Emergency and Disaster Preparedness (and Official CB Radio Thread)

recently, i've discovered an old hand-held cb radio in my garage, as well as an old magnetic-based car antenna. i've set these up in my bedroom, and as i live a stone's throw away from a major highway, i've had chance to listen in on and participate in many informative and interesting conversations.

needless to say, i've come to love cb radio. so, herein lies my question: what radios would you recommend to be installed in one's car (preferably below $100 USD) and what antenna would you recommend?

seeing as i drive an itty bitty subaru impreza, i'm hoping there's some kind of shorty antenna out there that will work nearly as well as the big 60+ inch'ers that i've seen on the big rig...something that i won't have to drill holes for or ruin my paint job with. my radio antenna is actually inside the rear window of my car (and works very well) so that i have no antenna sticking through the body right now...is there any kind of wire antenna (such as the ones for home and vehicle stereo systems) that is just a limp wire that one could, say, run around the lining of one's car trunk, and still get a decent signal with? thank you all for your advice; now i will resign to eagerly await response.

 

so far i've found a few mini-antennae that could be stuck to my rear window and such, but their range isn't very impressive and they would still marr up the appearance of my car. any suggestions as to what i was orginally looking for?

 

Hey Auslander,I used to be into cb radio myself,it's a great hobby and you will probably get hooked as I once did.Let me tell you,it like most hobbies can be expensive once your hooked.Theres the constant yurning to talk to people farther away(more power bigger antenna)anyway,I'll quit rambling and suggest you try a K-40 antenna,you can get it with a magnetic base.They are very good for reception as well as transmitting.It's only about 40" long and costs about $60.00 U.S. Have fun! B.W.

 

hmm...thanks! i'll google it and see what i can find. but do you know of anything a bit more discrete? that's still pretty tall coming off my car.

 

Well,I've been away from it for a couple years now who knows what they may have come up with since.I'll check out a couple of my old sources when I get home from work tonight and let you know if I find anything "stealth"

 

thank you very much

 

just curious...what is CB radio?

 

it's a citizens' band radio. similar to HAM radio, except you don't need a license to broadcast. there are home units and portable vehicle units. most are equipped for 40 channels, channel 9 being the emergency-only channel and 19 being the popular channel for highway and trucker conversation. the CB radio is a common and relatively inexpensive way to communicate in many areas, especially in those where communications are down (think disaster areas) or cell phones/land lines don't work.

pretty much, it's what people used before chat rooms, and it can be a lot of fun, as well as very useful in a variety of situations.

 

We used them here in the States 20-25 years ago in order to avoid Smokies-Radar traps. 18Wheelers still use them for that and other purposes. Rent the movie "Smokie And The Bandit" 10-4 Good Buddy.

 

@ Auslander,I just got done checking a couple places and found something that may interest you,it looks like a cell phone ant. heres a link http://www.electronicsoutpost.com/glassmounts.htm check it out. B.W.

 

Auslander

check this, might be what you are looking for.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=cb antenna

 

both of those devices look very good...i'm going to see if i can find any reviews and pick between them. does anyone have a good cb radio to suggest? preferrably $100 US or less, but also one that receives weather bands?

 

okay, i've found my radio: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102653&cp=2032052.2032070&parentPage=family

however, i'm still antenna shopping. i've seen some glass mounts (including one for $20 at target.com), but from what i've seen, the best range i could get is about 2-3 miles. so, i'm opening up my search a bit. could anyone recommend an antenna that can be clamped to the lip of a trunk? i've seen a few, but am getting a bit lost. also, how hard is it to tune an antenna? i have no swr meter or any access to one, and i'm hoping perhaps i can get a pre-tuned antenna? any responses are welcome

*edit*
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103706
that's the antenna i'm thinking of. any opinions?

 

well, i finally got my cb and installed it tonight. i also got the swr meter, and it turns out i'm running at an almost 1:1 average! crazily close!

here's my equipment:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102653&cp=2032052.2032070&parentPage=family
http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...2103706&origkw=antenna&kw=antenna&tab=summary

i've installed it in my glovebox and everything is hidden away just perfectly. so far i'm very happy with it, and have actually listened to some truckers get in a fight. very entertaining. if you all want, i'll post some piccies tomorrow.

 

Cool! I'm sure you'll enjoy it,they can be very entertaining at times.You never know you might even meet some hot cb mamma!Nice job with the swr match BTW.You really can't get any better.

Have fun,B.W.

 

the system is still up and running. i regularly run front door for the truckers on the way to and from home. it's a 135 mile drive, and it gets crazy sometimes.

this spring, i'm hoping to convert toa 3-foot fiberglass Firestik antenna and a strong mount like the Firestik K-74; such a mount would let me securely place the antenna, so i don't have to worry about it being walked off with like my magnetic, as well as run a much bigger atenna.

the 36-inch antenna just screams more range and clarity than my 27-incher. plus, it would look great in black coming off the back...almost stock, especially from 10 feet or more.

yupps, i love my beginner setup, but now i'm wanting more LOL. i think after i upgrade the antenna, the next step will be getting the radio out of the glovebox and getting a full-sized one mounted on my dash, complete with being wired into the sound system and having a PA system run into the engine bay.

to put the radio on my dash, i could pull the stand subaru clock and mount it in this. cool, eh? give me advice! thoughts! comments! ^.^

 

i refuse to let this thread die! XD

and so, i'm now altering the basis of this thread. it is now the "CB Radio and Emergency Preparedness" thread.

thusly, i'm going to get into emergency preparedness. you know, because i'm paranoid.

anyway, you all probably know that i'm at college and drive a subaru impreza. i say it all the time. ^.^ anyway, because i'm at college, i'm limited on the gear i can smuggle. meaning no firearms, and i have to hide my nine-inch fixed-blade.

however, i do keep a BOK (bugout kit) in the trunk of my car, including 3 days worth of clothes, food, water, money in a secret place, a bedroll, heavy army coat, a spare portable CB with an additional collapsible magnetic mount, flashlights, batteries, a sewing kit, solid fuel mini-stove, and a variety of other small survival gear as well as a large toolbox with everything needed to fix anything that's not entirely electronic or requiring welding.

i go so far with a BOK in my BOV (bugout vehicle...yes, i'm having fun with BO-derivatives) because i can't really keep a BOB (bugout bag) in my dorm room (my evil roomie would turn me in.... >.> ). however, once i get to my car (which is very well-maintained, all-wheel drive, highly efficient, capable of holding five and their gear, and always has at least half a tank of gas), i'm good to get the heck out of Dodge...er, Columbia.

back at my house, i keep literally *everything* i'd need for WWIII either in the footlocker at the base of my bed (can't tell you everything i keep in there, or i'm liable to be arrested) or in the garage/basement, as well as a good .22 rifle by my bed and a .38 under my pillow. say what you want about the small .22 caliber, but the simple truth is that the ammo is cheap, small, and has a good range. i can carry a lot more rounds with me of this than of a bigger caliber, and because i'm a fairly good shot i can still take down most game in my area. if the point came to where i wanted to hunt deer, i'd "acquire" another weapon. as for the .38, it's a revolver, meaning it's highly reliable and won't jam. i have speed loaders and a large supply of ammo; it has a bit more kick, so i could use it in self defense and also to take down game, given i was within range. when i get back home this summer, i'm planning on picking up a good 12-gauge shotgun to add to the collection--most likely a Mossberg.

on my person, i carry at all times some basic essentials. they help guarantee i can get to my car, should the need arise.

[bold]FEATURED[/bold]
A good Swiss Army knife with many convenient tools
A freshly-filled Zippo lighter
My beat-to-hell workhorse cell phone that refuses to die
A contact lense case, full of fresh solution
My car key, car remote, dorm key, and silence dog tag on one ring
My other dogtag, complete with my name, age, blood type and allergies
My wallet, shown with the P-38 can opener and spare car key that i always keep in it

[bold]NOT SHOWN[/bold]
in my wallet, i keep a small amount of money (the big bills are never hidden on my person in a non-emergency situation, that's to easy to steal), high-security debit and credit cards, a condom (good for a lot more than keeping me STD-free...ask a marine), my donor ID card, and several forms of photo and non-photo ID.

as soon as i turn 23 and get my concealed-carry license, a good, small .32 caliber or 9mm pistol will be added to what's on my person at all times, as well as an extra magazine.

 

@Auslander

My god you are paranoid. LMAO What are you preparing for? Is Columbia a major terrorist target or the New Madrid fault been rumbling? It's not bad to have a plan tho and you seemed to be well prepared. Somewhere I missed why your roommate is evil incarnate. I had one of those for about a month my freshman year. BTW I love the p-38, very handy indeed. I hope you survive....college. LOL

 

time for ireland to post,Auslander pick one or 2 or 3............

Personality Disorder Information


Paranoid
Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives. People with this disorder tend to have excessive trust in their own knowledge and abilities and usually avoid close relationships with others. They search for hidden meanings in everything and read hostile intentions into the actions of others. They are quick to challenge the loyalties of friends and loved ones and often appear cold and distant to others. They usually shift blame to others and tend to carry long grudges.

Schizoid
People with schizoid personality disorder avoid relationships and do not show much emotion. They genuinely prefer to be alone and do not secretly wish for popularity. They tend to seek jobs that require little social contact. Their social skills are often weak and they do not show a need for attention or acceptance. They are perceived as humorless and distant and often are termed "loners."

Schizotypal
Many believe that schizotypal personality disorder represents mild schizophrenia. The disorder is characterized by odd forms of thinking and perceiving, and individuals with this disorder often seek isolation from others. They sometimes believe to have extra sensory ability or that unrelated events relate to them in some important way. They generally engage in eccentric behavior and have difficulty concentrating for long periods of time. Their speech is often over elaborate and difficult to follow.

Antisocial
A common misconception is that antisocial personality disorder refers to people who have poor social skills. The opposite is often the case. Instead, antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of conscience. People with this disorder are prone to criminal behavior, believing that their victims are weak and deserving of being taken advantage of. They tend to lie and steal. Often, they are careless with money and take action without thinking about consequences. They are often agressive and are much more concerned with their own needs than the needs of others.

Borderline
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by mood instability and poor self-image. People with this disorder are prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger. Often, they will take their anger out on themselves, causing themselves injury. Suicidal threats and actions are not uncommon. They think in very black and white terms and often form intense, conflict-ridden relationships. They are quick to anger when their expectations are not met.

Histrionic
People with histrionic personality disorder are constant attention seekers. They need to be the center of attention all the time, often interrupting others in order to dominate the conversation. They use grandiose language to discribe everyday events and seek constant praise. They may dress provacatively or exaggerate illnesses in order to gain attention. They also tend to exaggerate friendships and relationships, believing that everyone loves them. They are often manipulative.


Narcissistic
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness. Like histrionic disorder, people with this disorder seek attention and praise. They exaggerate their achievements, expecting others to recongize them as being superior. They tend to be choosy about picking friends, since they believe that not just anyone is worthy of being their friend. They tend to make good first impressions, yet have difficulty maintaining long-lasting relationships. They are generally uninterested in the feelings of others and may take advantage of them.

Avoidant
Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by extreme social anxiety. People with this disorder often feel inadequate, avoid social situations, and seek out jobs with little contact with others. They are fearful of being rejected and worry about embarassing themselves in front of others. They exaggerate the potential difficulties of new situations to rationalize avoiding them. Often, they will create fantasy worlds to substitute for the real one. Unlike schizoid personality disorder, avoidant people yearn for social relations yet feel they are unable to obtain them. They are frequently depressed and have low self-confidence.

Dependent
Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a need to be taken care of. People with this disorder tend to cling to people and fear losing them. They may become suicidal when a break-up is imminent. They tend to let others make important decisions for them and often jump from relationship to relationship. They often remain in abusive relationships. They are overly sensitive to disapproval. They often feel helpless and depressed.

Obsessive-Compulsive
Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder is similar to obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder. People with this disorder are overly focused on orderliness and perfection. Their need to do everything "right" often interferes with their productivity. They tend to get caught up in the details and miss the bigger picture. They set unreasonably high standards for themselves and others, and tend to be very critical of others when they do not live up to these high standards. They avoid working in teams, believing others to be too careless or incompetent. They avoid making decisions because they fear making mistakes and are rarely generous with their time or money. They often have difficulty expressing emotion.

 

garmoon: lmao, i just like knowing i'm indispensible to any group i travel with...it increases my chances of survival.

ireland: maybe a little of all of the above.

for sure, the most valuable survival implement is a prepared mind. tools are great, but if you don't have a determined spirit, some basic knowledge outdoors/tactical gear, and a good bit of creativity, you're boned in a life or death situation.