Just saw this on another Forum - sounds interesting
QUOTE
CB seems up for a new lease of life since users are now rigging up VOIP gateways to allow worldwide communication in the same way that the amateur radio boffins have done with Echolink.
Haha yeah I used cb for a while, I still see lots of friends I met then :)
I'm fairly sure CB does not allow packet radio and I would be amazed if you could get decent bandwidth and quality from it, without horrendous dropouts..
If there is a way of taping into and using VOIP protocols thru CB from a Motorhome or Caravan when you're abroad it could save you a fortune in call costs
Hello,
just joined this site and found this post.
Yes cb is back big time lots of new kit coming out.
Plus we now have EU band AM,FM,SSB available all licence free and pan EU compatible.
VOIP gateway is possible but needs infrastructure to support it officially.
Most Eu countries do allow VOIP gateways including UK.
Data packet does work and works very well.
Simplex parrot repeaters are becoming popular way to extend your range from a fixed location.
There is some very pro-end kit available now handhelds same size as VHF and mobiles Pan Europeans for use in any country,some can be expanded if in a non EU country and higher power levels.
When I've been camping down Tenby way,I use a cb base in Tent with 10m telescopic fiber pole to mount antenna system on,and car mobile and hand portables setup,saves using phone or where some areas you just cant get phone signals are a bit iffy,even now.
In some places i've easily got 30+miles operations from base to car which is very practical and free! (once you got the kit) and can take it where you want it.
I've been involved in 2 way radio for 35+ years and still see cb as a means to communicate,esp for 4x4,campers,hikers.
The equipment has come a long way since 80's and is very well made and on par with professional 2 way radios in build quality.
2 bands are now available in UK
EU 26.965mhz to 27.405mhz Modes Am 12W PEP,NFM 4w,SSB 12Watts
UK 27.60125mhz to 27.99125mhz NFM 4W only
some radios do contain secret menus to up the RF power levels from 15 to 50watts if required in isolated countries.
Any questions please ask,Im more than welcome to help!
Hi happybonzo and all. I'm a VOIP specialist and I think the detail in the post is that the CB radio transmitter is used by connecting to it via a VOIP gateway remotely not by running a voip gateway over CB. So if you've got a rig back home you could use the 4g/3g network and a voip gateway to connect back to your transmitter and broadcast from your caravan. I believe (don't quote me on this though) this breaks the rules of your operator licence.
If you want VOIP in your caravan (mine will when it's back in one piece!) then I would look at installing a router with a 3g/4g dongle and buying a Yealink/Polycom/Snow SIP handset to connect to a SIP service provider (Sipgate offers a free account and has UK numbers). This will allow you to make and receive calls from your caravan wherever you are as long as you have signal. It could also give you WiFi and wired Internet connectivity.
However if you are international you need to factor in what SIM card you are using and data charges. Is it really worth it if you have a mobile phone?
I hope this is of some help. If you are interested in getting your caravan online let me know and I'll point you in the right direction.
Hello
I saw your comment on CB radio
and yes has been making a comeback but not in same way used as in 70'-90's
more of a communication tool nowadays
Net channels on SSB and FM do take place
NEW CB can be DIN mounted in Car,CB Hand-portable or Base set-ups
CTCSS\DCS signalling for private groups available
AM\FM\SSB now legal in UK and Europe,so can take a MUlti-Norm CB radio abroad too,handy if your camping or camper van.
ROIP Zello cb gateways YES are happening ,Im actually working on such a system project.
https://www.transmission1.net/viewtopic.php?t=9805
As far as camp-site uses YES we often set up a 50ft guy mast
CB ariel ,tv panel antenna,I aways ask before booking if this a problem putting up on campsite FIRST!!!
Often very handy for Camp-site comms,camp to car comms
a lot of camp-sites in more isolated areas often you find 3/4g GSM signals are weak or non existant even nowadays
we regular use cb comms to stay in touch in local areas
Yep well with SpaceX Starlink just around the corner, that will be a better solution than what CB can offer, for comms from a remote out of cellphone signal area.
The Starlink role out is set for later this year in the U.S. and Canada, with Europe and the rest of the world roll out towards the end of next year.
Just waiting to find out the details for the Starlink satellite phones and terminals etc, costs will have to be realistic as the idea is aimed at mass market take up around the globe.
You can’t use a repeater with license free or PMR446 because they are simplex channels. Anything duplex requires a license. It may be possible to use some kind of gateway to another network ie 3G etc but the legality of this from either license free or PMR446 would be very questionable.
On the plus side since the cuts OFCOM have very few vans with spinning roof racks so you are unlikely to get caught!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: CB radio & VOIP
