subject: How To Get Started With Cb Radio [print this page] Within the USA CB radio is regulated by the FCC or Federal Communications Division. 'Uncle Charlie' no longer issues licenses or call signs, but does require you to own a copy of the rules governing CB use. The FCC also has the authority to enforce those rules through confiscation of equipment, fines or even jail sentences.
Fortunately the rules aren't too complex. Here's aquick rundown.
* Channel 9 (of the 40 available) is for emergencies only
* never use the word may day unless there is grave and imminent danger
* only use an FCC approved 'rig'
* the use of a linear amplified is not legal in any circumstances. What's more possession of a linear amplifier is regarded as proof of use.
* You may not use obscene or profane language over CB radio
* CB communications should be short - they are not intended for long chats
* You may not interfere with other stations
* You may not broadcast music
To identify yourself you'll need a handle, a name by which CB radio userswill know you. These vary enormously, from the 'Bugs' handle once used by enthusiast Mel Blanc to 'First Mama' the handle used by First Lady Betty Ford. You can choose something to do with your appearance, your job or the way you'd like to be. No-one can see you so the chances are if you did ever meet any of the people you talk to - you'll never know.
Once you have your CB radio set up it's wise to listen before you jump in. If you're not familiar with the language used, it can seem rather strange. Once you've spend some time listening you'll want to know how well setup your 'rig' is. To do this you make a radio check.
'Break for a radio check'
and hopefully you'll get a reply that's something like
'go ahead' or 'go ahead radio check'
Working out the meaning of the next response may be a little more difficult.
If your signal is described as 'bending my window' or even 'wall to wall' that's good. If someone says you are '10-1' it means your signal is weak, while 'in the red' can mean it is a bit too strong. Some users will tell you how your doing by saying what level you're showing at one their meter
'9 pounds on my meter' means a level of 9.
To start a conversation you 'break the channel' by listening for silence then saying something like
'break one five' to start talking on channel 15. Most areas have a particular channel which is used for 'breaking' so everyone knows which channel to listen to. Once you've connected with someone you move to another channel (or 10-27) to leave the breaking channel free for the next conversation.
If you hear a conversation that you want to join, wait for a gap and say 'station on the side' and wait for the go ahead.
Now you've joined the CB community you'll need to learn the lingo and the 10-codes to make yourself understood, but one thing is certain, you'll never lack for company.
