View Full Version : With all the whining about CB amps on Ebay...
How come no one complains or even mentions the ones right here on QRZ.com in the Stuff for Sale , General Merchandise forum??? Afraid too?? Off limits?? Not politically correct??
Why the discrepancy?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Hold on to your hats, this should be good!!
ka5piu
02-28-2007, 07:05 AM
Hello.
First we must define a CB amp.
This is an amp that is run at or near the point of saturation of the transistors.
The second feature is usually no keying line, it is RF sense.
The last segment is the RF filtering, or lack of, and thus no band select.
Now, an amateur can take the classic CB amp and make use of it, provided it is fixed of its troubles, an expermenters delight.
KC4RAN
02-28-2007, 07:18 AM
I actually have seen postings recently, asking that very same question, asking if it's OK to list a certain amp. I remember the word 'afterburner' in the question.
To answer your question, actually we might be able to define a "CB" amp. I would define it as an illegal amp, since they are not allowed. So by reading the following excerpt, you might be able to decide what is and is not legal for sale...
---------------
Section 302(b) of the Act2, and Section 2.815© of the Commission's Rules[7] requires FCC Type Acceptance (or Certification) of External Radio Frequency Power Amplifiers (or amplifier kits) capable of operation on any frequency or frequencies below 144 MHz. Furthermore, Section 2.815(b) of the Commission's Rules[8] prohibits the marketing of External Radio Frequency Power Amplifiers (or amplifier kits) capable of operation on any frequency or frequencies between 24 and 35 MHz.
------------
Well in 30 + years I have never seen Galaxy, Palomar, or Hygain (Afterburner) advertised in a ham magazine!
I do see 2 out of 3 of those amps listed in the forum mentioned! I am reasonably sure they will fit all the aforementioned criteria for a "CB" amp.
Either way it doesn't concern me much about the listing of the stuff, just curious why they don't get whined about if listed on QRZ.com but they do if on Ebay.
Oh I guess we can kid ourselves into believing to a certainty that since they were listed on a ham site that they will only be sold to a ham! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
While we're at it, I've seen more than a few listings on the QRZ 'Sale' areas for transceivers which are specified as illegal to market in the U.S. - via the FCC's 'Banned' list.
Yet the ads remain.
Aren't there enough moderators to go around?
And now we have *'Big Strapper'* (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=147881) equipment for sale in the 'Zed Classifieds!
(For the uninformed - the alternators referenced in the link above are what's used to power so-called 'Competition' mobile CB amplifiers...)
KD6NIG
03-01-2007, 08:13 PM
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Mar. 01 2007,10:18)]And now we have *'Big Strapper'* (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=147881) equipment for sale in the 'Zed Classifieds!
(For the uninformed - the alternators referenced in the link above are what's used to power so-called 'Competition' mobile CB amplifiers...)
True, but there is nothing illegal about a 200 amp altenator. #Thats one of many uses.
If we bar that, then you shouldn't sell any CB on here either, because they can be hooked to an illegal amp. #Power supplies neither, since one could power one.
Gotta draw the line at actually being illegal, methinks....or we could ban the sale of just about anything related to something illegal, right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I mean, though its not too safe probably, I could go faster than 70 in my pickup truck, and it would be speeding.....
(70 is the highest speed limit in CA at the moment).
Where do we draw the line?
Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ Mar. 01 2007,13:13)]True, but there is nothing illegal about a 200 amp altenator. Thats one of many uses.
It was the targeted audience of the ad which raises issues of its legitimacy.
Lots of people carp and moan about illegal CB equipment being marketed, traded and so forth. Yet when someone raises it as an issue, they are promptly castigated for their efforts.
Quote[/b] ]If we bar that, then you shouldn't sell any CB on here either, because they can be hooked to an illegal amp. Power supplies neither, since one could power one.
Fred's rules about 'modified' and 'blacklisted' CB equipment are quite clear. Yet we still have the occasional wiseguy who thinks he can squeak an 'export CB' in under the radar because he happens to be a ham.
By the way - you've proven my point handsomely.
Quote[/b] ]Gotta draw the line at actually being illegal, methinks....or we could ban the sale of just about anything related to something illegal, right?
The BATF, for example, seems to think so when it comes to certain classes of weapons and various accessories (such as conversion kits) that are used with them. Intent is the term ...
Quote[/b] (k7mh @ Feb. 28 2007,01:10)]How come no one complains or even mentions the ones right here on QRZ.com in the Stuff for Sale , General Merchandise forum??? Afraid too?? Off limits?? Not politically correct??
Why the discrepancy?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Hold on to your hats, this should be good!!
Because I really don't browse there.
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Mar. 01 2007,12:18)]And now we have *'Big Strapper'* (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=147881) equipment for sale in the 'Zed Classifieds!
(For the uninformed - the alternators referenced in the link above are what's used to power so-called 'Competition' mobile CB amplifiers...)
They're also used to power mobile ham amps and ERV's, trailers etc.
I want a high amperage alternator in my next vehicle, because I want to run QRO mobile.
Don't discount the legit uses.
Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Mar. 01 2007,13:23)]Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Mar. 01 2007,12:18)]And now we have *'Big Strapper'* (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=147881) equipment for sale in the 'Zed Classifieds!
(For the uninformed - the alternators referenced in the link above are what's used to power so-called 'Competition' mobile CB amplifiers...)
They're also used to power mobile ham amps and ERV's, trailers etc.
I want a high amperage alternator in my next vehicle, because I want to run QRO mobile.
Don't discount the legit uses.
I'm going to wax a bit pedantic here, folks: Go read the ad . Then Google the term "Big Strapper" (most helpful if done in conjunction with 'Shootout' or 'Ch. 6').
Bigradios.com is a site worth visiting, too.
The advertiser isn't fooling anyone with verbiage of that sort in the ad's title.
Edit: See for yourself - a whole bank of 'em...geared solely towards the Part 95 power-limit violator.
http://www.bigradios.com/shadow/images/tyler935.jpg
k4kyv
03-01-2007, 08:34 PM
Who cares, as long as they keep them off 10m, don't splatter up past 28.0 mHz, or wipe out our TV's radios, etc.
Hams didn't create the 11m fiasco, so why do we spend so much time worrying about it.
Frankly, I don't give a ....
Ah, but wait a minute. Isn't it fun to bash a bunch of buffoons!
Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Mar. 01 2007,15:26)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Mar. 01 2007,13:23)]Quote[/b] (n8yx @ Mar. 01 2007,12:18)]And now we have *'Big Strapper'* (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=147881) equipment for sale in the 'Zed Classifieds!
(For the uninformed - the alternators referenced in the link above are what's used to power so-called 'Competition' mobile CB amplifiers...)
They're also used to power mobile ham amps and ERV's, trailers etc.
I want a high amperage alternator in my next vehicle, because I want to run QRO mobile.
Don't discount the legit uses.
I'm going to wax a bit pedantic here, folks: Go read the ad . Then Google the term "Big Strapper" (most helpful if done in conjunction with 'Shootout' or 'Ch. 6').
Bigradios.com is a site worth visiting, too.
The advertiser isn't fooling anyone with verbiage of that sort in the ad's title.
Edit: See for yourself - a whole bank of 'em...geared solely towards the Part 95 power-limit violator.
http://www.bigradios.com/shadow/images/tyler935.jpg
I didn't see the title.
The ad itself looked legit enough though.
Quote[/b] (k4kyv @ Mar. 01 2007,13:34)]Who cares, as long as they keep them off 10m, don't splatter up past 28.0 mHz, or wipe out our TV's radios, etc.
Legal operations aren't the problem. It's the @sshat who feels its his or her G0d-given right to run QRO ++ in conjunction with a spectrally impure radio which causes us hams a myriad of problems.
As far as wiping out TV and radios is concerned: Any of your neighbors who are experiencing interference from nearby illegal/improper CB operations will likely take a look at your impressive antenna setup...then put two and two together with YOU as the source of the problem. Never mind that their assumptions are totally incorrect; perception is the key.
And its that perception (true or false doesn't matter) which gets restrictive anti-antenna ordinances placed on the books...
Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Mar. 01 2007,13:39)]I didn't see the title.
The ad itself looked legit enough though.
Title: Big strapers (sic)
Description : Leece Neville
ka5piu
03-01-2007, 08:54 PM
Hello.
First off, if somebody wants to run real power the 'big strapper is a locomotive alternator, nothing like 250 amps at 74 volts DC.
Now, this is used with solid state finals of the type used in a brodcast transmitter.
A prebuild module will set you back around $1k.
So, for under $3k you also can be the king of the hill at your next CB shootout.
Hint, that package will peg the needle at around 15kW.
a 220 Amp at 13.6 volt alternator is normal for a big truck.
The big units run 270 Amps at 13.6 volts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot....iewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FREIGHTLINER-KENWORTH-PERFORMANCE-ALTERNATOR-270-AMPS_W0QQitemZ8041370522QQcmdZViewItem)
The really large units, like you might find in a firetruck, figure on 350 to 400 Amps.
None of this I have ever seen on QRZ.
And 220 Amps is just about right for running a ham rig or 2 and a coleman 12 volt A/C unit.
KA4DPO
03-01-2007, 09:12 PM
There's nothing wrong with a 200 amp alternator. I can think of a lot of reasons someone might want or need one. All HMMWVs come with 200 amp alternators and can accommodate an extra one as needed to power a large variety of equipment. I can definitely see where ones like what PIU pointed out would be a necessity on an 18 wheeler.
I don't equate high capacity alternators with illegal CB activity since I'm sure that thousands of alternators just like the ones on QRZ are bought and sold every day.
Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ Mar. 01 2007,14:12)]I don't equate high capacity alternators with illegal CB activity since I'm sure that thousands of alternators just like the ones on QRZ are bought and sold every day.
But then again, you don't equate the term 'Big Strapper' with amateur radio operations, either. Do you?
I'm sure that thousands of 'export-model' CB radios are bought and sold every day, but Fred has prohibited them from being listed on this site. Same with amplifiers that can be used on the 11M band. Why do you suppose that is?
Perhaps we should invite the Davemade crew to start advertising their 'Motor Mauls' and such in the 'Zed's Classifieds area. After all - They're not 'illegal' equipment and could conceivably be used in Amateur Radio applications...
Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Mar. 01 2007,15:54)]Hello.
First off, if somebody wants to run real power the 'big strapper is a locomotive alternator, nothing like 250 amps at 74 volts DC.
Now, this is used with solid state finals of the type used in a brodcast transmitter.
A prebuild module will set you back around $1k.
So, for under $3k you also can be the king of the hill at your next CB shootout.
Hint, that package will peg the needle at around 15kW.
a 220 Amp at 13.6 volt alternator is normal for a big truck.
The big units run 270 Amps at 13.6 volts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot....iewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FREIGHTLINER-KENWORTH-PERFORMANCE-ALTERNATOR-270-AMPS_W0QQitemZ8041370522QQcmdZViewItem)
The really large units, like you might find in a firetruck, figure on 350 to 400 Amps.
None of this I have ever seen on QRZ.
And 220 Amps is just about right for running a ham rig or 2 and a coleman 12 volt A/C unit.
220A would be nice to run an amp, but it's not necessary to run a rig or two! I have two in my car and use the stock 105A alternator.
The other place I've seen high output alternators used was in audio competitions.
Ambulances also use them to power all of the medical equipment.
ki4rhh
03-01-2007, 09:50 PM
Ok now this is a crock guys, I have a huge alternator on my truck and don't have a single radio in it. I do have several inverters so that i can run power tools from of the truck, Am I now guilty of something? What anyone chooses to buy and use is up to them, now if they use it in some illegal manor then its a crime.
With that said I believe we should be able to as Hams, report anyone who is using illegal radio gear. I know this is possible now but I would like to actually see people respond to these reports. Maybe we as Hams should get together and form a private group that makes an effort to prevent illegal 11meter broadcasters. We do need a better reporting system with some real enforcements by the FCC, this sending letters crap is not working. Maybe we should add a radio inspection check at Truck weigh points?
KD6NIG
03-02-2007, 02:12 AM
I see you all have come up with stuff, but I was thinking more along the lines of powering an inverter. On a large boat, for example.
Thats the place I've seen these before. Two of them easily powered everything on the boat while underway and not on shore power. It had 2 engines, one of the large altenators on each engine.
I know they get used on CB also, but except for web pictures, haven't seen them actually used for that.