· Personal radio service—For an overview of CB-like services worldwide
· UHF CB
· Citizens Band radio in India
· 27 MHz CB27/81 Bandplan— One of the two 27 MHz CB band plans used in the UK. The other is the same as the American band plan.
· FRS—A UHF CB system used in the USA, Canada, Mexico and several South American countries.
· GMRS—A licensed UHF CB system used in the USA, similar to the original "Class A" CB service
· MURS—A VHF CB system used in the USA.
· PMR446—A UHF CB system used in most European countries
· Ten-code
Repair parts and manuals for Golden Eagle, Tram, Cobra, DAK radios and other classic radios.
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Features WINScanner software, intended for ham, CB radio and scanners, schematics and modifications of CB and amateur radios, including the President series.
Contact and chat with radio enthusiasts around the world. [membership]
pdf PDF file
Citizens’ Band (CB) radio spectrum use – information and operation Contents Section Page 1 Regulatory and equipment information 1 2 CB operating practice 5
http://www.citizens-band-radio.co.uk/aboutcbradio.htm
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Ham radio, shortwave and CB radio links directory, classifieds, with manufacturers propagation software, clubs and operators pages ...
· REACT International - Home Page
Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams are volunteers who are organized internationally and use Citizens Band (CB) radios to provide public service communications for travelers and their local communities. REACT Teams use their radios to monitor Citizens Band Radio Emergency Channel 9 in the interest of safety. REACT Teams also provide communications in response to emergencies and for ...
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PHONETIC ALPHABET
home.att.net/~wizardoz/cbmw/cbmw.html
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The latest information on CB, 10 and 11 Meter radio. From the original publishers of CB World Informer. Get the facts on CB - 11 Meter radio products!
cbworldinformer.com
· Citizens Band Radio Service (CB)
CB is one of the Citizens Band Radio Services. It is a two-way voice communication service for use in your personal and business activities. Expect a communication range of one to five miles.
wireless.fcc.gov/prs/citzn.html
Amatuer and CB radio mods, amp info, circuit diagrams, radio alignments, reference info, mods, data sheets.
· Vintage HAM Radio / CB Radio Schematics - Service Manuals
Carries HAM and CB radio schematics and service repair manuals for vintage CB (Citizens Band Tranceivers) radios and Scanner-Monitors.
www.justradios.com/cbschematics.html
· Information about Radio Communications (aerials, radios, modes etc.)
Information about various types of radio communication. CB Radio, scanning, amateur and more!
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Full instructions and diagrams on building different types of CB antennas.
home.att.net/~wizardoz/cbmw/antenna_fabri.html
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Membership By Approval You have reached this page because World Wide Radio Club requires membership to either view or post. To submit an application to this community, you must be logged in to your Global User Account. If you do not have a Global User Account, click here Message from the Administrator of World Wide Radio Club I would like to invite you to the most popular forum on the net ...
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PDF Manual).pdf · PDF file
PRO340XL Citizens Band Radio OPERATING GUIDE ... The Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
· 10-1 Receiving Poorly "you're a bit 10-1"
· 10-1 Receiving poorly / poor setup
· 10-2 Receiving well
· 10-3 Stop transmitting, wait
· 10-4 OK, message received
· 10-5 Relay message to .......
· 10-6 BUSY, stand by
· 10-7 Out of service; leaving the air
· 10-8 In service ; awaiting call
· 10-9 Please repeat again
· 10-10 Transmission finished; standing by
· 10-11 Talking too fast
· 10-12 Visitors present - stand by
· 10-13 Advise weather conditions
· 10-14 Message / information
· 10-15 We have a passenger
· 10-16 Make a pickup at .......
· 10-17 Urgent business
· 10-18 Have you anything for us?
· 10-19 Nothing for you. Return to Base 20.
· 10-20 My location is ...... / where are you?
· 10-21 Call ...... by telephone
· 10-22 Report in person to .....
· 10-23 Standby / Arrived at location
· 10-24 Completed last assignment
· 10-25 Can you contact ....... ?
· 10-26 Disregard last information
· 10-27 I am moving to channel .....
· 10-28 Identify your station (call sign)
· 10-29 Time is up for contact
· 10-30 Illegal use of radio
· 10-31 Pickup at .......
· 10-32 Will give you a rig check
· 10-33 Emergency at this station
· 10-34 Trouble at this station
· 10-35 Confidential information
· 10-36 Request for the correct time
· 10-37 Wrecker needed at .......
· 10-38 Ambulance needed at ......
· 10-39 Message has been delivered
· 10-40 Car to car
· 10-41 Please turn to channel .......
· 10-42 Traffic accident at .......
· 10-43 Traffic jam at ........
· 10-44 I have a message for you
· 10-45 All units in range, please report back
· 10-46 Assist motorist
· 10-50 Break channel / Accident
· 10-53 Road blocked
· 10-54 Livestock on road
· 10-55 Intoxicated driver
· 10-56 Intoxicated pedestrian
· 10-57 Hit and run
· 10-58 Direct traffic
· 10-59 Convoy or escort
· 10-60 What is the next message no.
· 10-62 Unable to copy, use phone
· 10-63 Net message directed to ......
· 10-64 Net message clear
· 10-65 Awaiting your next message
· 10-66 Message Cancellation
· 10-67 All units please comply
· 10-70 Fire Alarm
· 10-71 Proceed with your transmission
· 10-73 Speed trap at ........
· 10-74 Negative
· 10-75 You're causing interference
· 10-76 En route
· 10-77 Negative contact
· 10-78 Need assistance
· 10-81 Reserve hotel room for ......
· 10-82 Reserve room for .......
· 10-84 My phone number is .......
· 10-85 My address is .......
· 10-86 What is your address?
· 10-87 Pay checks out
· 10-88 Advise present phone number
· 10-89 Radio repairman needed at .......
· 10-90 I have TV Interference
· 10-91 Talk closer to the mike
· 10-92 Your transmitter is out of adjustment
· 10-93 Check my frequency on this channel
· 10-94 Please give me a count
· 10-95 Transmit dead carrier wave for 5 secs.
· 10-96 Mental Subject
· 10-97 Check TEST signal
· 10-98 Prison / Jail break
· 10-99 Mission complete, all units secured
· 10-100 Nature calls - stand by "I'm going 10-100"
· 10-200 Police needed at ......
Handle
Your 'handle' is the nickname you'll use when using a CB radio. Other CB users will refer to you by this nickname. One of the first things you'll be asked during a conversation is "what's your handle?"
Good Buddy
CB users are friendly folk, and everyone you speak to gets to be a good buddy whether you've spoken to them before or not. 'good buddy' is sprinkled throughout the conversation at ease - e.g. 'what's your handle, good buddy .....'
Ten-Four or sometimes just "Four"
The 10 code is used a lot in CB talk, and this one is probably used the most - Four is short for the ten code 10-4, which means acknowledged, ok, yes,etc.
Ten-Twenty or sometimes just "Twenty"
"What's your twenty?" is is asking what their current location is. This term comes from the ten-code 10-20.
Smokey or Smokey Bear
CB slang for a Police officer. A 'smokey in a plain brown wrapper' is slang for an unmarked police car and a "smokey report" is what CB users say when they pass on information such as the location of a police speed trap.
I'm gone
Used at the end of the conversation meaning you have finished transmitting and will no longer be listening. Also sometimes said as 'we down, we gone'
Back door
To say "at your back door" means that someone is driving behind you. "Knocking at your back door" means approaching from behind.
Front door
CB users just love to travel in convoy and this is the leader of a convoy.
Put the hammer down & Put the pedal to the metal
Slang for speeding up your vehicle - pressing the accelerator.
Four-wheeler
A small passenger vehicle - car/4x4
Eighteen-wheeler
Articulated Lorry / Large Truck.
Kojak with a Kodak" or Smokey taking pictures
A policeman with a radar gun. This can also refer to a speed camera.
Seat cover
An attractive female passenger in the passenger seat.
Got your ears on?
Calling their 'handle' and asking someone if they are on the air and listening to you.
Breaker .... (followed by channel number)
Telling other CB users that you'd like to start a transmission on a channel. ("One-nine" refers to channel 19, the most widely used among truck drivers.)
Breaker, breaker to (CB user handle)
A slang term telling another user that you'd like to speak to them specifically or 'Breaker breaker - any taker ....' if you're just looking to chat with anyone
Meat Wagon
CB slang for an ambulance
A = Alpha
B = Bravo
C = Charlie
D = Delta
E = Echo
F = Foxtrot
G = Golf
H = Hotel
I = India
J = Juliet
K = Kilo
L = Lima
M = Mike
N = November
O = Oscar
P = Papa
Q = Quebec
R = Romeo
S = Sierra
T = Tango
U = Uniform
V = Victor
W = Whiskey
X = X-ray
Y = Yankee
Z = Zulu
Citizens band radio (also known as CB radio) is, in many countries, a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals typically on a selection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz (11 m) band. Citizens band is distinct from other personal radio service allocations such as FRS, GMRS, MURS, UHF CB and the Amateur Radio Service ("ham" radio). In many countries, CB operation does not require a license, and (unlike amateur radio) it may be used for business or personal communications. Like many other two-way radio services, citizens band channels are shared by many users. Only one station may transmit at a time; other stations must listen and wait for the shared channel to be available. It is customary for stations waiting to use a shared channel to broadcast the single word "Break" during a lull in the conversation.This informs people using the channel that others are waiting.
A number of countries have created similar radio services, with varying technical standards and requirements for licensing. While they may be known by other names, such as the General Radio Service in Canada, they often use similar frequencies (26 to 28 MHz), have similar uses, and similar technical standards. Although licenses may be required, eligibility is generally simple. Some countries also have personal radio services in the UHF band, such as the European PMR446 and the Australian UHF CB.
The citizens band radio service originated in the United States as one of several personal radio services regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These services began in 1945 to permit citizens a radio band for personal communication (e.g., radio-controlled model airplanes and family and business communications). In 1948, the original CB radios were designed for operation on the 460–470 MHz UHF band.There were two classes of CB radio: "A" and "B". Class B radios had simpler technical requirements, and were limited to a smaller frequency range. Al Gross established the Citizens Radio Corporation during the late 1940s to manufacture Class B handhelds for the general public.
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) radios, at the time, were neither practical nor affordable for the average consumer. On September 11, 1958 the Class D CB service was created on 27 MHz, and this band became what is popularly known today as "Citizens Band". There were only 23 channels at the time; the first 22 were taken from the former amateur radio service 11-meter band, and channel 23 was shared with radio-controlled devices. Some hobbyists continue to use the designation "11 meters" to refer to the Citizens Band and adjoining frequencies. Part 95 of the Code of Federal Regulations regulates the Class D CB service, on the 27 MHz band, since the 1970s and continuing today. Most of the 460–470 MHz band was reassigned for business and public-safety use; Class A CB is the forerunner of the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Class B CB is a more distant ancestor of the Family Radio Service. The Multi-Use Radio Service is another two-way radio service in the VHF high band. An unsuccessful petition was filed in 1973 to create a Class E CB service at 220 MHz, which was opposed by amateur radio organizations. and others. There are several other classes of personal radio services for specialized purposes (such as remote control devices).
During the 1960s, the service was popular among small businesses (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters), truck drivers and radio hobbyists. By the late 1960s advances in solid-state electronics allowed the weight, size, and cost of the radios to fall, giving the public access to a communications medium previously only available to specialists. CB clubs were formed; a CB slang language evolved alongside 10-codes, similar to those used in emergency services.
In the UK, small but growing numbers of people were illegally using American CB radios during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The prominence of CB radio grew in Britain partly due to the popularity of novelty songs like CW McCall's "Convoy" and Laurie Lingo & The Dipsticks' "Convoy GB" in 1976 (both of which were Top 5 hits) and the movie Convoy in 1978. CB radio use was even featured on one part of the popular television programme Are You Being Served?. By 1980, CB radio was becoming a popular pastime in Britain; as late as the summer of 1981 the British government was still saying that CB would never be legalized on 27 MHz, proposing a UHF service around 860 MHz called "Open Channel" instead. However, in November 1981 (after high-profile public demonstrations) 40 frequencies unique to the UK, known as the 27/81 Bandplan using FM were allocated at 27 MHz plus 20 channels on 934 MHz (934.0125 to 934.9625 MHz with 50-kHz-spacing). CB's inventor, Al Gross, made the ceremonial first legal British CB call from Trafalgar Square in London.
The maximum power allowable on the MPT 1320 27/81 system was 4 watts (in common with the American system), although initially radios were equipped to reduce output power by 10 dB (to 0.4 watts) if the antenna was mounted more than 7 meters above ground level. The power-reduction switch is also useful in reducing TV interference. MPT 1320 also restricted antennas to a maximum length of 1.5 meters, with base loading being the only type permitted for 27 MHz operation. Over the next several years antenna regulations were relaxed, with antenna length increasing to 1.65 meters and centre- or top-loading of the main radiating element permitted. On September 1, 1987 the UK added the usual 40 frequencies (26.965–27.405 MHz) used worldwide, for a total of 80 channels at 27 MHz; antenna regulations were further relaxed, and the 934 MHz band was withdrawn in 1998.
CB radio in the UK was deregulated in December 2006 by the regulatory body Ofcom, and CB radio in the UK is now licence-free. The old MPT 1320 27/81 band will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. On 27 June 2014, changes were made by Ofcom to allow the use of AM & SSB modes on CB in the UK legally for the first time. The rules regarding non-approved radios and power levels above 4 watts on AM/FM and 12 W on SSB still apply, despite deregulation. Persons using illegal equipment or accessories still risk prosecution, fines or confiscation of equipment, although this is rarely enforced. AM and SSB on the freeband and amplifier use are common among enthusiasts. Packet radio is legal in the UK, although not widely used. Internet gateway stations are also beginning to appear; although illegal on 27 MHz, these units are connected to other CB stations around the world.
Although the use of CB radios in the UK is limited they are still popular, especially with the farming community, truckers and mini-cab services.[29] The widely used channel for the Young Farmers' Club is channel 11. The normal calling and truckers' channel is channel 19, although many truck organisations and groups use other channels to avoid abuse.
Home base radios are always nice to have in case of emergencies. The home CB is also a great way to meet new friends from everywhere. To set up a home base CB and antenna is easy enough to do. You must have somewhere to mount the antenna so it is higher off the ground, but this doesn't need to be a rooftop. The coaxial cable must run inside the house to the radio and can be run through a window or through the basement and up through a wall or floor to the CB.
Buy an antenna that is simple to put up. The Ugly Stick is the best antenna and has a good range for distance. There are also Moonraker three-element beams, Stardusters and other larger antennas. The Stick is common because you do not need much room to mount it outside.
Mount the Ugly Stick on the 20-foot steel pole. Use U-bolts to attach the antenna to the steel pole. This steel pole can be mounted from a back porch or from a tripod on the roof. For easy installation, just mount the antenna off a back porch. Where the antenna is mounted will determine the length of the steel pole. Make sure to get above some of the housetops close by.
Attach the ground wire to the mast on the antenna, run it down to the ground and attach the other side of the wire to a rod in the ground. This will be the grounding wire.
Attach one side of the coax to the antenna, and run the remaining coax to the inside of the home. How you do this will depend on where you want to run it. Follow the same technique used to run cable or TV antenna wires into the house.
Attach the coax to a standing wave meter and the coax coming from the standing wave meter to the CB. This allows you to check the standing wave before using the radio. Because you are using an Ugly Stick, the standing wave will be set already, but it is a good idea to check it. The standing wave should be in the white and not in the red.
Disconnect the coax from the standing wave meter and attach it to the home base CB. The setup is complete and ready to talk.
Car CB Set Up
Understand CB technology. For many in today’s world of communication, CB radio seems like an outdated method of contact. CB radio still has many benefits depending on how you use the device. For desolate environments, like mountains or deserts, CB radio can be the most effective device to contact people.[1]
· The radio signal is short wave, so you can only contact those in a 40 to 100 mile radius, depending on the device/antenna you have.
· You should probably have a contact you are planning to communicate with using the CB radio.
· Another use for CB radio is for safety contacts. If you are going on a long road trip through desolate areas, CB radio can be a vital tool to connect with the police.
· Get a CB Radio. You can purchase a CB radio from stores like Walmart, other general supplies stores, or online. Consider what you need the radio for to help decide what price you want to spend. If you are using the radio for fun between friends, don’t spend more than $50. If you are setting up a radio communications system for work, spend a little extra for a reliable machine
· Mount your device. The most common place to mount a CB radio is in your car. It is important to mount the radio in a location that won’t impinge your safety while driving. A common place to place your radio is underneath the driver’s seat. This ensures that you won’t mess with the radio while driving.
· Some CB radios come with mounting hardware that will require you to modify your vehicle. Only the larger, older models require you to do this type of installation.
· Smaller CBs don’t require any serious installation and can work in the dashboard. Check the mounting instructions before purchasing the CB radio.
· Select and mount an antenna. You can get large antennas for a wider range in service, but will require more time to install. There are small profile antennas that are only 2 feet, like the Walcott, which can even be used on motorcycles. The best place to mount your antenna is on the center of your roof.
· Depending on what antenna you have, you might have to drill holes into your vehicle. Check the installation requirements of the antenna before purchasing it.
· If you want an easier installation process, you can invest in a magnetic antenna.
Explore the channels. Tune into a popular channel, like 19. Other channels are seldom monitored, and 6 is often hogged by illegally over-powered stations who transmit for long periods of time. There are 40 stations for CB radio and you’re sure to find someone talking on one of these stations. Listen out for some common CB codes:
· 10-1 means the reception is poor.
· 10-4 means messaged received.
· 10-7 means out of service.
· 10-9 means repeat message
· 10-20 means what’s your location?
Issue a radio check. Listen to the channel for a few moments. If there are people talking, politely wait for a break. When you're sure it's clear, ask for a radio check. Wait for a response. If no one responds, re-issue a radio check, but wait patiently before doing so. When another operator responds, interpret their response.
· Many operators are truck drivers who aren't looking for conversation. Others are enthusiasts that can not wait to chat. Follow the tone of the other person/people.
· Be polite. Nobody wants to communicate with a rude operator. Also be sure not to take up too much air time while on a crowded station.
Use CB with friends. Plan to use the CB radio with your friends by picking a station to use. Once you are apart, send out a radio check and wait for a response. Say something simple like, “This Wendy at the old lodge, over.” Wait a couple moments before sending out the signal again.
· Once your contact responds, you can use the CB to chat. Do not use a crowded station for small talk.
Contact emergency services on channel 9. Channel 9 is immediately reported to highway patrol, police, and rescue services in the area. Use this station to relay any distress message such as suspicious activity or vehicle failure.
· This station is also used by authorities to issue out important messages like an amber alert.
· Never plan to use this station for small talk.
· Be courteous.
· Channel 19 is the best channel to connect with others.
· You can talk on channel 19, but if you decide to go to a quieter channel (less listeners and less signals from other sources), move to another. Just suggest another channel.
· Be patient. It's not everyday you'll find an enthusiast.
· Don't be surprised with other users talk; it can become a tad vulgar. Just wait it out.
· Do not become too irresponsible. Remember that you are all strangers.
In The Beginning....
CB Radio goes back much further than many people will imagine. CB stands for Citizens Band and it started life in America governed under the FCC, (Federal Communications Commision) way back in 1945 where it put aside some frequencys for Public use.
The FCC is a federal agency that regulates electronic communications such as the radio, TV, Phone, Internet and so on. They chose the lowest frequency spectrum at that time leaving other frequencies for more important uses (police, military, radio and TV) and also because they thought long distance communication couldnt occur on these frequencies....
On July 3rd 1958 the FCC (Uncle Charlie) officially assigned 27MHz for the use of CB radio with 23 channels on AM (Amplitude Modulation). Back then it was known as the Citizens Radio Service and to talk on it you had to obtain a licence by filling out a simple form but this was later eliminated. In 1977 the FCC assigned 17 more channels thus making it 40ch and the Phase Lock Loop came into its own.
Earlier CB's used to have a crystal for each channel making them very bulky and was controlled by a rotary dial (cooker dial) and they were limited to 4w ERP (Effective Radiating Power) .
With 40 channel CBs came the PLL (Phase Lock Loop) which did away with nearly all these crystals making the sets much more stable and smaller and the frequencies needed for the channels were mixed together and controlled by a rotary channel selector with a LED (light emitting diode) display.
Then came SSB (Single Side Band) which worked by using the same frequencies but making each channel available in two different modes eliminating the need for a carrier signal needed by AM, making the channel 3 times larger AM, USB,LSB. With the AM carrier removed on SSB more power could be concentrated into the transmission increasing its talking distance over that of AM.
CB in the UK
CB began to take off in the UK in the Mid 70's thanks to such films as smokey and the bandit, Convoy, Dukes of Hazzard and CB magazines like Citizens Band and Breaker on the Side, ect. and it was the cool thing to have an Illegal CB and non-suss antenna (Unless you were brave or stupid) and many left it till late at night after the tellys closed down (Yes they used to go off air late at night no 24 hr telly then) .Why wait?? because AM radio's used to Rip into black and white and old colour TVs like you wouldnt believe and also interfere with Phones.... and even model planes... something had to be done....the DTI and radiocommunications agencys were hot on our heels (Buzby).
After much protesting and mayhem caused by marchers and pressure on the government of the time The then Home Secretary "William Whitelaw" brought us the legalised version (2nd November 1981) of CB radio still on 27MHz but higher up the band and FM (Frequency Modulation) instead of AM. These FM rigs caused a lot less interference than their AM counterparts and instead of the 9 to full scale of interference on the "mid" block (Original 40ch) we had a much quieter, more useable in the day service. Another difference with the new FM sets was the FM white Noise (hiss) which was bloody annoying compaired to the Quiet AM background noise (At Night) but this is where the Squelch came into its own... Longer distance copies were clearer on FM and distance noise under the FM carrier was eliminated completely leaving a nice clear signal. On AM you could hear other stuff in the background even if it was a much weaker signal to the person you were talking to. (This is also why most music radio channels went on the FM network)
CB radio was the thing to have, millions were sold in the UK, some were complete pants and had terrible broadband rejection, some were very good and had loads of fancy switches and knobs. Antennas were restricted in height to 1.5m and 4w output as previous. Many people complained this FM CB would be useless and have no distance to it but they were proved wrong. All the 40 channels were full especially in the big cities, and people campained for more channels to use as it was vastly overcrowded.
A CB licence was (and still is) required at �10 for the year (�15 now) which was small potatoes realy for the amount of entertainment they gave, and many people made new friends and even got married thanks to the CB radio..... yes it was great !!.
There was (is) another frequency used by UK Citizens which isnt talked about much. It is the 934 MHz system. These radios operate between 934.0125MHz to 934.9625MHz (20ch, 50KHz spacing instead of 10KHz) but were never highly used due to the fact they were very expensive, even the accessories were dear making it an "elitest" band... missing the point of CB entirely. These radio's are no Longer made and are illegal to use since 1st January 1999. These radios are marked CB934/81
In the early 90's the Government allowed us the PR27GB band which was the original 40ch from the 70's but still on FM. You had to have one CB for each Band, converting the radio to work on both blocks was a no no..
The law was relaxed on Antennas too so you could legally use a half wave (18ft) or 3/4 wave (21ft) silver rod or the like, maximum width 55mm not including any groundplanes, increasing distance tremendously.
Then came the PR27/97 (December 1997) which legally combined FCC FM and UK FM for the first time, which came a bit late really as the hobby had already dwindled quite a bit. Still, it gave us extra channels to escape from some of the "Muppets" who had no real interest in the hobby but bought a complete straight 40 setup for a tenner and found great amusement by threatening people and playing music over it... such losers !!
1999 saw the release of PMR446 which a few people are getting into but these are only really designed for local work and although possible, DX is more luck than planned. You can only use handhelds with a fixed antenna and 0.5w (500mW) output. The plus point is there is NO LICENCE required for this and the radios themselves are inexpensive unless you go top of the range. Not quite CB but not far off. Its use is for private and professional alike.
Recent events
For a couple of years now weve heard rumours about the UK27/81 band being de-regulised and the frequencies taken away from CB use. Also we were told we would no longer need a licence and the band would be phased out soon after 2010. Ive also heard rumours that AM and SSB might become legal but I think thats more wishful thinking than anything else.
Next we were told about sharing the band with CADS (Community Audio Distribution System) which has been running on a trial basis for a few years now, which involves churches transmitting their sermons on the UK27/81 band (they would be licensed of course) and the results of that pilot will no doubt be reaching us soon. In the meantime there is no Hard and Fast legislation yet as to what will happen.
So... at the moment both bands are still legal to use with the correct equipment and a licence is required at �15 per year. Youngsters and pensioners get it free.
Latest
December 8th 2006. CB radio has now been de-regulated so you no longer need a licence to use CB radio. This does NOT mean you can use anything you like. It works the same as PMR446. No licence but the correct type of radio equipment will still be needed. Anything converted will NOT be allowed.
UK27/81 radios are no longer made and the type approval has been withdrawn. Ofcom, however, have said that UK27/81 equipment may still be used for the radios useful lifetime. This can mean virtually anything as CB's can work without problems (If correctly used) for many years. Until another piece of legislation emerges in the future then it is business as usual as far as these type of radios go.
Offers users guides, CB slang, the history of CB and the full phonetic alphabet.
An information site for CB radio enthusiasts with buying guides, connecting tips and warnings concerning repairs.
Offers forums, a library of articles and equipment reviews, and a list of CB radio related links.
A comprehensive guide to getting started in CB radio, with advice on usage, equipment, and good practice.
Provides general and technical information and advice for CB radio users.
An online guide to using CB radio provided by the Beds, Herts and Cambridgeshire Land Rover Club. Includes details of transmission ranges and the equipment needed.
CB Radio Shops and Sales
Knights CB - Knights CB is run by Doug and his merry bunch of men. Sorry, did I say merry? Whoops, I meant miserable bunch of men. Established absolutley decades ago, Doug has built up Knights CB to be one of the biggest independant retailers of CB Radio equipment in the United Kingdom. Knights CB operate a mail order system that is second to none with a very high standard of service. The same high standards cannot be said for the staff at Knights CB though, who over the years have all proved themselfs to be the most miserable, arogant and agumentive bunch of stuck up Lincolnshire sausage faces that ever exsisted.
Colin's Rating - If I cant find what I want on eBay or at my local CB Shop, Lam Communications, then I'd Use Knights CB without hesitation.
LAMCO - Lamco, or Lam Communications based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Supplies Basic CB Radio equipment but mainly specialises in Ham Radio gear. Despite their growing stock, they are not yet able to compete with Knights CB for the sheer amount of CB tackle and prices. However, the staff at Lamco are very pleasant and helpful which makes visiting the shop and giving them your hard earned money easier to swallow then knights, both the owner and working technician at Lamco are ex-breakers themselves which helps a lot in this industry. Lamco are an up and coming big player in this industry despite ariving on the scene late.
Colin's Rating - Close to me, so I spend less on fuel than a trip to Knights, and certainly are much easier to deal with, the lamco staff seem more human and less robotic than Knights.
Radioworld - Radioworld are based on the outskirts of Birmingham and have been serving the people of the West Midlands with CB Radio equipment for quite some time. While I myself have not used this company, reports seem to indicate that Radioworld are not quite as good as they once was. Reliablity, Stock and Pricing issues all seem to have left Radioworld again simply trailing along behind the likes of Lamco and Knights CB.
Colin's Rating - Would Prefer To Use Lamco or Knights CB
Thunderpole - Thunderpole claim to be the best and biggest CB Radio stockist and specialist in the United Kingdom, and to their credit, their catalogue seems loaded with CB accesories at fairly reasonable prices. Again though, alarm bells have rang for quite a lot for people who have given this company money over the years, with breakers in the late 1990's complaining about certain aspects of this company on the rig, with many vowing never to use them again! Maybe they have cleaned up their act? I dont know?
Colin's Rating - Should be ok to use I guess, if your brave!
Truck King - Truck-King should be known as the company that had it all, and blew it. Once upon a time Truck-King had a very popular shop close to the M1 and M11 and Cb Breakers would come from far and wide to buy their CB accesories and radios. Then the shop was relocated up to Newark, then there was no shop at all, and Truck-King simply continued as a mail order service. However, each time any of our local breakers decided to use Truck-King for the products they claim to sell, there is never any stock and the guy has been known not to even put in the effort to reply back to customers enquiries.
Colin's Rating - Look Elsewhere or Beware.
CB Radio Forums
CBR Forum - The forum ran by CitizensBandRadio.org.uk, who have been around for quite a few years so the forum has plenty of questions and answer forum content about CB radio, and hundreds of registered members.
Transmission1 - A Popular forum from Transmission1, a site that caters for a vast array of radio and communication topics ranging from CB Radio repair and modification to DIY antenna projects.
Thunderpole Forum - One of the UK's biggest CB Forums with just over 2,000 members! A shabby turnout for the UK's self claimed big name in CB Radio considering our own forum on our past site had nearly half that in the few months it was operational. However Im not knocking this forum, Thunderpole's CB Radio Forum has quite a lot of interesting read.
CB Radio Information and Modification
Radiomods - Information and Modification for most CB Radios and Export Radios. One of the oldest and most popular Cb Radio sites on the globe for this kind of infomation.
CB-Tricks - Another site from the early dawn of the internet so yet again carries a wealth of information on CB mods and CB Radio equipment.
MODS.dk - Thousands of articles containing tips, tricks and mods for hundreds of different types of Radio equipment. While aimed more towards HAM gear than the humble CB the site still has plenty of offer the budding technical CB'er.
Getting on the air with your CB Radio
1. First ensure you have the correct power supply to use the CB Radio. If your radio is a Homebased unit, it should already have a mains power lead supplied that connects up to the mains electrical socket in your home. If your CB Radio is a mobile unit, it will probably have or require a black/red fused powerlead and should be connected to a 12v automotive supply (via a cig lighter socket) or a 13.8v Regulated Supply of atleast 3amps. The red wire is the 12v or 13.8v positive feed and the black wire is negative/ground. If you are connecting your CB Radio to a car, first ensure the vehicle uses a Negative Earth system (nearly all cars do but its always worth double checking). A Negative Earth car will have the vehicles body electrically connected to the batteries negative terminal.
2. Use a proper antenna! The most common mistake new CB Radio uses tend to make is the antenna choice. Most trigger happy new breakers are willing to connect their CB Radios upto just about anything, from TV Antennas to Car Radio Ariels, Coathangers, Radiators etc.. This is a BIG NO NO, using any antenna that is not 'electrically matched' for CB use, can and will cause permanent damage to the unit. Output Transistors, Resistors, Capacitors, Coils and even the PCB Circuit board itself could all potentially be damamged by not using the correct type of antenna. The advice here is simple, if your a newbie, buy a real CB ariel from a CB retailer to suite your needs, either a mobile antenna on a vehicle mount if your setting up in your car, or a homebased antenna that you can errect at your home.
3. Once your CB radio is connected to its power source and its antenna, your just about set and ready to go, the final peice of the puzzle is the microphone. Make sure you have one, most CB Radios wont even work without out one, you wont hear anything and wont be able to talk either. So with a working microphone in hand, your now ready to switch on your CB Radio. Power it up and head for channel 19. If you can hear music players and dick heads, your probably in South Yorkshire, if you cant hear anything but fuzzy noise, press your microphone and say "NINETEEN A ROGER!", if your CB Radio is working, and you are within range of another breaker who can actually be arsed to answer you, then you should get a reply. "Roger Breaker" is the expected reply, and this confirms you have been heard. The rest is now upto you. If you dont get a responce first time, then persist with the "19 a roger" repeatedly.
CB Museum Netherlands
Web site is in Dutch, but has many pictures of radios.
2RigPix Database
A 1.7 GB source of information and pictures of radios, accessories and more.
3Woody's Radio Museum
An American site full of radio pictures and information.
4CB Museum by DX Zone
A Spanish site full of all types of CB radios and accessories. I hope you have some spare time.
5CB Used Pricing and Information
Used CB Radio price guide from the US.The information on pricing maybe old. Also full of radio pictures.
6CB Tricks
An amazing and very informative site for the technically minded. Full of manuals and other information. No radio pictures.
7President Electronics EU
President CB radios Europe, still going.
8Radio Mods
A site from New Zealand. Full of technical information, mods and software. CB radio is just part of this site. Also a great forum.
Do you have a CB that needs to be repaired? Don't know anyone able to do the job? Check the list below
ENGLAND
BEDFORDSHIRE
BEDFORDSHIRE - Euro Radio Co - Rick - 07984 057 402 -
Any radio, Ham or CB, repairs / adaptions. 35 yrs experience. Phone for more information
CHESHIRE
LYMM - The CB Shack - Cliff - 01925 757 200 - E-Mail
General CB repairs including the latest Midland/Alan/Multi's (No AM/SSB) email/phone for more info
CORNWALL
GUNNISLAKE - James Hulme M1APC - 07884 001 334 - E-Mail Website
Over 20 years experience repairing CB and Amateur radios. Right on Devon/Cornwall border
DORSET
DORCHESTER - Spectrum Communications - Tony - 01305 262 250
design and manufacture & repair of communications equipment- email/phone for more info
ESSEX
SAFFRON WALDEN - Mike - 01799 527 155 or E-Mail
(legal CB's Only) Over 30 yrs experience in Telecomms, can also supply new and second-hand radio's/antenna's
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Nr. STROUD - Mark - Spitfire Electronics - E-Mail
CB and Amateur radio repairs, servicing and restoration. Contact via email
HERTFORDSHIRE
HITCHIN - Rocket Radio - Mark - 01462 422 288 or E-Mail
All sorts of repairs to CB/Amateur equipment. Call or email for further info.
KENT
LANCASHIRE
LANCASTER - B & D Electronics - Brian - Tel:01524 792 772 Mob: 07050 117 355
B & D Electronics, White Carr Lane, Forton, Lancaster. CB Radio repairs. E-mail
LEICESTERSHIRE
LINCOLNSHIRE
SKEGNESS - Magnum - Graham - open_channel@yahoo.com
General CB repairs and adaptions - email for more info
KIRTON IN LINDSEY - DJ Knights - Doug - 01652 648 378 or E-Mail
General CB repairs (Legal radio's only no SSB or AM) - email for more info
MANCHESTER, GREATER
MANCHESTER - Magic Wizard - Brian - E-Mail
Repairs to all sorts of CB's except Sidebanders - email for more info
MERSEYSIDE
St Helens - Whizz Kid - Andy - Phone 07783 611 990 or E-Mail
Works on any CB radio for repairs or mods... Contact for further info.
MIDDLESEX
ASHFORD - ShopSolo - Neville - Phone 07050 095 318 or E-Mail
For ALL your CB repairs and adaptions CB/Amateur/PMR - email or phone for more info
NORFOLK
NORWICH - Swamp Plodder - Dave - E-Mail
General CB repairs and adaptions inc. SSB - specialises in service manuals and has over 1,000 top quality circuit
diagrams including parts list/specs, including rare and hard to find - Rig face plates also - email for more info
NORWICH - Duracell - Colin - E-Mail
General CB Repairs and adaptions - email for more info
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
NORTHAMPTON - Thunderpole (Astra Comms) - Andy - 01604 402 403 or E-Mail
General CB repairs (Legal radio's only no SSB or AM) - e-mail for more info
SUSSEX - WEST
BOGNOR REGIS - Audio Electronics - Tim (Madman) - Tel: 01243 268781 or 07979 846933 or E-Mail
All CB Repairs and Mods - Tune ups and Accessories - phone or email for more info
PAGHAM - Tim Wright - Springer - Tel: 01243 264 959 or E-mail
Service channel 33 UK CB band. Contact for more info
WILTSHIRE
Wooton Bassett - Alan K - Steve Read - 07946 552 585 E-mail
Over 20 years experience with CB radio, Marine VHF and PMR. Contact for more info
SCOTLAND
WICK - G7BNF - Mike - E-Mail
35 Years in the Business - CB/HAM - email for more info
BANKNOCK - McIntosh Enterprises, 227 Kilsyth Road - 01324 841 674 or E-Mail
General CB repairs and adaptions - email or phone for more info
STIRLING - McIntosh Enterprises, Unit 31 Kildean Mart - 01786 450 095 or E-Mail
General CB repairs and adaptions - email or phone for more info
GLASGOW - McIntosh Enterprises, Parkhead Forge - 0141 556 2006 or E-Mail
General CB repairs and adaptions - email or phone for more info
WALES
GWENT
BLACKWOOD - Marc - E-Mail
Qualified repairs and servicing CB/Ham - email for further info.
SOUTH WALES
AMMANFORD (Near Swansea) - Andy - E-Mail
Repairing CB radios since the 70's
IRELAND. REP OF
CARLOW - Ray - (Handle: Fixer) - Mobile No. +353 87 6924128
General CB radio repairs
Open Channel DX Zone CB DX And Amateur Call Signs Prefix Number Zones
·
· 11 Metre DX and Amateur Country Prefix Numbers
These prefix numbers have been allocated and used in DX callsigns since the early 80's but werent universally accepted until a few years after that. They make perfect sense as you can check up easily with the countries you have or have not DX'ed to and to where a station is located. In England we have the prefix of 26 so anyone in England would typically call themselves 26 - Alfa Tango - 00 (Where 00 would be the DX'ers specific club ID number)(Alfa Tango or any group like Delta Tango, Suga Delta etc.
·
[Latitude Longitude]
2AA-2ZZ United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
(Also See G, MA-MZ, ZN-ZO, ZQA-ZQZ)
..... 2E England (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2D Isle Of Man (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2I Northern Ireland (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2J Jersey (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2M Scotland (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2U Guernsey & Dependencies (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)
...... 2W Wales (Novices) (ITU Zone 27 CQ Zone 14)