Rubber Duckie, this is Lightning, come back (aka cb radios)

[BCnomad]

So I have two working (hopefully, not hooked up yet) CB radio systems that I can/will have on me for the Osoyoos rally. A newer Cobra 148 and a Cobra 18 with weather alerts. I plan to keep the pick of the litter after my spring roadtrip.


Besides Jim (cpaharley) does anyone coming to the rally have a cb installed? I want to try out the SSB on the 148.

[Jim Bennett]

They still make CB radios? I would have thought the cell phone would have killed them.

I used to have on 40 years ago. I does bring back memories. "Benny the Bear" was my handle. We did have a decent sized group that would chat it up on there. Mostly deciding what parking lot to all meet in.

[cpaharley2008]

I still have mine with the weather channel, but the new Ram has internet and I can monitor the weather on the iPad in real time. Of course driving is becoming multi tasking, between all the info the car reads out on oil, trans temperature and mpg and mph and trying to keep that sweet spot while towing and with watching weather radar, I miss all the good views. In addition I now have bluetooth trailer battery monitor to watch on the iPhone, Too much, Information overload. May just turn everything off, turn on some music and just cruise.....

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

May just turn everything off, turn on some music and just cruise.....

What, and just enjoy the drive? This sounds like a great plan to me.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I still have mine with the weather channel, but the new Ram has internet and I can monitor the weather on the iPad in real time. Of course driving is becoming multi tasking, between all the info the car reads out on oil, trans temperature and mpg and mph and trying to keep that sweet spot while towing and with watching weather radar, I miss all the good views. In addition I now have bluetooth trailer battery monitor to watch on the iPhone, Too much, Information overload. May just turn everything off, turn on some music and just cruise.....

Jim,
You're just the pilot; you need a flight engineer.

[LeonW]

I have this cb radio that I use sometimes. I would use it more, but it annoys Lindy when I listen to the trucker chatter. I do use it for the weather information because I can listen to the weather channel as opposed to trying to read it on my cell phone or iPad. I have found it useful occasionally when there have been traffic tie-ups due to an accident or road construction, but probably if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't.

[MyronL]

Rubber Duckie, you're the one...

[BCnomad]

I hear ya Jim. Even with the 'easy use' radio/temp controls, if I take my eyes off the road for more than a few heartbeats, I find myself drifting to the other lane. Not worth it. Was going to let the sat radio trial lapse, but at least with the steering wheel controls I can stay on course.


Paid very little for each setup, so I don't feel too bad even if it just goes into the closet later. Even if I just get a heads up on one interstate accident, I'll feel ok with the cost. More if I miss a tornado.

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Myron, you find the best pictures.



Jim, between "Benny the Bear" and your avatar, I got my morning chuckle. Thanks. PS You need to post about the clam tent you got.

[gbaglo]

Against the law to use 'hand-held devices' while driving in BC. I wonder if a microphone is exempt?

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Against the law to use 'hand-held devices' while driving in BC. I wonder if a microphone is exempt?

Alberta also has a distracted driving law in effect. They specifically indicate that hand held devices, including CB radio microphones, cannot be used while driving.

Government of Alberta Ministry of Transportation: Distracted Driving Legislation (Bill 16)

My understanding is that "hands free" devices are acceptable.

Also of interest, they indicate that you can be charged for having a pet in your lap or obstructing your view while driving, for playing with your GPS while driving, cell phone use of course, personal grooming, and a host of other activities.

[Ron in BC]

In the heyday of CB I enjoyed using CB but it just kind of faded away.

Last year my wife and I were driving to Calgary with two vehicles, one to give to a neice, and I thought that having CB's to stay in touch would be a good idea considering the moutain passes weren't all that good at the time.

I was kind of shocked at how much it had changed. It seemed to be much less used and a couple of super ramped up ones, from hundreds of miles away kept dominating one channel. If I ever came face-to-face with "ice cream man" I'd unplug his freezer

So I do have a CB installed in my TV and soon I'll be putting petal to the metal and heading for Osoyoos good buddy.

10-4

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by BCnomad

PS You need to post about the clam tent you got.

I will do that once I get a good chance to try it out. I did set it up, and first impressions were very good.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Also of interest, they indicate that you can be charged for having a pet in your lap or obstructing your view while driving,

When I see this I just cringe. That distraction has to be worse than any of the others you described.

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

So I do have a CB installed in my TV and soon I'll be putting petal to the metal and heading for Osoyoos good buddy.

Are you coming to Osoyoos for sure? For some reason I thought it was up in the air for a trip to Alaska. Or, do I have my wires crossed?.......again.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Are you coming to Osoyoos for sure? For some reason I thought it was up in the air for a trip to Alaska. Or, do I have my wires crossed?.......again.

This year didn't get off to a great start when a health problem cropped up. Our lives have been pretty much on hold not knowing when we'd be free to travel. But things are progressing, we've sent in our reservation and are still hoping to head to Alaska after Osoyoss.

As they say, sometimes life gets in the way.

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

It certainly does, Ron. I bet we all know that well. Good to hear you are making it back to the rally this year.