Hobbies And Interests
What is Citizen Band Radio
The term CB Radio is used to describe the government allocated radio spectrum intended for public use and the devices used to both send and receive transmissions on that spectrum. Both private citizens and commercial entities can use the CB Radio band for free. CB Radio is intended for two-way communication, meaning that anyone can both send and receive broadcasts, unlike TV and AM/FM radio broadcasting which requires a license. CB Radio is split into 40 channels between the 26.945MHz and 27.405MHz frequencies.
Omnidirectional Antenna Orientation
CB Radio devices often use pole-shaped omnidirectional antennas to broadcast and receive transmissions in all directions. An omnidirectional antenna should be oriented perpendicularly to the ground and point straight up at the sky to maximize range and quality. Most general-use CB devices use omnidirectional antennas: the antennas are particularly useful when the CB device moves around. Vehicle and building-mounted omnidirectional antennas can be mounted and left in position; however, mobile devices like CB walkie-talkies should be positioned with the antenna pointing directly up when in use. While the name "omnidirectional" implies that the antenna can broadcast and receive transmissions in a spherical field, the antenna's strongest reception and broadcast field is shaped like a doughnut and has weak points directly above and directly below when properly oriented.
Directional Antenna Orientation
In contrast to omnidirectional antennas, directional or beam antennas maximize broadcast and reception in a particular direction. A directional antenna should be oriented so that the device points in the direction it is sending and receiving information. Compared to the omnidirectional antenna's doughnut reception field, directional antennas broadcast and receive transmissions in a cone shaped field. Directional antennas are often used in stationary devices where the incoming or outgoing transmission travels only in a specific direction; the devices can be used to work around geographical interference.
Antenna Size and Positioning Restrictions
The larger the antenna the better the broadcast and reception quality. However, an optimally oriented and sized antenna may not be possible because of physical and legal restrictions. CB World recommends using an antenna that is as large as possible that will not come in contact with other objects -- this is particularly important with vehicle mounted antennas. Vehicle-mounted antennas should also extend above the roof. The FCC does not set a maximum height for vehicle or hand-held antennas, but structural antennas can't be more than 20 feet above the building or 60 feet above ground.