CB Radio
CB Radio, or Citizens' Band radio is a system of short-distance two-way radio communications between individuals on a selection of 40 channels within the 27-MHz or 11-meter band. Unlike Amateur (Ham) Radio, CB does not require a license and it may be used for business as well as personal communications.
Range of communications is typically one to five miles but can be increased with an optimized antenna system. Some users may attempt to further increase this range through the use of illegal linear amplifiers and extra channels above or below the regular forty channels. For more information pertaining to the rules governing CB Radio, visit wireless.fcc.gov.
Tips and Tricks
Below are a few random tricks I have learned to solve a variety of RFI problems.
Twist power leads to reduce interference in mobile installations. The phone company and airplane manufactures do this to reduce interference. Use twin lead type cable and run it all the way to the battery. Before hook-up, put one end in a vise and the other in a cordless drill and twist the wire up tight. I have found this works better than any type of noise filter.
Stop interference to stereos, TV's, and telephones with ferrite chokes. Get split, snap-on beads and put them on cablevision or satellite coax, power wires, or wherever unwanted signals are entering. These beads, also called torroids, are plentiful on Ebay and very cheap. There are certain types of material that are designed to work at HF frequencies. Radio Shack sells them for around $10 each and I have a some that I sell for $5 each. (Email for info)
Still got static in your mobile radio? Make sure all body panels are grounded. One part that is often forgotten on pick-up trucks is the tailgate and tailpipe. Add one or more ground straps to the tailgate and/or tailpipe to greatly reduce your noise problem. Braid or heavy gauge stranded copper works well, but don't use anything solid or it will break from vibration and movement. Be sure to clean away rust, paint, or undercoating and use an anti-corrosion dielectric grease on all connections. Star washers can be used on if you are unable to remove paint.
Got SWR problems? Make sure your antenna mount is grounded. If you are using mirror mounts, it is imperative that you ground the doors. Sometimes mirrors are even isolated with plastic or rubber bushings. Make sure all parts and connections are metal-to-metal (and clean) or add a ground to insure continuity. The more watts, the bigger the ground strap should be.
Power vs. Distance
Power vs. Distance (By Techno Geek)
This is an interesting article I did not write. It explains how transmitter power affects the distance ground waves travel using a vertical antenna. I don't know the author's real name.
Links
Maco Antennas I am a dealer for Maco, Gizmotchy and nearly every other brand of CB radio equipment. Email for more info.
Interceptor 10K Antenna by Jay in the Mojave
While you are here, visit my Antron 99 page.