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Cl A�DI
Beginning with the truckers' strike,in emergency and calling channels should
lntroduetion
1973, nurtured by the attentions of the serve to evaporate this contention. The
media and popularized by a song Smokey reports are where all the
celebrating the wry rebellion of a excitement is. That is part of the fad
"Conyoy" of defiant tractor-trailer component of CB.
To A drivers, Phase II of the Communications But the straight enthusiasts are right,
Revolution is underway. Citizens Band in a way. It is the far broader application
of CB that will insure its permanence in
Revolution
radio is a fixture in American life.
There are more that 6,000,000 CB sets in American culture. Communication is the
use today. The Federal Communications key, not speed. From Gutenburg, through
Commi s s i o n is swamped with Marconi, to Dav i d Sarnoff-to
applications for new CB licenses. Boat C.B. McCall-advances in personal
.From suheulture to and aircraft owners, finding that CB
offers new areas of convenience in
communication have served to free the
individual.
institution overnight, talking with land transceiver stations not
available with standard VHF equipment,
In emergency situations, the freedom to
communicate can be a very important
Citizens Band radio have begun adding CB capability to their
craft. And the highways of the nation ring
freedom. For a station wagon driver with
a broken axle, 15 miles west of Chitlin
has entered the with the clarion call to ignore posted Switch, Georgia, at three in the morning,
speed limits and dodge state police the ability to contact his fellow man is
worth the price of a brand new antenna.
Anaeriean seene... radar units.
Straight enthusiasts of CB are fond of
issuing disclaimers to the effect that
For a ,�.roman on a high· way \\rhose
husband has just had a heart attack at the
beating the speed limit is not the real wheel, it is priceless. Any citizen
reason for CB's popularity. A half hour of confronting crime, danger or simple
list!lning in on any channel other than the inconvenience will appreciate all over
1976 GUIDE TO CB RADIOS
again the value of being able to pick up a a<ljustment ID place. may have no controls other than on-off certain that the mike is compatible with
mike and advertise a "breaker," a request Althoueh the nine foot whip models and volume. Available CB sets have a his transceiver. Power mikes are sold
to interrupt any conversation which generally outperform the other types, wide variety of controls, starting from with bare wires at the end of the cord, so
might be going on at the time. they are easily broken. whether made of "squelch." which reduces background that the connector plug will have to be
(BUI Crutchfield of Crutchfield Corp., steel or Fiberglaas. Six foot whips are noise, to built-In meters which measure soldered on after purchase. The store
Charlottesville, Va., a major distributor available. but perform little better than the set's power output at any given owner who sells the mike often will
of CB and other automotive electronics the 40 inch baee-loaded antennas. moment, aa well as the input from distant perform this simple task, sometimes for a
access o r i e s , bas ass e r t e d t h a t Deoiding on a radio Is a problem. One CB sets. slight charge. However, different radios
Washington eventually will perceive d e c i s i o n in volve• s t r a i g h t AM It is worthwhile to remember that you use connector plugs with different
CB's life-saving potential and will "press transceivers vs. lhe new. highly-touted should no more buy a used CB radio numbers of prongs. The unwary shopper
tor laws requiring emergency CB radios SSB equipment.. Although desperately without testing it than you would buy a might easily buy a pre-amp mike and
to be insta.lled in the cars of the future.") complicated, the difference between the used car without driving It. Defective CB attach the connector. and then find that it
Simply drivin&' into a strange town and two boUa down to one practical radios usually look exactly like good CB won't plug Into his set. No reputable
being able to a.sk directions, find a. motel, commonplace: you get what you pay tor. radios. Be suspicious. The FCC currently dealer would allow a beginner to make
even locate a. good cup of coffee, all a.re so And SSB transceivers start at about $250, is receiving about 17,000 applications for this mistake, but when dealing with a
much better than not being able to do at least S100 more than many standard CB licenses every day, and not everybody mail-order house. the enthusiast must be
these things, that this should be sets. The SSB units do not triple the using CB bothers to apply. This indicates sure he knows what be is doing.
considered a prime rea.son for CB's number of channels you can talk on, that there are a Jot of CB radios In Another compatibility question is in
eventually becoming a permanent however, as some manufacturers of SSB circulation. Not every one of them Is In the switching system of the radio. CB sets
institution in American lite. sets suggest. the hands of a scrupulous person. a.re switched to the "transmit" mode when
The CB buyer too anxious to wait for a Stated far too briefly. SSB works as (The best example of this is the story of the push-to-talk button on the
Detroit version probably will want to follows. CB radio works on a "carrier the blind CB enthue.iast who went on the microphone is depressed. This switching
install his own ca Installation Is wave" of a certain width. This carrier air to tell all his friends of the great array Is accomplished basically through one of
compara.tively simple; and like most wave comes Into being as soon as the set of expensive communications equipment two systems, relay and electronic. A mike
simple mecba.nical tasks, it can be fouled ls snapped on. When the snapper-on he bad just received for Christmas. designed for one system will not function
up with comparable ease. starts talking. his voice Ls added to the Within a couple of hours. two men walked If attached to a radio using the other. Both
The first-time CB installer must tollow carrier wave a.s two much narrower into his house and stole all of It. plus his the new mike and the new radio come with
directions exactly. Electronics theory bands, one on either side of the carrier stereo system. Total loss was over a set of manufacturer's specs which
does not submJt to "mechanic's feel." and band. These are the side bands. The CB $10,000, the story says.) provides this sort of information. Fact
intuitions can destroy a set in seconds. Do receiver at the other end accepts this Increasingly, manufacturers are sheets sold with microphones usually list
not trim the a.ntenna lead, for exa.mple; It entire complement of carrier wave and designing all-in-one models CB models with which the mikes are
Is that long because it has to be that long, two s i d e b a nds, t r a n s lates the incorporating the CB tranecelver Into an compatible, so it 1s not difficult to avoid
exactly. Just stow the extra feet of wire. electromagnetic energy back Into kinetic am/fJD/stereo tape deck unit. Thie mismatching.
And don't turn the set on before it is energy in the form of sound, and your development so far Is controversial. The Other options available to the first-time
connected to the antenna. Believe it or not. conversation ls underway. people who make them say they represent CB buyer Include the converter. This Is a
you will smoke the set immedia.tely. And. 881:1 umis tnrcw all their power a technological great leap forward; the tln.y unit Installed behind the dash. The
in fact. don't even turn it on before the limited by federal law to four watts people who don't make them say they converter uses the AM radio circuitry to
antenna ha.s been tuned, a. relatively behind one of the two side bands. But, don't.. Already. with the transceiver receive CB signals. The existing AM
simple operation. Follow the din,ctions. although you now can choose between the concept (say the opposition). the set's antenna lead plugs into the converter,
In purcha.sing the equipment, the buyer carrier wave, one side band and the other workings have been greatly condensed; which plugs Into the AM antenna-lead
should be aware that prices ca.o range side band, makJng a total of three, you the transmitter and the receiver share socket on the regular ca.r radio. The
wildly on both radios and antennas. Since have not actually tripled your number of some of the electronic circuitry. makJng converter owner finds the CB channels on
the FCC very rigorously limits power available frequencies. Remember, the smaller size possible. To cram a.ll that his converted AM ca.r radio by a hit-and·
output to four watts. the antenna is a vast majority of persons receiving your extra stnff into the same unit, email miss method. marks the channel
critical component. (The use of illegal signal are receiving on only the original enough to mount under a conventional locations on his ca.r radio dial, and for
linear a.mplifiers magnifies the signal 23 CB channels. So you will be received on dash or on a conventional transmission about $29.95 he is ready for all the CB
power, but is frowned upon by other CB the carrier-wave frequency of which your hump, is to court disaster. they say. listening he thinks he needs. He might be
owners because It interferes with their side-band transmission is an adjunct. Deciding on thJs type unit ls still pretty right.
signals; in addition, th.ls possibly is the What the SSB unit does do. however, is much without guidelines. Presumably. However, this system eliminates the
violation which will provoke the most legally triple the power of your manufa.cturers of tube-type radios 15 emergency applications which make CB
drastic FCC respt>nse, even ahead of transmission. All the power is thrown years ago might have wanted people to radio of value beyond just picking up the
profane language.) latest Smokey reports. because he can't
Antenna height is regulated. so the transmit. He has saved over & hundred
quality of the antenna is the only factor dollars, as well as the trouble o f installing
under the control of the CB purchaser. Of an antenna and a mount for the set. In
the three ba.sic types of antenna, probably return. he might some dark nightface that
the best Is the base-loaded variety. It Is lonely 15 mile walk back to Chltlln
the most versatile; it can be mounted Switch to find somebody to fix his broken
virtually anywhere on the vehicle. The axle.
effective length of an antenna must be He also effectively is cut out of Phase II.
equal to either the full wavelength of a CB He Is passive, in the face of the revolution
signal, about 433.07 inches, or some In personal communication freedom.
quarter-length multiple of this figure. Until recently, the FCC required that
The loading coil inside most antennaa the new CB owner wait to get his license
brings the effective length up to one before transmitting. Now, a.s long a.s his
fourth of this figure, or about 108 Inches. license application has been sent in, he
without the owner's having to suffer the can use his CB, but must identify himseU
inconvenience of driving a car with a when transmitting with the Jetter K. his
nine-toot antenna sticking out ot It. first and last Initials and his Zip coda.
There are such things. however, and the Another change In FCC enforcement
nine foot whip is popular in areas where involves an operator's using only his
garage doors and low overpasses pose no handle when transmi_tting. The call
problem. Butfor the city dweller, a 40 inch Jett.ere a CB owner is assigned when he
base-loaded antenna will provide nearly gets hia license have a purpose,
equal performance. aocordJng to the FCC, and violators
Dual antennas frequently are mounted Increasingly are being tracked down and
on trucks and campers. and provide i
fined. The f rst fine usually is SSO. with
excellent reception and transmiesion. only a couple ot increases for persistent
Until recently. a chief disadvantage ha.s Increutnc number of CB UNrs tnauree tnvellen -aafnst tindinc themselvee violators before licenses are revoked and
been that duals had to be mounted no less lost In etrance territory. Here van-mounted unit by l.LL. earn, its keep. equipment confiscated. U the FCC Is
· than 100 inches apart. As they ba.ve to be sucx:esaful in its current Automatic
in a side-by-side coofJguration, this made behind one side bM!d slgna.l, ra.ther think that the transistor types were just Tranamltter Identification System
It Impossible to use them on any vehicle than being divided between two side too email to work right. proposal, every CB set will be required to
less than eight feet across. Technology bands and a carrier wave. This has the Among the first acoeBSories considered have a built-in feature which will
has tried to elimiJlate this obstacle, and very desirable etfect of strengthening by the new CB owner is the power mike. broadcast a coded identification signal
duals are seen more often. your signal greatly. enabling it to get With competition keen in the industry. every time the push-to-talk button Is
Unfortunately, many dual setups through a Jumble of conversational CB prices have to be shaved somepla.oe. pressed. Industry and hobbyist groups
utilize center-loaded antennas. On these. operators, as well aa through the variety Knowing that the beginner looks for a few are resisting ·this move.
tbe SWR adjustment, used to tune the of Interfering signals produced by high· features that he haa heard about Many dealers and manufacturers issue
antenna when it first is connected to the tension cables, faulty ignition systems somewhere, such aa an automatlo noise a license application with every new CB
CB set. is mounted direclly on the loading and other incidental transmitters of limiter and an RF gain control. unit sold. Applications also may be
coll. lt is easily knocked out of random electromagnetio signals well manufacturers find that they can provide obtained by contacting the FCC, which
adjustment. adding a complication to the known to the CB world. The CB signal these attractive features at a competitive has offices in most cities, listed in the
career of the CB operator. operates strictly on a line-of-eight rule, price by selling the set with a microphone phone book under "U.S. Government."
Oenerally, the ideal location of an however, and cannot travel beyond about of limited quality. The mike will work, The lJcense requires no test. As a part of
antenna is in the center of the ground 30% past the horizon, no matter bow the but the enthusiast who baa been In CB the license application, the applicant
plane of the vehicle, which usually means power le Jacked up (except for skip long enough to have developed some must state that he baa in his possession a
right in the middle of the roof. Most car transmission, essentially useless). familiarity with good performance copy of the FCC Rules and Regulations,
owners hesitate to drill a hole In this spot. Th·e value of SSB radio must be frequently will go shopping . Volume VI, Part 95. Part 95 delineates all
however. and are willing to sacrifice deter:mlned by the individual purchaser. The power mike. or pre-amp mike, has the sorts of behavior that is expected of
performance to avoid it. Gutter-clip In this it Is no different from all the rest of its ovn1 built-in amplification circuits. A the responsible CB owner and operator.
mounted antennas are a.mong the easiest the CB equipment available. The cost voice entering a pre-amp mike wUI Coples are available through the FCC. at
to install, and offer the added advantage must be balanced against the quality of remain fairly loud even at the limits of the Sll.35 each, or at most CB shops.
of quick removal when the owner leaves the performance provided. A toy-type signal's range, where a voice using a The FCC traditionally has considered
hie car. However, they perform poorly walkie-talkie CB may cost one-thiFd what standard mike will sound weak and faint. Part 915 to be ot the utmost importance In
over long distances. Each time the gutter an average mobile transceiver costs. The Because a good pre-amp mike for a maintaining order in the airwaves. To
cllp antenna is removed and replaced, It main difference bet-..•een models is the mobile CB radio can set the buyer back this end, the agency requires that every
must be retuned. For this reason, this type number of controls In place. The walkie· from $35 to welJ over Sl50, It Is of the licensed enthusiast keep a copy near
is center-loaded, with the SWR talkie may have only one channel, and It' utmost importance that the buyer m&ke every transceiver.
FREE!
1976 GUIDE TO CB RADIOS
�ru
owner must buy. The microphone trequently is the manufacture CB sets, some specialize in one or two
first voluntary accessory purchase. Listed below are accessory items and some have extensive product
some companies which produce these two essential lines.
[Q
Antennas
ANIXTER-MARK SHARP ELECTRONICS CORP.
5439 W. Fargo 10 Keystone Place
- .. . .. �
• II • • • Ol lNft W•
CB Radio
CHANNEL MASTER
Ellenville, N.Y.. 12428
(914) 647-5000
CUSH CRAFT CORP.
621 Hayward St.
Manchester. N.H., 03103 CB radio has caught the interest
(603) 627-7877
of millions. However, is it merely
OEMTRONICS a fad or an important adjunct to
356 South Blvd.
Lake City, S.C .. 29560 safe motoring? This and other
(803) 394-3565 aspects of CB radio are discussed in
HY-GAIN ELECTRONICS CORP.
an interesting article in our Free
8601 N.E. Hwy. 6 Buyer's Guide. Also, it has photo
Lincoln, Neb., 68505 New 55 mph limit makes graphs, specifications and discount
(402) 464-9151 radar detection a must! prices on Hy-Gain and Johnson CB
NEW-TRONICS CORP. radios and accessories.
15800 Commercial Park Dr.
Brookpark. 0 .. 44142
(216) 267-3150 Snooper .,M
Radar Detector 1
PEARCE-SIMPSON
P.O. Box 520800
Biscayne Annex
8uyer•s Guide-l
I
Snooper is designed with solid state.
Miami, Fla., 33152 integrated circuitry, utilizing a high
(305) 592-5550 gain antenna for superior performance Crutchfield Corp.
I
and sensitivity and has an Improved P. 0. Box 888, Dept. A
RAY JEFFERSON filtering system against false alarms.
Main & Cotton Streets Snooper is powered by the vehicles' Charlottesville, VA 22902
electrical system and features a quick
Philadelphia, Pa., 19127
(215) 487-2800 release mounting base that adheres
to either your dash or windshield.
Phone (804) 977-0121
I
RCA
Distributor and Special Products Division
When radar Is detected the unit emits
a high pitched tone which allows the
dri\'er ample time to adjust speed.
Please send your Free Car Stereo/ I
Cherry Hills Otrlces
Bldg. 206-2
CB Radio Buyer's Guide.
I
Camden, N.J.. 08101
(609) 963-8000 Availabl• whtrtvt, CB'• er• •Old l)r lor mo,e information wr,te to Name
I
RUSSELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
�Autotronlcs, Inc. Street I
I
3069 Lawson Blvd.
Oceanside, N.Y., 11572 P. 0. Box 31433,
I
(516) 536-5000 Oept.-A w
City
Dallas. Texas 75231
SHAKESPEARE CO.
P.O. Box 246
State Zip J
Columbia, S.C., 29202
(803) 779-5800 L,. ________ _J
1976 GUIDE TO CB RADIOS
ANTENNAS & MIKES TELEX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
9600 Aldrich Ave.. South
KRACO ENTERPRISES
505 E. Euclid
SILTRONIX
330 Via. El Centro
Minneapolis, Minn., 55420 Compton. Calif., 90221 Oceanside, Ca.lif.• 92054
(612) 884-4061 (213) 774-2550 (714) 757-8860
ROBYN INTERNATIONAL, INC. COLLINS RADIO PHILMORE MFG. CO.. INC. SURVEYOR MFG. CORP.
Box 478. 10901 Northland Dr: 4311 Jamboree Rd., 40 Inip Dr. 29245 Stephenson Hwy.
Rockford, Mich .• 49431 Newport Beach, Calif .• 92663 Inwood, N.Y.. 11696 Ma.dlson Heights. Mich .. 48071
(616) 868-1557 (714) 833-4632 (516) 239-6161 (313) 544-9110
1. What la Citizen.a Band radio? business. Association licenses can station was broadcasting out of tune, public address system.
Citizens Band Ra.dio, or CB as it's only be used by members of that slightly above or below the correct 37. What's aClarifierControl?This
usually referred to. is fa.irly simple association as long a.s they are using frequency. control is quite similar to the Delta
and Inexpensive equipment for two the radio for business that relates to 25. What's RF Gain? The RF gain Tune or Fine Tuning control on a
way radio commun!ca.t!on. The the association. reduces the level of the incomi.ng radio. It is especially important for
service is licensed by the Federal 16. How far can I talk on my CB? signal and is used in connection with SSB operation. It allows you to tune
Communica.tions Commission (FCC) This can depend on many things. the the standard volume control. the receiver frequency slightly so
a.nd is intended for short distance power output of your set, the antenna Together these controls help reduce that you are receiving the station you
radio communications for pleasure and outside interference. But atmospheric noises. are listening to exactly on frequency.
or business. generally from three to 20 miles, or 26. What's a Mike Gain Control? 38. What's a linear? It is an illegal
2. How old Is CB radio? The FCC sometimes from 30 to 40 miles on AM. This helps control the output of your device that a mplifies t h e
esta.blished the Citizens Ra.dio With single sideband since the legal mike and shouldn't be confused with transmission power o f a CB radio.
Service in 1958. power output is greater the dista.nce a preamp mike. A preamp increa.ses 39. How much power can I legally
3. How many types of CB sets a.re a transmission will cover is a.lso the power of the mike. the mike gain transmit? An AM CB transmitter
there? There a.re three be.sic types, greater. But the FCC limits decreases it. ma.y not exceed 4 watts output and an
the ba.se sta.tion for home or office, tra.nsmissions to within 150 miles or 27. What's a preamp microphone? SSB equipped transmitter may not
the mobile, for ca.r, boa.t or a.irpla.ne your set. A microphone that has a built-in exceed 12 watts output.
a.nd the ha.ndbeld walkie talkie . 17. Ca.n I broadcast without having amplifier for better audio and 40. What's a carrier? It is a. radio
4. How many channels does a CB a llcenee? You can use an interim distance. wave constant amplitude, frequency,
radio have? Most sets have 23 AM call sign after you have filed for your 28. Wha.t'a a preamp? It is a. special and phase at a particular frequency
channels, but sets can have from one license. Your interim call sign would box that can increase th�strength of of operation. The radio wave is
up to 23. Single Side Band sets give be the letter K then your initials and an incoming signal. It is connected to altered by interruption or changes in
the user 46 channels i n addition to the zip code, such as KMP 89502. a separate power source, either AC or amplitude to carry the intelligence
23 AM channels. 18. What's a handle? A handle is a. DC. Some prea.mps have their own (voice signal) to be transmitted.
5. How are channels fb:ed?Usually code name you make up yourself. control switch. But while a preamp 41. What's PEP? This is the
by crystals with the crystals set for These names can pertain to your increases the incoming voice. it also abbreviation for "peak envelope
one or more channels. A new channel business, a mechanic, for example, increases the Incoming interference power" o u t p u t a n d it is a
selection feature in some sets is a may call himself the "Magic and background noises. measurement of peak power output
digital frequency synthesizor, which Wrench." 29. What's SWR? SWR is the of the transmitter and corresponds to
eliminates crystals. 19. Can I legally use a handle abbreviation for Standing Wave the peak of the voice signal.
6. Do I need a license for my CB? instead of my call sign? No. Ratio. This is the important
Yes. 20. What's the 10-Code? A code used measurement to determine if your
7. What type of license do I need? by law enforcement agencies and CB system. radio, cable and antenna
You will need a Class D license from picked up by CBers. The code are In balance.
the FCC which will enable you to consists of numbers, beginning with 30. What's an SWR meter? This is a
legally operate the 23 CB AM and 10 that stand for certain things. like meter that is incorporated in the
related 46 SSB cha.nnels. 1020 (your location) 1036 (the time) or circuitry or a set or is a separate unit.
8. How do I get a license? You will 1004 (OK, message received or I It is used to determine correct
usually get an FCC license form understand). a.ntenna tuning.
when you get your CB. If not, most 21. What's the Q code? It is a 31. Wbat is a goodSWRreading? A
radio stores have them. Fill it out a.nd variation of the 10 code and is used low SWR measurement, 1.5 to 1 or
send it to the FCC. primarily by ships. bettsr-idea.l is 1 to 1-shows that
9. Do I have to take a test? No. 22. Wbatis an ANL?Tbis sta.nds for your system is operating efficiently
10. How much does a license coat, Automatic Noise Limiter and it is a with a minimum loss and is in Phone handset style Is chosen by
and how long Is it good for? The cost s u p p l eme1Jtary n o i s e-b lan ker balance. Realistic for Model CB-Fone 23.
is $4 a.nd it's good for 5 years. system that helps to eliminate 32. What's an S·Meter? This is the
11. What exactly Is the FCC? It is background noise. It may come with meter on the face of the radio that lets 42. Do I need a license for my
the Federal Communications or without a manual switch. you know the output or input of a walkie talkie? Walkie talkies that
Commission and it regulates all signal. It is often used for a radio have up to 100 mW transmitter power
radio broadca.sting, except millta.ry, check with the numbers read of with do not have to be licensed. But any set
in the United States. "you're hitting me with 8 pounds." that puts out more than this must be
12. How many radios can I operate This mea.ns the person's signal is licensed by the FCC.
with my license? You can operate up bitting eight on the S-Meter. 43. Is there any special cable or wire
to 16 sets. If you are going to operate 33. What's an S/'RF Meter? This used to connect by CB with the
more than that. say for a trucking meter serves two functions. It not antenna? Yes. Coaxial cable is
firm which has 25 sets, you must file only measures the strength of specially designed to minimize loss
an explanation with the FCC. incoming signals. but also of In ertloiency or power. Like the
13. Can I talk on all channels? No, outgoing transmissions. antenna, It is matched to the radio
FCC regulations restrict the use of 34. What's a phone patch? A phone system.
channels 9 and 11. patch on your set will enable you to 44. Are there different types of CB
14. Why can't I uee channels 9 and connect a caller on your CB to the antennae? Yes. While most are built
11? You ca.n use these channels, but 9 Royce 1·606 is widely distributed. ielephone to talk to somebody you to be omnidirectional. to pickup
Is only for emergency traffic, to have dialed for him. signals from all directions, there is
report an accident, etc. Channel 11 is 23. What's a Noise Blanker? It's a 35. What's a digital frequency also a beam type of antenna. The
the national calling channel a.nd system built In the ra.dio that reduces counter?It is affixed to your antenna beam antennas are usua.lly used for
extended conversations on this static-type noise caused by the car wire and measures the strength of the base units and generally include an
channel are forbidden. engine or ignition. incoming signals. It is also used to antenna rotator.
15. Who can operate my eet? 24. What's Delta Tune? It is check the accuracy of transmitting 45. What is a ground plane
Private stations can be operated only essential for operation of single crystals or to check the accuracy of antenna? This is one of the most
by the person named in the license or sideband sets. Often a voice will your channel selector. popular types of antennas used for
his immediate family. Business come over the air; ll'Ounding like 38. What's a PA switch? This ts a base stations. Since a ground is
stations can only be used by Donald Duck. The Delta Tune Control special feature on many CB sets. It needed for the antenna to work and
employees of that business while enables you to tune in this station so enables you to use your radio you want to raise it above actual
a.cting within the boundaries of that you can understand it. The other I through an external speaker as a ground level you must bring a
1976 GUIDE TO CB RADIOS
ground up to the level of the antenna. 55. Can I use my CB In the car and 70. Can I receive any channels on 84. Is it hard to learn to use a CB?
A ground plane antenna is designed the house? Yes, as long as your my CB when I am transmitting or No, it ls very easy. All you have to do
with an upright or vertical element mobile and base antennas are monitoring another channel? Yes, Is remember the rules. know how to
known as the radiator and several matched (tuned) to your set. some radios have a scanner like tum a dial and push a mike button.
horizontal elements called radials at 56. What outside Interference can device which allows you to hear an 85. Does a power mike boost my
its base. These radials serve as an bother my CB? Interference can Incoming signal from a preselected wattage output? No.
artificial ground enabling you to come from atmospheric conditions, channel even though you are on 66. Does my squelch control
install your antenna at any height electrical wires, ignition systems of another charu,el. decrease my incoming wattage? No,
above the actual ground you can. A your car or one close by or other 71. Can I transfer my license to it is a circuit that prevents weak
ground plane antenna. in an stations operating on the sa.rne somebody else? No, this is against signals and interference from being
automobile uses the car body as the channel. FCC regulations. picked up by the receiver, but will not
ground. 57. What's skip? Radio signals are 72. Are there any magazines or diminish stronger signals.
46. Ia there more than one type of often bounced off the earth's newspapers that feature CB news? 87. Can I get a CB that operates off
antenna for a car? Yes. There are ionosphere and "skipped" a long Yes there are, books like S9. CB batteries other than walkie talldes?
those that can be mounted to the lip o f ways. CB signals that skip off the Magazine, CB News, CB Guide, CB Yes. certain mobile CB sets have
the trunk, the back bumper, the rain ionosphere can seem very close to Times, CB Today, and The CBer's battery pack attachments for
gutter, or the magnetic mount which your receiver when In fact they are News. portable use.
can be put wherever you want. often coming from hundreds of miles 73. How do I call for help or 88. Will the AM CB band ever have
47.Doihave toclrWholeein mycar away. assistance on my CB? Use the more than 23 channels? Yes. there ls
to install an antenna? Most mobile 58. What's the phoenlc alphabet? emergency channel 9 if It is some movement toward opening up
antennas are designed so that they When spelling a word on the radio monitored In your area-there are 50 channels or frequencies.
can be clipped or bolted on rather people often use words to represent 1500REACTunitsa.crossthe country 89. Ia there anythlnir that will
than affixed permanently. However, ea.ch letter, such u Alpha for A. that monitor 9--and notify the person automatically turn ott my car radio
rear deck mount antennas do require Bravo for B. etc. who answers your call the nature of w h e n t h e r e is an i n c o m i n g
drilling holes into the trunk or 59. Can I put a CB in my plane or the trouble and your exact location. transmission o n m y CB? Yes. an
fenders. The cowl mount antenna boat? Yes there are no restrictions 74. Can I call the police on my CB? automatic radio silencer available at
requires a ground wire. against it and FCC regulations cover In many states, policemen monitor m o s t CB s t o r e s . T h e y are
46. What'• a loadtnir coll? Loading radio Installations In these vehicles channel 19. If there is an emergency inexpensive and easy to install.
coils a.re built into mobile antennu the same as in a car or a home. you can try to Break for a "smokey". 90. Can I operate more than one CB
so as to reduce the necessary length oft of a single antenna? Yes, with a
of the vertical element. They coax switch that puts the operating
electrically "lengthen" the antenna. radio on the antenna.
There are bue or center lo&ded 91. What's a dummy load? This is a
antenna models. These "lo&ded" device that is connected to a CB radio
models a.re about 40 inches long, but so that it can be tested without
aren't nearly eUective as 6' or 9'whip hooking the set up to an antenna.
antennas. 92. Will I ever be able to buy a new
49. Where's the best place to mount car with a CB already In it? Yes,
the antenna on my car? Since mobile many of the companies are now
antennas are basically offering CBs as optional equipment
omnidirectional the best place would in new vehicles.
be right in the center of the ca.r's roof. 93. What does It mean to be
But these same omnidirectional "throwing carriers"? This is a CB
antennas can be slightly directional term for somebody who holds down
if they are mounted off center. For the mike to prevent others from
example, an antenna mounted on the talki ng or keeps clicking the mike off
left rear fender will be slightly more and on.
directional toward the right front 94. How long does it take to get my
One leader in transceiver field Is Standard, manufacturer of Horizon 29 . FCC license? The FCC is so flooded
fender.
50. Are there any restrictions on 60. How old do I have to be to get an If nobody answers go to channel 9 with requests for new licenses that it
how high my antenna can be? Yes. FCC ClassD license? You have to be ar.,d notify a REACT unit of the can take from 10 to 20 weeks.
With your mobile the only restriction 18 or older. problem and they will notify the 95. Are there any other national CB
would be one of having It too large for 61. Do I have to have a copy of CB authorities. organizations like REACT? Yes
the car. truck, camper, etc. But there rules and regulations Part 95, when 75. How can I get a radio check? there is ALERT (Affliated League of
are definite legal restrictions on how applying for a license? Yes you must You can simply ask for a break, give Emergency Radio Teams) which is
high you can have the antenna for have in your possession or have your call sign and ask for a radio based in Washington,D.C. and serves
your base station. Omnidirectional ordered a copy when you apply for a check. Somebody will usually come as the CBers v o i c e b e f o re
antennas may be 60 feet above the license. back to you and tell you how they are government bodies. There is also
ground or 20 feet above the top of a 62. When Is It legal to use my CB? receiving you, such as "you're Ten-4, which publishes rosters of
building which is over 40 feet tall. You may use your CB at any time for hitting me with 8 pounds." This local club affliates and a periodic
Directional (beam) antennas are communications to facilitate the means you are registering 6 on his S newsletter for members.
limited to 20 feet above the ground or personal or business activities of the mete"r. Never use channels 9 or 11 for 96. What's a Pl Network? It's a
licensee and for communication a radio check. tuned circuit at the output stage of a
20 feet above a building.
51. Are two antennu better than rela.ting to: the immediate safety of 76. Is there any way to secure my transmitter to match it to the
one on a vehicle? Dual or twin life or the immediate protection of equipment against theft? Thieves antenna/feedline.
antennas make your r&dio system property; the rendering of assistance love CBs. They are being stolen out of 97. What's VOX? This stands for
much more efficient. But duals to a motorist, mariner or other cars. trucks, campers, etc., by the Voice-Operated Transmitter, which,
generally must be installed no less traveler. thousands ea.ch day. You can get a when an operator speaks into the
than 100 inches apart. So while 63. Can I mention or publicize my bracket that locks to your CB. or you m i k e. the VOX circuitry
truckers can use duals. many autos business on my CB.? No. A CB cannot can install a removable sliding automatically activates the
aren't wide enough to accommodate be used for advertising or soliciting mounf!ng bracket and take the radio transmitter witho\11 depressing the
duals. There a.re, however, some the sale of any goods or services. out whenever you leave the car mike button.
antennas on the market that can be 64. How long am I allowed to talk unattended. There are also a great 98. Are telephone handsets the
mounted closer than 100 inches. So if on my CB? Communications many burglar alarms on the market. same on my CB as on my telephone?
you want to put duals on our car they between the same parties may not You may want to investigate these. No, telephone company handsets
are available. exceed five minutes in length. At the 77. Will the popularity of utilize a carbon microphone and use
52. What does It mean to "tune my a totally Jiifferent receiving element.
end of five minutes there must be a CB continue? Manufacturers feel it
antenna"? This means to match the one m i nute lag b e f o r e the will. They have predicted that by 1980 99. What's bleed over? That is
antenna to your radio by using an conversation can legally continue . there will be between 20 to 25 million where a signal transmitted on one
SWR meter. To be properly tuned the 65. What should I do with my CBs in this country. channel can be beard on the one next
meter must read 1.0, or a 1.0 to 1 ratio. license when I get It? Your license or 78. Is my CB license good outside to it.
To get this it may be necessary to a clear copy must be posted by your the country? No. For information on 100. What channel do boatmen
CB usage in other nations contact the mostly use? The marine channel bas
adjust the height of your a.ntenna. If station.
nearest consulate for that nation. been generally agreeded to be 13.
your a.ntenna. is extended to its full 66. Why Is there a blank space on
length, however, and you still can't my channel selector between 79. Do I need a special antenna.for a
get it In tune you may need to get channela 22 and 23? The FCC CB on my boat? Several
what is ca.lied a ma.tchbox. The frequency list allows more space manufacturers make antennas that
matchbox is a small box with two between these channels. Some are specifically designed for marine
knobs on it tha.t is connected to the people put a different crystal in this usage.
antenna wire. By turning these knobs opening to have their own private 80. If I have a CB radio on my boat
the SWR can be brought into the channel. But the use of these non will I usuallyueed any other type of
proper ra.tio, or In other words , your specific channels is not specifica.lly communications equipment? Yes.
radio will be properly tuned. Some authorized by the FCC. because the Coast Guard and most
antenna.s also come pre-tuned so that 67. What are the FCC fines for other yachtsmen have VHF r&dios.
you don·t have to do anything to them operating illegally? The typical fine So at sea a CB radio can be useless in
when you get them. is $50. But for continued violations, case of emergency.
53. When I tune my radio and the FCC can Increase the fine, call for 81. Will I have any problem with
antenna does It matter what channel a prison sentence and confiscate my CB radio interferring with the
the radio la on? Yes it is best to have your equipment. other electronic equipment on .my
one of the middle channels on the 68. What's the most common boat? No.
r&dio-Channels 10, 12, 13, or 14. But violation? The most common 82. Are there any special features I
don't use 9 or 11. violation is the failure to use your should look for in purchaainir a CB
54. Will using my CB radio at home proper call sign. for my boat? Yes, It is a good Idea. to
bother television sets? It can. The 69. What's a scanner? It is a get a CB that bas a built In PA switch
best way to cure It should this occur monitor receiver which scans a so that you can book up a hailer.
is to purchase one of the several number of frequencies or channels. It 63. Is my CB the same as ham In-helmet headset, optional
filters on the market that cut out the stops automatically when activated radio? No , CB operates on different passenger intercom are features of
interference before it gets your TV. by a signal. r&dio frequencies than ham radio. Beltek Enduro motorcycle model.
1976 GUIDE TO CB RADIOS I