Why use the CB Radio?
As a hobby getting into CB Radio is pretty straight forward. CB Radio has been unlicensed for a few years now so there is no licence application or exams to get on the CB Radio and you can set yourself up with the right equipment at relatively little expense. A previously owned CB Radio can be acquired through EBay for less than £20 and the other bits of equipment needed are similarly inexpensive.
In addition to genuine radio hobbyists there are those who use their CB Radio to be nothing less than annoying. Since the UK FM Band is licence free, it is also used by cab firms who use the CB Frequencies instead of the more expensive radios that most 'licenced' firms generally use. This in itself is not a major irritation but along side these radio users there are those who use their time on the CB Radio to disrupt other radio users in various ways.
There are the aspiring DJs who having gained access to the airwaves consider it their duty to play music of various types across the frequencies for all to enjoy. Perhaps in their own minds they consider this a 'service to the community' but this does prevent other radio users with more genuine intent from using the radio in the way it was truly intended.
Then there are the 'dead keyers' who sit on the frequency transmitting but not actually modulating which again prevents others in their area being able to communicate properly since less powerful signals cannot be received and this added interference prevents signals from getting through.
In an attempt to overcome the inability to reach others, there are those who invest in radio amplifiers, also known as 'burners' to be able to transmit over the 'noise'. The issue with this however is that with larger burners this creates 'bleed' over other frequencies and can also prevent weaker signals from being heard.
Since the airwaves are less populated than thirty years ago this makes it significantly harder for genuine radio users to reach other and as a consequence the UK 40 band has developed a reputation for misuse.
The usual radio etiquette found across the other bands is far less evident and it is not unusual for people to sit on the 'calling channel' rather than move to other frequencies after making contact which again prevents other radio users from making contact with others.
In using the CB Radio you also run the risk of insults and threats from others who probably due to boredom or possible mental health issues prefer to use their radios to harass and intimidate others which ultimately removes any enjoyment from using the CB Radio in the way it was devised to be used.
For anyone experiencing these problems when getting into CB Radio there is hope since there are an increasing number of radio users who are working to use their CB Radios in an appropriate way. There are a number of reputable radio clubs up and down the country and many of these organise regular 'nets' at a specified time and frequency where CBers transmissions are passed between each other in a bid to determine what is the furthest stations they can reach.
Although it may be difficult to determine where and when these 'nets' are taking place we now have the internet available to us and this has become an additional tool to enable radio users to make contact with each other and organise these events.
Anyone having difficulty finding 'good breakers' on the airwaves should look to the various internet sites and social media to connect with other CB Radio groups and users to be able to determine when and where are good places to be on their radios to take part in these regular 'nets'.
It may also be useful to read my article 'How to get the best from your CB Radio'
and also subscribe to my youtube channel or facebook page.
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