CB Radio Skip

What you heard occurring is called "sporadic E" propagation, and refers to the radio signals "skipping" off the E layer of the ionosphere. A complete description of what happens would take too much time and space here, but it is a phenomenon that is more common in the summer months.

As for making up IDs/call signs, they have to use something to remain anonymous as what they are doing is illegal, but it would be rare for anyone today to be cited by the FCC for doing it.

True propagation due to solar activity is at a minimum now. HF (High Frequency) Bands suck for Propagation. Right now the Solar Radio Flux has been hanging out at about 65-67. No "skip" there. Maximum Usable Frequencies have been in the 160 meter to 80 meter range...sometimes getting into the 40 meter range. Nothing really for the 10-12 meter range (CB is "11 meter" at 27 Mhz).

The IDs are junk. Before CB was regulated a bit more and CBers had call letters much like Hams....but not in a very long time...probably 70s or 80s the FCC stopped it. If you listen to Ch 6 on a clear night you'll hear the BIG GUNS on the "Bowl"....guys running a lot more than 4-5 Watts of legal power...and some serious gain in their antennas ("Beams").

Yeah I used to run around with a CB in my truck during college...but then I got hooked on Amateur radio and all it can do...many more frequencies and activities.

But it's an expensive hobby.

I had one in my truck all through my college years. Lately I had a buddy selling one and found myself tempted, even though I don't have any use for a CB anymore and don't know anyone running one.