https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/5dc2bf70-56fe-4e8c-ae8c-b24d636259fb Truckies aren't the only thing that can be heard on a CB radio. This converter upconverts amateur radio frequencies near 1.8 MHz to 27 MHz so they can be heard on an unmodified HF CB radio. It was triggered by the purchase of a Realistic TRC-418 AM-only CB for $4 from a local trash and treasure sale. Unless you have a nearby friend with one, 27 MHz AM CBs are near useless as everyone has gone either to 27 MHz SSB or 477 MHz UHF. However there's nothing really wrong with them and this converter gives it a new life. The video features the CB receiving the 11am 1843 kHz 160 metre AM net in Melbourne. Overall performance compares well with other gear also used on 1.8 MHz. However the CB offers some extra features such as squelch and signal strength indication. Squelch in particular is handy if you wish to monitor 1843 kHz all day without being disturbed by band noise. The circuit is very simple - just one transistor for the local oscillator and a diode for the mixer. There are also no coils to wind as commercially available RF chokes are used instead. Despite its simplicity it's not exactly a beginners project as some parts (notably the 12.6 MHz crystal) need a well-stocked junk box. Also you may need to alter the design to suit available components. For example you may need to change the injection from low side (25 MHz) to high side (29 MHz) to suit the crystal. While crystals of half the injection frequency were used in the prototype, crystals one third the frequency may also be suitable (noting variations if oscillated on their fundamental or overtone). Variations include 1. frequency agility between the channels (make the crystal oscillator a VXO), 2. use on other bands (change crystal, the RX front end and the crystal oscillator tuned circuit), 3. Adding extra circuitry to make a transverter and 4. Using the CB's PA amplifer facility as a modulator for a 4-watt AM transmitter. PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: Subscribing on YouTube, Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com, Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv, or, Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP (then if you buy something I'll get a small commission at no cost to you) Sat, 09 May 2026 09:24:45 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/5dc2bf70-56fe-4e8c-ae8c-b24d636259fb All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.