Politically incorrect CB topics ...
J Slatten
words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
1) "linear amplifier"
2) "export radio"
3) "PLL mods"
4) "sliding clarifier"
5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
6) "FM"
7) "modified 10M ham radio"
8) "freebanding"
Okay, had enough? I'm just very curious ... I don't condine any of the above,
but on rec.radio.scanner, there's all sorts of talk about modifying scanners to
pick up cell phone frequencies. Rec.arts.tv.cable has a discussion going about
pirate boxes and assorted ways to get HBO for free. I'm surprised thgere has
been very little talk, if any, about illegal CB habits. They are illegal, but
they are a dominant part of CB radio in the United States, and at least worthy
of some discussion.
Jon Anhold
In a previous article, jsla...@kirk.NMSU.Edu (J Slatten) says:
>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
>
>1) "linear amplifier"
>2) "export radio"
>3) "PLL mods"
>4) "sliding clarifier"
>5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
>6) "FM"
>7) "modified 10M ham radio"
>8) "freebanding"
Ok, I don't want to know HOW to do any of this stuff, but as I am new to
cb'ing, could you please just tell me what this stuff is? Please reply
via mail or via this newsgroup. Thanks. :)
-j
--
begin 644 .signature
M+4IO;B!!;FAO;&0M("@N+BY[=75N971\8F%C:V)O;F5](61R96%M;"%J9V$I
M("AJ9V%`9')E86UL+G=A<FEA="YO<F<I#0I/:"!N;R$@06YO=&AE<B`N<VEG
/;F%T=7)E('9I<G5S(0T*
My Account
>
> In a previous article, jsla...@kirk.NMSU.Edu (J Slatten) says:
>
> >The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some
nasty
> >words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
> >
> >1) "linear amplifier"
watts...trust me...
> >2) "export radio"
the Galaxy is a *NICE* one...anyone know of a source in Seatle?
[3-8 deleted]
>
> Ok, I don't want to know HOW to do any of this stuff, but as I am new to
> cb'ing, could you please just tell me what this stuff is? Please reply
> via mail or via this newsgroup. Thanks. :)
>
> -j
>
-Cohort
Cobra
Somewhere around these parts, the FAQ list will answer (believe it or
not...) the majority of these topics...
Ken Thompson - co...@coyote.datalog.com - GEnie: K.THOMPSON23
If I had a real witty saying, it would go here, but I don't, so...
Alternate address: co...@jab.tucson.az.us
J Slatten
>
> [I said]
>
> >The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
> >words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
> >
> >1) "linear amplifier"
> >2) "export radio"
> >3) "PLL mods"
> >4) "sliding clarifier"
> >5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
> >6) "FM"
> >7) "modified 10M ham radio"
> >8) "freebanding"
>
> Ok, I don't want to know HOW to do any of this stuff, but as I am new to
> cb'ing, could you please just tell me what this stuff is? Please reply
> via mail or via this newsgroup. Thanks. :)
1) 'linear amplifier" - an (illegal for CB) amplifier that is connected
in-line between an antenna output and the antenna, which signifigantly boosts
your output. The FCC allows a maximum RF output of 4 watts - linears can boost
that signal to 100 watts or higher. It can also make you a lot of enemies.
2) "export radio" - a radio designed for a foreign market, but through some
channels that are unknown to me, are sold in the United States. An export
radio will look almost exactly like a "regular" US-market CB, but will contain
some features that are *illegal* in the US. The most common are -
- FM, in addition to AM and SSB
- A bandswitch selector, which shifts the operating frequencies. For example,
a radio with a "low", "mid" and "high" bandswitch selector would operate on the
US 40 channel band when set in the "mid" position. When the selector is in the
"high" position, a new 40-channel, .450 MHz band is created, just above channel
40. In "low", a new band is created below Channel 1.
- A "+10 KHz" switch, which allows you to talk on the "A" channels.
Questions - Where are "export" radios legal? What marked are they made for?
3) "PLL mods" - similar to modifying a scanner to pick up cellular telephone
feequencies. Modifying the PLL of an older 40 channel radio will often add
channels to the radio. It's not like you're going to flip your knob and have
"41" or "63" in the channel display ... it's a bit sloppier and more
jury-rigged. Often, a "useless" switch like "CB-PA" is disconnected, and the
switch used to select a new set of channels between channel X and Y.
4) "sliding clarifier" - Clarifier knobs on a SSB radio will track the
receiving signal only. CB is a channelized form of communications. A sliding
clarifier allows you to adjust your transmitting frequencies, allowing you to
"slide" between channels. Also * illegal *, since only hams are given the
privelege of communications anywhere within their designated bands.
5) "Channela 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A" - simply, gaps in the CB band between
channels 3 and 4, 7 and 8, and so on, which are allocated for remote control
boats, garage door openers, and so on. Again, * illegal * for CB use.
6) "FM" - like it says, frequency modulation. Allowed in Europe, prohibited
in the States, Canada and Mexico.
7) "modified 10m ham radio" - a mobile 10 meter ham radio that has been
modified to transit and receive on CB frequencies. Because of the added power
and modes of the ham rigs, this too is *illegal *.
8) "freebanding" - what you do with an export radio, modified US market radio
and a modified 10m ham rig - T/R below channel 1 and above channel 40. Could
mess with other legitimate radio services ...
Cobra
[neat list deleted of definitions of various illegal activities]
?
The only nit I have to pick is that it's not illegal to receive on these
frequencies...it is illegal in the transceiver is capable of transmitting on
these frequencies...though I get better sensitivity with my SW rig than I do
with the receiver.
> 8) "freebanding" - what you do with an export radio, modified US market radi
> and a modified 10m ham rig - T/R below channel 1 and above channel 40. Could
> mess with other legitimate radio services ...
Ian Kluft
>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
Yes, it definitely appears that you've gotten a conversation started. I'm not
sure that a list of illegal activities was the most constructive approach. But
you've let the genie out of the bottle so I'll at least point out which ones
are discussed in the FAQ.
BTW - the FAQ is posted every 1st & 15th of the month at 3AM Pacific Time.
If anyone out there doesn't have one, another copy will be at your site soon.
Current copies can be ftp'd from charon.amdahl.com in pub/radio/cb. The
Amateur Radio FAQ is in pub/radio/amateur.
>Okay, had enough? I'm just very curious ... I don't condine any of the above,
I quoted this out of order from your posting so it would be clear that I
understand that you're not suggesting anyone use any of these. You were just
trying to light a fire under the newsgroup and get people to talk.
>1) "linear amplifier"
Every country with CB has limits on transmitter power. Any amplification
above that point is illegal. The FAQ has power limits for countries where
residents have sent me the numbers: UK, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany.
I had the numbers for the USA already, of course.
>2) "export radio"
The meant-for-overseas features can be better understood if you look at Part 2
of the FAQ and see what they're using in Europe, Japan, and the UHF CB band
in Australia.
>3) "PLL mods"
>4) "sliding clarifier"
>5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
These mods will all turn a legal radio into an illegal one. The legal
frequencies are listed in the FAQ. Deliberately straying from them is a
violation.
>6) "FM"
In countries where FM is allowed, it's fine. It's illegal for CB in North
America and in the HF CB band in Australia. Anyone who really wants to use
FM can do so legally by getting a ham radio license and using the ham bands.
>7) "modified 10M ham radio"
Any modified radio is not type-accepted. Other than that, if you stay in
frequency, power, and modulation limits, the FCC will probably never find the
time to make a case of it. If you break other rules and cause interference,
all bets are off. At the very least, other CB users in the area will even-
tually figure out that you're "running power."
>8) "freebanding"
This name is much too positive-sounding for the illegal activity it is. When
you go outside the frequency limits of your radio band, you are interfering
with someone else's band. If it's used by the military, expect a quick
response. Hams also use radio-direction finding (RDF) to locate interference
in their bands.
---
Ian Kluft KD6EUI UTS Systems Software, Amdahl Corporation
ikl...@uts.amdahl.com Sunnyvale, CA
Arlen Speights
>In article <1992Apr23.0...@nmsu.edu> jsla...@kirk.NMSU.Edu (J Slatten) writes:
>>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
>>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
>>1) "linear amplifier"
>Every country with CB has limits on transmitter power. Any amplification
>above that point is illegal. The FAQ has power limits for countries where
>residents have sent me the numbers: UK, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany.
>I had the numbers for the USA already, of course.
Well, to put in my two cents, I thought it was a bit odd to discourage
discussion of linear amplifiers simply because they're illegal. Using
them, of course, IMHO should be discouraged, etc. but they seem to be
so ubiquitous, especially among truckers, that discussion of them would
seem to be a natural part of this newsgroup. I've heard more channel
19 discussion of linear amps than otherwise, it seems. Once while passing
a "Pickle Park" in mid- Virginia, I heard a trucker trying to sell a 150w
linear; a prospective buyer turned out to be transmitting from North
Carolina. Sheesh! It seems that the FCC could easily double its budget
by inspecting and fining freight trucks at weigh stations. Of course,
they'd have as much surprise factor as D.O.Trans. inspectors and Smokies.
Arlen P. Speights
John Fereira
|
|>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
|>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
A few others have followed up but the explanation of some of these issues
left off some information that neophyte might be interested in.
|>1) "linear amplifier"
The term linear amplifier indicates that a amplifier is put "in line" with
the radio and antenna. The RF output transistors in a radio are driven
with lower gain transistors. The final RF transistors "or finals" typically
are 8-12 watt transistors and are tuned for 4W output in a legally tuned
radio. A linear amplifier will take that 4W as input and is capable of
producing a high power at the antenna. I've seen linear amplifiers anywhere
between 25W and 2000W. 100W linear amplifiers are quite common. They are
illegal for CB use. Many linear amplifiers are legal for Amatuer use but
most are designed such that they cannot easily be modifed for the CB band
(11 meters).
|>2) "export radio"
An export radio is a radio that is built for use in another country. Some
of the features found in an export radio are higher output finals, FM,
variable frequency on transmit as well as receive and additional channels.
|>3) "PLL mods"
Early PLL systems used a Phase Lock Loop which may have had six or inputs.
Typically, a couple of these inputs where shorted to ground or pulled high
through a resistor. If a switch were used on one of these pins to pull it
from +5 to ground the PLL could be programmed for additional frequencies
within, above or below the legal CB frequency range.
|>4) "sliding clarifier"
Single Sideband radio's all have a clarifier. While recieving AM one
can tolerate a slight off frequency transmitter (although some old AM
radios came with a "delta switch" which correcty the problem) SSB reception
requires that the receiver be tuned exactly to the person transmitting. Legal
SSB CB radios are shipped such that when the clarifier only adjusts the
receive frequency and the transmit frequency is locked. A "sliding" or
unlocked clarifier is a clarifier where the transmit frequecy will track
the receive frequency. The result is that two people can "slide" all the way
to the left or right of center frequency and be less effected by people on the
same channel. Typically clarifier will only adjust the frequency by +/- 3khz.
Some clarifiers can be modified so that that range can be extended to
+/- 10-15khz. As a result that radio is then capable of transmitting on
all frequencies between the legally allocated channels.
|>5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
Early 23 channel radios were set up such that the channels were in 10khz
increments with a few exceptions. Between channels 3 & 4, 7 & 8, 15 & 16, and
19 & 20, the increment is 20khz. Through the use of an additional crystal
or PLL modification the channels can be accessed. It is illegal to transmit
on these channels.
|>6) "FM"
Frequency Modulation. Just a different way of modulating a radio. Some export
radios have this capability.
|>7) "modified 10M ham radio"
A 10M ham radio can be modified and tuned down to the 11M band. Many of these
radios do not have AM capability so in many cases these are usually SSB
operators. The radio can be tuned such that it is transmitting within
the legal power limit and on legal frequencies.
|>8) "freebanding"
Typically this refers to transmitting outside the legal CB frequencies. Below
channel 1 (typically AM), the "A" channels (again typically AM) and above
channel 40 (SSB). Most of what you hear will be DX (long distance)
communications however some are just looking for a clean place to talk. One
complaint that I am really suprised I haven't seen from the hams here is
splatter from someone talking about 27.405 near the 10M border (28MHZ). I`ve
seen discussions about actually going into the 10M band but I've heard hams
drop into the 27.6 range and ask someone to "turn it down".
--
+=============================================================================+
| John Fereira Al Bundy for President
| jo...@auspex.com "He's as good as the next guy" |
+=============================================================================+
Paul W Schleck KD3FU
>In article <1992Apr26....@usenet.ins.cwru.edu> aa...@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Jon Anhold) writes:
>|
>|In a previous article, jsla...@kirk.NMSU.Edu (J Slatten) says:
>|
>|>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
>|>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
>A few others have followed up but the explanation of some of these issues
>left off some information that neophyte might be interested in.
>|>1) "linear amplifier"
>The term linear amplifier indicates that a amplifier is put "in line" with
Not to pick nits, but linear means that it reproduces its input
waveform exactly, or linearly, at a higher amplitude or power.
Many badly tuned or misused "linears" become a contradiction in terms by
behaving very NON-linearly.
As a co-coordinator of the FAQs for this group and the amateur radio
newsgroups, I'd like to point out to the original poster why some topics are
"politically incorrect":
1. They are quite illegal. Not only are they illegal, but the FCC has
indicated a willingness to enforce regulations against linear
amplifiers and illegal operation (and back them up with hefty fines, as
the recent $10,000 penalty levied against one extremely obnoxious CB'er
demonstrates)
2. Discussions of the ECPA and satellite reception is a much grayer
area. Not only is there much legitimate debate over government
regulation of reception, but the Justice Department has not pursued a
*SINGLE* prosecution of anyone under the provisions of the ECPA.
3. To put to rest an obvious misunderstanding, discussion of linears is
not "banned," merely discussion of their illegal use or offering one for
sale (i.e. conspiracy). We can most certainly talk ad-infinitum about
what linears are, why they are illegal, what can happen if the FCC
catches you using one, and why using a linear can be counter-productive
anyway.
4. This newsgroup was voted into existence with a specific charter,
namely the discussion of legal CB. Those that want to discuss more
adventurous topics are invited to create their own newsgroup.
5. Ultimately, we are easy-going friendly people who don't want to be
dragged into the position of playing net-police. After all, we're here
to have fun, right?
Paul W. Schleck, KD3FU
John F. Woods
>|>1) "linear amplifier"
>The term linear amplifier indicates that a amplifier is put "in line" with
>the radio and antenna.
No. The term "linear amplifier" means that the amplifier amplifies according
to a linear function; at any given moment, its output is a linear function
(i.e. a simple multiple) of its input. Class A, AB, and B amplifiers (suitably
designed) are linear. Class C amplifiers are not linear (there is no output
at all for most of each RF cycle, and a great deal of output during a portion
of it; this pulsation is turned back into a pure sine wave by the tuned output
circuits) and are not suitable for the amplification of AM or SSB signals
(the result would be severe distortion and splatter). Class C amplifiers
(with filtering to remove harmonics) are suitable for amplifying CW, FM, RTTY,
and other constant amplitude signals.
>|>7) "modified 10M ham radio"
>A 10M ham radio can be modified and tuned down to the 11M band. Many of these
>radios do not have AM capability so in many cases these are usually SSB
>operators. The radio can be tuned such that it is transmitting within
>the legal power limit and on legal frequencies.
It is, however, strictly illegal to use such a rig on CB frequencies -- the
radio is NOT type accepted for such use, and CB operation requires type
acceptance by the FCC. It does not matter that the radio is operated within
the power limit and on legal frequencies.
>|>8) "freebanding"
>Typically this refers to transmitting outside the legal CB frequencies. Below
>channel 1 (typically AM), the "A" channels (again typically AM) and above
>channel 40 (SSB). Most of what you hear will be DX (long distance)
>communications however some are just looking for a clean place to talk. One
>complaint that I am really suprised I haven't seen from the hams here is
>splatter from someone talking about 27.405 near the 10M border (28MHZ). I`ve
>seen discussions about actually going into the 10M band but I've heard hams
>drop into the 27.6 range and ask someone to "turn it down".
I've heard freebanders well above 28.0MHz. {Is 27.6 inside the legal CB
frequencies? A ham who operates in the "freeband" territory, or who operates
in the CB frequencies with a ham transceiver, deserves to lose his license.}
John, WB7EEL
Perry Scott
>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
>
>1) "linear amplifier"
>2) "export radio"
>3) "PLL mods"
>4) "sliding clarifier"
>5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
>6) "FM"
>7) "modified 10M ham radio"
>8) "freebanding"
>
>Okay, had enough?
Having once been a freebander and having survived an FCC visit, I have a
very lassez-faire attitude toward all of this.
Remember that the more you stick out from the crowd, the more likely you
are to receive the wrong kind of attention. My friendly advice is don't
annoy anyone that can make you their problem, if you know what I mean.
High power gets into the neighbor's TV. PLL mods send you into the
Twilight Zone. FM sounds like a radio is not type-accepted. All of
these attract attention.
If you mod your PLL, be sure you know where you are - get a frequency
counter. Don't annoy the hams - their band starts at 28.000 MHz.
Various government agencies and business interests use the "freeband"
between channel 40 and 28 MHz. They can be annoyed enough to call the
FCC.
If you want to run high power, at least put a low-pass filter between
the amp and the antenna, and put a good ground on your station.
FM? Yougottabekidding.
Perry / AA0ET
Sean Casey
:3. To put to rest an obvious misunderstanding, discussion of linears is
:not "banned," merely discussion of their illegal use or offering one for
:sale (i.e. conspiracy). We can most certainly talk ad-infinitum about
:what linears are, why they are illegal, what can happen if the FCC
:catches you using one, and why using a linear can be counter-productive
:anyway.
Discussion of illegal activities is not illegal, and is
constitutionally protected speech as the Supreme Court ruled a while
back. Only if such speech is "likely to cause imminent action" can it
even be considered as illegal. This is almost never the case with
publications, as one always has some small amount of time to reflect
on one's actions.
Publications like "Descrambling TV Channels", "The Anarchists
Cookbook", "How to Receive Cellular Phone Frequencies", "How to build
your own 100 watt linear amp for less than $100" are perfectly legal.
Also protected are things like postings on rec.pyrotechnics,
alt.locksmithing, alt.security (listings of system weaknesses are
sometimes posted), etc.
It is not illegal to discuss illegal CB activities. Some may consider
it unethical, but as with religion it's best on Usenet not try to
force one's own ethics on everyone else. Doing so is often viewed
as--shall we say--politically incorrect :).
Sean
--
|``Wind, waves, etc. are breakdowns in the face of the
Sean Casey | commitment to getting from here to there. But they are the
se...@s.ms.uky.edu | conditions for sailing -- not something to be gotten rid
U of KY, Lexington| of, but something to be danced with.''
Paul W Schleck KD3FU
>It is not illegal to discuss illegal CB activities. Some may consider
>it unethical, but as with religion it's best on Usenet not try to
>force one's own ethics on everyone else. Doing so is often viewed
>as--shall we say--politically incorrect :).
>Sean
I would say that advertising a linear for sale or describing your latest
personal experience with using a linear would get the authorities on
your case *REALLY* quick.
Perhaps I didn't word my rebuttal too well. Not only is outright
illegality banned, but if you engage in discussions that are out of the
newsgroup's charter, we will ask you to go elsewhere. Such discussions
have historically overwhelmed this forum with massive flamage, to the
point that the original purpose of this newsgroup is lost.
You've missed the larger point. This is not an unlimited forum, but
a chartered newsgroup. While it is true that legally you can get away
with discussing such topics, netiquette demands that you do not.
Analogies include debating over Zionism in soc.culture.jewish or
proselytizing on the religious upbringing of children on misc.kids. For
further reference, consult the articles by Gene Spafford on netiquette
in news.announce.newusers.
Rec.radio.cb was voted into existence for the discussion of
legal CB. If you want to discuss other topics, we ask you to take a
hike (in a nice way).
bill m howland
There is one note to be made about LINEAR AMPLIFIERS.
A linear amplifier is one which has output over the WHOLE cycle of an RF carrier...and reproduces an exact replica of the original carrier+ modulation.
opposed to this standard (called class "A" amplification) are classes b&c
These classes are not linear:the output waveform is 50%(class B) or 75%(class C)cut off. For FM and Morse code this is fine. But in AM a linear amplifier is required so that the modulation is reproduced 100%. If you were to use a non-linear amplifier with AM, it would severly distort the audio.
the reason non-linear amplification is used is because of higher efficiency at the output stage. This is ideal for commercial FM transmitters..where it is indeed used. But U.S. CB standards are AM, so a linear amp is the only kind you'd wanna use....just don't get caught!
Sean Casey
>I would say that advertising a linear for sale or describing your latest
>personal experience with using a linear would get the authorities on
>your case *REALLY* quick.
Advertising a linear for sale is perfectly legal. Owning a linear is
perfectly legal. Using it to exceed 4 watts output on citizen's band
is against FCC regs, and is asking for a volunteer RDF hunt from the
local HAMS (no smiley).
I agree with the second point, that talking about one's illegal (and
equally obnoxious) activity is asking to be investigated. Does that
happen here? If so, why discourage it? *Encourage* it! That just makes
it much easier to find violators.
>You've missed the larger point. This is not an unlimited forum, but
>a chartered newsgroup. While it is true that legally you can get away
>with discussing such topics, netiquette demands that you do not.
The best place to discuss citizen's band specific issues, legal or
not, is this newsgroup. If you don't like it, do a kill on the thread.
Lack of interest is the best way to kill a discussion, not net police
tactics.
If one want to keep things in the domain of the Politically Correct,
one can always create one's own moderated newsgroup and Have It Their
Way. In the meantime, the response to questions about illegal
activities shows there is quite an interest in them, even if the vast
majority of readers never break an FCC reg. Paul can always ask me or
anyone else to take a hike, but he speaks for himself, not for the
readership of this group.
Netiquette can help things along, and it can especially help beginners
until they learn the ropes. I have to wonder though if the spirit of
the thing is being served when a discussion is going on and one person
wants to shut up everyone else because he feels it isn't appropriate.
Once again, if you don't like it, filter it. Just say 'k'.
Barry Ornitz
> A linear amplifier is one which has output over the WHOLE cycle of an RF
>carrier...and reproduces an exact replica of the original carrier+ modulation.
True.
> opposed to this standard (called class "A" amplification) are classes b&c
>These classes are not linear:the output waveform is 50%(class B) or 75%
>(class C)cut off. For FM and Morse code this is fine. But in AM a linear
>amplifier is required so that the modulation is reproduced 100%. If you were
>to use a non-linear amplifier with AM, it would severly distort the audio.
Class B amplifiers for RF _ARE_ linear, and you do not even need a pair of
active devices in push-pull. The Q of the output network in the RF amplifier
supplies, in fly-wheel fashion, the missing half of the signal. Modulation
on the signal is not changed by the Class B amplification. Class C amplifiers,
on the other hand, act more as limiters. An AM or SSB signal will be severely
distorted by a Class C amplifier. Morse code (CW) or FM modulated signals can
be amplified by Class C stages.
Class C amplifiers, however, are "linear" in that the current drawn by their
output stage is directly proportional to the voltage supplied to the output
stage. This is why high-level modulated stages must run in Class C (plate
modulation, collector modulation, etc.).
All of the low-cost CB amplifiers I have ever seen tend to be very nonlinear
when comparing output to input. This nonlinearity generates harmonics which
can interfere with TV and other services, and a severe amount of intermodulation
which makes your signal sound "mushy" and distorted. It also causes severe
interference to users of nearby frequencies.
Barry
-----------------
| ___ ________ | Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ
| | / / | | Eastman Kodak Company
| | / / | | Eastman Chemical Company Research Laboratories
| |< < K O D A K| | Process Instrumentation Research Laboratory
| | \ \ | | P. O. Box 1972, Building 167B
| |__\ \________| | Kingsport, TN 37662 615/229-4904
| | INTERNET: orn...@kodak.com
-----------------
Peter Z. Simpson
> Article-I.D.: nmsu.1992Apr23.025656.13790
> The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
> words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
> 1) "linear amplifier"
> 2) "export radio"
> 3) "PLL mods"
> 4) "sliding clarifier"
> 5) "Channels 3-A, 7-A, 11-A, 15-A, 19-A"
> 6) "FM"
> 7) "modified 10M ham radio"
> 8) "freebanding"
As a ham & former CB user, I don't see any of these as a major
problem. I mean, none of the above are really what's wrong with CB (or
ham radio, either, for that matter).
The real problem is that there is a small minority on the air who
seem to want to be as confrontational and obnoxious as possible. The
reason CB is unusable (IMHO) is that there is little if any courtesy.
It's ironic that the people who understand the above terms are
probably the most likely to upgrade to "legitimate" ham radio because
they're fed up with CB and the childish behavior they have to put up
with. [that's not to say there isn't more than enough childish
behavior on the ham bands...it's just spread over a larger chunk of
the spectrum :-]
Wouldn't it be nice if we could get everyone in both the "hobby"
services, ham and CB, to spend one day a month being pleasant and
courteous to everyone else on the bands...
...and as far as cable boxes, cellular monitoring, and such go;
none of that stuff is worth getting worked up over. Anyone who
believes their cell phone conversation is private is extremely naiive,
to say the least. Anyone who takes seriously a law which says that cell phone
conversations are private but cordless phone conversations are not is
equally naiive.
Maybe it's time for us as Americans to quit whining,
threatening to sue people and trying to legislate against everything
we don't agree with. I believe "get a life" is the term.
For what it's worth...
Pete
--
Peter Simpson, KA1AXY voice: (508) 870-9837
Data General Corp. fax: (508) 898-4212
4400 Computer Dr. E236 INTERNET: p...@ficus.webo.dg.com [128.221.228.82]
Westboro, MA 01580 #include <std_disclaimer.h>
Perry Scott
>complaint that I am really suprised I haven't seen from the hams here is
>splatter from someone talking about 27.405 near the 10M border (28MHZ). I`ve
>seen discussions about actually going into the 10M band but I've heard hams
>drop into the 27.6 range and ask someone to "turn it down".
>John Fereira
I have heard some south-of-the-border pirates below 28 MHZ (usually
27.9x5) that splatter up as far as 28.050. This is not receiver
overload - this is transmitter power being wasted in very large
sidebands. When I find the culprit, the station is barely intelligible,
even at S9 signal strength.
So, power mikes are useful to a point. Eventually, you overmodulate and
send your precious transmitter power where the other station won't here
it.
My previous posting talked about not sticking out of the crowd enough to
annoy anyone. This is a good example of conspicuous annoyance.
Perry / AA0ET
John Wells
> >6) "FM"
> >
> >Okay, had enough?
>
> FM sounds like a radio is not type-accepted. All of
> these attract attention.
1. So what? Who cares about type acceptance? If one is into screwing around
on the CB band, ya gotta be 'special'.
> If you want to run high power, at least put a low-pass filter between
> the amp and the antenna, and put a good ground on your station.
Not to mention a heavy duty power service.... knew a guy down in Denver that
was running 3kilo watts AM and when he keyed up the neighbors lights would
noticably dim..... not to mention the corona arount the pole he was using...
> FM? Yougottabekidding.
FM sounds really nice on HF..... Sounds a lot better than AM and has it's own
unique quality that sets it apart. Don't get all that nasty phase whapping
distortion that AM has when it skips....
An added benifit is if ya get a zillion people talking on the same frequency
at the same time, the noise gated squelch figures out that it is really just
that: a bunch of noise and keeps the receiver silent.... what a concept!
> Perry / AA0ETA
John / Yougottabekidding.
My Account
> send your precious transmitter power where the other station won't here
> it.
>
(both knobs, the one on the mic, AND the one on the base unit), and just sit
2-3 ft away from the mic...I never experienced overmod when I did that (or, I
should say, I didn't recieve any complaints)
-Cohort
j...@rti.rti.org
>>The talk is kind of quiet around here, so I thought I'd bring up some nasty
>>words, bound to get my mailbox full of flames (which will be ignored).
>>
>
>FM? Yougottabekidding.
Nope. There's a crowd about 20 miles from me that uses FM as their standard
mode on channel 36 or 37. Sounds terrrible.
-joe
Scott Goehring
>Advertising a linear for sale is perfectly legal. Owning a linear is
>perfectly legal. Using it to exceed 4 watts output on citizen's band
>is against FCC regs, and is asking for a volunteer RDF hunt from the
>local HAMS (no smiley).
The possession of a 11m-capable linear amplifier without a HF-capable
amateur license (any amateur license except codeless tech) is illegal
and is considered prima facia evidence of the unlawful use of such
amplifier. The fine is $10,000, although I've heard rumors that it's
been increased to $25,000.
The final amplifier of a CB radio must be fully enclosed within the
radio. It is illegal to use a feedline linear on CB even if its power
output is less than 4W. It is also illegal to modify the innards of
the radio in any way, unless said modifications are supervised by a
holder of the appropriate class of radiotechnician's license and do
not interfere with the type-acceptance of the radio.
Please go reread part 19 of 47 CFR.
--
A man walks into a crowded theater and shouts, "ANYBODY WANT TO BUY A
CAR?" The crowd stands up and shouts back, "WRONG THEATER!"
-- Edward Vielmetti (e...@msen.com), news.admin
Gary Coffman
Overmod may not be a problem with this technique, but room echo can be
horrendous and you may not even be achieving the desired 100% modulation
of the signal by your voice. Most of your modulation consists of room noise
and echo which adds nothing to your communications effectiveness.
The desired situation is to have *only* your voice modulate the radio,
and to do so cleanly. This gives maximum communications effectiveness.
A power mic almost never increases communications effectiveness. It merely
adds annoying noises and possible overmodulation spatter and distortion.
Proper close talking of the stock microphone is almost always better.
One technique related to aftermarket microphones can be useful however.
That's frequency tailoring. By limiting the amount of audio below 300 Hz
and above 2.5 kHz and by using a rising frequency response curve so that
the formant frequencies of the human voice are emphasized, maximum
intelligence can be conveyed within the 100% modulation limits. Some
compandoring can be useful also if the receiving station has a reciprocal
compandor on the output of the receiver.
Gary KE4ZV
John Fereira
>In article <1992May2.0...@u.washington.edu> m...@astaroth.u.washington.edu (My Account) writes:
>
>Overmod may not be a problem with this technique, but room echo can be
>horrendous and you may not even be achieving the desired 100% modulation
>of the signal by your voice. Most of your modulation consists of room noise
>and echo which adds nothing to your communications effectiveness.
unamplified mic when operating out of a mobile. When a power mic is
used in a mobile the background modulation can be overwelming. I had a
K-40 unamplified mic that matched up real will with my SSB mobile. The
modulation was high, clean and had good natural tone.
>One technique related to aftermarket microphones can be useful however.
>That's frequency tailoring. By limiting the amount of audio below 300 Hz
>and above 2.5 kHz and by using a rising frequency response curve so that
>the formant frequencies of the human voice are emphasized, maximum
>intelligence can be conveyed within the 100% modulation limits.
When I brought the mobile radio inside and hooked it to my homebrew Delta
quad I hooked an Astatic D-104 mic to it. A lot of people would tell me
it didn't sound like a D-104. That was because I had done some frequency
tailoring (only on the high end) that took out some of the tinniness that
the Astatic is prone to. The mic was less prone to feedback as well when
I turned it up a bit. I always had a modulation/power/swr meter hooked
to the radio to monitor the modulation.
Perry Scott
>(both knobs, the one on the mic, AND the one on the base unit), and just sit
>2-3 ft away from the mic...I never experienced overmod when I did that (or, I
>should say, I didn't recieve any complaints)
Back in the 70s when we had REAL(tm) radios, it was easy to splatter
with a power mic. Just crank it up. If that wasn't enough, and another
external microphone amp. Eventually the manufacturers put in limiters
that prevented this, which resulted in a kinder and gentler Citizens'
Band.
Feh !
Perry / AA0ET