With cell phones for personal communication, and Twitter and Facebook for social networking, there would seem to be no reason for an ancient form of communications like CB Radio to still be alive and well.
According to Erik Vamos, President of Eastern Shore Jeep Association (ESJA), "The most efficient way to communicate to a group of people while out on the trail is using a CB radio. If somebody gets stuck, breaks a part, is lost, or just wants to decide on a route to take the CB is used to pass along the information. Some off-road parks in the nation require a CB radio installed in the vehicle. They are a vital asset to a Jeep or any off-road vehicle.
Dan Thornton, ESJA Vice President shares these thoughts, "In the off road community, CB radios are used extensively while out on the trails where cell phones and other communication devices can be unreliable. Rather than stopping to yell to the vehicle behind you, or having to get out of your vehicle, you can just pick up the microphone to talk without slowing down progress."
The ESJA boasts having members that reach from New Jersey to Virginia and everywhere in between, as well as being the only Jeep club on the east coast with their own off road land, which is located in Southern Delaware near Delmar.
CB radio, formally known as Citizens' Band radio, is a system of short distance radio communications between individuals. The Citizens' Band radio service began in 1945 in the United States as one of several personal radio services regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.
While some folks may say the CB radio became less popular due to development of mobile phones, the CB radio was not used for personal one to one communications, as much as it was used as the information sharing and social networking tool at the time. Truck drivers and motorists used CB radio to locate gas stations during the fuel shortages and rationing of the early 1970's, and to share information on police speed trap.
There is at least one area where the CB radio lives on. Jeeps and CB radios are alive and playing well together on Delmarva.
To stay informed on Wilmington Technology News, or to share your Technology News, follow Tom Peracchio @Gu42 on Twitter or Guru42 on Facebook.
Comments
Funny how things are going backward to CB radios. I used them when I was in High School.
CB radios are still the best in disaster situations when many lines of communication are down.
Men and their toys, playing in the mud at any age!
Don't think for a minute that Cb's have gotten less popular with the trucking industry. I can tell you if you get on a highway on channel 19 you will always be able to reach a trucker somewhere. You can buy a Cb and put it in your jeep and put an antenna on there and roll with that. What you're not telling folks is that CB radios must have the antenna adjusted so the standing wave ratio (SWR) is in the correct range. If it's not you can burn up that new investment in very little time. If you're investing in a CB try checking out some websites to do with CB's or some truckers websites and find a blog on adjusting your CB radio. This could save you a lot of time and money in the long run and will increase the amount of enjoyment you get from your radio.
I totally agree with you! I love to go off-roading, and usually my cell phone doesn't work. The first time I got stuck I didn't have a CB Radio. It took forever to dig myself out. Luckily I was able to do it and make it back home. But before I went out again I looked up ways to stay in communication when there wasn't coverage. I found out about CB radio and got trained how to use it. The other times since then that I've gotten stuck, I've been able to use it to call for help. ( http://www.jokermancbelectronics.com/ )
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!