What are the Division Codes?

When someone gives out a call sign on amateur or CB Radio it usually consists of various numbers and letters of the alphabet.  An example of such a call sign is my own 26CT1994.

When used on the Radio it is pronounced "Two, Six, Charlie, Tango, One, Nine, Nine, Four".  This is to ensure that each part of the call sign is sent separately for ease of legibility.  The phonetic use of the letters is also important to the legibility of the call sign.

Usually the letters denote the Radio Club that the operator is part of and the last few numbers are their unique identifier of the operator themselves.

The first numbers used in a call sign, in this ccase "26", 'Two, Six' is known as the division code and denotes what area of the world that operator is broadcasting from.

The Division Codes used in the UK are

Division 26 - England
Division 163 - Wales
Division 108 - Scotland
Division 29 - Ireland

Countries around the world have each been given a division code to identify the geographic location of the radio operator.  Division codes are integrated into a radio operators call sign to denote which country they are calling from.

Below is a breakdown of the division codes by country followed by country by code.




READ MORE

CB Radio Nets

The common trend of thought is that CB Radio is dead.  Most people accept that since nowadays we have mobile phones, PCs and all other types of digital devices there is no longer a need to communicate with others over the radio.

Even people who still own a CB Radio complain that there is no one else out there and there's no point in putting a call out anymore or even turning the CB Radio on these days but the real truth is that over the last few years more and more people are returning to CB radio as a hobby and in fact in most parts of the Country there is usually an organised net taking place on one night or other of the week and a lot of these nets are very popular especially in the summer.

The chances are that there is a CB Radio net in your local area at least one night of the week and if you had your rig switch on at the right time and tuned to the correct frequency you might start picking up the odd signal.

To stand the best chance of getting good signals is to drive out to some height ground in the right area and the specified day and time and sit on the channel.  If you hear nothing you should try putting the odd call out and if nothing still comes back then try a few of the adjacent channels to see if they have needed to move off of the planned frequency.

So in order to get the best from your CB Radio it pays to know when these nets are taking place and the best way to find out is by looking on the internet.  Most radio clubs will promote their own nets and you would be able to find still more info on lots of Facebook Groups as well as mentions on various YouTube videos.

Someone was kind enough to create a google map which lists a full directory of different nets taking place each week.  These are constantly being added to as the list continues to grow

Here is the Google Maps link

In face, heading out to the countryside on a summers Sunday afternoon is an especially enjoyable way to spend your time and either driving up to a well known high point or a quick ramble through the hillside with the appropriate kit and setting up a portable station for a few hours is really great fun especially if you get a load of calls in your log book on the day.

This tends to be how a lot of folk enjoy their radios and it is the obvious benefits of enjoying the radio that is bringing more and more people back to it as a hobby even in 2018




READ MORE

Portable CB Radio

One of the best ways to use a CB Radio is to venture out into the countryside, head up a hillside and run your CB Radio from there.  The benefit of this is that you will be out in wide open space at a good height and this vastly improves your range especially if you normally run your CB Radio from a built up area.

Usually the easy round this problem is to run your CB Radio mobile and drive up to a better location but the other option is to run your CB Radio completely portable with a battery and take down antenna.

In order to run your CB Radio portable you will need to have a long hard think about exactly what equipment you are going to need to take with you.  Often this will need to include some form of shelter to keep you and your equipment out of any bad weather, your aerial and whatever equipment you might need to erect it, how you intend to power your CB Radio usually some kind of battery or collection of batteries and of course the CB Radio itself.

In most cases you will be driving to your chosen location and then walk the final distance, usually up a steep incline and will typically be away from your car for several hours.  This will mean that you will also need to bring any food or drinks you will need while out with you.

By the time you account for all of the equipment you will need along with all of the other items you will need you'll quickly realise that the bulk and weight of this type of equipment creates a series of challenges when wanting to carry a backpack up to an appropriate vantage point for an afternoon.
Here are some useful ideas if you are planning to run a CB Radio portable in the future



READ MORE

How to send a Radio Report on CB Radio

An important part of most QSOs is knowing how well you are being received and often the best way to do this is to ask for a radio report from another station.

The standard signal reporting method for amateur radio is the RST (Readability-Signal Strength-Tone) system.  The best signal report for CW (morse code) operation is RST 599. With voice, we don't use the reading for Tone and just give a RS report, a perfect signal on voice is RS 59 or just “five nine.” You’ll typically hear something like : “your signal report is five nine in North London.”

If you are good copy, you will usually get a “Five” for Readability. The Signal Strength is usually what the operator is reading on the Signal Meter of his receiver. Of course, with both CW and SSB, the S-Meter will be bouncing around a bit, so some interpretation is required.

More importantly, there is considerable variation in S-Meter calibration, so signal reports can vary from radio to radio. (S9 is commonly defined as 50 µV at the receiver input, with each S unit representing a 6 dB change in signal strength.) A 55 or 57 report indicates that the signal is very readable but the signal strength is not as strong as a 59 signal.



READ MORE

How to get a Call Sign

For certain bands you must complete a series of exams to qualify to operate legally and obtain a specific call sign but this isn't the case for the 11M Band using Single Side Band.

 

It is possible to obtain a vanity call sign from the ARRL or FFC if there is a specific call sign you would like to obtain.  A Vanity call sign is a special Amateur Radio call sign specifically chosen by a person or club who is currently an Amateur Radio licensee (similar in purpose to Vanity license plates on cars).

 

Vanity call signs usually include alphabetical characters of personal significance (e.g., licensees initials, parts of names, hobbies, etc), or sometimes are simply chosen because they are shorter calls, or sometimes they have double or triple duplicate characters (e.g., W1WWW).

 

There are however a number of 11M DX Clubs who are happy to issue a call sign to a new member.  Joining a club is a great way to meet others with the same interest and many clubs have some kind of forum or Facebook group etc whee you can share ideas and stories with other members of the club.

 

 

 

 

 

I jinxed the Charlie Tango DX Group based in the UK around a year ago and was immediately impressed by the warm welcome I received.  I asked a few questions about getting set up and asking for information about buying an aerial and a few of the members were only too happy to help.

 

The Charlie Tango group also run a weekly net which attracts hundreds of members to get together on the airwaves from up and down the country.  There are those within the club who go out most weekends to do extreme activations from hard to reach places up in the hills or other sites where good signals are expected.

 

There are also a number of other DX Groups who would be happy to issue with your own call sign and although I have no experience of them, a simple search of DX Groups in google gave me the list below of clubs that are always looking for new members.

 

 

 

READ MORE

Good Practices When Calling CQ on the Calling Channels

It is not good practice to maintain a QSO on a calling frequency even though propagation may appear poor, it may not be poor for radio users in other parts of the world.

After you make a general call on a calling frequency it would be considered best to QSY to another frequency then put out another general call on your selected frequency to get responses from anyone who may have copied your original call on the calling channel.

If you standby for responses on the calling channel you are creating additional QRM for other radio users on the calling frequency which is often all ready busy with other general calls from other radio users.

You should also avoid using radio frequencies which are close to a calling frequency.  For example, if you QSY from 27.555 to 27.560 or 27.565 and your signal is 9+ to other stations in Europe you may well be creating interference on the calling frequency when you transmit on adjacent frequencies.

If someone is making a specific CQ Call such as CQ Germany, CQ USA or CQ DX you should only answer a call of that type if you are in the area being targeted.  You shouldn't really respond if you are not in the targeted area since this was the type of response being requested.

Some radio operators may not understand the real meaning of DX. In Europe, for example we can consider stations in other continents such as South America or Russia as a DX but would also include countries which are generally harder to reach or are not often on air.



READ MORE

How To Call CQ

The Q codes are widely used on SSB radio as well on many other bands and are used specifically when giving instructions on the radio.

 

Calling 'CQ' is the understood way to say 'I am calling any station' on a frequency.

CQ DX

Probably the most commonly heard is  'CQ DX' meaning calling any long distance station.

 

There are some variations such as 'CQ 11 Metres' or 'CQ Any US stations' where one is saying anyone me in the 11Metre band and the other any US Stations.

 

 

Division Codes

You may add division codes. For example 'any division 26 (Two Six) stations' meaning any U.K. stations.

 

You would normally include your call sign as part of the CQ call so people will know who to respond to

 

For example 'This is Two Six Charlie Tango One Nine Nine Four calling CQ and standing by'

 

You would then wait to hear a response such as Charlie Tango station.... or Someone may announce their call sign when responding 'this is Alpha Papa Two zero calling Charlie Tango One Nine nine four'.

 

You then will have made a contact.

 

 

READ MORE

What are the CB Radio Frequencies?

Since the early American rigs began finding there way to these shores, the demand for Citizen Band radio was met by a number of changes in legislation.  

It is no longer necessary to hold a licence to operate a CB Radio and over the years additional modes have been added.

The following charts display the relevant frequencies for each of these modes and are also available to download on he link at the bottom of this post.




READ MORE

CB Radio on YouTube

This is a post that I have really looking forward to doing as it was the guys on YouTube who reignited my interest in CB Radio and share their own experiences and adventures with CB Radio nowadays.

I've been fortunate to have been able to talk to a number of them both on the Radio itself when out at one of the 'Nets' or online either on Facebook or on YouTube itself. 

Its thanks to the guys who post their videos on YouTube  that I got back into the hobby again and have shared my own videos on YouTube for two years now.

So here's a list of good CB Radio YouTube Channels you might enjoy yourself!

Please understand that I've not listed them in any particular order so please don't think of this as a 'Top Ten' with the last listed channel being my No.1. 

This is just a list of channels that I've come across and enjoyed in the past 

No doubt there are other great CB Radio YouTube channels which I've missed or not listed here and this is only because I've not come across it before.

So with that said lets take a look at the channels I've selected:-



READ MORE

CB Radio Base Station

Most CB Radios that have been produced over the years have been specifically designed for Mobile use.  For decades CB Radios have been most commonly found and used in vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

From truckers to farmers and 4 x 4's  to Camper vans the CB Radio has been a regular feature in all of these. Less common these days are the bigger brother of these radios known as Home base or Base Station Radios.

Along with the drivers of the CB World there were many who had these Homebase CB Radios usually in pride of place  of their living room or kitchen allowing them to speak with friends and neighbours with similar equipment in their own homes.



These Homebase CB Radios tended to be much larger than thier mobile counterparts and most had additional features which thier mobile brothers rarely came with.  MOst Homebase CB Radios have much larger front facing speakers as well as headphone jacks and most had integrated SWR Meters and other features like RF Gain and Mic Gain which were generally only found on higher end Mobile CB Rigs.

The key differences with Homebase CB Radios and thier Mobile equivalents was their ability to plug directly into the electrical mains supply where mobile units were designed to run on 12 Volts through a car battery.



Most Homebase CB Radios also benefited by the addition of a desk Microphone rather than a handheld mic found on mobile CB Radios.  These Desk Mics often came with additional features and some were also 'Power Mics' which made them sound better and easier to use than the handheld Mics they were usually supplied with.  Some Desk Mics also allowed you to add echo or other sound effects to your transmitted signal.



READ MORE

CB Radio Shops

Getting hold of a CB Radio is a pretty straightforward task these days especially with the advent of online shopping but there are still a good number of traditional 'brick & mortar' shops which specialise in Radio equipment of all types and offer a good range of CB Radio equipment and accessories .

A lot of these shops have been inn the Business for a long time and their staff have excellent knowledge and experience in using CB Radio equipment so can offer really good advice to anyone looking to get into CB Radio as a hobby.

Fortunately there are CB Radio shops up and down the country so you may find there is one close to where you live and as well each having their own websites are also available on the phone or available for you to pop along for a visit.

Here are a few of the best B Radio shops in the UK


READ MORE

CB Radio Brands – President Electronics

CB Radio has a number of world renowned brands, one of these is President Electronics.
The PRESIDENT name is closely linked to the CB radio world and their web site states PRESIDENT is the representative of a Citizen Band which brings purist CB users and technology amateurs of the whole world together.

First formed in 1969 by Claude & Lysiane Schmitz in Paris and later joined by Albert Bertrana as Manager of Technical Development in 1973 producing Microphones in their manufacturing factory in Spain as far back as 1975 and began importing to the USA in 1976.

The Groupe President Electronics (GPE) head office was opened in Balaruc in the South of France  in 1978 with their first subsidiary in Spain.
The creation of PRESIDENT POLAND subsidiary was created in 1992.


READ MORE

Handheld CB Radio

Handheld CB Radios have been around for as long as there has been a 'Citizen Band' and early versions of the handheld variety were pretty bulky and cumbersome.  The technology of the age couldn't quite provide the minimal type of walkie-talkies that are available these days so things were slight more upscale compared to more modern varieties of handheld CB Radio.




The first handheld CB Radios I saw in the 80's had huge extendable antennas and needed upwards of a dozen AA batteries to function which added quite some considerable weight as well as then need to shell out a fair amount of money every time you needed to replace the batteries.



In a bid to slim down the devices themselves a number of cheaper and generally smaller handheld CB Radios were on the market but didn't give access to all 40 channels.  Most of the cheaper Handheld CB Radios only gave you access to 2 channels via a little switch on the front.  Normally just channel 14 (The calling channel in it's day) and one other which limited their usability somewhat.
No doubt these early handheld CB Radios had their uses and might have been useful for talking to folk who were mobile or home based nearby but because of their limited aerials and lower power had very poor range.

As a kid, me and a few of my friends had one of the cheap two channel ones and we used to love running around our street talking to each other so as toys they were great fun.  When the channels were a lot busier you could speak to people in the local area but for most 'real' CBer's they didn't provide the full experience so most people stayed mobile with a rig in their cars rather than going portable.





A number of manufacturers produced a handheld CB Radio packs for use in an emergency in the 80's which were designed to be kept in your car in case of a breakdown or an accident.  These were supplied in a carry case and had additional accessories including a cable to power it from your cigarette lighter socket in the car and a small external aerial to go on the roof of your car temporarily

Generally most handheld CB Radios will give you a fairly abysmal range although like everything CB Radio this has a lot more to do with your general altitude and terrain.  Since I was always in a built up area and never on open high ground my personal experiences were just mucking about with my mates on the next street.  Trying to get any signals whilst indoors though was pretty much impossible.

Much like CB Radio itself, things have moved on somewhat even for the handheld variety which now come with different types of aerial, rechargeable batteries and the ability to connect external mics and aerials etc improves the experience somewhat.




READ MORE

What Should I know when buying a CB Radio?

Citizens' Band (CB) radio is a system of short distance radio communication between individuals on a collection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz band, and may be used by private individuals or companies. This radio service was created in 1945 to enable people a radio band for personal communication and was controlled by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). CB radios became particularly prominent in the 1970s.

The 1973 oil crisis saw fuel rationing and shortages, and the introduction of a 55 mph nationwide speed limit. Truck drivers began using CB radios to check the best fuel stockpiles in specific places or to let one another find out about speed traps. These radios were also featured in popular movies and TV shows, like "Smokey and the Bandit" and "The Dukes of Hazard."

CB radio originally demanded a license that could be purchased a fee, but when the FCC started to get over a million license requests a month this requirement was ceased.

 The 40 channel band plan was introduced in 1977 (with 23 channels being available previously). Channel 9 was reserved for emergency communications by the FCC in 1969, and channel 19 was the highway communication (or truckers') channel. These channels should still used for emergencies and travel information today. One will find up to date information about radar traps, road conditions, and accidents on channel 19.



CB radios are all limited to 4 watts of transmission power by FCC regulations. The differences between the wide range of models available from radio communication shops or from online sources like eBay, are found primarily in the features provided. Some features are good to have, while others are seen as vital by a lot of radio users.

This is often a matter of opinion and the features one needs may change according to what the radio is being used for. Understanding which features are available will allow you to make a more educated buying decision.



READ MORE

CB Radio Brands - Cobra Electronics

CB Radio has a number of world renowned brands, one of these is Cobra Electronics.
Cobra Electronics Corporation is a leading global designer and marketer of mobile communications and navigation products in the United States, Canada, Europe and throughout the world.

With its creation of the world’s first CB radio over 50 years ago, Cobra Electronics continues to grow by developing a large array of innovative products suitable for professional drivers, driving enthusiasts, outdoor recreational enthusiasts, and recreational boaters.

In 1948, Carl Korn founded Central Television Service Company in his garage with his partner to provide repair service for the fledgling television industry. The industry expanded so quickly that service equipment soon became outdated. Thus, Carl and his associates began designing, producing and marketing their own test equipment. Soon, B&K Electronics was born.

Throughout the 50s and early 60s, B&K Electronics, along with many other small electronics companies, joined forces to form Dynascan Corporation. In 1963, Dynascan engineers developed the world’s first citizens band (CB) radio, the Sidewinder, which was shortly followed by the Cobra. With widespread acceptance of CB Radios in the marketplace, the Cobra name caught on with consumers and eventually evolved into the symbol and brand name for this signature product.




READ MORE

CB Radio Forums

When I first got back into CB Radio it took several weeks before I started to receive any decent signals and initially was dismayed that I had wasted money on an old relic that no one else was using any more.

In an effort to get help with my first set up I trawled the internet for any useful websites where I could get more information about how to set up my new antenna and ask various questions about how to get better performance from my 30 odd year old CB Radio basically, before it went in the bin!
The good news was that there are a raft of really useful websites and forums dedicated to CB Radio and I was wildly impressed by the responses and general helpfulness of those who were kind enough to respond to my obviously 'newbie' questions.

It turns out that there are a number of forums particularly in the UK which are fiercely active and not only are these great places to get help obtaining answers to most radio related questions but a great place to share stories and make new friends online.

READ MORE

Why do HAM Radio operators hate CB Radio?

When talking with other Radio enthusiasts, one question which frequently arises when talking about CB Radio is why HAM Radio operators feel so strongly about CB Radio users.
There seems to be a clear divide between the two camps with a lot of HAM Radio users looking down on CB Radio users with disdane, labelling them as 'idiots', 'fools' and other more colourful terms which can't be used here.

Even some CB Radio users would agree that its easy to see why the UK 40 FM Channels gets the name 'Muppet Band' and we all know the level of stupidity that features on the CB Radio quite often but it is far to say that for some HAM Radio hobbyists feelings do indeed run deep and in some cases just as much between the CB Radio camp and their counterparts in the HAM Radio fraternity.

On one Radio forum there is one HAM Radio user who has posted reports of threats to himself and his family including doing unspeakable things to his dog and threatening to 'burn out his car' because of a comment he made on a YouTube video
.
He reports in the forum that a group of CB Radio users banded together and over several weeks received death threats from each of them.  There's not much information about what his comment actually was that could inflame such deep feelings of anger but it goes to demonstrate that tempers can run high on the matter.

It is fair to say that getting into CB Radio is incredibly easy.  They are cheap, very easy to obtain and require no training or special licences to use.  Add to that the availability of high power amplifiers and equipment that can be relatively easy to modify to get on to other frequencies which would normally be reserved for licensed users and the opportunity for misuse is too much for some.



READ MORE

Whats the Difference between HAM Radio and CB Radio?

A question that occasionally gets asked by people considering buying a radio is 'What's the difference between HAM Radio and CB Radio?'.  Whilst on the surface there would appear to be little difference in that both are a means for two people to receive and transmit messages over the airwaves there are a number of distinct differences both in terms of radio hardware and the ranges achievable by the different types of Radio as well as how they can be used.

A subset of the same conversation is more to do with the types of people that use either CB Radio or HAM Radio and as part of this, the quality of communications that are achievable.

To begin with a radio enthusiast must pass specific radio exams in order to legally use HAM Radio equipment legally and as part of this must demonstrate a good understanding of specific Radio theory and understand the appropriate ways to communicate on the allowed frequencies.

After passing further examinations more frequencies are permitted to be used and additional power is allowed to be transmitted which again facilitates a far greater range than with cheaper lower powered radios.



READ MORE

CB Radio Magazines

As a child I remember taking regular trips to my local WH Smith to check out the magazines on offer and occasionally used my pocket money to buy some kind of hobby magazine particularly around motorcycles or custom cars.

In the days of the Internet and websites offering content of all types and flavours it may be difficult to remember now how many different magazines there were out there and what a vast range of hobbies they covered.  Everything from Fishing to Golf or PC magazines with pages and pages of programs to enter into your own little computer at home to get it to run a game.

In the early 80's CB Radio was just such a hobby that had its own array of regular magazines and though now no longer produced still feature occasionally on EBay as people rediscover their hoard of old magazines in a loft or garden shed somewhere.

Since CB Radio originated in the USA, the first CB Radio magazines began to appear in the States with a number of these first being produced as far back as 1961 with titles such as S9, 10-4, CB Digest, CB Horizons and CB Magazine.




READ MORE

CB Radio For Preppers

Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio for Short) is mostly employed for short-range radio communication. Using the 11 meter band with frequencies between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz, this two-way voice communication service is an ideal tool for localised emergency communication during disasters, highway communication between truckers, and of course, good old-fashioned fun for radio hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Made prominent during the 1970s, because of films like Smokey and the Bandit, for decades C.B. Radio was among the most popular kinds of short distance communications. Its popularity has faded during recent years, largely due to the development of mobile phones, the internet, and the Family Radio Service, it still remains a highly popular option for truckers, radio hobbyists, and survivalists.

One reason these communication devices are still popular is because they are very reliable during emergency situations. Unlike conventional telephone lines and cell towers that could stop working during severe weather, Citizens Band Radio functions even when other types of communication have failed.

On the keeping it totally legal front, the best suggestion I have is to focus on your antenna. A good antenna can make even a bad radio transmit better, but a good radio paired with a bad antenna is guaranteed failure.

While Ham radio would usually be the first line of emergency radio communications because of its greater range, a C.B. Radio should be another important part of any good survival communications plan. One advantage these radios have over Ham Radios is they do not require a license to operate, making them a good option for kids or people who prefer not to take the Ham Test.


READ MORE

CB Radio and The Law

Here are some questions regarding CB Radio and the Law:-

How is CB radio defined in Law?

CB radio functions within the 27 MHz band and is a short range radio service for either Business or Personal use. It is permitted to be used by anyone without the need for technical qualifications as long as it does not cause interference to other radio users. Therefore, only radios which meet specific requirements are permitted to be used.

Why has Ofcom de-regulated the use of CB radio equipment?

OfCom de-regulated the use of CB radio equipment to reduce the regulatory burden for both CB radio users and Ofcom themselves. Since a licence to operate a CB Radio is no longer required, it is not necessary to contact Ofcom in order to apply for and to subsequently maintain a CB radio licence and it is no longer necessary to pay for a new licence each year.

Is CB Radio legal to use without a licence?

Since 8 December 2006, it is no longer necessary to hold a WT Act licence in order to operate CB radio equipment as long as it is used in accordance with the requirements of the WT (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, which come into force on that day.

These Regulations, on which Ofcom consulted in June 2006, exempt CB radio equipment users from the need to hold a WT Act licence. The use of CB radio equipment which is not consistent with these Regulations will however be considered an offence.

CB Radio users share a spectrum which is in a frequency band managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This use is secondary to that of the MOD (the primary spectrum user) and it should be noted that CB Radio users must be prepared to accept incoming interference caused by continuing use of this spectrum by the MOD.

CB Radio Users must understand that CB radio equipment must be operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis; meaning that, it must not interference to or claim protection from any other radio services.

The WT (Content of Transmission) Regulations 1988 make it an offence to use any station for wireless telegraphy or any wireless telegraphy apparatus to send a message, communication or other matter in whatever form that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing nature.




READ MORE

CB Radio Most Frequent Questions

When people approach me about getting into CB Radio, there are a number of questions which are regularly asked.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:-

What is CB Radio?
Citizens band radio (also known as CB radio) is, in many countries, a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals typically on a selection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz (11 m) band.

 DO I NEED A LICENSE TO OPERATE A CB Radio?
Not nowadays, since the early 1980's, the FCC stopped requiring licenses for USA CB radio use. OfCom in the UK also disbanded the need for licences a few years later.
Users must still abide by all of the rules regarding the CB Band and use authorised equipment, however.

What kind of Range Can You Get From CB Radio?
A - "Generally Speaking", range for a mobile CB Radio could be anywhere from 1 or 2 miles, to even 20 to 25 Miles or more, depending on the terrain, type of antennas used, & other factors. The "typical" range to expect from a mobile CB, with a good antenna, is about 2 to 5 miles, but you will actually get both more & less than this, in certian areas & terrain, & as you drive around. Home Base Station CB setups, with larger building roof mounted Base antennas, will usually give more range than the ground level mobile units do, & the small handheld "walkie-Talkie styles will usually give much less.

What is the best Antenna for my mobile CB Radio?
This is tough to answer, & there are many variables, but here are some good general guidelines & "Rules of Thumb" to follow. First, The Taller the antenna, the better it will work. Mount your antenna as high as possible on the vehicle, & try to get at least 50% of it over the roofline. Usually, all else being equal, the Tallest, longest antenna you are comfortable with, mounted as high as possible, will give the best performance. For Example, mounting a new 4 foot CB antenna in the same spot where you were using a 2 foot, will usually give better results. It wouldn't really matter what "brand name", colour, or style the 2 ft antenna was. Mounting Height on the vehicle, & the antenna length should be more important than other considerations. Keep in mind that, generally, CB antennas that are less than 3 feet tall, those that "stick to the glass", & the AM/FM/CB "combo" antennas & adaptors usually do not give the best performance, they are bought & sold mainly for "convenience" & "cosmetic" reasons.


READ MORE

Do Truckers Still Use CB Radios?

Log in to any trucking forum and you'll usually see a number of questions from new truck drivers regarding a specific piece of equipment-- the CB radio. Of course, those young enough to have been brought up on Smartphones and Cable TV appear to consider the CB Radio as some kind of technological artefact, a bit like CRT Monitors."Do I really need a CB Radio?" these new drivers inquire. And the response from most veteran truckers is always yes, yes you do. As one experienced driver put it, "It isn't a dying tool but it is a forgotten tool by many drivers. Any trucker that gives a damn has a CB Radio."These new drivers are too young to recall, but there was a time when everyone in the country thought they simply had to have a CB Radio.

For those who weren't around at the time to experience it, the CB radio craze of the 1970s and 1980s might feel inexplicable. Why would so many people get excited about a means of communication used primarily by truckers, contractors and hobbyists? How did phrases like "10-4, good buddy" and "What's your 20?" enter the vernacular? Why did people who never drove anything with more than four wheels adopt handles?

Sometimes fads are inexplicable. Anyone remember the fascination of Pet Rocks for example? The CB radio craze was largely fuelled by the 1972 gas crisis. The federal government imposed a national speed limit of 55 mph causing frustrated truckers and other drivers to turn to their CB Radios to trade information about cheap gas and speed traps. Once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dropped its license requirement, it became a cheap way for non-truckers to join this exotic culture.



READ MORE

The Future of CB Radio

There is a famous saying that goes "The future depends on what you do today." The popularity CB radios once enjoyed, became a symbol of success for communication. The user base was so massive back then, but we shouldn't expect CB Radio to reclaim that level of popularity because newer technologies are hitting the market on a daily basis.  This rapid innovation has totally changed the environment for the future of CB Radio.

The users of the radios also have deviated their interest towards technologies. This has resulted in a drastic change in the amount of usage we see on the old CB radios. Still, there is a hope that CB Radio communication system can't be ignored. There are still many loyal users who would love for CB Radio to return to its earlier popularity but the naked truth is that the majority of CB Radio users have moved on.

In this 'Age of the Internet', this old school type of radio service is now considered to be an outdated means of communication as there are better options available with more efficient performance available at more affordable costs nowadays that offer more than 40 channels of empty noise.  There are a few reasons that might bring CB Radio's popularity back to its peak as it was all those years ago.



READ MORE

CB Radio On Motorcycles

With CB Radios once being so commonplace in cars up and down the country, there are still enough people out there with CB Radios out there to make owning a CB Radio still a useful tool to have when driving around especially when in a group of vehicles.

The 4x4 community have long been associated with CB Radio as have the owners of VW Campers and the like but what if you are on two wheels rather than four? Could CB Radio still be a viable choice for bikers wishing to keep in touch with each other or with other road users?

In the 21st Century there are a number of Intercom based systems designed for the biker that enables the rider to keep in touch with either their pillion and with more expensive sets, the ability to talk with other motorcyclists in your group albeit with a fairly limited range. The inclusion of Bluetooth in these devices makes it easier to connect everything up without the need for multiple cables.



READ MORE

CB Radio Amplifiers

If you're wondering "Should I get an amplifier?" You've probably decided you need more power output, or someone you know has told you to buy one. Before we enter into a debate about acquiring an amplifier, let's start by first asking a different question. Do you actually need an amplifier?

A regular CB radio is going to have an AM carrier (also called deadkey) of approximately 3 to 4 watts. When the carrier is modulated, output on the radio may reach 10-12 watts on average with some models hitting around 15-18 watts.

Single Sideband models (SSB) will normally have output of 12 watts, with some models hitting about 18-20 watts after tuning. If an operator has properly set up their antenna, these output numbers are more than enough for basic local in-town communications.

When you've found yourself in the hobby long enough you'll hear many accounts of users stating their signal doesn't get very far, so they invest in higher power radios or amps not appreciating that the issue from the onset was a substandard antenna installation.

Ham radio operators love to tell tales of using 1 watt on a dipole antenna to speak to a station 9000 miles away, but what they are claiming is honestly the truth. It's definitely feasible to talk long distances and even talk pretty good distances locally with a good antenna and a legal radio.

Before you consider adding an amplifier you should sit down and think about some answers to the following questions ... I know this sounds like going back to school, but it can save you a lot of money and trouble in the long run.



READ MORE

CB Radio on the Internet

The internet is often cited as being the nail in the coffin for CB Radio but since its increase in popularity for those without a radio set there are a number of websites, PC Clients and even mobile apps that offer an experience similar to CB Radio online.

If you don't have access to your own CB Radio then these can offer you an opportunity to either speak with others on a particular network which connects you with other users on the same platform or listen in on real transmissions from real CB Radio sets in different parts of the world.

Finding these sites is as simple as searching for anything on the internet and a quick search for 'CB Radio Streaming Sites' will pull up a list of websites where you can listen to actual CB Radios which have been set up to take the signals that they pick up in their area  and stream the audio from the radios through a PC or server out on to the Internet.

These are software downloads which function in the same way as any two way radio offering you a number of different 'channels' and a 'Push To Talk' button which mimics a real CB Radio and allows you to hear other users on the same network as well as the ability to talk to them.

The benefit of these types of software is that where CB Radio is limited by its range and is will usually only pick up signals in your own geographic location, these applications allow you to speak with other people from all over the world.  All thanks to the power of the Internet.

Other online platforms like YouTube and Facebook have help push CB Radio back into the forefront of peoples minds as there are a number of active CB Radio users and groups that regularly post information on these platforms for other CB Radio users to enjoy.

In particular, there are a number of CB Radio related Facebook Groups where members post information about when and where they will be on air and more frequently these days these can also include organised 'nets' using one of the platforms mentioned below.




READ MORE