subject: Seven Secrets Of Cb Radio [print this page] We all have radio waves coming into our homes every day in the from of TV programs and radio shows, but the beauty of CB radio is that we get to talk back, and unlike a cellphone, we don't have to pay for the privilege. CB radio is a short range communication method which is used in most parts of the world and while you might imagine that CB would have been wiped out by the invention of the cellphone, the opposite appears to be the case.
1. Licensing. Unlike CB users in the UK and Europe, CB users in the USA do not need a license. CB radio is regulated by the FCC inside the USA and you are required to have a copy of the applicable rules. CB in the USA uses AM radio. In the UK and Europe most CB radios use FM.
2. Choice of 'rigs'.CB radio sets come in three possible flavors. These are cb base stations, mobile, in-vehicle units and handheld cb radio. Handheld units can be very useful, but usually have more limited range than in-vehicle or base station radios, this is partly because they are lower power, and partly because they have much shorter antennae.
3. Call Signs. There are no official call signs in the USA, though there are in other countries such as the UK. US CB users are identified by self-designated 'handles'.
4. CB Channels. Within the USA 40 channels are available to CB users. Channel 9 must always be kept for emergencies and the recommendation is to keep channels on either side free so any traffic on channel nine can be heard clearly.
5. Squelch. The squelch dial on your radio is designed to get rid of all the irritating beeps, squeaks and static. Turn the squelch down until most of the annoying static has disappeared and then leave the dial there. You should be able to hear any station trying to break through.
6. Long Distance. CB radio is intended to be a short range communications tool only. When atmospheric conditions are right, CB signals are the right wavelength to bounce off the ionosphere and as a result it is sometimes possible to hear conversations from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. If you do chat with someone far way, beware. Communicating by CB radio with someone more than 150 miles way is not legal in the USA.
7. Cb radios can be useful in lots of situations, not just when traveling or communicating from a vehicle to a home base. Base stations can be powered through a DC power supply which means that in emergency situations they can run on a car battery for a week or even two, allowing you to keep in touch with local authorities during an extended power outage as happens, for example in time of hurricanes, earthquakes or floods.
Though not as popular as it was at its height, CB is regaining popularity; no matter how advanced your cellphone is, it still can't connect you with the car in front unless you know its number. CB lets you talk with other drivers as you go, so even in isolated areas you can find someone to chat to or give you useful directions.
