Introduction
This is a self-instructional training guide designed to familiarize you with the basics of the electronic division of the truck stop business. As a salesperson, you will receive many questions concerning CB’s. This guide contains some general information and common questions asked about these devices.
After reading this guide, you should be better qualified to offer information to your customers and to help them select the item that best suits their needs. We encourage you to use this guide as a tool and refer to it often.
What you should know about CB’s
What exactly is a CB Radio?
CB Radio is simply a 2-way voice communication system that lets you broadcast messages to other CB users. It lets you talk from your truck, home, business, car or boat to any other CB operator on the same channel. Technically it is a transceiver. It functions both as a receiver (when receiving messages). Citizen Band Radio was created by the Federal Communications Commission or FCC in 1958. In that year the FCC authorized 23 channels for private citizen use. CB’s popularity soon congested these channels, so the FCC added 17 more channels for a total of 40, effective January 1, 1977.
What types of CB’s are there?
Base CB – Base Stations are units designed primarily for fixed position use in the home or office, on a desk or countertop. They are equipped to operate on 110V – 120VAC house current without special adapters. Though they are no more powerful, base stations have added range capabilities over mobiles and portables because their fixed position allows much greater height.
Mobile CB – Designed for mobile operation in cars, boats, trucks, tractors, planes, etc. Although generally more compact than base unit, they have the same maximum legal transmit power (4 watts). Most mobile CB’s are designed to operate on a 12 volt negative ground power supply. Some are capable of operating on a negative or positive ground system (check your owner’s guide). While most cars, on the road today are negative ground, some older cars, newer trucks and imports use a positive ground. If you are not sure which you have, check with your service station mechanic.
Portable CB – Often referred to as a hand-held walkie-talkie. It is a CB which carries its own antenna and internal power supply (batteries). Depending on its features, a portable can take several configurations with respect to internal external power supplies, antennas and microphones.
AM/SSB – The method most CB’s use to generate a voice signal is called amplitude modulation or AM. The AM signal can be divided into three segments: the carrier, the upper sideband, and the lower sideband. CB radios designed to broadcast on just one sideband at a time, as well as regular AM, are called Single Sideband or SSB. SSB equipment gives you significantly increased power output and range in sideband mode, and provides 80 additional operating channels.
Emergency CB – This newest CB two-way radio can get you help fast when you have trouble on the road. It’s small, hand held unit that plugs directly into a car’s cigarette lighter/port for emergency use, and stores out of sight when not needed.
CB Controls and Operating Features
Depending upon the manufacturer and model purchased, the CB may be equipped with a variety of controls and features which are designed to make the unit more efficient. The following lists the most common of these features along with their purpose or function.
Do I Need a License to Operate a CB?
No. Using a CB requires no special training or instruction and anybody can learn to use it in just a few minutes. To talk, simply pick up the mic, press a button and talk. To listen, simply release the mic button and listen. It’s that easy.
Is Talking on CB Really Difficult?
No, but the CB boom has been responsible for creating a colorful new jargon all its own. Most CB operators develop their own nicknames called “handles”. After about an hour or two of listening you’ll be on the air and talking like a pro.