Buying and Using a CB Radio in 5 Steps

CB radio is not an ordinary device. It is one of the most important allies of professional drivers and an amazing example of exemplary functioning of civil society. CB radio users support each other on the road, expecting only reciprocity as payment. In addition, this community has created its own subculture - its own language and communication standards.

Step 1: Check your financial capabilities and needs

We can buy a CB radio station consisting of an antenna and a radio station for PLN 100-150. However, spending this kind of money, it is difficult to expect high quality. On the other hand, especially if we are a novice user, we do not need to immediately jump to high-end equipment, the price of which is well over 1000 PLN. So how do you choose an offer for yourself? Please answer the following questions:

• Are there many cars around while driving?
• Am I going to use CB radio from time to time as a hobby?
• Can I afford the risk of buying a cheaper set because, if need be, I will buy another, better one?

If we answered yes to all three questions, we can easily watch CB radio stations from the bottom shelf. If, on the other hand, we had to answer “no” to any of the questions, it is worth looking for devices that are slightly more expensive, but of higher quality and with better parameters.

Step 2: Choose an Antenna

The longer the antenna, the greater the operating range of the CB radio. We have to think about the length, that is, more than one meter, especially if we often drive at night or in hilly, densely forested or heavily urbanized areas. During night trips, there are fewer cars on the roads, so it is more difficult to meet new users of the system. On the other hand, topography greatly affects the level of interference, which can be eliminated if we focus on buying a better antenna. When choosing an antenna, remember that it must be adapted to our car model!

Step 3: Choose a radio

Choosing a decent antenna, unfortunately, does not mean that you can save money on the radio. For a set to work well, both elements must be of good quality. The price of the radio will depend on the options we choose. Below is a glossary of popular terms found in specific product descriptions:

• Squelch - noise reduction system, adjustable manually or automatically (ASQ, ASC),
• RF GAIN - adjustment of the sensitivity of the CB radio, allows you to reduce the level of noise and interference by limiting the range of signal collection,
• LOC (LOCAL) - this option allows you to limit the sensitivity of the CB radio to the level set by the manufacturer,
• Filter NB / ANL - responsible for eliminating interference caused, for example, by the operation of the vehicle's electrical system,
• Dual Watch - This feature allows you to listen to two frequencies at the same time,
• Mic Gain - automatic adjustment of the microphone sensitivity to the volume level in the passenger compartment of our car,
• Scan - a button that allows you to search for active conversations.

Step 4: Learn the most important phrases

Once we buy, assemble and properly set up our CB radio, theoretically we will have no choice but to go on tour and enjoy our new acquisition. However, before we do that, let's try to delve into the secrets of the "slang" used by CB radio users. About, for example, the police or the radar is not spoken directly. Here are phrases that we can often come across, and which will not say anything to a random, uninitiated person:

• Misyachki - policemen,
• Touring theater - an unmarked police car with a speedometer,
• Disco - police cars are on signal
• Clips "crocodile" - traffic police officers,
• Erka - ambulance,
• Yerka on bombs - ambulance on signal,
• Hairdryer, camera - speed camera,
• Mobile phones are CB radio users.

Step 5: We always keep culture in mind

It should also be remembered that we never know who is sitting in the car with which we communicate with the driver. Maybe it's a family with small children? Or the elderly? Therefore, one must always be polite and polite. In no case should you indulge in “Latin” - no swearing! It is also worth joining the conversation only when you are invited to it. We can signal our readiness to participate in it with the word "break".

We hope that with these 5 steps, every reader will be able to join the amazing community of "mobilists". The easiest way to do this, of course, is with the help of the Internet, for example, by browsing the Sat section of the radio - eport2000.pl. Good luck and see you soon at CB!