CB Convac was a syndicated column that appeared in newspapers from 1976 through early 1978. These columns were written by the editor of The CB Times Journal with the handle of Ink Dipper. This is the first column. It appeared in newspapers in the second week of August, 1976:
CBing has become the great American pastime. It is approaching bowling in the number of participants, close to football in the number of fans, and like band-aids in the number of adherents.
CBers are you and me, or, at best, many of us. And growing at the rate of one-half million per month, according to the FCC. That means it won’t be long until it’s YOU, as well as me.
OK, so you’ve made the big step and purchased a CB unit for your car, You’ve even made a couple of trips down the super slab and have successfully avoided prowling bears, swarming county mounties.
You’ve desperately tried to keep up with the ratchet jawin’ truckers who swirl through the concrete jungle faster than the speed of sound.
But there’s just one more thing you have to do. Despite the fact that your long-awaited license has arrived from the harried FCC bureaucrats laboring for Uncle Charlie, you still haven’t quite managed to get up the gumption to push the button.
Will I say the right things? What if they answer back in this strange language with some question I won’t understand? Is my handle silly…will they laugh?
Well, let’s take the last question first. Of course your handle is silly, it’s yours…but now that you’ve been listening to CB convacs for awhile, let me ask you…have you heard a handle that is unique? It’s everyone establishing his or her own identity.
Besides, it’s your radio system, your handle and your highway (the bears even work for you). So take heart. Push the button. And give out with some ratchet-jawin’. If you’re a freshman and still queasy about breaking channel 19, flip over to another. There;s a bunch to choose from, and talk to someone else.
Now for some serious convac.
You have your license. You have had your CB installed. You should be somewhat acquainted with the FCC regulations governing the CB use. You are also aware that Channel 9 is used solely for emergency traffic.
Hence, you now have not only a play-toy that helps pass the long miles…you also have and instrument that can prevent accidents, save lives and aid law enforcement. Remember, your CB uni is your only outside communication in the isolation of your car.
At the outset of your CB career, you should familiarize yourself with the 10-code and basic CB language. Become cognizant of the responsibilities that come with owning a CB radio. If you observe something that would present a traffic hazard, get on your radio and tell it fast. Simple things, like and animal on or near the expressway, can cause serious accidents when you’re clipping along at 55 mph or more.
So, until the next time keep the rolling side down. The shiny side up. And with a big set of three’s and eight’s…we gone.
(See my previous post on 10-codes here)