A CB radio or (citizens band) radio is the perfect medium
range communications tool. The CB radio frequencies are limited to a few miles
and are limited even further by buildings, tress, mountains and all obstacles.
CB radios can obtain ranges up to 150 miles, sometimes more.
CB’s operate on a different frequency than traditional consumer radios which
allows them to obtain these extended ranges and makes them a preferable
communications tools.
Here in the UK once you have bought your complete kit there
are no other costs involved, that means no license, no registration and it is absolutely
free to use.
Types of CB Radios
There are basically two types of CB radios; portable ones or stationary ones.
The portable CB has a much smaller range due to a small antenna but operates
wonderfully with a nearby Base station which has a long range.
Many people buy a base station for use in the car since it
has complete functionality and can be used with the antenna on their car or a
separate antenna at home.
Some people believe that CB radios are limited to 50-300
miles, they are wrong. Although it’s technically illegal (in the US and UK)
many users choose to shoot their radio signals up into the ionosphere, which
during heavy sunspot activity can reach areas across the world.
Since shooting skip relies on the radiation from the sun, if
there is limited sun spot activity it may not be possible to shoot skip at all.
Likewise long periods of sun activity make it possible to talk to places around
the world for long periods of time.
The only exception to this is during mid-summer when there
is erratic sunspot activity, which is highly unpredictable.
An example of long range contact would be two weeks ago when
I was talking to a Guy in Valencia Spain while driving between Harrogate and Ripon
on the A61.
The Citizen's Band Radio is a way drivers for to communicate
with each other. The rules used to be much stricter than they are today in
terms of radio usage. It's too bad the rules aren't still enforced as they once
were, because a great many people abuse the airwaves playing music of using
foul language.
I doubt that you'd want your child in the vehicle if you had
the CB turned to Channel 19. (This is the calling channel and is also favoured
by lorry drivers, by the way.
The CB radio is full of slang terms that don’t make much
sense at first. Your best bet is to just listen for a while - before
ever saying a word.
If you try to use "CB slang" right away, without
really understanding how drivers make the words fit together, you’re may end up
feeling foolish. Check out my page on CB radio slang.
Please remember Respect &
Courtesy...
There may be thousands of people listening to every word you
say.
Those people could be children.
You’re not supposed to swear on the CB radio, but people
often do. Please don’t be one of them!
There are families listening who are often shocked by what
they hear. Please don’t make the industry reputation worse by telling
tasteless, dirty jokes, swearing, etc. on the radio!! If you really must, go to
a channel other than 19!
A lot of scams begin on the CB radio. That call for
assistance may not be what is appears to be. The new television that someone is
trying to sell on the CB may be a new television (probably stolen) or a box
with a rock in it!! Be careful about what you believe!
There are many great uses for
a CB radio...
Yes you can get localised road report up and down the UK
and of course on BBC Radio2. But
these reports are one-way, with a CB you can get real time information and
helpful advice from the drivers in front of you.
Accidents, you will
find that drivers in front of you will announce over the CB the location of any
accidents or traffic jam locations
Directions - if you find yourself lost, you can often get
directions on the CB radio.
The CB can help you stay awake. If you can find someone to
talk to that you have some things in common with, the miles fly by amazingly
fast.
