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You are here: Home / Resource / How to Operate a CB Radio – Contact Your Friends with CB Radio

How to Operate a CB Radio – Contact Your Friends with CB Radio

December 19, 2018 By Joe Talbert

You’ve already mounted your CB radio and are excited to try it out. After fine tuning the SWR settings you’re sure that the CB will work. But how will you really get to enjoy communicating with other CB radio users nearby? Read on for the complete step by step guide how to operate a CB radio.

operate cb radio for first time

Start using a CB radio

Start by exploring the different channels

CB radios give you access to 40 different channels. Your first action should involve monitoring the different channels to find active ones. Some channels such as channel 19 are quite popular among truckers and therefore a good place to start. If you’ve mounted your CB on a boat channel 13 is a good place to start. Overall, it’s advisable to scan through all channels and find the one you’d like to use.

 

Listen for CB codes

One thing that makes CB users unique is their use of CB codes when communicating. You wouldn’t want to appear like an amateur user even if it’s your first time. When monitoring the different channels, look out for and use the different accepted codes. Here are a few to get you started.

  • 10-1 Means CB is receiving poorly
  • 10-2 Means CB is receiving well
  • 10-9 Means to repeat message
  • 10-13 Is used to ask about weather and road conditions
  • 10-20 Is used to inquire about current location
  • 10-37 Speed trap at..

 

Perform a radio check

While monitoring the different channels, listen for a few moments to determine whether it’s in use. If there are other users communicating keep listening and wait for a break. This means you’re clear to issue a radio check. A radio check is simply a way to see if someone on the channel is willing to communicate. It’s good to be polite and patient because people might be active on the channel but aren’t willing to engage in a random conversation.

Once you issue your radio check, listen for a moment. If someone responds, you can start a conversation. If no response is received, re-issue the radio check and wait for a response. If upon several attempts no response is received, you can try another busy channel.

 

Use your CB to communicate with those close to you

With up to 40 different CB channels at your disposal, you can choose one without a lot of traffic to communicate with friends and family. When you’re apart, you can simply tune into your chosen channel and send a radio check. You can agree to a unique phrase that those close to you can use to identify you on the CB channel. This will help differentiate you from other users on the channel.

 

Use channel 9 for emergency purposes only

If you have an emergency and need to contact law enforcement within your area, you should use channel 9. The good thing about this channel is that police and rescue teams are constantly monitoring it. This means that you can get help faster if you use it to send distress calls.

 

Conclusion

Operating a CB radio isn’t quite complicated as you’ve seen in this guide. All you need to remember is to scan the different channels and find the one that has friendly folks willing to chat. Also, remember that being courteous will go a long way in getting people to communicate with you using your CB.

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