The rest of the world may have moved on from CB radios back in 1982, but there are still some really loyal followers out there. I’m not saying there are a lot of them, but they’re still out there. You would think that the internet, cell phones, chat rooms, texting, whatever… would have killed the CB radio by now, but you’d be wrong. I’m guessing that if you’re reading this article you’re one of them.
Who uses CB radios?
CB radio use has declined a lot in the last five years. It doesn’t matter. The technology still has some very ardent admirers. Truckers still use the once-popular technology, and just like any retro tech, there’s still an active community of people who use it. In fact, the internet makes it possible for CB enthusiasts to find each other, since CB radio itself is limited to a range of under ten miles.
Unfortunately, the general public has long since given up on citizens’ band radio and it’s pretty easy to find younger people who haven’t even heard of the technology. This means that even large shopping sites have stopped carrying CB radios.
Here’s the good news
The good news is that there are still new CB radios being made and they’re less expensive than ever. Believe it or not, Solid Signal still offers a few dozen models from base stations to starter models that will fit any vehicle. The basic models are very reasonably priced, and if you’re really into the “retro” theme you can even find some really retro looking products. Take for example this Galaxy DX-949. It’s the one pictured at the top of this article. It looks like it would be right at home in your ’75 Trans Am. You know, the one with the gold “screaming chicken” on the hood. (Kids, google it.)
When looking for your first CB radio, it’s pretty smart to start small, because the price of entry is so low. At some point you’ll decide for yourself if you want a bigger antenna or a more full-featured radio, but pretty much anything you buy is going to connect easily to your car’s 12 volt power and to your speakers, meaning that it just takes the radio and a CB antenna and a little bit of time to get started.
CB Radio is fun
There’s no license required for a CB radio, and there hasn’t been since the mid-1980s, so you don’t have to go through any paperwork to get started. It’s just another way to meet strangers, one that has a pleasingly old-time feeling to it and it will help you pass the time on long drives. And really, you never know who you’re going to meet!
It’s also a capable replacement for texting or the now-illegal FRS/GMRS radios. CB radios have a range up to about ten miles, making them better than handhelds. Everything about the CB experience works well in the car. That big handheld microphone works well. It lets you keep your eyes on the road and still be heard. And let’s be honest no one really wants to say “Send a text to Ralph” in the middle of driving. No one wants to go through the whole back-and-forth talking to a voice assistant. It’s so much better to just press a button and talk to Ralph.
Get what you need from Solid Signal
Solid Signal is your home for the products you crave. You’ll find the electronics you need to live your best digital life! Shop now for the best in CB radios and other retro tech.
