subject: Cb Radio: The 5 Basic Things You Need To Know [print this page] CB radio service operates in the 27 Megahertz waveband, divided into 40 distinct channels.
1. Channel 9 - Emergency messages only. This was not defined when CB was implemented, but has come into use since. Do not use channel 9 unless there is some kind of emergency. It would be a very good idea, if you will be in places where you may encounter emergencies, to find out who monitors the channel.
Perhaps you will wish to join them. Some CB radios have a feature that monitors channel 9 that always listens for messages and gives them priority. With this you can use the radio for any other purpose and never miss an emergency call.
Countries other than Canada and the US do not use channel 9 for emergencies.
2. Channel 19 - long distance truckers and travelers use this channel in the US and Canada, although other channels may be used for non-highway travel such as channel 10. These designation is not official.
3. Skip. - very long distance CB radio reception. The ionosphere will reflect frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz. High levels of sunspot activity increase the amount of bouncing. Reflected radio waves may travel hundreds or thousands of miles.
You may then be able to listen to messages from other countries, and in other languages. Transmitting more than 150 miles in the US is illegal when using CB frequencies.
4. Learn these 10-codes. Most CB radio users know and use them. There may be regional variations.
Examples are listed following.
10-1Your signal strength is very low. I can't hear you.
10-2The opposite of 10-1. A loud, clear signal.
10-3For any of various reasons, stop transmitting.
10-4OK, yes, I heard you, I understand.
10-9Say again, please. Repeat message
10-10 I've finished sending and I'm waiting for what comes next. Usually after a longer message.
10-13 What are the weather and the road condition ahead.
10-20 Were are you?
10-27 Change the channel to ___. Assumed that the sender will also go there.
10-28 What is your station?
10-33 There are emergency messages. Please clear the channel.
10-73 Police have a speed trap ahead.
10-100 Gotta go. Need a washroom.
5. CB Expressions - 10 codes are only part of it. Most of this relates to trucking and events on the highway. A 'bear is a police officer. This comes from Smokey the Bear, who was actually wearing a hat from the US Forest Service. The hat looks like the hat used by State troopers and the term smokey was born. Now, there isa 'bear trap' for a speed trap, a 'bear cave' for a police station and 'bear with ears' for police with a CB radio.
A less than flattering name for a roadside diner, perhaps a truck stop is 'choke and puke'. Your family car is either a '4 wheeler' or a 'roller skate'. Some regions of the US call a school bus a 'cheese wagon'. Snow plows are 'salt shakers'. An armored car is a 'piggy bank'. Keep on learning.
