subject: Cb Radio Equipment Parts For Start-up [print this page] Travelers and truckers who need information about strange new destinations can benefit from having a CB radio. Those long trips that stress your equipment will feel safer with reliable communications. CB radio needs little to begin, doesn't have a high cost or user fees and need no license.
Choosing the type of radio is first. That depends on where and how you want to use it. If you need a radio in a car or truck then a mobile installation would be chosen. This provides 3 choices, mounted securely and wired in, using a removable radio in a slide-in bracket, and powered through the cigarette lighter socket. The last possible mobile is a hand held the has the advantage of using internal batteries when you exit your vehicle.
Look for package deals which include some accessories and possibly antennas. Beware of used equipment. Be sure you are able to thoroughly test all functions before buying.
Consider additional services, such as a weather advisory service, which supplies advisories and warnings for the area you are traveling through. Flooding of a campground in the recent past has been avoided by people receiving timely news from one weather service. These are free services.
Permanently mounted antennas are available, but it may be preferable to use an antenna with a magnetic mount. These are in common use and have the advantage of being able to dissipate transmission power far higher than that used in CB radios. Also, when the vehicle is parked, the antenna may be removed and stored inside where it is safe from theft or vandalism.
These are great for truckers who are always driving different trucks. The magnetic mount, on a flat metal surface, will stay put in winds over 70 mph.
Antennas are critical to the functioning of the radio. It may be possible to 'tune' your antenna for maximum efficiency, (read range). A good quality antenna will also be useful if you decide to go licensed as a 'Ham' and then may use more powerful transmitters. Since you no longer need to learn Morse code, it is fairly easy to get a license.
You're equipped and the antenna is ready. The power is on. Your mike is burning a hole in your dashboard. What more do you need?
You need a name to use when you talk. Some use their own, and many choose a 'handle' to use when they are on the air. Anything you like may be used. Beware! If you don't choose one, 'friends' may assign something less complimentary than your choice might have been. Changing that is very difficult.
Using the radio, whether you want to say them or just understand them, you need to know the language, slang and 10 codes used on the CB radio. The internet is a good place to make a list and learn.
10 codes are likely the more used part of the CB language. They were begun by emergency services and adopted by CB'ers. So, learn 10-4 and ask for the 10-20 of somebody. The 10 may be left off and you'll hear,"What's your 20?" Listening can be very educational. Find the channel for initial contacts in your area. This known as the 'breaking'. Longer talks would move to another channel. Shortly, you will key your mike and join a large and fun community.
