subject: Cb Radio Equipment: How To Install It With Minimum Damage To Your Vehicle And Your Life [print this page] If you've been bitten by the CB bug and want to install the necessary equipment in your car, you have a number of choices.
The size and capability ofCB radio equipmentvaries quite a bit, from CB base stations for your home or office to mobile CB radio equipment for your tuck, van or car, to hand held CB radio which can be kept in a handbag, rucksack or backpack. All are designed to work on the 11 meter Citizen's waveband and can be used without any form of license.
Several handheld CB radio sets make excellent in vehicle radios and require no installation, they will work from AA type batteries outside the vehicle or through the cigarette lighter when you're on the go.
When it comes to the antenna, many have a simple magnetic mount, and if you are really worried about scratches, you can place a small piece of transparent kitchen wrap between your vehicle and the antenna to provide protection.
A step up from those, but sometimes actually less expensive, are the compact CB radios. Most of these can be mounted under the dashboard even where you have a cramped interior, like in a jeep or small truck. The wiring involved is minimal.
All CB radio equipment is limited to a maximum of 4 watts output,CB is intended to be a local only service and this limit is set by law, however tuning and the right antenna can often more than double the radio's 'out of the box' range.
Check any radio enthusiast site for CB radio and you'll find the more powerful 10 meter radio sets listed along side their 11meter cousins.The Ten meter band is designated for use by licensed radio hams, however many 10 meter radios are available for in vehicle use and take modification very well, though such modification may be illegal in your region.
With greater power output, 10 meter radios typically have considerably greater range than traditional CB where transmission and reception are more locally focused.
While some road trippers use the Family Radio Service, most find the short range extremely frustrating -and prefer the many advantages of CB radio equipment. Not only will you find compact and transportable radio sets, most have access to the weather services, and CB channel 9 (the emergency channel) is still monitored by REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams) in most areas if you get into trouble.
On thing to remember about your radio transmissions is that unlike your phone conversations, they are public, so anyone sitting in your vehicle with you will hear both sides of the conversation. Talking on the radio can leave your companions feeling ignored.
The best defense against family members who don't share your hobby is to include them as much as you can and to show them where and how your CB equipment in useful. You probably wouldn't stop to ask directions, but you might just do so using CB radio, and advance warning of road conditions, blockages, speed traps etc has always been one of the main reasons CB is in use.
Show them how CB can help make smooth journeys for everyone and you may just find you have someone to share your hobby with.
