Cb Radio For Beginners
CB radio in the US is controlled by the FCC
CB radio in the US is controlled by the FCC. You don't need a license or call sign from 'Uncle Charlie'. You do need a copy of the CB rules. The FCC's authority includes enforcement of the rules. They can seize equipment, and, through the courts, levy fines or send violators to jail.
Luckily the rules are simple. A brief list follows.
* Channel 9 is for emergencies only.
* The expression "May Day" must not be used unless the danger is immediate and life-threatening.
* The radio must be FCC approved.
* A linear amplifier is not legal in any circumstances. Possession is regarded as proof of use.
* Obscene or profane language is prohibited on CB radio.
* Keep your CB communications short - Don't hold down the button for a long time.
* Your CB must not interfere with any other radio, or TV, etc.
* Music may not be broadcast.
Many people use a handle to identify themselves. The variety is enormous. Mel Blanc was 'Bugs', First Lady Betty Ford was 'First Mama'. You can choose anything. Appearance, job, hopes, hobbies, or residence are all possible sources of inspiration. You can also, shudder, use your real name. On the Cb you are invisible and may be anything you want. It is likely that you won't meet most of the people yo talk to, and if you do, not know each other.
Be courteous. Listen before you talk, don't interrupt conversations, ask permission to join discussions. Learn first, talk later. You may ask questions to learn unfamiliar expressions. They can't see you. Your first communication may be to see if your antenna and radio are properly connected with a 'radio check'. Remember, don't interrupt.
Say 'Break for a radio check'. You should get a reply that's something like 'go ahead' or 'go ahead radio check'. The radio check report may be confusing. Good signals are '5 by 5', 'wall to wall', or 'bending my window'. A weak signal may be a '10-1'. A signal that is too strong could be 'in the red'. Some will also tell you if the voice is clear, garbled, or muffled. Bad voice could be a sign of 'eating the mike' or holding it too close to your mouth. Actual meter readings may be sent to indicate signal strength. A level of 9 may be '9 pounds on my meter'. Clarity is most important. Signal strength might be a function of distance.
'Break one five' tells people you are looking for a contact on channel 15. Many areas have specific channels they use to initiate communications. Once contact is made, a longer chat may move to a different channel or '10-27'. This leaves the contact channel open for others.
To join an interesting conversation, wait for a gap and say 'station on the side'. Then wait to be invited.
The CB community has its own language to learn, and uses 10 codes, but provides lots of contacts, information and fun.
by:Tom Thors
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