Cb radio isn't just something from the 70s. It is alive and well in the present. CB radio is an excellent way of communicating and keeping in touch. This article will scratch the surface of some CB radio items, in basic non technical terms. There is a link at the end for more details about CB radio.
CB radio is a good way of keeping in touch, whether you are just sitting at your base station, or on the move with your mobile or handheld radio. Although cell phones are also a good way of keeping in touch, and perhaps more private, the CB network doesn't depend upon a cell phone provider's cell towers to enable contact.
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| Many factors can affect actual distances |
If you are in an area where cell phone service is limited, CB radio can come to your rescue. Unfortunately, the emergency channel is no longer monitored (depends on your area and some radios have a channel 9 monitor), so an emergency call might not get through unless someone is listening.
If you are biking, camping, or hiking, CB radio can keep you in contact with others in the group. Of course, some may choose small handheld VHF or UHF devices.
Your service depends upon a decent radio and a properly tuned "good" antenna.
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| This is just one of several better mobile antennas |
This is where novice CBers sometimes make a mistake by getting a decent CB radio, but buying a small cheap antenna. Also, they may fail to properly tune the antenna, i.e., they can receive (hear) some channels/transmissions, but they can't reach anybody (or just a very short distance) when trying to transmit.
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| Receive=okay, Transmit=Are you kidding me? |
Mobile antennas come in a variety of configurations, e.g., mag mount, fender mount, drill holes, trunk mount, base loaded, center loaded, top load coil, to name a few. Base antennas also come in various configurations, e.g., ground plane, dipole, small, big, mobile 102" whip mounted to a pole, to name a few. All base antennas need to be grounded. The mobile antenna is grounded to the vehicle.
You probably heard about some CBers getting an amplifier ("heaters") to strengthen their signal. This of course, is illegal. i.e., FCC rules limit CB radio transmit power to 4 watts. That's why a good antenna is important.
If you really want more distance with your communications, you should consider getting an amateur "ham" radio. You need a license from the FCC to operate, but the newer rules, a simple multiple choice quiz, and the elimination of the Morse Code requirement, make it relatively easy.
For more information>>>CB Radio and Amateur Radio
