From: ikluft@uts.amdahl.com (Ian Kluft)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.cb,news.answers
Subject: rec.radio.cb Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2 of 4)
Date: 22 Aug 92 10:08:33 GMT
Expires: 9 Sep 92 07:00:00 GMT
Reply-To: cb-faq@uts.amdahl.com (CB FAQ Coordinators)
Followup-To: rec.radio.cb
Organization: Amdahl Corporation, Santa Clara, CA
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Archive-name: cb-radio-faq/part2

Rec.radio.cb Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2: Getting Started)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[Last modified 6/1/92]

Questions discussed in Part 2: (dates indicate last modification)
* What is CB? (6/92)
* Do I need a license to operate a CB radio? (6/92)
* What are the CB Frequencies? (6/92)
* What are the common brands of CB radios? (6/92)
* What should I consider when choosing a location for my antenna? (7/92)
* Once I hook up my CB and antenna, is the radio ready to use? (2/92)
* What are good antenna characteristics and what are some good antennas? (6/92)

--Rec.radio.cb Frequently-asked Questions-----------------------------Part 2--

* What is CB?
-------------

CB stands for "Citizen's Band" radio.  It got that name because its main idea
is to be a kind of radio anyone can use.  Depending on the country you live
in, it is either a minimally-regulated or an unregulated set of radio channels
used for short-range (local) communications.  Many people use CB radios in
their vehicles, homes or both.

This UseNet newsgroup "rec.radio.cb" is all about CB radio.  The FAQ also
covers non-licensed or minimally-regulated radio bands internationally.
Readers can expect to find discussions, questions, and answers about legal
uses of CB and related bands here.  There are also other newsgroups for other
radio applications, such as rec.radio.shortwave, rec.radio.broadcasting, and
several subgroups of rec.radio.amateur, for amateur or "ham" radio.  Radios
either wanted or for sale are the subject of rec.radio.swap.  (Though, an
article about a CB radio for sale should be cross-posted to rec.radio.cb and
rec.radio.swap with a distribution limited to your city, state or region.)

We have to bring up one point because it has been a problem before: any
encouragement of illegal activity is inappropriate because it is outside the
chartered scope of this newsgroup.  Such illegal activity includes the use of
illegal equipment or improper operating procedures.  (An ongoing effort has
been made to define what is legal in various countries.  That depends on reader
input.) However, acceptable (possibly borderline) topics include issues about
legality, how to deal with unruly CB users, and others.


* Do I need a license to operate a CB radio?
--------------------------------------------

The answer to this question depends on the country you reside in.  We currently
have information on the USA, Australia, the UK, Japan, France, and Germany.

--- in the USA
You are no longer required to have a license to operate a CB radio in the
United States.  The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) did at one time
require a Class "D" license for for Citizen's Band which required nothing more
than filling out a form and sending it in to the FCC with the license fee.  The
FCC then sent you a call sign which might look like "KPS 2720" or something
similar.  During the CB craze in the mid-70's, the FCC decided that the paper-
work burden outweighed the benefits and put CB under blanket authorization.

The FCC permits the use of the following to identify yourself:
1.  Your old Class D callsign, if you have one.
2.  K, your first and last initials, and your zip code (i.e. KPS 68123)
3.  your name (i.e. "Paul")
4.  some unique nickname or Handle (i.e. "Cobra", "Rubber Duck", etc.)

A rule change in May 1992 now allows one-way transmissions about highway
conditions on CB.  This was intended to allow local authorities to use
unattended audio warnings about road construction or other hazards.

In the USA, there are two additional radio bands besides CB which are intended
for use with minimal regulation by individuals.
1.  GMRS, the General Mobile Radio Service, is located in the 460-470 MHz
    band.  A license is required.  More information is included in Part 4.
2.  The FCC has recently opened up the 31.0-31.3 GHz microwave band to
    licensed users of several fixed and mobile radio services including GMRS.

--- in the UK
A license is required in the UK.  For licensing information and/or a set of
"CB information sheets" you may contact the DTI (Department of Trade and
Industry) at the following address: CB Licensing Section, Radiocommunications
Agency, Room 613, Waterloo Bridge House, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UA, UK.
The telephone number is (+44) 71 215 2171.

The UK will honor licenses from other countries using CEPT-approved radios.
(See the CB Frequencies section below on CEPT for more information.)  Your
license may be used under the terms from the country which issued it.

--- in Japan
No license is required.  You may identify yourself by your name or a handle
of your choice.

--- in Australia
Australia's CB regulations are similar to what the USA had before it deregu-
lated CB.  A license is required but there is no examination.  We are looking
into more details - if the government issues you a callsign, you have to use
it to identify yourself.  Otherwise, you may identify yourself by your name
or a handle of your choice.  We have not been able to re-establish contact
with our source in Australia that brought this to our attention - if anyone
else can fill in more details, please send them to us.

--- in France
You are required to obtain a license but there is no examination.  At the time
of this writing, the license costs 190FF every 5 years.  You have to send
France Telecom the "agreement number" from your radio.  Once on the air, you
may identify yourself by your name or a handle of your choice.

France will honor licenses from other countries using CEPT-approved radios.
Your license may be used under the terms from the country which issued it.

--- in Germany
A license is required whether you plan to use FM or both AM and FM.  The
"agreement card" costs more if your radio also has AM.  You may identify
yourself by your name or a handle of your choice.

Germany will honor licenses from other countries using CEPT-approved radios.
Your license may be used under the terms from the country which issued it.

--- notes for all countries
There are rules and regulations that must be complied with while using CB, no
matter which country you live in.  If you don't have a list of those rules
(which most likely were included with your CB), you will probably find them at
any store that sells CB radios.


* What are the CB Frequencies?
------------------------------

The answer to this question depends on the country you reside in.  We currently
have information on Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal,
Norway, Sweden, the UK, the USA, and Vatican City.

--- in the USA
Legal CB transmitters use the operator's choice of AM (amplitude modulation)
(with 4 watts maximum power) or single sideband (with 12 watts maximum power)
on the following frequencies.

   frequencies (MHz) modulation    description
   26.965 - 27.405   AM/SSB        Citizen's Band (CB)
				   40 channels, max power 4W AM, 12W SSB
                                   1=26.965  11=27.085  21=27.215  31=27.315
                                   2=26.975  12=27.105  22=27.225  32=27.325
                                   3=26.985  13=27.115  23=27.255* 33=27.335
                                   4=27.005  14=27.125  24=27.235* 34=27.345
                                   5=27.015  15=27.135  25=27.245* 35=27.355
                                   6=27.025  16=27.155  26=27.265  36=27.365
                                   7=27.035  17=27.165  27=27.275  37=27.375
                                   8=27.055  18=27.175  28=27.285  38=27.385
                                   9=27.065  19=27.185  29=27.295  39=27.395
                                   10=27.075 20=27.205  30=27.305  40=27.405
   460 - 470         FM            General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
                                   license required, see Part 4
   31.0-31.3 GHz     any mode      microwave band now open for individuals
                                      to use, requires GMRS license, see Part 4

  * Channels 23-25 are not in ascending order due to historical reasons.  CB
    started with only 23 channels.  Later, 24 and 25 filled a gap between 22
    and 23 and 26-40 were added in ascending order.

Special-use channels:
    9 - emergency, monitored in some areas by "REACT", a volunteer group
	coordinated by the local Sheriff's office (not in all areas)
   17 - unofficial "trucker's" channel (California & western states.)
   19 - official "trucker's" channel for traffic and speed trap advisories
30-40 - Often are used for single sideband (SSB) activity

Note that US regulations disallow "DX" long-distance communications (over 150
miles in this case) with CB.  However, directional antennas may be used to
enhance communications within the legal range.

--- in Canada
The CB frequencies, modulation, and power limits are the same as the 26-27 MHz
CB band in the USA.

--- in the UK
The UK has 3 bands for CB as follows:
   frequencies (MHz) modulation    description
   26.965 - 27.405   FM            40 channels, same frequencies as USA
				   4W max power
				   radios using this band are marked "PR 27 GB"
				      or "CEPT PR 27 GB" and are CEPT-approved
   27.6 - 27.99      FM            40 channels, 0.01 MHz (10 kHz) spacing
				   4W max power
				   radios using this band are marked "27/81-UK"
				      and are only legal in the UK
   934.0125-934.9625 FM            20 channels, 0.05 MHz (50 kHz) spacing
				   4W max power
				   radios using this band are marked
				      "CB 934/81" and are only legal in the UK,
				   no new radios of this type are being made
				      but existing equipment may continue to be
				      used legally

Antennas must be omnidirectional - beams and yagis are prohibited.  Antennas
must stand vertically, no higher than 1.65m (not including ground plane.)

AM and FM are not compatible so a US-legal CB cannot communicate with any
UK-legal CB even though they may use the same frequencies.  And each is illegal
on the others' soil so this only prevents use of atmospheric skip between them.

--- in Australia
Australia has 2 bands for CB.  The use of AM or FM depends on the band.
   frequencies (MHz)  modulation   description
   26.965 - 27.405    AM/SSB       40 channels, same frequencies as USA
				   max power: 4W AM, 12W SSB (same as USA)
   476.500 - 477.475  FM           40 channels, .025 MHz (25 kHz) spacing

As the first of the two bands above shows, made-for-the-USA CB radios are legal
in Australia.

The following AM/SSB band frequencies have special uses either by regulation
or by common usage:
Channel 8	Road channel (truckers)
Channel 9	Emergency (same as USA)
Channel 11	AM calling
Channel 16/LSB	SSB calling, also used for DX (distance)
Channel 35/LSB	unofficial additional SSB calling, also for DX

--- in Japan
Japan has 3 radio bands that do not require licenses.  Two of them are limited
to extremely short-range use because of low power limits.  The other, with
maximum power output of 5 watts, is more like CB as it is known in North
America, Europe and Australia.

   frequencies (MHz)  modulation   description
   26.968 - 27.144    AM (no SSB)  "Citizen's Radio"  maximum power 0.5W
				   channels 1-8 on 26.968, 26.967, 27.040,
				   27.080, 27.088, 27.112, 27.120, and 27.144.
				   Other channels in between these are assigned
				      to fishing vessels (with 1W max power).
   422.200 - 422.300  FM           "Specific Low Power Radio", also known as
				   "UHF CB"  maximum power 0.01W (10mW)
				   9 channels with 12.5 kHz spacing.
				   newly-authorized in 1989, mostly used for
				      handy-talkies and ski patrols
   903.0125-904.9875  FM           "Personal Radio"  maximum power 5W
				   158 channels with 12.5 kHz spacing
				   External antennas are permitted.
				   Radios must be equipped with a control ROM
				      for automatic ID.

As in Europe, made-for-the-USA CB radios are illegal in Japan.  There have
been cases where such radios have caused interference with maritime emergency
traffic.

--- in France
France uses the same frequencies (in 40 channels) as the USA but also allows
FM in the same band.  The only legal CB radios in France are those which are
approved by France Telecom.

   frequencies (MHz)  modulation   description
   26.965 - 27.405    AM/SSB/FM    40 channels, same frequencies as USA
                                   max power: 1W AM, 4W SSB, 4W FM

Channel 9 AM used to be for emergencies but was deregulated because no one
monitored it for that purpose.  Channel 19 AM is the calling channel (used to
establish contact then move to another channel.)  Channel 11 FM is used for
DX/skip long-distance contacts.  AM is the most commonly-used modulation
method in France.

When traveling outside France, remember that most countries in the CEPT
conference do not permit the use of AM or SSB.

--- in Germany
Germany also uses the same frequencies as the USA.  AM and FM are the only
legal modes of modulation.  (SSB is not allowed.)  AM is only allowed on some
channels.

   frequencies (MHz)  modulation   description
   26.965 - 27.405    AM/FM        40 channels, same frequencies as USA
                                   max power: 1W AM and 4W FM
                                   AM is allowed on Channels 4-15
                                   FM is allowed on all 40 channels
				   SSB is not permitted
                                   All signals must have vertical polarity.

Channel 9 AM is the calling channel.  FM is the more commonly-used modulation
method in Germany.

Notes: to meet the vertical polarity requirement, antennas must stand vert-
ically.  Also, tone-call transceivers are allowed so you can use touch tones
to call someone if they are within receiving range and have a radio that will
recognize the tones.

When traveling outside Germany, remember that most countries in the CEPT
conference do not permit the use of AM.

--- in countries subscribing to the European CEPT conference
The following countries have implemented the CEPT (Conference of European
Postal and Telecommunications administrations) recommendations T/R 20-02 and
T/R 20-07 for CB radios:
   Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (see Note 1), Denmark (see Note 2), Finland,
   France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal (see Note 2), Norway
   (see Note 2), Sweden, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

Notes:
   1) confirmation pending in Cyprus
   2) special markings are required on the radios so, for example, UK radios
      marked "CEPT PR 27 GB" are legal but ones marked "PR 27 GB" are not.
      Radios from other countries may also be similarly affected.

CEPT approval is significant because, with the exceptions listed above, CEPT-
approved CBs from any one of the countries listed above can be used in any
other on the list.

   frequencies (MHz)  modulation   description
   26.965 - 27.405    FM           40 channels, same frequencies as USA
				   4W max power

If you travel to another CEPT-conforming country, you may use your CB under
the terms of your license from your own country.  Be aware that only FM is
CEPT-approved so AM and SSB may not be legal to use once you cross the border.
 
Important note: CEPT-approved CB radios are not legal in the USA and made-for-
the-USA CB radios are not legal anywhere in Europe.  The difference is because
CEPT radios use FM and American radios use AM or SSB.

Channel 19 appears to be the calling channel in most CEPT-conforming countries.

--- in other countries
This is the "grab bag" section.  We have incomplete information on these
countries but we'll tell you what we've heard.  We'll add more information as
people send it to us.  (If you know more, please tell us!)

* Italy uses AM and FM like France and Germany.  Channel 19 is the calling
  channel.  Channel 9 has no special designation (i.e. it is not an emergency
  channel.)  Italy also has some other non-licensed frequencies but we don't
  have any more information.
* They transmit with a lot of power in Italy (21W is common for AM/FM/SSB) but
  we don't yet know how much is legal.
* Switzerland uses FM on the same frequencies as CEPT but CBs do not appear to
  be very common there.
* Channel 19 is the calling channel in Czechoslovakia and Poland.
* From California, we can hear a lot of CB activity in Mexico via skip but no
  one has provided us with any details yet.  However, we know that they use
  AM on the same frequencies as the USA's 27 Mhz CB band.

In every country we know of where CB is legal, radios must be type-accepted,
meaning they must have been manufactured specifically for use with one or more
country's regulations.  They must be unmodified and properly marked for use in
that country.  The exception is CEPT-approved radios, which may be used in any
country which has implemented the conference's recommendations.


* What are the common brands of CB radios?
------------------------------------------

Some of the more common brands that you will find out in the USA market are as
follows: Uniden, Cobra, Midland, Realistic (Radio Shack), Archer (Radio Shack)
and others.  Made-for-the-USA CB radios are also legal in Canada and Australia
though they must be properly labeled for sale and use in those countries.

In France some common brands of radios are President and Midland.  These are
somewhat similar to Germany but the President brand is known as "Stabo" there.

We currently don't have any corresponding information for Japan or the rest
of Europe.  Note that radios must be marked properly for sale in your country,
even in countries using American or CEPT (European) radios.


* What should I consider when choosing a location for my antenna?
-----------------------------------------------------------------

The answer to this question differs greatly between base and mobile installa-
tions.  Each will be answered separately.

In mobile installations, things to consider are whether you're willing to
drill holes or use a magnet mount, gutter mount, trunk mount, or a bumper
mount.  If you say "no" to all of those (which would probably mean you have a
very nice car) your list of options is pretty short - use a handheld with a
rubber duck antenna.

Otherwise, you can start making choices with the following things in mind:
1) the closer your antenna is to the top & center of the vehicle, the better.
So the roof is better than the rain gutter or trunk and all of those are far
better than the bumper.  But they'll all work.
2) a drilled/permanent mount is better than a magnet mount in the same loca-
tion.  (This is so that the antenna gets a better "ground plane".)  If you use
a magnet mount, run your coax feed line through the door or hatch that gets
the least use and then leave it alone.  Don't use any path where the coax
would get pinched.

For base installations (i.e. at home) the best places are "as high as you can"
within legal limits.  The roof is normally fine.  If you're in an apartment
complex, you may be limited to a balcony but ask the manager - they may just
want you to keep it "invisible."  (Check your national and local regulations.
In the USA, the FCC regulations limit CB antennas to 60 feet above ground
level or maybe shorter if you live close to an airport - one foot high for
every hundred feet from the nearest runway.)

Base station antennas should have a good ground in case of lightning.  (In the
rare event of a lightning strike, this can mean the difference between burning
down the building or just the radio.)  Most cold water pipes that go into the
ground will work.  But the best choice for a ground would be an 8-foot (2.4m)
copper rod stuck in the ground near the antenna.  (If you want to use anything
other than the rod for a ground, contact someone knowledgeable about housing
construction and safety - you don't want to accidentally use a hot water or
gas pipe.  You also need to know your local building codes.)


* Once I hook up my CB and antenna, is the radio ready to use?
--------------------------------------------------------------

No.  When you get a new CB and/or new antenna, the CB and the antenna must be
tuned or "matched."  To do this, you need an SWR meter which is a device that
measures the impedance between the radio and the antenna.  SWR stands for
"Standing Wave Ratio."  The lower your SWR, the better your match.  First
timers are recommended to get help from a knowledgeable person but some notes
about the process are included here.

You do NOT want your SWR reading to be over 3:1 ratio on any channel.  It can
damage your radio.  A "perfect" match is 1.0:1 which gives you the best
efficiency for your radio's output.  However, "perfect" isn't possible so 1.1:1
is the best you can hope for.  Even 1.5:1 is acceptable, but it isn't as good.

You will only be able to achieve your best match on one or a small group of
channels.  The SWR will increase on each channel as you get further from that
point.  So 2:1 may even be unavoidable on the extremes, like Channels 1 and/or
40.  If you know you're going to use one channel most of the time, try to
put your best match there.  Otherwise, just center it at Channel 20 so you
can use all 40 channels optimally.

You may find SWR meters at places like Radio Shack or amateur radio dealers.
Further information about Standing Wave Ratio can be obtained from the ARRL
Handbook.   (ARRL is the American Radio Relay League.  Their annual handbook
is full of information on many different aspects of amateur radio but the
basic concepts apply in all radio bands.)

Most stores that sell CB radios will have an SWR meter and someone who knows
how to use it.  But they will charge for their services.


* What are good antenna characteristics and what are some good antennas?
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antennas have to be designed to transmit and receive on the band that you
are using.  CB is located in the 11-meter band.  (They call it that because
the wavelength is about 11 meters.)  CB antennas range in height from a little
under 2 feet (24 inches) up to 108 inches.

The 1/4 wave whip (108") will offer better reception and transmission
capability over a shorter, coiled or "loaded" antenna.

VERY short antennas, or multiple antennas that aren't "phased" properly
will result in a very poor signal.  Remember, for cophasing antennas,
they must be 1/4 wavelength apart which, for the 11 meter band, is around
9 feet.  Most cars aren't wide enough to allow antennas to be placed 9 feet
apart.  The other characteristic of cophasing is that it is much more direc-
tional than a single antenna.  It will transmit and receive MUCH better along
the axis of the car than sideways off the car so if you want a omnidirectional
antenna, you don't want cophasing (so you only want one antenna.)

Another subject of common questions is about antennas which receive AM/FM
broadcast stations and act as a CB transceiver antenna.  User experiences
on this newsgroup vary widely with each brand.  (The motorized ones seem to
have the least favor among the postings we've seen.)  In general, these
antennas work but are not nearly as good as a dedicated CB antenna.  You have
to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for your circumstances.

Good brands of dedicated CB antennas in the USA include (but are not
necessarily limited to) Hustler, Wilson, FireStick and K-40.  In France, some
common brands are President and Magnum.