CB radios have maintained a loyal following. Handheld CB radios are most convenient when traveling by road or by foot. They are compact, easy to use, and many can be converted for mobile use. They can keep you posted about weather and road conditions, and provide a means of emergency communications.
How do I increase the range of my handheld CB radio?
Try using a different antenna; one with a higher dB gain. You will also find that if you stand beneath a metal post or pylon, the radio waves will be propagated upwards and outwards, thus increasing your range.
How far can a 50 watt CB radio transmit?
Double this to give 11.2 miles. This assumes that both stations are at the same height above sea level. If one station is higher than the other, the answer will be greater than 11.2 miles. Providing that there are no obstacles between the two stations (buildings, hills, mountains, etc.)
How far can a handheld CB radio reach?
Between two base stations, you could have a range of about 20 miles. A well-installed system should provide about a 15-mile or more range. If you're contacting a mobile CB station, you may have a range of ten miles or so.
Do analog CB radios still work?
For the most part, CB radios remain in use because they are the norm for truckers who have been working in the industry for the last 10 or 20+ years. While some truckers have resorted to using trucking apps on smartphones to communicate, more advanced radio systems offer a more ideal route.
Can you use a handheld CB radio while driving?
Different countries and states have different types of restrictions. If it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, it's very likely that using a 2-way radio will also be illegal. Sometimes ham radio is exempt, as other emergency services are as well.
Do CB radios require a license?
An individual license is not required to operate a CB station and the FCC does not renew formerly issued CB Radio Service licenses; The FCC service rules for the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.
Can you get in trouble for using a CB radio?
They are illegal to use in the US. It pretty easy to spot freebanders(export radio users) because they use voice on the CW( morse) portion of the 10 meter band(Ham).