book, if you are not using a handle,

QuoteA recommended method promoted by the FCC is the letter "K," followed by the user's first and last initials, followed by your zip code. If you had a valid Class D License before the mid 1980s, you may continue to use your old CB call sign. DO NOT USE YOUR AMATEUR CALL!

Quote from: CLB on September 16, 2007, 01:55:28 AM
So, what kind did you get? 

Last year I blew up a Texas Ranger w/ SSB.  Downgraded to a Cobra 19DX4.  Fits in the Jeep better anyways. 

Won't tell you how I blew it up but given the CB world, one can guess

So can I

Quote from: CLB on September 16, 2007, 01:55:28 AM
So, what kind did you get? 

Last year I blew up a Texas Ranger w/ SSB.  Downgraded to a Cobra 19DX4.  Fits in the Jeep better anyways. 

Won't tell you how I blew it up but given the CB world, one can guess

Were You using a "LIN-E-ER "

QuoteEVERYTHING THUS FAR

OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE!?!?!

Quote from: Recruiter on September 16, 2007, 12:48:25 AM
I was gaining respect for you. I thought you had some great ideas. You seemed to be a bright cadet. Then you did it. The Candy Band. The Chicken Band. If I ever meet up with you and you say to me "Snowman, you got your ears on?", then I can't be held responsible for my own actions

Does this mean I'm getting coal in my stockings this Christmas?

Quote from: CLB on September 16, 2007, 01:55:28 AM
So, what kind did you get? 

Last year I blew up a Texas Ranger w/ SSB.  Downgraded to a Cobra 19DX4.  Fits in the Jeep better anyways. 

Won't tell you how I blew it up but given the CB world, one can guess

Its my dad's old Midland 13-888B.  No digital displays, just knobs and switches.  Works great, but it doesn't have all 40 channels, just the lower band.  As for your blowout...lay off the linears buddy...

The CB is just a filler until I get my HAM license and a radio in said band.  I could use my Kenwood TK-280, buts its a handheld and I don't know if I'm in range to ping the amateur repeaters with any sense of clarity.  Due to the fact that I'm a poor college kid, I'm gonna have to listen in on a HAM swapmeet and see if I can get a radio on the cheap (unless theres some willing donations out there *shifty eyes*  )

23 channel with an analog crank knob.. heh, like a top loading VCR and a 13 channel TV.

All I need is an 8-Track deck and I'll be back in the 80's, oh wait, I already have one.
(Thank god I only had to spend the first year of my life in that decade)

Quote from: ♠SARKID♠ on September 16, 2007, 05:18:00 AM
All I need is an 8-Track deck and I'll be back in the 80's, oh wait, I already have one.
(Thank god I only had to spend the first year of my life in that decade)

Crap.  Now I feel old. 

As far as the amp goes, it's somewhere in the hallway closet.  Might make a door stop one day. 

What I really use mine for is trail riding.  There's a dude over on the edge of the national forest that listens in and gives advice on good spots to go check out.  Use it to talk to the other vehicles on the trail as well. 

Quote from: ♠SARKID♠ on September 16, 2007, 03:58:21 AMDoes this mean I'm getting coal in my stockings this Christmas?

Are you kidding? That stuff's expensive! I suggest a fresh cow pie instead. 

Quote from: CLB on September 16, 2007, 06:31:58 AM
As far as the amp goes, it's somewhere in the hallway closet.  Might make a door stop one day. 

I have an old Texas Star DX250 that I'm trying to re-work into a QRP amp for my Icom IC-703. If I can make that work, it would give me a lightweight backpack-portable (and NTIA-compliant at the time of registration) radio that only draws .3 amps on receive, yet can kick out 150 watts when needed.

Quote from: CadetProgramGuy on September 16, 2007, 01:09:35 AM
Let the Radio Travesty begin...


Roger - Wilco - Over & Out!!

<chech and Chong> Rogers not here mannn </chech and Chong>

I've got a cheap CB when I'm doing a long drive. Saved me a ticket or two. Things useless in Vegas though as there are two clowns who do nothing but wait to hear a voice on it then do their level best to out do Howard Stern.  It's not worht the effort though to DF them and file an FCC complaint.

Quote
I have an old Texas Star DX250 that I'm trying to re-work into a QRP amp for my Icom IC-703. If I can make that work, it would give me a lightweight backpack-portable (and NTIA-compliant at the time of registration) radio that only draws .3 amps on receive, yet can kick out 150 watts when needed.

Sounds like an awesome setup!  Yeah, I still need to find a base station/mobile HAM radio to put in my room or truck.    $$$