CB World Blog

Thanks to Roberson's Albany Ford, a Ford dealer here in Albany Oregon, we found out the AUF4-L CB mount fits 2013 Ford F250 pickups. The AUF3-L fits the 2013 F350. Thanks again guys!

We've had a few customer confused by the tuning rings on the Procomm Kwik Tune antennas. There are no instructions with the antenna explaining which way to move the rings to lengthen and shorten them when trying to tune these CB antennas. The short answer is that you move the rings down to lengthen the antenna, and move them up to shorten the antenna. In the following video we cover the tuning ring method as well as some other methods for tuning CB antennas.

We finally received the new Uniden wireless CB microphones today! Naturally, I had to open one up and check it out right away. There is a very rough video below of that. Forgive my video skills, I promise it will get better.
I was impressed with the wireless mic over all. The range was actually better than the 100 feet we were initially told. The box states the rage is up to 100 meters, and I believe it. I took it out over 50 yards and didn't get out of range. Apparently Uniden used the same technology in this microphone as they do in their wireless phones. This is encouraging. Uniden makes good phones. The phone I use here is a Uniden and I can walk to the back of our warehouse while talking on it. That is around 75 yards and a concrete wall away!
Since being able to talk 100 meters away wouldn't do any good if you couldn't hear the response, this unit has a built in speaker and volume controls. The sound was good sending and receiving.
The only drawback is the 6 pin connector on the base unit. The base unit has to connect to you radio, and Uniden seems to have made it for their newer BC680, BC880 and BC980 radios. We hope to find an adapter that will allow you to plug the BC906W into a 4 pin radio, but as of now it isn't possible. We also tried the Undien BC906W with a Cobra 29LTDBT, and that doesn't work either.

I've never gotten too into the whole Twitter thing. I figured we better get with the times and see what it is about, though. We have an account now, and I get the gist of it, but we have no followers! What good is all this tweeting if no one is listening? So we decided to do a little promotion to get a fan base going. To that end, we are giving away a CB radio! The idea is very simple: As soon as we have 500+ followers on twitter, we will pick one of those followers at random and give them the radio. The idea is to contact them through twitter to let them know they have won. We will even pay for shipping! No strings!

So if you have a twitter account, follow us. Follow @wearecbcom


If not, get one and follow us. Follow @wearecbcom



Here is some info on the radio:

We are including these with random shipments for the next few weeks. If you get one, slap in on something and take a picture for us!

We received some of the new Cobra Vedetta radar detectors this week. I've never been a huge fan of radar detectors, but these are pretty neat. Along with Cobra's normal bells and whistles, they have a flip down display and GPS capabilities.

Here is a rundown of the features:

• Maximum range and selectivity for advance warnings on all radar and laser guns currently utilized in the U.S.


• Integrated GPS Receiver and AURA Speed/Red-Light Camera and Known Speed Traps database alerts the driver well in advance of location-based threats with coverage throughout the U.S. and Canada (available on SLR 650G)


• Industry's first detection system with 2.4-inch full-color, high-def display with intuitive graphical user interface


• Backlit touch-sensor controls for easy configuration/customization, while eliminating display smudging


• Industry's first detection system that allows mounting virtually anywhere on the car's windshield or dash for increased performance and visibility


• Industry's first detector with multi-axis hinge display


• IntelliMute(TM) speed-sensitive muting system virtually eliminates false alerts and automatically mutes unwanted alerts below user-set engine RPM level


• Voice Alert -- Provides band-specific annunciation of the radar/laser gun being detected


• SmartPower -- Automatically shuts power to the unit when the ignition is turned off


• POP Mode Radar Gun Detection -- Detects ultra-fast, Instant-On radar guns


• Signal Strength Meter -- Provides range proximity of the radar guns detected


• 8-Point GPS Compass provides vehicle-heading information (available on SLR 600 and SLR 650G)


• User-selectable Speed Alert -- Alerts the driver when the vehicle exceeds user-set speed limit


• User-marked locations can be stored in unit's memory (up to 1,000 locations)


• New IntelliShield(TM) -- Quad-level False Signal Rejection System reduces false alerts in densely populated urban areas

And a quick comparison:

Supercharged detection of ALL radar guns and laser guns	X	X	X
Aura camera and driving hazard database			X
Quad-level Intellishield	X	X	X
Intellimute	X	X	X
Voice Alert	X	X	X
Unique Swivel Display	X	X	X
Touch-Sensor Controls	X	X	X
Multiple Color Themes		X	X
8-point magnetic compass		X
GPS-Based, 8-point magnetic compass			X
Multi-AXis, Rotating Windshield/Dash Mount	X	X	X

Support our troops.
Holiday Mail for Heroes

Every once in a while we get a request for the antenna used on the Trans AM in the movie Smokey and The Bandit. In the past we have ended up recommending the Hustler IC20. The color is off (the antenna in the movie is grey, not black or white) but the basic shape and mount type are correct. Last week, though, I came across some old Antenna Specialist antennas in our warehouse. One of them looks to be the exact antenna used on the bandit car! The AS MR276 is the right shape, color and length. It comes with a trunk lip mount, but that is easily removed so the antenna can be installed on the roof.

10 Codes

The most commonly used 10 codes:

When getting started, remember at least the following 10 codes:

• 10-1 Receiving Poorly


• 10-4 Ok, Message Received


• 10-7 Out of Service, Leaving Air (you're going off the air)


• 10-8 In Service, subject to call (you're back on the air)


• 10-9 Repeat Message 10-10 Transmission Completed, Standing By (you'll be listening)


• 10-20 "What's your location?" or "My location is..." Commonly asked as "What's your 20?"

And maybe also this code... 10-100 Need to go to Bathroom. Also, remember that the code 10-4 only means "message received". If you want to say "yes", use "affirmative". For "no", use "negative".

The Complete CB 10 codes

• 10-1 Receiving Poorly


• 10-2 Receiving Well


• 10-3 Stop Transmitting


• 10-4 Ok, Message Received


• 10-5 Relay Message


• 10-6 Busy, Stand By


• 10-7 Out of Service, Leaving Air


• 10-8 In Service, subject to call


• 10-9 Repeat Message


• 10-10 Transmission Completed, Standing By


• 10-11 Talking too Rapidly


• 10-12 Visitors Present


• 10-13 Advise weather/road conditions


• 10-16 Make Pickup at...


• 10-17 Urgent Business


• 8 Anything for us?


• 10-19 Nothing for you, return to base


• 10-20 My Location is ......... or What's your Location?


• 10-21 Call by Telephone


• 10-22 Report in Person too ......


• 10-23 Stand by


• 10-24 Completed last assignment


• 10-25 Can you Contact .......


• 10-26 Disregard Last Information/Cancel Last Message/Ignore


• 10-27 I am moving to Channel ......


• 10-28 Identify your station


• 10-29 Time is up for contact


• 10-30 Does not conform to FCC Rules


• 10-32 I will give you a radio check


• 10-33 Emergency Traffic at this station


• 10-34 Trouble at this station, help needed


• 10-35 Confidential Information


• 10-36 Correct Time is .........


• 10-38 Ambulance needed at .........


• 10-39 Your message delivered


• 10-41 Please tune to channel ........


• 10-42 Traffic Accident at ..........


• 10-43 Traffic tie-up at .........


• 10-44 I have a message for you (or .........)


• 10-45 All units within range please report


• 10-50 Break Channel


• 10-62 Unable to copy, use phone


• 10-62sl unable to copy on AM, use Sideband - Lower (not an official code)


• 10-62su unable to copy on AM, use Sideband - Upper (not an official code)


• 10-65 Awaiting your next message/assignment


• 10-67 All units comply


• 10-70 Fire at .......


• 10-73 Speed Trap at ............


• 10-75 You are causing interference


• 10-77 Negative Contact


• 10-84 My telephone number is .........


• 10-85 My address is ...........


• 10-91 Talk closer to the Mike


• 10-92 Your transmitter is out of adjustment


• 10-93 Check my frequency on this channel


• 10-94 Please give me a long count


• 10-95 Transmit dead carrier for 5 sec.


• 10-99 Mission completed, all units secure


• 10-100 Need to go to Bathroom


• 10-200 Police needed at ..........

10 codes originated in the USA and are, apparently, only used in English-speaking countries. However, no matter which codes are used inyour country, be aware that there are local dialects in every urban area and region. You have to listen to others to learn the phrases and codes in you area.

Be aware that the use of codes specifically to obscure the meaning of a transmission is probably illegal in most countries. The difference is this - codes which are well known and make communications shorter or more efficient are normally allowed.

Q codes

Some of the more common Q codes

Q codes are used in many kinds of radio communications, including CB sideband but not typically on CB AM. (If your radio doesn't have sideband, don't worry about Q codes.) Q codes originated with amateur radio but their use in CB, even more so than 10 codes, can vary depending on who published the list.

The following is an abbreviated list of Q codes borrowed from amateur radio:

• QRM man made noise, adjacent channel interference


• QRN static noise


• QRO increase power


• QRP reduce power


• QRT shut down, clear


• QSL confirmation, often refers to confirmation cards exchanged by hams


• QSO conversation


• QSX standing by on the side


• QSY move to another frequency


• QTH address, location

The following is from a list of Q codes used by the X-Ray Club (a
sideband-users club headquartered in Paradise, California):

• QRL Busy, Stand By


• QRM Man Made Interference


• QRT Stop Transmit or Shutting Down (same as 10-7 on AM)


• QRX Stop Transmit or Standing By


• QRZ Who is Calling?


• QS Receiving Well


• QSB Receiving Poorly


• QSK I have something to Say or Station breaking QSM Repeat Message


• QSO Radio Contact


• QSP Relay Message


• QSX Standing By (same as 10-10 on AM)


• QSY Changing Frequency


• QTH My Location is... or What's your location? QTR Correct Time

Q codes may be used to ask questions (QTH?) or to answer them (QTH is 5th and
Ivy Streets.)

The ARRL Handbook and the ARRL operating guides have more complete listings of those used for amateur radio. (ARRL is an amateur radio organization.) Historically, the Q signals were instituted at the 'World Administrative Radio Conference' (WARC) in 1912. Because of their international origin, Q codes may be more accepted outside English-speaking countries than 10 codes are.

Some tips for communicating with others on the CB

The following is a list that is generally considered proper procedure or polite when using a CB radio. It can also be considered a beginner's survival guide. This list was compiled from common problems that have plagued beginners since CBs first became popular.

- When two people are talking, essentially they temporarily "own" the channel. US FCC regulations say that they have to give other people opportunities to use the channel if they're going to use it more than several minutes. But it is not up to an outsider to "take" the channel from them.

- Take care not to "step on" other units (i.e. transmitting at the same time as they are, thereby making both your transmissions unreadable.) This usually means that you should adjust your break squelch level so that you can hear the other unit and then only begin to transmit when you can't hear anyone else.

- NEVER deliberately key over someone else. Nobody likes that.

- If you hear one unit break for another unit, give some time for the unit to respond before you say anything yourself. (Keep in mind that they may have to fumble for a microphone in a moving car or dodge furniture enroute to a base station.) Remember, the calling unit has the channel.

- If you want to talk on a channel that is in use, it is very likely that your initial transmissions will accidentally "walk over" someone else's. So you must keep them short. The word "break" is generally accepted. Try to time it in a pause in the conversation.

- Even when your "break" has been recognized, keep your next transmission short. For example, "Break one-seven for Godzilla" if you're on Channel 17 and looking for someone whose handle is Godzilla. If Godzilla doesn't answer in a reasonably short amount of time, it doesn't hurt to say "thanks for the break" to the units that stopped their conversation for you.

- If you break on an open (unused) channel, you don't have to be as brief. For example, "Break 17 for Godzilla. Are you out there Godzilla?". However, the short form is perfectly acceptable, too. Use what fits your style.

- If someone speaking to you gets "walked over" so that you can't understand the message, you basically have two options. You can tell the person you were listening to, "10-9, you were stepped on", or you can find out what the breaker wants, "Go ahead break", before returning to your original conversation. You should eventually recognize the breaker and find out what they want.

- If two people are talking and you would like to interject a response, you will probably just walk over someone. Use the procedure above to properly break into the conversation.

- If someone doesn't answer your breaks after two or three attempts. Stop and wait for several minutes or, in mobile units, for several highway miles or city blocks. Others may have their radios on and don't want to listen to the same break more than three times in succession.

- In other circumstances, improvise. Take into account other people's points of view. Give people proper access to the channel and try not to do anything to annoy other units.

- If you make a mistake in any of the procedures above, don't waste air time on a busy channel by apologizing. (If the channel isn't busy, it's your choice.) Just try to do it right in the future. Everyone takes a little time to learn.

OK, now you know how to conduct yourself on the radio. However, there are and will probably always be units that don't. Be patient. You don't have authority to enforce any rules so don't break any by trying.

This is not to be confused with an electrical ground. The ground plane for a CB radio antenna is the metal surface required below the antenna to reflect the signal out. A typical mobile CB antenna does not transmit horizontally. It transmits down. Because of this a metal surface (the larger and flatter, the better) is needed underneath it. The metal surface reflects the signal out, away from the antenna. Without a ground plane the signal does not travel out, and ends up traveling back to your radio. This causes a high SWR. It is worth noting that the ground plane, or lack of, does not affect receive. You can still receive transmissions from other radios with or without a ground plane. It is only when you transmit that it becomes a problem.

CB Antenna Placement

The ground plane is a major consideration when deciding where to place your CB antenna. Ideally, the best place is in the center of your roof. This will give you a uniform ground plane, transmitting the signal out fairly evenly in all directions. Most people don't want to drill holes in the center of their roof, though. They usually mount the antenna on the fender, a tool box, tire rack, roof rack, one the bumper, etc. That will work, but you have to remember that when you mount your antenna on the edge of the vehicle, it will not transmit well to that side of the vehicle. So if you mount an antenna on the front driver side fender, you will not transmit well to the front right of the vehicle where the antenna has no ground plane. You will transmit very well to the back right of the vehicle, though.

No Ground Plane CB Antenna

A no ground plane CB Antenna is a CB antenna that doesn't require the large metal surface under it to operate. In fact, if you install a no ground plane antenna in a location with a good ground plane, you may get a high SWR. A no ground plane antenna is set up to transmit horizontally. They don't preform quite as well as a traditional antenna of the same length, but in situations where you do not have an adequate ground plane such as on a boat, RV or motorcycle, they do the trick.

Ground Enhancers

There are some devices available that can help if your ground plane is there, but a little inadequate. The Tristar Ground Plane Kit from Twinpoint is one. Devices such as this are not designed to be the sole ground plane for an antenna. They just help out.

I get a lot of questions on CB radio setups for motorcycles during the summer months. Sometimes riders are looking for a headset that will tie into the factory system, or an after market system they have most of the parts for. Unfortunately we can't help you there. I can recommend a good radio, headset, and antenna combination that will keep you in contact with your fellow riders. Here is a breakdown of the parts:

Radio: Midland 75-822 CB radio
This radio is one of the better quality hand held CB radios we have. It includes weather channels (good to know what the weather is doing when you are out riding) and can be used with the included mobile adapter, or with standard or rechargeable AA batteries.

Midland 75-822 Leather Case
This hard leather case will not only protect your radio, but allows you to hang it from the handlebars or other convenient locations. This case will not work if you plane to use the mobile adapter for the radio.

Antenna: FG4648 No Ground Plane CB Antenna Kit
When installing an antenna on a motorcycle, it is best to use a no-ground plane CB antenna kit. This kit includes a mount that gives you several options for mounting (any flat vertical surface or any vertical or horizontal post). The advantage to using this antenna is range. You are likely to double your range by installing a mobile antenna like this one. If you are going to use this antenna, you willl need a 12 volt power source for the radio, and a place to stow the slack from the 18 foot cable. You cannot cut the cable or wind it in a tight coil. It is best to wind it in a figure eight. As always, remember to tune the antenna

Headset: Motocomm Motorcycle Headset
Motocomm makes an excellent headset that mounts inside your helmet. This will not work with half-helmets or scull caps. We do have versions for open(MC-751) and closed face(MC-551) helmets. Motocomm also offers a RiderLink system that allows you to communicate with a passenger.

All of these products have been grouped together in a package here:
Motorcycle CB Radio System

Once a CB antenna has been installed, the next step is to check and, if necessary, adjust the standing wave ratio (SWR). What is SWR? Click here for a brief explanation. This procedure requires nothing more than your installed radio, antenna, and an SWR meter. The ultimate goal of this process is to end up with a SWR of less than 2:1 on all channels. We suggest setting the SWR on both channels 1 and 40.

Connecting the SWR meter

Some CB Radios come with a built in meter. You will not need an external SWR meter for these radios. The owner's manual will outline operation of the built in meter. For radios without a meter, you will need to connect an external SWR meter. A typical CB radio installation will look similar to the second picture to the right. The third picture shows the same installation with an SWR meter added in. The instructions below outline connecting an external SWR meter and tuning a CB antenna.

1. Turn CB off and disconnect the antenna coax cable from
   the back of it.


2. Connect the end of your antenna coax to the SWR meter
   where it indicates "antenna"


3. Connect the short coax cable coming from the transmitter
   position on the SWR meter to the back of the CB.


4. Close the hood and doors on your vehicle.


5. Turn on the CB.


6. Set the CB to Channel 1.


7. Set the SWR meter to the FWD position.


8. Key microphone and turn knob until the SWR meter
   indicates the "set" position. Un-key microphone.


9. Flip SWR meter to the Reflect position.


10. Key microphone and look at the reading on the SWR
    meter. The lower the reading, the better. If the meter shows in red
    DO NOT operate CB.
    Re-check your connections.


11. Turn CB to channel 40. Follow instructions 7-10
    again.


12. Adjusting your antenna (matching the 40 channel
    bandwidth).




• If the reading on
  channel 1 is higher than the reading on channel 40, you need to lengthen your
  antenna. Alternately, if the reading on 40 is higher, your antenna is
  too long.


• For example, if your reading is 1.3 on channel 1 and 2.1
  on channel 40 you need to trim down the tip, turn adjusting ring, or pull out
  wire a small amount, cut it, and tuck it back against the coil.


• If your reading is 2.7 on channel 1 and 1.5 on channel
  40 your antenna is too short. the only solution is to add a spring,
  raise the antenna, or reposition it.


• If any adjustments are needed, they should be made in
  small increments. Re-check after each adjustment. Be sure to have
  all components on the antenna when testing, including the tip if there is one.
  

Once these steps are completed, you can remove the SWR meter from the line or leave it installed.

Causes for high SWR reading

This will be the first entry in our new blog! The ultimate goal of this blog is to provide information on products, how-to articles, manufacturer info, events, and other information relevant to our industry. We will be keeping this blog up in addition to the Wilderness Survival Gear Blog. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.