Cb radios and talking skip

[The Chicken Lady]

I'm a member of SkyWarn in the Kent County, MI, area. I don't have *any* radio skills, so I'm not much use as a mobile spotter.

Luckily, knowing things about the radio isn't a prerequisite.

We're getting some big snow today. Later on, I'll go out and measure it and submit my observations.

 

[Bird Hearder]

Quote:
No, The antenna above cab (on ford) is shorter, it's the Hot. The reflector and directors are about the same length. those are called fighting sticks. I'll get a better pic from my buddy in the van of his antennas. 1 hot 1 grounded, They are 55 whipping sticks. a very unusual design.
Here's a link that explains the different antenna configurations and how to set them up.
http://skater229.com/55antennamagic.html

I have the majority of it down, It's the abreviations that mess me up. R.a.c.e.s. and they give you 4 choices when 3 seem to fit.

Are either of you guys spotters for the National Weather Service or part of a civilian emergency team? They are always looking for volunteers who know how to use the radios.

I'm not, I don't have my ticket, Yet!

 

[seismic wonder2]

I was checking out the website you have listed for the "beam" antenna. I don't get a warm fuzzy. Seems like random experimentation to me.
Try this;
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=3295
to build a cubicle quad with one reflector and driven element.
It should give improved performance over the "beam". and depending on what you build it out of you can make it fold into a small bag.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

10/11 meters have been pretty lousy the past few years, the sun being at the bottom of the sunpot cycle. I haven't listened much this winter, but last winter I spent November and December tuning around 10 and 11 meters in preparation for the ARRL 10 meter contest. The band would open up from our QTH in Texas to LA, AL, GA, and FL for a few hours a day and that would be about it. It was pretty slim pickings.

 

[WriterofWords]

I grew up with a mic in my hand. My family was part of the Lions Radio Como and I learned Morse code before I was 5. All of my vehicles have CBs, when I travel I talk up a storm. We used to have a massive Ham set up here but after my Grandad passed I took it down because I myself wasn't licensed. I'm thinking of changing that now. This is my baby:

Everyone identifies my truck by the antenna and the silver horses.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
I recognize people by their avatars most of the time. What happened to your picture, Kate?

Are you still proficient in Morse code? I passed the 13 wpm exam about ten years ago to get an Advanced license. Never really used it. The past year or so I've been listening to it non-stop trying to copy in my head. I am intrigued by the people who can copy in their head at high speeds, 50 wpm and up. I listen to e-books that I have converted to Morse mp3 files. I can copy in my head at around 20 wpm and on up to around 35 wpm, but still have trouble following the general idea of what is being sent. I have 95% copy if I continually discard words as they are processed. If I stop to think about what is actually being said, my copy goes to hell pretty quickly.

 

[WriterofWords]

I'm not as proficient as I was back then but I'm working on it again. I put Nugget up on my Avatar for a bit for a change. When I went into the Air Force and was taking my tests the summer of 1980 they found out I was proficient in Morse and I found myself placed as Morse Systems Operator before I could blink. They asked if I minded heights and I asked why, they said because I'd end up with a radio strapped to my back being dropped out of aircraft into desolate areas to set up communications. LOL,,, ooooooooooK!
I couldn't begin to tell you what my wpm's would be right now, I haven't even tried in over a decade. Something to do while I'm off! By the way, do you prefer traditional single key or butterfly? I love the butterfly!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I use a Bencher paddle with an electronic keyer. I'm not much for sending though. I tinker with radio a lot, but am not one for idle chatter. Johnny Cash used to be a USAF Morse Intercept Operator. Didn't you say you ended up in an AF band?

Yay CB! (that was just a nod to the original topic).

 

[WriterofWords]

Sorry about the hijack! I was in the Drum and Bugle Corp. Back to CB now.

 

[Bird Hearder]

Quote:
"Experimentation" Isn't that a big part of Radio?
The learning process that goes with it. If we didn't experiment everyone would be stuck talking an Antique radio. sears road talker, or Halli Ht-32b with a Dentron tuner and a long wire.

The Quad would be a good idea But, I don't think the quad would be allowed for a keydown.
On my base I do run a Maco 3 element horizontal for DX.
Some Rules

No extra long antennas,
No base beams,
High voltage pills only allowed in DC sky (that 1 only applies at certain keydowns though),
All coax must be visiable from radio to antenna connection or made visiable for inspection at any request, Internals of amp must be made available for inspection so your opponent can see what your putting on him. As far as anything else its run what ya brung.
I have seen on some break flyers say "East Coast" rules apply

Don't worry about Hijacking, It's good to see who else is into radio no matter what level/mode. Most started with CB then moved on.​