Getting Set up on a CB Radio
Most people will remember CB Radio from the eighties. At the time the channels were packed with thousands of people constantly chattering with other over the airwaves and more and more people appear to be coming back to it later in life as a hobby.
It may be that you were either too young to remember or you may not have even been born in the Eighties so may not yet know how to ge set up on a CB radio. It is a very easy hobby to get into and won't cost you a lot of money to get started.
With a few quid and some basic knowledge you can be up and running on a cb radio and enjoying conversations with other cb radio enthusiasts in no time at all. So here are a few things you need to know to get started.
The CB Radio
You can pick up an old 40 Channel FM CB Radio from Ebay for less that £20 if yiou shop around. |It doesn't have to be an amazing radio just something simple with volume and squelch will be enough to get you started.
Your Aerial
Depending on whether you plan to set up your CB Radio in a car and run it mobile or set it up permanently at home you will need an appropriate aerial.
Mobile Aerial
There are a number of different types of aerial available for use in a car. There are also a number of different ways to mount them in your car.
Whip Aerials
Whip aerials tend to be longer, more flexible and give a good range depending on where they are positioned on a vehicle. People can get a little carried away with the size of thier whip aerials.
Springer Aerials
Springer aerials are shorter and less obtrusive than the larger aerials and have a tight coil at the base of the aerial. Springer aerials give a much shorter range than thier larger alternatives but at the compromise of overall size.
Magmounts
Magnetic mounts which stick to the roof of your car are by far the easiest and most convient way of fitting a cb radio aerial to your car without the need to drill or damage your veichles bodywork. They can be removed and added at will.
Homebase Aerials
A smilar array of homebase aerials are available and come in a variety of specifications. You will need to consider how you will attach yur aerial to the roof or side of your house and need the appropriate poles and fixings to be able to do so safely.
Power Supply
If you are setting up your new CB Radio at home then you will need a power supply so that you can power the cb radio from the mains.
If you are setting up your cb radio in a car then you won't need this item but you might want to invest in a power cable for your cb radio that connects to the cigeratte lighter in your car as this is easier than running directly through yur veichle to connect your cb radio directly to the car battery.
SWR Meter
An important piece of equipment you will need is a SWR Meter. This useful piece kit helps you to set up your aerial correctly so that the correct amount of power is transmitted theough your aerial and not reflected back into your new CB Radio.
If you do not set up your aerial wit a SWR meter correctly then this will seriously reduce the range of your transmissions as well as running the risk of perementantly damaging your CB Radio.
YouTube VIDEO
Getting Set up on a CB Radio
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