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