When starting in CB Radio the fun begins almost immediately, as the first thing you need to do is pick a handle. This is the name by which you will announce yourself to other CB users. It need have no relation to you in any way, but unlike the Internet where the gender of a person is unknown, CB users will hear your voice, so keep that in mind.

Almost anything can be a CB handle, the major requirement is that it should not belong to anyone else. The rule that required a formal call-sign has been rescinded, along with the need for a license.

you will want to choose a rig and this will usually be one of two types, a mobile radio or a CB base station. Mobile radios are designed to be used in a vehicle and utilize as 12 volt DC power supply. You can use these as base stations by adding a 12 volt DC converter to plug in to the wall.

Mobile Citizens Band radio also comes in two flavors, the in vehicle style and a Handheld CB Radio. Vehicle installation is relatively easy – you will need to get your in-vehicle rig in a position where its completely visible as well as easy to reach, but not in the way of safely operating your vehicle, like the break or the gear lever. It is also a good idea to mount the radio clear of your heater.

Be careful and dont try and mount your in-vehicle CB radio before reading the manual. You need to know whether you vehicle is negative or positive ground – you can find this out by checking under the hood and checking which battery terminal is connected to the vehicle frame. Most vehicles are negative ground, but trucks and other vehicles can be positive; if you get it wrong you can destroy your new radio.

The quickest install is most likely to add a converter compatible with the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. This will allow you to add and remove your CB radio with ease.

As CB radios are just the sort of small light equipment that is attractive to thieves you might want to think about a slide mount for your in vehicle rig. That way you will be able to remove the set and lock it away when you are out of the vehicle. An alternative is to get a mount which requires a key in order to remove the radio. Disguised antenna can be an nice anti-theft device as well, if thieves dont notice an antenna they may not even look inside your vehicle. Disguised antennas are specifically designed for CB radio and work well, but look exactly like regular car radio antennas. There are some antennas which work for both the car radio and CB, but these are generally not effective.

The antenna is always the most important part of any CB radio configuration. As your vehicles metal body provides the ground plane for your antenna, you may want to experiment with its position to find the best one.

Written by David Edward Thorson

It is easy to get started in CB radio. A portable cb radio or Handheld CB Radio can let you get started for under $100 with no instalation hassels.