Radio/CB questions

[mgoncalves]

How do you tell if a radio will work as a CB?

I have a radio that we used to use in Wyoming as our home phone through a radio service. After years of hassling my Dad, he finally let me have it. I really just wanted the 12 volt converter, but the radio has my curiousity peaked. I wouldn't mind being able to have a CB working in the truck when cruising down the interstate.



So, how do I tell if it will work or not?



Thanks

Matt

 

[loncray]

I would think it would list CB channels or frequencies if it was capable of using them - do you have a make and model of the radiophone? Someone more knowledgeable than I will have an answer for you.

 

[mgoncalves]

Okay, did a little research and here's what I came up with.



It is a Maxon SM-4150 (VHF) 16 channel, 40 watts, PC programmable, Scan w/dual level priority, CTCSS/DCS tone signaling, busy channel lockout, time out timer, Flourescent channel display, and Auxilliary speaker switch.





I don't have a clue what any of that means

I'm guessing that it's probably good for something, but not gonna work as a CB. Can anyone confirm, or deny??





Matt

 

[The patriot]

That's not a CB. It transmits on the VHF range. CB is on the HF range.

It's programmable (but I dont know how) and sells new for about $270. 00.

You will not be able to program it to CB frequencies.

Eric

 

[TSpecht]

Technically even if you could program it to operate on CB frequencies (the legal 40 channels in the 11m band) it would be illegal to do so. To operate on CB frequencies and comply with the letter of the law the radio must also have "type acceptance" from the FCC, comply with power output specs and the like.

Granted there's a lot of "not legal" going on out there these days, but that's something everybody needs to decide.

 

[mgoncalves]

Thanks for the expertise.



I guess my CB idea is not meant to be





Matt

 

[TSpecht]

On the other hand some decent to good CB setups can be had for under $100. In fact, the antenna is the most important part unless you plan to run illegal power (amp, etc). Just about any radio should suffice. More expensive doesn't usually mean more range.

 

[willysrule]

take that unit to your local CB shop and trade it in, may CB guys would probably take that on a trade for another unit and some hardware...