CB Radio Beginners Guide. Part 1. Antenna Choices. Mobile v Homebase

In this first video we look at expectations on coming on to CB radio and choosing an antenna for mobile or home base use.
My Home based Antenna set up. • Antron 99 set up. Why ...
First antenna choice advice. • Getting started in CB ...
Getting a CB callsign. • Charlie Tango Call Sig...
Getting the first CB contact advice. • CB RADIO UK. Getting ...
Temporary T2LT DX Vertical Bazooka • T2LT DX Vertical Bazoo...
Homemade attic dipole antenna. • CB RADIO homemade Dipo...

[@ricardomoonbeam8530]

This is brilliant. I was a breaker in the early 80s as a teenager, and I literally had no idea what I was doing. Now I'm seriously tempted to get back into it, this series of videos for noobs like me is just what I was looking for...thanks so much 👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome

[@Agamemnonuk]

Same Ricardo

[@gobstoppa1633]

IF people are intrested, then bordom doesnt exist, and i am, love it, cheers.

[@fridovannoort1511]

Hi Fred and viewers, I am on CB for 10 years now. I started with a legal 40 channel CB radio with a magnetic car antenna on a metal plate. I just took time to get enthousiastic before investing in more gear. Getting enthousiastic is by talking with local people and maybe by following youtubers or fora. If you like the hobby you'l invest. If you don't you'l find an other hobby. Do what makes you happy, the rest wil follow! Greetings, Frido from the Netherlands

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Totally agree Frido. Start small and watch out as radio quickly becomes very addictive.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"I started with a legal 40 channel CB radio" How quaint!

[@PeterJavea]

I recommend that a new person listen over the week at first. Go over the channels, switch from AM to FM. I did this and suddenly came across a CB group here in Belgium called Kanal 21 fm Roepronde. The have a fortnightly Friday evening meeting. Just listening is fun. I called in and said hello. Ton of fun ! Plus I noticed times in the day when I could hear more distant stuff. Lovely video. Thanks I WILL recommend this to others !

[@anthonybuonsanto437]

Good tip on the patio base to connect the antenna to and gradually increasing in size where people will just not even realize it’s happening over a period of time, therefore no complaints will be directed towards the homeowner.

[@stalker9fdx]

Cheer Fred. I have been on since 1976. And still learning. Started with a 120 channel am radio. Then went legal in 1981. Still use 27mhz.

[@trickysubject8563]

Hello Fred, I’m a 80’s breaker back when I was just a kid, I ran a Midland 3001 with a 18 ft diapole. Just getting back into the scene and you have just answered the question I had been mulling over and I’m going to order myself a silver rod. Many thanks for that. I’ve just been given a fidelity CB 3000 Homebase unit that needs a bit of attention, but it’s a cool piece of history. Looking forward to getting on and chatting in Staffordshire if anyone is local to Lichfield. I’ll sub and look forward to more info on your channel, 10-4 bysee bye for now. Tricky.

[@markr9895]

Love watching Fred in the Shed videos. I’m in the states and just returned to cb radio after 20 years off the air. I wanted to get on SSB so I got a Stryker 955 unlocked and tuned up. I also purchased a Solarcon A-99. Horrible experience, nearly no receive and couldn’t get anyone to reply to me, had the radio checked, and it was working very well, so I decided to get a Sirio 827. Now I receive everything. Seriously, I talk skip all over the states. I grounded the antenna and used LMR-400 coax, about 80’. Antenna mounted 32’ above ground. Hoping to start a cb radio net in my area. Having so much fun and glad I got back on the air.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Nice one Mark. The 827 is a serious bit of kit for sure.

[@eddieshanahan4495]

thank the lord at last just what i have been waiting for i will be watching all of these videos thanks so muuch fred

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Eddie. I will cover everything ive learned. It will take me a while to make the vids though.

[@paulsmeg]

Great video once again Fred. One tip ive learn the hard way is COAX is as important as an antenna. Personally i now use RG213 after trying many others. Im both cb and M3 ham opp. Also having a good ground to your antenna will help a lot. Personally ive found the A99 a very good all rounded. I use one on my President Lincoin and my Ham radios and have worked the world on 1 watt with a manual ATU. Keep up the good work your a true ambassador to the hobby and helping other. 73...paul..

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good tip on the Coax.

[@OCDASDA]

How did you get a good ground? do you just hammer a copper rod in the ground, if so how deep did you go, ive read it should be 8ft deep surely it doesn't need to be that deep to work properly. I've also seen videos of ppl using the household earth but i would be vary wary of this. I just need to know what most people do so i can get a decent signal.

[@Daverocks-zp3kh]

As a kid we had a half wave on the side of the garage and a Harrier 40 channel FM CB.Gopd days with plenty of contacts within 5-30 miles.I bought my own handheld with a massive telescope antenna which on the hill behind my house would get a good few miles.I hope to find some nearby using the internet first.Great video Fred it's inspired me

[@hlarks]

I had a Uniden President Grant with an Astatic M575 modulation microphone and 102" stainless steel whip. That setup worked very well. The only downside was the antenna hitting low hanging tree branches.

[@Industrialsoundfanatic]

Brilliant series of vids Fred. My last CB was an Amstrad 901, Bremi PSU and a DX27 antenna (very poor ) back in the 80's. After watching your vids, I bought a President Randy 3 handheld. I could pick up the odd signal here and there. Then I started hearing Americans on AM - That was it, so I bought and installed a couple of antenna out in the back garden. Got a President George 2 radio arriving soon with a proper PSU. These vids got me interested in CB again, but also a lot more interested in Amateur Radio in general. 5/5 Realised there were lots of people around me doing the same thing !

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks and welcome back.

[@ronleblanc9832]

very interesting can't wait for the other videos

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

More to come!

[@Agamemnonuk]

Getting back in to CB, will be taking my ham foundation course but mainly looking forward to mobile in a motorhome

[@techstyle123]

I remember growing up and there was this lad we knew was cool guy he had loads of computers and consoles but older than us but let us in one time and we went into big back room in house that was first time I seen a CB I remember people had code names and there was a channel where they sold stuff some dude at certain times did sort of pirate radio thing lol with rave tunes he had big massive Ariel outside of window...cool memories

[@classicgrooves]

Throw in a GOOD quality swr meter and patch leads 👍

[@jasonwoods4811]

Great guide, wish guides like this was about in the 80's, glad you are feeling better as well buddy :D

[@neillowes9232]

Nice one Fred 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@T.M.G2014]

Good guide , and there's no other out there who's put the effort into basics on cb ,antennas etc than yourself so well done and even tho I'm all set up , have my amature licence and such I do still like these videos

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Much appreciated!

[@Freedom-projects]

Great to see an updated cb beginners guide Fred, I watched your old ones when I bought my crt1 and moved on to the 6900 from knights (yes another one from you). Looking forward to more

[@charleswills4554]

Excellent video. Maybe an inexpensive match meter would be good to have. 514 Ontario Canada

[@britpoper]

Thanks for this Fred. I've been away 35 years or more. I thinking of starting again. I was on am to start with but never achieved sideband so I feel like I've got unfinished business 👍

[@PRODIGY5369]

This new direction for making vids for new or returning people is a great idea. Especially if you intend to go a bit deeper. I have been back now just a couple of months. I used your videos a lot to get 'up to date ' so thanks for that. I'm mobile all day with work traversing the country. My thoughts on my experience so far. Getting a higher power radio with ssb is essential. I see some people on FB groups looking for advice on set ups that don't want to stray in to the dark side. I feel like screaming at them - don't bother. Unless you know you have some people within a couple of miles. There are huge deserts of nothingness out there. 4w is just wasting money and being disappointed. It doesn't matter what antenna you have in this case because you will hear powerful stations from many miles away really clearly but they will never hear you back. I do go through your way daily. I have a Lincoln 2+ with a Sirio 400 approx 2m on the roof of a high Sprinter. Which makes me about the same as a double decker truck trailer. I know my route and it's ok. I just tickle a few trees here and there. I definitely go under the Dartford tunnel ok, gantries etc. I do carry ladders just in case I need to quickly take it down.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Iam an SSB guy myself. There is still contacts to be made on FM but as you say unless very local 4 watts can be a struggle. I will be looking at the pro and cons of the darkside. 10m radios, burners and later on HF gear. Vids will be a bit slow but everything will be covered.

[@tradeprepper8318]

Great vid thanks I've just started stuck a mag mount on my van and drive to a high point near my home get a few contacts but nothing parked in my driveway so I'm not sure if it's worth trying a silver rod at home.

[@mattc3656]

Be careful, only use trusted companies, some like Kamsat sell cheap chinese magmounts and when you complain they go silent! Great vdeos Fred.

[@boxingday11]

Very informative for newcomers Fred.👍🏻📡

[@37fm33]

The boys on 37fm need to view and take in your video to learn they been on the radio many many years, but are clueless to radio every day radio checks to each other & how am i coming across they all live within 5 miles of each other think they are based in Cornwall, find them on 37fm uk,27.355usb if you hear them pop in and give them some pointers believe me they need help!!!!great video Fred

[@zukispur5493]

More fine work from my shed guy Fred. Keep it moving bruva. 73 Tottenham

[@Al.26TC101]

Good video Fred myself im in a flat and yes even though its expensive ive been experimenting alot with different antennas at the homebase off my balcony, guess I've been a bit lucky as no complaints from any neighbours and actually came up with a few solutions. Its fun to see what works and what doesn't. Also lucky as in the area on CH 33 UK FM we have at least 30 breakers on and its constantly growing with a great community that help each other out. Even have a few of the younger generation coming on. Best 73.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. What antennas have you found work best for you an a flat ?

[@Al.26TC101]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Hi its a bit of a long and complicated story here Fred, but at the moment I'm just on a imax 2000 on some stand off poles, if your atall interested and you have the time , I do have a channel myself where I experiment. Come and have a look if you can as I've tried all sorts , but like I say I'm lucky enough to have neighbours that are happy for me to do my hobby, although I did have a fight on my hands when I 1st put a big antenna up with the housing authority, but in end I questioned them about a lot of others having satellite dishes and why I should not be allowed to follow my passion, even had a neighbour who let me have it on the very top floor balcony as I'm on the 5th floor, but afraid to say the winter storms snapped it and my neighbour said he didn't want it back up there. Im just trying to represent what goes on in the Midlands and if wasn't for yourself many years ago I wouldn't of known radio was still quite popular. Been back for 4 years now and love the hobby, radio is always on when I'm home. Hope to catch you one day :-) Best 73 . PS imax seems to be the best I've used so far. Ill be putting a video up soon of how I've got it atm.

[@prizeking1647]

What are you in ?

[@Al.26TC101]

@@prizeking1647 what you mean flat wise?. Check out my channel will give you an idea.

[@Al.26TC101]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3O0Xqqcpryke7c If fred dosnt mind this is a video from my location trying out a dipole.

[@clivenewton7609]

Hi Fred! Gt.video much appreciated 👍. I’m an old 80’s breaker! I only got into cb to keep an eye (ear!) on what my boys were up to 🤣 when they left home the cb’s went to the loft and stayed there until a month or so a go when I actually found my original mobile unit with Mike and what I think we call a “burner?” Now in my 70’s and with a shed I think I shall be following your new series with great interest . This is Snowgoose 1 signing off 10-4 😂😂😂

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hope it will help you back on radio Clive.

[@bevwyatt8343]

Hi Fred,just listened to you cb beginners guide vidio,excellent as usual, right I was a cb operator for many years back in the 60s up until they made it legal on fm,I then decided to have a break as it was just not worth it,re:bad language and abuse, in the 60s I was operating a ham international ssb radio and used to cover the word on it mobile,re mobile antennas I used a K40 and even to this day I still have it and its the original 60/70s one and still works perfectly, so for a mobile antenna this is the one I would recommend and if need be you can wacky a 1000 watts through it,I have now come back to radio and set up a home base,right I sold my ham jumbo and went for the yeasu ft450d and never looked back,now my recommended base antenna is the 5/8 wave lenth Sirio Gainmaster,this on I would strongly recommend, it is up 60ft high and through all kind of wind (up to ninty mph) it has weathered it all and still upright and I might add still one to one swr and the beauty of it is that if you do what the instruction say you will achieve the perfect swr and it will handle 500 watts not that I use that amout and I'm still reaching all around the world,I might add at this point that I use RG mini low lose cable and I have no man made interference what so ever(not even one digit on the radio display s metre.ok Fred keep it coming mate,nice one as always.26-CT-3574 Bev from Norfolk.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Bev. Thanks for the info. A lot of people rate the gainmaster. Its a bit tall for my QTH but if you have to room.

[@CrazedFandango]

I had a CB from the early 80s until around 1990; by that time it was fairly dead. I cannot believe that the internet has not completely killed it off.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

We are still hanging in there bud

[@darknerd66]

Hello Fred in the shed, Jeffrey from the U.S. I have recently gotten myself into CB radio. I currently run a RoadKing CB with an A99 Antron. I have skipped to contacts all over North America, I have even heard a "Jolly Roger" from GB one morning. I highly recommend the Antron antenna. My plans are to advance into a side band machine when I can. RG213 is good too, this set up might require more cash $$$ but it works great. Looking forward to making contacts in GB.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad you like the A99. Mine has been good to me. RG213 is very tough and low loss.

[@parkerssafes]

Hello from the Tennessee! Good vid. thanks.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hello there!

[@2012turok]

I am thinking of coming back to CB...my last CB was a ham international jumbo, I was Madley into CB in the days. Just struggling to find the right rig, needs SSB, LSB UK FM etc.i have a scanner but I have an erg for the CB, so your vids are great, so thank you for this great vid.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Current radio's will be looked at in the next video. If you can run a Jumbo you wont have any issue with newer SSB radio.

[@peterprice5896]

I was on CB from 1979 with an illegal am 40ch radio “cybernet chassis” so it listened well i then got an audio line 341 twiddled with the output coils and got 12watts i then got a fidelity 2001 and tweaked that to 15watts then a cobra 148 GTLDX “great rig” high highs and low lows with an astatic teardrop Mike and es880 echo unit and triple s speech prosessor finally a had a yaesu 757 GX MK2 converted to transmit on 0-30mhz through an Avanti Sigma 4 5/8 wave base antenna.

[@davidwilkinson7746]

In the early nineties, I had a 7 foot firestick on the car on a gutter mount with a Rotel 240 and also a harrier cbx for homebase with a anton99 antenna

[@donbunson5031]

I want everyone to know that liverpool and the wirral has plenty of contacts. In the past month or two I have heard about 50 stations not including the Americans and Europeans coming in on skip. A lot of the locals here are using a lot of power by using a linear amp so are able to cut through the noise Fred mentioned. I would say most use 45w min. The lads are on every night and are friendly but the conversations are for adults only with a lot of swearing. I called for a rig check on 19 in the evening I was first setting my rig up and was answered straight away. I am picking up all these contacts on a silver rod at ground level and it's surrounded by houses and large walls. It is very very far from ideal. I cannot wait to get my new Sirio 2016 up 50 feet in the air. The idea of going mobile in areas were you may be a bit more spread out is a great one and also means you get away from that noise, most of the noise I have has now been eliminated by using a battery at home rather than the mains. I have heard someone talking to the USA with only 8 watts on mobile using lsb. I know all the country is not as busy as liverpool but major cities and towns will have some contacts. Friday night is a busy night here. Good luck.

[@THESHADOW97139]

WOW!!! Many thanks for the battery idea.

[@donbunson5031]

@@THESHADOW97139 This works well for a normal 4 watt radio but higher powered radios may cut out during transmission because they actually need higher voltages that a 12v battery produces. Cars keep their batteries fully charged and also with the engine running you get more like 13.8v. This problem can be rectified with a step up converter that takes 12v and turns it into 13.8. If you type this in to youtube (Boost Converters - Testing A $60 13.8 DC Boost Converter ) A channel called Stuart Sheldon explains step up converters. He also has great videos on how voltages drop a surprising amount with long power cables and recommends keeping them as short as possible and even doubling up cables to linear amps. I went form 20+ noise to zero. Even with my gain fully up I still only see about 2. I am able to hear more of the skip from American than many other locals. I can tell because they keep shouting CQ over perfectly audible stations. I now have heard people from 27 states and heard people as far as Texas. It's awesome and I have not been this excited about a hobby in years.

[@zukispur5493]

silver rod vs siro 2016. The silver rod may not win the fight but the siro 2016 will certainly know it's been in one. If I were you I'd put the silver rod 50ft in the air putting the £100 you'd save towards a linear (RM kl 503) RG 213 coax for the silver rod

[@donbunson5031]

@@zukispur5493 I did have a Gainmaster up and it was snapped by the wind. The silver rod has been better than the gainmaster at picking up faint stations. I was gobsmacked tbh. That's why I chose the 2016 as many locals have said the more metal in the air the better and a few who had gainmasters have switched to the 2016 and loved it. I have already bought the sirio and have my RG213 ready. I worried about the lack of a ground plane with the silver rod and the sirio has a big set of radials. You probably are right and there will be little difference but I just did not want to get the silver rod up in the air and wish I'd got the sirio. I would have that thought in the back of my mind and eventually would have swapped it over. I basically needed to feed my OCD. I actually have OCD and may have obsessed for months over it. I already have a little KL 203 linear and may improve on that eventually. I hope to give this silver rod to a mate and get him on the air.

[@zukispur5493]

@@donbunson5031 whatever you think is best for you don mate. 👍

[@scott-in-dfw3005]

RE: Channel Activity. It's also greatly dependent on your location in relation to a major highway. I'm only 1 mile from a North/South Interstate highway. I pickup loads of truckers and others moving through the area.

[@THUNDERPOLETV]

Great CB Radio beginners guide Fred. Really good advice.

[@Georgeolddrones]

A pirate radio station takes me back to the 70s 80s love me radio love the air band and HF add a Cobra back in the day wot an excellent radio that was, done. No if you can still get them now you’ll probably be able to answer this ,love the video thanks George in Stoke 😂👍

[@peterpritchard5178]

To be fair Fred your vids are brill. We’ve a radio revival on in South wales so we always recommend your vids. I’m good mates with Joel from Stevenage

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Pete. Good old Joely Joel :-)

[@peterpritchard5178]

@@CB-RADIO-UK he’s a good bloke lol. But keep up the good work on the videos 👌

[@Ro9eR]

Thanks Fred for this boost of confidence, I was on CB way back in the day, had lots of fun, lots of community gatherings, games like fox hunting, the list gos on. Legalisation to Fairy Muppet killed it for me. But I see its not dead, so im off to get me a rig, (take out a mortgage for a 148 GTL DX LOL) I wonder if I would make it on ssb from a Winchester high point to St Albans to thank you over the air. 😃 10-10 till we do it again.

[@moktgaming7555]

i have just got myself the maycom u use in this video and got my 5/8 thundpole ready to be set up tomorrow

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Nice one. Best of luck. Hope you find contacts

[@moktgaming7555]

@@CB-RADIO-UK thanks hoping to go up to ssb once got the arial to the height that is about right gonna be starting with your tip of starting lower first but do enjoy watching the vids must remember to like them tho always forget by time finished watching

[@moktgaming7555]

I reckon be good if u had a discord going for all is CB nuts to get on and help each other out with tips and tricks and know who is where abouts and what we all using

[@19TC504]

i m using a jackson 2 export now,my favorite cb is still the lincoln 1 i have a gpa(groundplain antenne) its just about 2.5 meters on a pole and i dont have qrm at all :) my first cb was a albrecht ae 4400 on the mid band ofcourse with a magnet antenna on a steal plate and in the car from my dad :)

[@gazzabyerun9048]

Nice job fred!

[@davekettle6220]

great video about antennas i would have said there are much better antennas out there a 3 element beam or even better a pdl2 that would get them further and make then want to stay with the hobby yes they are a large and need a rota but still the best out there dave

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for the info

[@steelcityman9767]

Hi Fred, just discovered your channel and I love it...your explanations are very good. Back in the day ... I was a pirate on am and when it was legalised on FM, it kind of went downhill a bit, so I jacked it all in. However I'm returning to the scene (SSB) and have got an Anytone Ares 2 rig. You mentioned in this vid about living in places where it is impossible to put up a pole, well that's where I live, so I was wondering if I put a 102" tank whip on a metal dustbin if that would work and would I need any radials ? I have got an EFHW wire tuned to 27 Mhz, but being 74 years old, I will have a problem with ladders in order to fix it on a fall pipe. Thanks for doing the videos.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Welcome back. The tank whip will work but you may have issues with getting the SWR down. You sound quite handy with antennas so you should consider making yourself a T2LT with a telescopic pole. You can put it up and down as you like. See this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqjFhWeQjZtoZ5Y

[@Massygo]

I was a breaker to in the 90's. Did start with a Danita FM300 and later upped to the well known President Herbert V2. Since 2000 i did quit for a while, did move over somewhere else 2 times, appartment housing and had not much time. In 2020 i did turn on the Herbert again, and YES it did still worked, received and .... euh yes my good antenna was gone. Later bought a new one, the silver rod, like do mention so much, raised it up higher and there we go again. CB ain't dead at all, heard the old voices from breakers and some new ones i never heard cause of another region and distance. A nice video would be to give an overview of the CB-radio brands and types. Like the Danita brand was taken over by..??? on the President Herbert that i have i don't find any online information anymore, because it was made before the digital era and long before internet access was all available. SSB is not possible on those devices so i did another upgrade off course.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad to hear you have come back and made contacts.

[@OCDASDA]

Great video can't wait to watch the other parts, i am a novice and haven't a clue where to start, i am about ready to give up until i found this video. I have bought a SDL just to find some stations then i had to buy a ham it up to go with it and a better aerial than the 3 supplied. The bits i have bought wasn't cheap and i don't know if i need other parts, but seeing as i am only seeing and hearing static rather than throw anymore money at it i want to just start again and try a CB radio maybe one i could use mainly at home and in the car as well. If possible i would like it to have a bluetooth and or a jack for speakers so my girlfriend doesn't keep coming in and saying turn that noise down. My problem is i want a CB that is going to work straight away, there are too many on Amazon to choose from and i wouldn't know which is good. Depending on what site you visit everyone has different recomendations they might score 9.8 one week but the next week it might score 7.1 I really am at a loss which CB radio to buy in the UK i understand i need a good aerial and cable but not got a clue which CB and power supply would be best for me. If you or anyone can put an Amazon link to good CB's and power supply i would really appreciate it.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Gary. I would recommend a dedicated CB radio supplier. If there is a problem then there is a better chance they can help you. Ive used Knights www.kcb.co.uk/index.htm and Thunderpole www.thunderpole.co.uk/cb-radio.html in the past. As for a radio i always recommend paying a bit extra and buying a sideband radio. If you want a totally UK legal radio there is not a great deal of choice but the President Mckinley gets very good reviews. On the dark side the Alinco DX10 or the CRT 6900N are good choices. All cb radios have a mono 3.5mm rear jack socket which you can plug a cb radio speaker in to or buy a mono to stereo adapter plug to use headphones. An outside base antenna gives you the very best chance for contacts. Good luck.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Video on CB power supplies kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37FZWmHi56Xh6M

[@ianlivsey7200]

Glad I found this as I'm thinking about getting into CB for the first time, and know NOTHING. Lewis at Ringwaymanchester sent me here, and hopefully you'll have all the info I need in this series.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi and welcome. Yes hopefully all the info you need will be in the series. Plenty of CB in action videos on the channel. If you have any questions just leave a comment on any video and i will try and help.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed my hobbies are painting pictures 🖼 and listening to shortwave and ssb I have 5 shortwave receivers iam thinking about getting my ham license

[@denisabramov6856]

Thanks

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I like your utube videos 📹 😀 👌 👍

[@peternilsson7582]

Thanks!

[@forddude1976]

I had problems with my siro 827 I have now bought a delta loop wier anttan but can't get the swr down. I'm going to wait for better weather and experiment with it

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Keep trying. Weather is a bit cold right now

[@dickvancampen3318]

I would like to point out that new cb radio that can connect to a PC open up a new world of study. Have brought the Chinese th9800 and have to look into the software. But just turn it on on cb just works but there are many options that this thing can do. Maybe scramble the signal ho nows its more complicated then 30 years back (yeah i am that old). But like youre video's and see what is new and stuff. Have a nice day.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I am thinking about getting a hand held CB with SSB

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Expensive Greg and low on power TX.

[@robgibbsofficial]

Nice video Fred 👍🏻

[@joemason9187]

Great vid Fred, what do you know of the DDS-VFO and would one fit in my ss3900

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Sorry bud but know nothing of DDS

[@johnoshea1732]

Hi Fred ,, love the videos. I want to get into cbs,, can u tell me what ide need to start up for a simple house setup,, obviously a cb😂 but wat else please,, have u got any good websites or places i can purchase wat i need, thanks in advance

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Firstly you need to decide if your going to start with a AM / FM radio or a multimode SSB radio. If you can afford it i would say start with a Side Band multi radio. Next antenna. A full sized base station antenna gives you the best chance of getting contacts. Pref mounted high up on a house but you can start on a 2m pole in a garden. Then a PSU and Coax. A cheap SWR meter is also handy. All the above is covered in the beginners video series. Websites UK that have used are Knights CB and Thunderpole.

[@garylloyd-coxhead2675]

Hi Fred. I’m just getting started. I have a local group where I live so there’s plenty of help. However, when it comes to an antenna, I have a 20ft aluminium flagpole in my front garden, no complaints so far. Would it be okay to attach an antenna to the top of the flagpole? Would I get a good signal? Thanks for your beginners video you’ve helped me understand a lot.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes that would be ideal as long as the flag pole is strong enough. Base length antennas in a high wind create a lot of torque on the pole. If its steel it needs to be 1.5" dia or alloy 2". Great you have a local group. Enjoy.

[@garylloyd-coxhead2675]

Thanks. It’s handled a full flag in very strong winds without issue, even the flag has become shredded, so should be ok I reckon.

[@philthefluter4253]

Great series Fred, i bought a President Lincoln 2 plus with the CB channels added, i also bought the sirio 200 Antennae. On the documents for the arial it gives a tuning table from 26.4 to 28.2 with 6 separate measurements which needs the top of the arial moved up and down for each range of stations. Do i have to go out, take down the arial and move the top up or down every time i want to receive either 10m, 12m or Cb channel's? Thanks in advance from a newbie learned people.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No not for recieve. You will just need to adjust the SWR to the channel / freq that you will use the most on 11m cb. Maybe channel 20 UK FM or 27.555 MHz for skip. It will receive 12m and 10m fine. If you wanted to transmit on those bands you would need an antenna tuner.

[@philthefluter4253]

@@CB-RADIO-UK many tx for your reply, i will keep a weather eye out on you tube for a suitable tuner. If it means i do not have to take the arial down it will be worth it.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Ive just tested a cheap £50 auto tuner. Worked reasonable. Video in a few weeks.

[@philthefluter4253]

@@CB-RADIO-UK look forward to it, not too enamoured of taking the pole down..lol

[@MP-qn1jw]

I am a CBer in the U.S.A. Thanks for the video! Just put up a "Super Penetrator". Now sold as a 10/12m, it kicks butt on 11m, once tuned. Hard to find metal CB base antenna, but this one did the trick. LMR400 (real Times cable) assembled by MPD Digital connecting it to a Uniden 980SSB. I have great reports with this rig. Cudos! Curious though, do you have a Fisher connected to a Rotel?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes i have the graphic connected to the Rotel. However i never use it.

[@johndeere3473]

Hi Fred. Can you add to your list a video explaining the whole call sign thing. Seems so many different number and letter combinations in use and phrases such a needle bender and so on. Can you just simply make up a call sign or do you need to be officially issued with one. I’m sure I’m not the only returnee to CB wondering what it’s all about. Thanks Fred.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi John. This should cover it.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnq9oIyIqclgiLc

[@thomasmaughan4798]

There's no such thing as an office to issue official callsigns.

[@simonclarke2198]

Hi I have a President Lincoln |I PLUS LINCOLN+ if you are talking say A to I Band you can hear the person OK But you go to say Band B 33 the offset for UK channel 19 you do not hear the person speaking ok it sounds off but you can understand if he is on UK 40 Would you have any help on this Simon?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Funny you mention that. I had a Lincoln a while back and that was also off freq on certain channels. Sorry but not sure why.

[@gordonhudspith1214]

Hi Fred, it would be nice to see who is talking. You might not like being in front of the camera, but I think it would improve your channel. I like all the videos your upload, however seeing you in the flesh would be good.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for the tip

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

Question about home antenna placement. I already have a weather station (web based), TV antenna, AM/FM antenna on my roof. Is there any distance I should keep the CB antenna from any of my existing? OR since they are on different frequencies, it won't matter placing near them.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes CB antennas like room to breath or it can raise the SWR. Try and keep a clear 1.5 meters all around and dont put it close to a wall.

[@BIG-T-99]

Which silver rod works better lower a 1/2 wave or 5/8 or no difference ? Or is there a better option if your starting about 2 or 3 metres off the ground to test the neighbours ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The 5/8 should have an advantage over the 1/2. However is longer being typical 21 foot.

[@Prepperfather]

Ime just starting up again new subscriber I used cb in early 90s now ime back forgot the lot lol

[@user-fc3ow1vh5r]

Hi Fred I've finally decided to subscribe and get your channel I'm from Lancashire originally a Yorkshire lad but I'm retired here and quite happy and settled. Back in the good old days I was on the rigs on the local muddy wheelers channel and enjoyed my rotel240 in the cab of my loading shovel. At home I has a hi gain 5 with all the bells and whistles ( naughty naughty) However that's all gone now and I no longer have the equipment. I'm starting to watch all your videos and I'm thinking of coming back to radio.. Trouble is I'm now disabled and have difficulty getting out so that's why I'm thinking of the CB again I'm loving your channel and I hope I can ask you for some advice as I progress I'm looking at the ss6900 where would I be able to buy it from please So here's hoping you have your ears on and if you get time any reply would be great Thank you Les from Oldham

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Les. Great you should be all set up for a GREAT summer of skip. You can get the 6900V7 on places like ebay. I got mine from Knights. www.kcb.co.uk/contents/en-uk/p1532.html

[@user-fc3ow1vh5r]

@@CB-RADIO-UK thanks Fred I'm going to watch your KZbin channel for a few weeks then I will decide what I am going to do Many thanks great channel by the way

[@user-fc3ow1vh5r]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I won't keep going on lol my strangest copy was the summer of 85 I think I got a QSL from a taxi driver in London while I was in Selby near York in the machine and most of the farmers on the channel got him too Love riding the skip had many good contacts The Italians were always a bit dodgy to QSL don't know what they are like today Thanks again Fred for your reply

[@jameswalsh8593]

A couple of things you could have covered. You mentioned interference. But you did not mention that a CB, especially on SSB running high power can wipe out TV reception & other signals. Which could cause problems with neighbours. And that big ass thunderpole on your roof leaves them in no doubt which dook to knock. A low pass filter would be a consideration for those planning on running higher power. Also. Antennas. For people on a budget, or living in a flat there is another option. That is an end fed dipole. You can feed it out a window & attach it to a nearby tree ect. Dipoles are cheap & can be inconspicuous to neighbours. I have spoken to many countries on the planet using a simple end fed dipole. Which was a length of copper wire that l simply cut to length to achieve low swr on 11m band. And l found that copper wire on a tip. So it cost me nothing. Jim G7NFP

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good point on the low pass filter. I will inc in a future video.

[@daienaa]

Hi can you please make a video explaining about what power supply you usually need for a cb radio especially for those who are new and did get a radio without power supply and now need to find something that works. On mine it says maximum 10 ampere and that confuses me about if the radio want no more than 10 ampere or if it means I can use 25 ampere too.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Coming soon.

[@johnbolt806]

Hi Fred. Just a quick question. I have asked it of Facebook groups but most people there are sarcastic and no help. When I first got into cb I was told to plug the power pack straight into the wall and not a plug extension. Is this true and still the same now. Does an extension lower power. Thanks. I know if I need advice you are the best

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Cannot see how an extension lead would make any difference as normally they come with 13 amp flex. A standard CB radio barely pulls 1 amp of current. I think they might have been tugging your chain back then. Happy New Year.

[@brandonledford693]

I have a General Grant but don’t know much about it can do a video on a general grant

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Sorry not a radio ive heard of.

[@19TC504]

also you forget to tell,when you on a flat or something and there put a little antenna on the balcony there need enough mass to do that otherwise you get a sh*tload on swr

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep. Boomerang is the way forward. I have done some work on a homemade version which may or may not end in a video.

[@assistantto007]

I'd like to use a gutter mount , but like many cars from the last 20 years - my old Ford focus doesn't have a gutter.. Does anyone have any actual experience using those hatchback mounts - aka Nagoya RB-400...?

[@paulsmeg]

As long as its touching metal your be fine, obviously if mounted lower than the roof ie 2 feet lower on boot it may not get as good signals. One option is to buy 1 roof mount and drill hole n attatch to roof then run a earth from the mount to the car if you can. Ive used mag mounts, gutter mounts and bonet mounts. All with different results.

[@DontBeNaiveGuys]

PNI ML160 antenna ?? Is it any good compared to thunderpoles?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I dont know the antenna myself but it looks ok and a 1.5m its long enough.

[@rustandoil]

There's not too many people around my area..... 😕

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

If you can try to arrange a reg time when your on and get another to join you.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed you should do live chat?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not really my thing Greg. Also Iam not in to that donating (buy me a coffee) scene.

[@pinguino511]

Hi, what do you think of the AnyTone 5555N II with the Sirio 827 ? I'm from S America

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

A good start. The 5555N works very well on SSB and the 827 comes highly recommended by users. Another radio to consider would be the Alinco DX10.

[@pinguino511]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I finally get the AnyTone, a MegaWatt 36 amp power source and a X-Phase QRM eliminator . What antenna tuner you recommend me ? Thank you in advance 🙏

[@tonywright8294]

Ok rubbery ducks ?

[@johngriffiths3309]

It seems like the lingo has changed some like handles it seems like people use phonetics intstead of a nick name .. I’m a bit confused I just brought a starter pack I’m still confused.. I had a real basic rig when I was younger but that was 36 years ago

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi John. A few things have changed on sideband but FM is pretty much the same. More here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnm9pZ5ubrilnck

[@grahamwardandcd1594]

Fred are u interested buying thunder pole tx handheld CB radio. Only 2weeks old I can't get back into CB not many on by me it's a nice radio

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Not for me I am afraid. I dont really rate them. Stick it on Ebay as they go for good money on there.

[@zombiebiker5581]

Hello I know I’m late to the party, I have a council ground floor flat. In my tiny garden little away from the house I got one off the council washing line poles (I cut the other done about 2”-3” diameter) it’s set couple feet into the ground,stable steel or iron, would that do as a mount? Attaching a coax would be tricky but not hard. Thanks for any advice.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Most base antennas will fit a standard 2" pole as they have U clamps at the bottom. Your pole set in the ground will work fine.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

As far as coax you can buy pre cut lengths with plugs already attached.

[@matthewjeanes4979]

I’ve gone with a thunderpole TX and was wondering what’s the best aerial upgrade?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Prob a mobile mag mount antenna on a car roof.

[@rob67629]

Hi Fred . Just a quick question if you don't mind. I recently acquired a CRT 7900. I was led to believe in the article it would come all singing and dancing with the chanal,s in all the right places thay aren't. I don't know how to set it up myself. Can you help? I have a frequency chart the problem is that when I change chanal the frequency gets lost again. I don't know how to set it up to be honest. I have the little cable it came with do I need a computer? I'm lost can you suggest any fixes? Yours Tilkren

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Ive not owned one myself. The 6900 just needs a USB connection lead and then to download the programming software to change the stored freq. This might help you. www.transmission1.net/viewtopic.php?t=58619

[@rob67629]

Thanks Fred.

[@TracyWolzfelt-pn8wg]

Be use cb yaer my dad ran with reaact i drove truck 30 in truck

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed do you have a ham transceiver?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes Greg two are seen in the video.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Is any of your equipment legal for use on the frequencies shown?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Depends on the freqs. My Grant 2 is UK legal.

[@colombianhustle76]

I'm trying to do a radio check but no body answer back 😅

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

LOL yeah i know that feeling. I was calling out on my Mag Loop the other day and not a sausage.

[@nuchairco4137]

Looking for people in Cape May NJ

[@jeffgrant664]

i have a question regarding a cb radio troublemaker in barrie can i get a better cb radio

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not sure i understand.

[@jeffgrant664]

@@CB-RADIO-UK i am considering getting a radioshack cb radio

[@jeffgrant664]

i am replacing my cb radio because i'm not under warranty anymore from cobra

[@AndrewBryantPianoTuner]

I can't see your Icom 7300

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Andrew. Dont own one.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed do you have your ham license?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No Greg

[@peterpowell8827]

Make sure you have a handle, before broadcasting. User name

[@SimonBlandford]

And a callsign, if using SSB to talk over long distances. Fred did a good video on this a few years ago.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Two video links in the description :-)

[@prizeking1647]

The problem is people just chatting about radio all the time it gets boring. Mix it up and get others interested in or it all dies

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think thats where groups work well. Regular people come on daily and you get to know whats going on in peoples lives so you can chat freely.

[@christophersmith1155]

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME . PUT UP A ANTRON 99 WITH A TRIPOD AND 5 FOOT MAST AND RG-213 COAX CABLE. YOU WILL BE HAPPY FOR MANY YEARS. THIS IS CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE. AFTER THAT GO AMERICAN. RUN RG-400 STRANDED COAX . A 25 KW GROUND PLANE ANTENNA , AND A TUBE AMPLIFIER 3CX15000 AT 20,000 WATTS

[@vtechead1]

CB was good when illegal, but has died a death in a lot of areas.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

It was fun back then but that was a long time ago now.