The consensus seems to be that it is dead, and only of little nostalgic value. I don't think I'll dip my toe back into the water. Better off looking for an old 8 track tape recorder. :) Or a Betamax.

I bought a midland 40 channel at a thriftstore for $10 last summer. Hooked it up, and only heard static on all the channels, even on my other radios, its quiet around here... Have my radios and homebase antenna should the "Chit hit the fan". :D

SR

:no: It'll be an EMP that destroys all semiconductor devices and only good ol vacuum tube electronics will work , so yea , toss anything named "Midland" and find some old tube stuff if you want communication after "the big one" .

And no , not in the least a "prepper" , but I know a couple of people who are . I'm more of a realist , when the proverbial poop hits the rotary impeller there won't be any of us left to worry about CB radios anyway :thmbsp:

Not all bad EMPs are manmade; in the 1800's there was a really bad one caused by sunspot activity interacting with earth's atmosphere. In a peacetime EMP event having the equip that still works in volume is an equation for overnight wealth.

I've got a couple full power 40ch walkie talkies and a Uniden? 29 channel mobile unit. I don't hear much chatter here, but on my vacation a couple years ago we used one of the walkies and the rig in my friends Jeep to talk between vehicles. My friend and his Jeep club use CB radios while out wheelin', cuz it works without cell towers.

I'm gonna set up a rig in my truck once I'm done replacing the engine :thmbsp:

And as far as the EMPs, that's why I have been into battery powered tube radios lately.

Also have a tube type Johnson and an old Citiphone CB, so im covered.. :D

SR

Yes, I hear nothing but static from my two* though this state is loaded with trucks, terminals, warehouses and a legendary-screwy highway system. Inoperative CB antennas are probably the only thing affecting that and new ones for $30 can be had at any truck stop:)

*I've got a 23-ch Granada and a 40-channel Cobra in my junque attic and Id dump both if I'd pick up an RCA tubed-CB that presents itself. Lots of the Hams I know started with CB then "graduated" to the 40m band.

I last used mine in the mid-80s when the speed traps were so bad along a 125 mile trip from PA down to the DC area. Then, the band was loaded with d-bags and blowhards - but the chatter always included useful smokey reports, traffic issues and most importantly beaver sightings:D

My brother had a base and mobile in the mid 70s-80s during sunspot peaks IIRC. I did all the soldering and cable terms on his various site antennas like a half-wave dipole. He knew all the local yokels for a 20 mile radius, but calls it Children's Band now.

There's not much going on in my area on AM on the citizens band, but there is some sideband activity (especially when the band opens).

My antenna blew down or I would still use mine alot.....I love analogue communications :)