subject: Cb Radio: A Beginners Guide [print this page] The first thing anyone starting out to use CB radio needs is a handle. This is the name by which you will announce yourself to other CB users. It need have no relation to you in any way, but unlike the Internet where the gender of a person is unknown, CB users will hear your voice, so bear that in mind.
Almost anything can be a CB handle, the major requirement is that it shouldn't belong to anyone else. The requirement for a formal call-sign is long gone, along with the need for a license.
You'll want to choose a 'rig' and this will usually be one of two types, a mobile radio or a CB base station. Mobile radio's are designed to be used in a vehicle and utilize as 12 volt DC power supply. You can use these as base stations by adding a 12 volt DC converter to plug in to the wall.
Mobile CB radio also comes in two flavours, the in vehicle variety and handheld CB radio. Vehicle installation is fairly simple - you'll need to get your in-vehicle rig in a position where it's completely visible as well as easy to reach, but not in the way of anything important, like the break or the gear lever. It is also a good idea to mount the radio clear of your heater.
Don't try and mount your in-vehicle CB radio without reading the instructions. You need to know whether you vehicle is positive or negative ground - you can find this by listing the hood and checking which battery terminal is connected to the vehicle frame. Most cars are negative ground, but trucks and other vehicles can be positive ground; if you get it wrong you can fry your new radio.
The simplest type of installation may be to add a plug compatible with the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. This will allow you to add and remove your CB radio with ease.
As CB radios are just the sort of small light equipment that is attractive to thieves you might want to think about a slide mount for your in vehicle rig. That way you'll be able to remove the set and lock it away when you are out of the vehicle. An alternative is to get a mount which requires a key in order to remove the radio.Another anti-theft suggestion is to use a disguised antenna. These are specifically for CB radio and work well, but look just like car radio antennas. There are some antennas which work for both the car radio and CB, but these are generally not so effective.
The antenna is an essential part of your rig, and your vehicle's metal body is part of the antenna, so you may want to experiment with the position to find the best one. The typical installation is a 100 inch whip antenna mounted on the back bumper. For ease of use some antennas have magnetic mounts and can simply be stuck on to the vehicle. These will usually withstand winds of up to 120 mph.
Whatever your choice of CB radio, CB base station or mobile unit, once installed you'll enjoy the company of enthusiasts and on long journeys you'll never be alone.
