Transportation Resources: A CB Radio Guide

Written by Freight Capital Author: Randy Goddard

Citizens’ Band radios, which are more commonly called CB radios, were invented by Al Gross and have became a quite popular gadget. One of their most well-known uses is in trucks and other large vehicles to communicate important information and to socialize. They are also used by people in their homes. The Federal Communications Commission originally required a license to use Citizens’ Band technology, but the radios became so popular that they dropped the license requirement in the early 1970s. While CB radios have only a fraction of the popularity they once experienced, they still are used frequently by hobbyists and many truck drivers and off-roaders.

CB Radio Information

• Al Gross: A biography of the inventor of the Citizens’ Band radio.
• Citizens’ Band Radio: A background on CB radios provided by Swarthmore College.
• Keeping in Touch Using Personal Radio Services (PDF): Info that pertains to buying and operating CB radios.
• How to Buy a CB Radio: What is the right type of CB radio for you? Learn the features and determine what you most need.
• A Walkie-Talkie for the Car: All about CB radios, the variations and their features.
• CB Radio: Some background information on CB radios, where they were invented and how they came to prominence.
• Operation of Citizens Band Radio Equipment (PDF): The use and regulation of CB radios for army and military purposes.
• General User Radio License: Introductory and licensing information for using a CD radio.
• Universitat De Valencia: A definition of CB radio and a brief review of its regulation past and present.
• What are Citizens Band Radio Services?: Citizens Band Radio Service as defined by the Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School.
• Telecommunication: What are the FCC’s regulations on CB radios and what eligibility do you need to operate one?

CB Radios on the Go

• Radio Communications in ATC: Find out how CB radios and/or similar technology is applied to the field of air traffic control.
• Trucker Country: Truckers have a whole vernacular they use when talking on CB radio. Here is a glossary.
• Walkie Talkie: CB radios don’t have to be big boxes in your car or home. Portable CB walkie talkies exist too.
• Sesame Street: “Sesame Street” is a slang term for the truck driver’s radio channel.
• Flash Offroad: What does it take to install a CB radio in your vehicle?
• Choosing a CB Radio: Some CB radios work better in Jeeps, RVs or trucks. Look into the product you’re buying beforehand to make sure it is the best fit for your vehicle.

CB Radios at Home

• Military Communications Radios: Some imagery of CB radios being used in military settings.
• Citizens’ Band Jargon: You have heard the phrase 10-4 before right? Well that is just one of the codes that people use to confirm or convey a particular message via CB radio.
• CB Slang and Technical Terms: A general glossary of CB radio slang used by truckers and at-home radio users alike.
• Questions and Theory of Citizen Band Radio: Find out how to adjust your CB radio and learn what all the dials do.

Technology

• CB Radio Directions: Step by Step instructions for how to get your CB radio up and running.
• CB Radio Myths, Tips & Tricks: Learn about the different frequencies radio waves have and find out how to tune your antenna.
• Not the Same: What is the difference between Citizens’ Band Radio and HAM Radio?
• Ameteur & CB Radio: You might be aware that CB radio affects your television and radio reception but you might not know it can also be detrimental to police, fire brigades, hospitals and aircrafts.
• Messenger III: A Citizens Band Radio on display at the Smithsonian.
• Science: Several dozen articles about Citizen Band Radio and its signals.
• CB Tricks: Download schematics and manuals for CB radios and their antennae, microphones and accessories.
• Alpha Link: Find out just what a CB radio is capable of.
• CB FAQ: Frequently asked questions about CB radios, their parts and the channels they use.
• QSL: The different types of microphones and other devices (amplifiers, etc) that work with CB radios.
• CB Radio Myths: Troubleshooting your CB radio is easier than you might think.
• Alan’s Tips: Guidelines for using your CB radio and making it sound better.

Clubs/Organizations

• Ozaukee Radio Club: A Wisconsin-based club of CB radio and HAM radio enthusiasts.
• Dallas County REACT: A Texas subsidiary of the Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team.
• Omega Radio Club: An group of dedicated radio technology enthusiasts based in Australia.
• REACT: The official website of the international Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team.

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