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TECHNICAL |
What is CB Radio?
CB or Citizens band radio is a type of short-range communication that can be used by anyone. The frequencies were issued by the government in 1981 and since December 06 you do not need a licence to use it.
What is the range?
It can vary from half a mile to over 20 miles. But it mainly depends on which antenna you are using and where you are. If you are in a built up area the range will be less, if you are on the top of a hill with a large antenna you may be able to talk 50 miles away!
Why use CB Radio?
There are no call charges, licence fees or line rental charges. All you pay for is the equipment you use. CB Radio will work anywhere too, even where there is no mobile phone signal.
What equipment do I need?
If in a vehicle... obviously a CB radio, an antenna, and mounting for the antenna.
If at home or in the office... a CB radio, Power supply, antenna, mouting for the antenna.
How easy is it to set-up?
Very easy, all you need to do is supply power to the radio. Easiest way in a vehicle is the cigarette lighter socket, or straight to the battery for a more permanent fixture. Then just attach your antenna, check the SWR(see glossary below) and away you go!
Glossary
This is a brief glossary of the terms you will hear about when using a CB Radio.
AM (Amplitude Modulation)
This is a type of modulation mostly used in Europe and Ireland. It is not legal to use AM in the UK.
AM/FM
This means the radio can operate on both AM and FM modulation.
Amplifier
These are basically a booster that increases output power. They are illegal to use in the UK but not illegal to sell. They will increase your transmission range, but if the person you are talking to does not have one then you may not hear them speak back to you! To get a better range on CB I would recommend apgrading your antenna first, as this is the part of the setup that determines your range. Amplifiers are also sometimes called burners, boots or simply amps.
Analogue Signal Meter
The original type of signal meter with a mechanical needle. Some people prefer these over digital ones as they are more accurate.
ASQ(Autosquelch)
This is a handy feature that means you do not have to keep adjusting the Squelch control to cut out background noise, the radio automatically sets the squelch to a level just above the noise level (for more info on squelch see below).
Band
A band is a set of Channels, usually a block of 40. The UK band for example is 40 channels from 27.60125Mhz up to 27.99125Mhz. Most radios in the UK are now Multiband(see below).
Channels
These are basically the individual freqencies that you can use. Anyone who is on the same Band and Channel will be able to talk to each other.
Digital Signal Meter
This is a signal strength meter that normally shows up on the LCD Display.
DW (Dual Watch)
This enables the radio to monitor 2 channels at once. If a signal is picked up on either channel the radio automatically switches to that channel.
EMG (Emergency) Button
This normally switches to the radio to channel 9. Years ago before mobile phones, people used to monitor channel 9 for emergency calls. They would then call the appropriate emergency service. As far as I know there isn't anybody monitoring CH9 in the UK anymore.
External Speaker
A speaker that plugs in the back of the CB to give you a louder clearer signal. Handy if your CB is mounted in the dash.
ESP(Electronic Speech Processor)
This is a handy feature that compresses outgoing transmissions and Expands incoming signals. If the signal you are receiving is not very clear ESP will boost it, or vice versa, if someone cannot hear you very well ESP will boost your voice.
FM (Frequency Modulation)
This is the most widely used form of modulation, used all throughout Europe and the UK.
Frequency
CB radio operates around the 27Mhz frequency range, which is classed as HF. You dont really need to worry about frequency too much. Just be familiar with bands and channels and you will be fine.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
This is most popular type of display now and can show you more details than just the channel you are on. For example, it can show you the signal strengh on a Digital Signal Meter.
LCR (Last Channel Recall)
A function that takes you back to the last channel used. Handy if you speak to more than one person at a time.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) Display
This is the older type of channel display. Is it very simple and normally only shows the channel number. Although it can be easier to read than LCD in low light conditions.
LO/DX Switch
This switches between LO(local) and DX(distant). It basically is a simple version of RF Gain(see below). Therefore leave it switched to DX 99.99% of the time.
Memory Buttons
These are handy if you speak to more than one person at once, or always use a particular channel. You can store a channel in each memory button then when you press that button you automatically go straight to that channel.
Mic (Microphone)
This is the part of the radio that you speak into. They can come in handheld or desktop types. Either one with have a PTT (see below).
Mic Gain
This is a knob on the radio that basically allows you to adjust the volume of your outgoing voice. To be honest it is not that great a feature as most people tend to leave it turned right up.
Multiband
Different countries use different frequency bands. For example, in the UK we have our own unique band of 40 channels that is only to be used here. Most CB's are now multi-band though, which means they can be switched to different frequency bands and used in other countries (with appropriate licence of course!).
PA Function
This is a function that allows you to talk outside of your vehicle through a PA Horn. Great if you want to tell people to get out of the way!
PTT (Push To Talk)
The button on the Microphone that puts the radio into transmit mode. You basically push the button to talk, then release it to listen. Simple really!
RF Gain
This allows you to adjust the sensitivity of received signals. It is only handy if you have someone overpowering your radio by transmitting very close by. Normally you would leave this turned right up.
Scan Function
A Handy function if you dont always use the same channel. The radio will scan until it finds someone transmitting then it will lock onto that channel.
