1 of 1- RadioActive
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Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
In this sometimes wistful article, the author looks back at the history of and the fading moment in the sun for the CB radio.
Certainly not broadcasting in the sense we understand it here, but at one time a competitor for what some people listened to in their cars.
I love the conclusion that what helped kill the CB (other than cell phones) was the incessant intrusion of trolls that made people want to stop participating. Hmm, are there any modern day paralells do you suppose?
The CB Radio Revolutionized Communication Between Vehicles, Now It’s Mostly A Forgotten Relic
- Hansa
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Re: Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
RadioActive wrote:
I love the conclusion that what helped kill the CB (other than cell phones) was the incessant intrusion of trolls that made people want to stop participating.
The CB Radio Revolutionized Communication Between Vehicles, Now It’s Mostly A Forgotten Relic
That and cell phones.
- turkeytop
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Re: Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
A lot of the truckers still have the antennas on their rigs. I wonder if any of them still use them.
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- mic'em
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Re: Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
I gave up on CB usage while trucking throughout the 2000's. The influx of drivers via immigration pretty much took over the airwaves to the point it was simply just aggravating to try and communicate with anyone. I still have an 80's Cobra XLR , with the extra 40 back channels added and a magnetic antenna if anyone wants to buy it. 
Last edited by mic'em (June 5, 2025 6:34 am)
- darcyh
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Re: Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
Truckers still use them. One benefit is the CB signal does not travel too far; under 15 miles or so from mobile to mobile rig, so whoever you are hearing is probably reasonably close. This can be helpful for local traffic tie ups.
Mounting / locating. In older vehicles there was usually room under the dash to mount a CB or ham radio. In modern cars it is hard to find a suitable place to mount the radios.
Last edited by darcyh (June 5, 2025 11:44 am)
- Chrisphen
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Re: Another Radio That's Disappeared From Cars
Sam Peckinpah's 'Convoy' is easily available online to stream. Not a great film but it helped hype up CB communications. GM offered CB radios as a factory option for a while around that time.
It'll come back in style any day now.