CB RADIO Newbie. Getting started on SSB. (Single Sideband)

For the new guys and gals on CB Radio. Some useful links and a disclaimer below.
Understanding Shortwave
en.wikipedia.o...
Cb radio list of freq's
www.coastalcomm...
Dellboy on KZbin.
/ delboyonline
Charlie Tango forum.
charlietango.co...
Charlie Tango FB page
/ 166605419718
Fred on Facebook
www.facebook.c...
Foxtrot Lima Phonetic alphabet
fldx.org/site/p...
Foxtrot Lima Q codes
fldx.org/site/q...
Foxtrot Lima calling freq's
fldx.org/site/1...
Knights UK CRT SS 6900N @ £149
www.kcb.co.uk/s...
Disclaimer from Fred.
Ive made this video to try and answer some of the questions from new to SSB CB radio people. Its to help them get on air and make contacts. This is not an ultimate "Sideband Radio" users guide and may contain the odd mistake. Please comment accordingly. Thanks.

[@MrTayto63]

As someone who hasn't been on cb for over 10 years when it was just 40 channel ,this is great video.your one of best I seen showing people how to start for first time or coming back to cb. Well done.keeep up good work.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome aboard!

[@richardmillican7733]

Revisiting some of your earlier videos Fred! I cant believe this video is 5 years old! It was these videos that brought me back to radio!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Yes time moves on at a fast rate.

[@richardmillican7733]

@@CB-RADIO-UK You're not kidding!! Seems like only yesterday I was a teenager chatting up girls on channel 14!! Marconi day yesterday was a washout in Anglesey. I suddenly had 7 of noise.

[@tomleddy7620]

Thank you Fred. There’s more to SSB than I realized but your very detailed explanation makes it seem more interesting.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glenn7245]

Brillant run down... Ohhhh the early 80s, Ham International Multimoede II, yards of RG213, an Avanti Sigma IV... And a signal processor. A wonderful period and experience.

[@robpetoletti826]

Very good video, very informative. I'm in the US but it's fun to see how CB In the UK and Europe works.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Rob. I miss your "super bowl" channel.

[@robpetoletti826]

Wrong Rob, but thanks anyway. 😉

[@johnmclean992]

lol old codgers love it fred I dont have fb dont want to know what people had for dinner but you have made me think. great vid as usual.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks John. Yes its the older gen that rule Facebook now. Just set up a sterile facebook profile. FB now gives you the option to remove tracking from your account.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Not up here it is not. We get all the "Look what I am about to eat" and all the stupid comments about road accidents etc. NOT on FARSEBOOK, nor do I want to be!

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Iv learned more in this video than any other video on KZbin, great 👍

[@JohnnyRebKy]

What I like about CB sideband is it's ability to skip very long distance on low power. I always had barefoot non amplified radios and I never could shoot skip on AM. Its near impossible without lots of power. But on sideband my 32 watt radio can talk all over the country. My first transmit on lsb I made contact with Canada from here in southern USA. And to make it even more impressive I'm doing it on a Mobil and magnet mount antenna on my pickup truck. It's amazing how much better ssb works for long distance with barefoot low power and small Mobil antenna. I should have bought a ssb radio years ago Anyone reading this debating on upgrading to a CB with sideband...just do it. It's worth it

[@yesscarborough8473]

Just put out the feelers with a cb buddy about getting one,can't wait to try sideband

[@vimmeh]

Great video Fred, I was into CB back in the early 80's, got my Ham ticket in the early 90's and stopped it all due to working/raising family etc, so after a 26 year gap have started re-building the shack. Time to get over the mic shyness all over again :) Keep up wit the great video's 73 :)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Colin. It only takes a good couple of overs to get right back into using the radio again. Then its like you never left.

[@vimmeh]

fredintheshed1 thanks Fred, agreed after a few overs all should be good. Good news is after my Rip Van Winkle type sleep we now have more than 40 channels and legal SSB too, not only that the morse test to get on HF ham bands has gone too :)

[@stevetattam5282]

Hi Fred, just returned to radio from 80s got 69900 v FOUND THIS VIDEO EXTREMLY HELPFUL, THANK YOU

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Just come across your video Fred. Blimey, this takes me back. Not been on CB since the mid 80s. I am a ham now, but tbh, I don’t use that much. Much get into CB radio again, and see what’s happening. I do have a few radio’s but no antenna as yet, apart from an old Silver Rod, which hasn’t been connected since the mid 90’s! I have been looking at the Antron 99. You have a new subscriber.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Welcome. Once CB is in the blood etc. I would clean up the old Silver Rod and stick it on a pole. They still work well.

[@tomleddy7620]

Hi, I’m a ham technician. I’m finding I can’t afford hf ham transceivers at all. I don’t like to buy used equipment. But these CB, especially SSB are much more affordable. Thank for a great video.

[@musatalin]

I recently picked back up the hobby(that’s because in my home country Romania, a lot of drivers use ch 22 on EU). I’m only 30 yo, but in my early teens I used to go to extracurricular school of electronics(that’s the rough translation from Romanian). I can’t wait to return to The UK and use my radio as a base station. Thank you very much for all the information you put up on KZbin, it really helped me to update my knowledge in a short time. Hope to catch you on CB. Cheers

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

More than welcome buddy. hope you get back on air and find some contacts.

[@johnmac6202]

Hi Fred, I have listened to you for several sessions and enjoyed you presentations helping new people, I am ZL3 JMC In New Zealand. back in the good old days (to punt a phrase,) I was one of about 2000000 CBers. maple leaf was my first handle then became 41 ALFA TANGO. then 20 years 17 ago became a radio Ham. When all restrictions of covet are lifted here in NZ will be back to UK for 3 or four years on the canals. I plan on getting a (UK) CB and I will bring my yaesu FT-900. keep the good work up Fred... John

[@kennethgavens1784]

Nice to hear you Fred long time since the days I was active, with base station 2 on the mike 1 nightwing would have been the handle and VP02 the call sign on 11 mtrs just come back on from cyprus new call sign 110 TD 02 so will keep my ears open for you and others that may still be about like frank VP07 or the WT group 73s and 51s to you and family ..

[@GazzaJollyRoger8152]

Very well done! Thank you.. Old timer here trying to get back into the modern electronic style radios and the states here changed it to where fm is allowed on the cb now, just wish President would do a am/fm/lsb/usb all in one radio here like they do for the UK. Actually sent a email to them and they replied and said " we expect to have an all mode CB in 2023". Its either am/ssb or am/fm for a radio choice here in the states for now, and far as trying to get someone to work on a 10 meter radio to allow the cb range is hard to come by these days. Also going to pass this video around to some people whom are just getting into the cb/ssb, going to send them here because i think you make a good teacher for the new person just getting into it! Enjoying your channel here in the states/ 73!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Gazza. Iam working on a complete beginners guide to CB radio series of videos as things have changed.

[@GazzaJollyRoger8152]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Awesome, i was just talking to someone about the cb/ssb and how things have changed a lot, going to point them towards your direction for sure! If you ever hear North East Kingdom mobile that would be me here in the states, maybe some day we can cross wires across the pond, 73!

[@davidcooke7744]

Hi Fred I’ve now got my 6900 up and running getting some good contacts. As I said I’ve got a 3m with a silver rod tied with luggage straps to the garden fence post works great and easy to get down for adjustments. Very pleased with the setup since coming back into Cb.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Well done David. Glad your getting contacts straight away. Just need a bit of skip to come over for the 27.555 USB channel.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

[Short version] nice easy video to follow Fred. Well done.

[@kellyphillips4404]

Great information. Watching from Kentucky “ The Bluegrass State “ in The U.S.A Thanks my friend

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnbolt806]

Hi Fred. I left the last message before I watched this video. You explain quite a lot that I wanted to know. I just picked a random video to message you on. It pays to watch a video before sending a message :).

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No probs any time John.

[@alangiles2763]

Really enjoyable and informative Fred. Thank you

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Alan.

[@DrRideWell]

Hi Fred, just found your excellent channel. Yes i am in my 50s and I loved my radios in the day. Time to dig them out of the attic I think!!!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome aboard!

[@David-rc8us]

Hi Fred . Thanks for a great video. You certainly get a fully equipped radio for your money. I have priced one up today , can't believe the price . Ordered one today fully loaded with PC interface and software.£ 158.00p . can't go wrong. I have moved away from amature radio seems dead around my area and moving more to the CB radio . As CB looks more easy going and less expensive too. Good tip on Facebook setup neaver thought about it. 73 David

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi David. Its a lot of radio for the money. Not HF build quality but they work well once you swap the standard mic or at least remove the inside foam. I got out to Corsica last night on about 20 watts on my 6900N. Yes facebook groups are the way forward to find nets and arange meets etc.

[@RGD-Games]

I am in Cambridge :) Should be receiving my Radioddity Cb-500 tomorrow :D Cannot wait..

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Have fun!

[@garystearn2376]

Hi Fred the video was a great help I was getting frustrated in till I see your video thanks

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes there is a learning curve with modern radios. Glad to help out.

[@davidbennett906]

Another helpful one Fred. Keep up the good work. I never had ssb back in the day (in the 80s), but am seriously thinking I'll be dabbling if/when I return.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi David. When the band conditions are with us (sadly not the best for the next few years) SSB is the way to go to get contacts all over Europe.

[@upinyou8]

Dude thank you for sharing. I sincerely hope you are blessed.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks bud

[@rolfsblog]

I wish i had seen the movies about this CB radio a lot sooner... That would have saved me money!!! ;-)

[@clairejensen4859]

Thanks for posting Fred xx

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome. :-)

[@Pault459]

Thanks Fred this vidio was really useful I' am having the same problem with mine

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad it helped

[@geodark]

Cracking vid mate, just setting up again after a 25 to 30 year break - very useful :)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome back.

[@markkane5176]

Absolutely great video Fred👍👍 and yes my own mother going on for 80 is also more active on FB than me !!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I know its sad but funny.

[@stu281]

Fred top post you’re a comms guru.

[@MrRealistic11]

Hi Fred just getting back into CB after 40 odd years probably spent a little too much but who cares dont suppose it will be anywhere near as good as it was but willing to give it a try see how it goes ..am enjoying your channel so keep up the great work

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome back.

[@richceretto5836]

Hi Fred! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge . Since I am pretty much confined to mostly my house these days I have been thinking of and learning about ham radio and refreshing what little I remember about cb transmission from my youth in the 70s.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Welcome. CB in some areas is a bit quite compared to the 70's.

[@waynechapman82]

another cracking video fred look forward to the nxt one

[@tomleddy7620]

Great video Fred.

[@MarkWinfield-c2q]

Thank you Fred for your expert information you explain everything and also very easy to understand .....just getting back into cb haven't had a cb for 30 years .....Will keep watching.....ps have you a Facebook account?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thank you. No not on FB.

[@scousepie2]

Hi Fred, well done buddy.. its a long way from my Harrier CBX.. great content..

[@DrCrabfingers]

Enjoyed your video....I learned a lot! Thanks for the upload.

[@timothyparryjropen]

The E-layer is important in the propagation of 10 & 11 Meters, the more charged the E layer is the more the band is open. Another important layer for 10 & 11 is the F2 layer with sunspots of which you can get double-hop F2 propagation and have worldwide contacts via the F2 layer. We are in a low cycle, however that does not mean the band won't open, but it might not open as much and the openings could be very brief in nature.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for the extra info Tim

[@timothyparryjropen]

No problem. Hope things are all well over there. Long live CB Radio.

[@derekcharleslovell]

i got one Fred, it's brilliant, got all the channels tuned as i want. good video. thanks.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad you like yours.

[@johnmckinney1493]

Just ordered a 6900. Looks like a fun unit. I have a nice collection of classic cobras, uniden, and Midland radios.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Its good value John. Enjoy

[@doyrayburn2668]

Such a good vid we'll overlook the bit about fb.

[@larryspencer4486]

Brilliant video thank you I’ll start off looking at all the videos

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Larry

[@CT-lf8fw]

Another great video Fred, All the best, 73 to you and yours

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers 73's

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

Very well explained Bro.. That was a massive information upload.. And for sure ,stay away from Negative signals...

[@petepip]

Good video as always, thanks

[@JonBvideostuff]

VERY helpful... thanks!

[@steveg4793]

Very nicely explained mate , i really like this rig, value for money and really does a lot, just purchased one myself with cable and software which i didn't really need because i already had it downloaded, anyway should be fun. Yup i am a returning cb'er from the 80's, QSO's from all over the world on a standard ssb rig from the car, skip was insane then mate. So this one really appealed to me because i prefer the knobs to pushing buttons, a bit old school, but still plenty of menu functions to let you know where things are. Cheers and beers!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Steve. Yes everything has become menu based and double press buttons even for the vol and squelch on some radios. The 6900 is like "ford" of radios and gets the job done well enough. The standard mic can be improved for about £11. was on mine today and sounding good.

[@steveg4793]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Well put, yes i have a ford too. So i got one of those power mikes but i did watch the vid on the birds nest behind the mike lol that will be coming out until the mike arrives,and only a few more years to the next solar cycle woo hoo! cheers + 73's

[@johngospel7401]

You are worth your weight in gold my friend thank you

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks John. Just glad to help out.

[@darrenwright496]

not been on a cb radio since the 1980, just looking at getting one again

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

A lot has changed. You have 100's of channels now with AM and Sideband. You still need a good outside antenna. I made a whole CB starting series. Here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2XHk4x3nsyjrNk

[@clyth41]

Great video and I have this radio its fantastic.. Cheers 73's

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

Brilliant video! I learnt alot.Thanks.

[@ratanator]

Brilliant Fred keep it up 👍

[@checkthefacts.]

I drifted away from CB in the early 90s when I got my ham ticket, G0RJI,back then you needed something like the hy gain V for SSB which was totally illegal,26.285 lsb was just as popular a calling frequency as 27.555 usb ,the sunspot peaks were much stronger than more recent highs and Stateside and even Australia was much easier even on something like a Thunderpole,no Yagi needed,but recently 10,11 meters seem to be mostly sporadic E openings. The risk of SSB use and the need to keep overs short and figuratively keep looking over your shoulder for the DTI officials was a good incentive to get the ham license. It was only recently I found out that SSB was legalized for CB,wow what a privilege,things have moved onwards and upwards.

[@royneil2951]

Great video as usual Fred. Thorough and easily understood for newcomers. Face book:Fred your right, its mostly anonymous old farts like me. I was talked into joining by my daughter. Fun if you use the old adage No Name No Pack drill LOL. Thanks again Fred for the memory refresher. Take care.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Roy. Look out for a Kenny video on fred2 today. The poor biys been sick :-(

[@BOOMBABY2020]

great video ,very informative

[@spanishpropertyconsultants]

Hi Fred. I acquired from a ham radio enthusiast a couple of years ago a Galaxy Big Rig DX95t2 which has never been used and is still in it's box. I was thing about setting up another antenna where I had one 20 years ago but are the frequencies dead, just don't want to go all through the agro to find nothing out there. 73's

[@sean-2e0xbt57]

Another great video - Thanks Fred :)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers its a long one :-)

[@markgutteridge]

Another good video as all ways Fred take care hope you family OK mark from Loughborough Leicestershire ct 2674

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks Mark. Kenny gave us a scare last week. A video about it will be up on Fred2 in a day or two. All the best.

[@MalcolmNorthfield]

Thank you helping me get there

[@mattcurtis3019]

I needed this! Thanks 👍

[@tonsmulders5218]

CB-radio is a great fun, but the CRT6900N is illegal for CB use, the power is to much. But, the differance between 4 and 40 watts is just a few s-points, anyway,.. i had one a few years ago, and i had lots off fun with the radio. Now i am using an HF-set, 10 - 160 meters 120 watts all-mode,.. works pretty nice. Secondhand on e-bay, same cost as a new 6900, so, i have now also the 45 meterband, great fun.

[@gardenweld]

Hi.. thank you for this video 👍🏻 subd

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for the sub!

[@llamedosr7843]

After early problems with a bad a99 base, I'm thoroughly enjoying my 6900.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good to hear. For the money the radio offers a lot.

[@ncphotos]

Nice video. I started on Side band on the CB. Then i got my Ham ticket W2CSI.com it is a lot of fun.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Sideband and FM is quite busy in certain places. Others are dead.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Is your single sideband a phase locked loop radio? I used to modify phase locked loop single sideband radios to go above channel 40 and below channel 1 and modify the clarifier to swing the transmitter with the receiver. Ah, those were the days in the mid 70's for single sideband radios. I had a 250 watt linear base station with a hole drilled in the top of my radio with a tuning wand stuck in the oscillator so I could swing it either up or down depending on if I were above 40 or below channel 1. The most desirable radios back in the mid 70's were Sears and J.C. Penny's single sideband radios that were phase locked loop radios which could be modified very easily with just a cut in the trace on the circuit board and a couple of SPST switches to choose the frequency. I had a Fluke freq counter set up on my base station with an SWR meter so I could tell where I was (frequency) and maintain my standing wave ratio at nearly 1:1. I had a 1/2 wave ground plane antenna and could talk around the world with my rig. Sold it all when I moved from the Atlanta area to Tennessee. My dad (age 95) still has some of his old radios and linear amps that I plan on getting. I've got his old freq counter so, if I can round up an antenna, I just might put up another base station. I stayed just below the 10 meter HAM band usually around channel 60 on the upper side band. I talked to more HAM radio operators than CB radio operators 'cause most people had 40 channel radios. It sure is a lot quieter upstairs than it is on channels 1 to 40. I kinda miss those days. I liked using the Q codes rather than all that 10-4 good buddy crap. After QSK you should report QRT and QSX--quit transmitting and listening.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Rusty iam not sure. These radios can drift a little until fully warmed up.

[@w.rustylane5650]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Okay, it must be a tube type radio. I've only worked on solid state radios.

[@robert121ric]

Thank for quick reply

[@silvafox8371]

Very helpful thank you

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Hi Fred. Been away from CB for years now, marriage got in the way and so did work! What are the legal frequencies and antennas we can use these days. My power supply exploded th last time I used it, so that stopped me and then the missis came along and then family! Power supply needs a new electrolytic capacitor which I did get but have moved housed twice since then. I have seen bits of the power supply still waiting on the repair, but only bits of it :-(( so I might have to do something about it. I have been around Ham radio a bit more than CB, but I never bothered to get my licence either, just to busy! Now I am am not busy I don't have the money anymore! Such is life. Anyway, your guide is not bad and is well good enough to start with. What I would suggest for a starter is just to talk to some locals having a chat until they get a bit of confidence. I remember my first time way back in the AM days. Then I got involved in Pirate Radio, but that is another story. I have worked a lot of Europe and quite a bit of it on legal UK stupid channels, thankfully a lot of others had Ham Jumbos in Europe and was able to slide the transmitter across to UK FM. Anyway, a nice video for beginners Fred, keep up the good work.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi Bob. All the 11 meter CB band is now legal inc AM FM and SSB. Legal power is 4 watts AM FM and 12 Watts SSB. If you want to be 100% legal. No restrictions on antenna other than local councils.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Thanks for getting back to me Fred. I'll need to dig my way into the shed where everything has been buried for years. FM & SSB was my favourite operating modes anyway. I was never interested in Am, except when that was all there was in the illegal days! :-))

[@davidritchie6523]

Nice video..I was on the air in the 90s i remember the super star 3600 and cobra 14 gt dx were the radios most people wanted for DX there were said to be the same radio different cover i see now there is the radio you CRT Superstar 6900 and a Ranger version of the SSA 3900 I was wondering if it was CRT who made the SS 3600 way back in the day and if its the same company making the SS 6900 I ask because i am thinking of setting up a radio again and i thought i will try and get a cobra 148 or ss 3600 if im lucky get 1 in good shape but it looks like it would be a safer and better choice to get one of these new crt ss radios

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

CRT are a french company so it might be the same.

[@gezb99]

thanks for taking the time ;O)

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Pleasure

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Very good Enjoyed

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Glad you liked.

[@paulharper1874]

Just bought this radio as a newbie to the hobby, problem I’m having is the dc hi warning beeps when the engine is running but not when turned off, I have had my alternator and battery checked and they are ok, running at 14 and 14.3v. Radio bought from jabber on eBay.

[@leybald60]

I used SSB on a CB many years ago in the late 70s early 80s using a Cobra 148GTL DX, haven't used CB for a number of years. Quite an informative article Fred but you seem to be saying you can only use SSB for DX conversations when the propagation is right. What you've overlooked is SSBs use in the UK over longer distances than FM or AM, I used to regularly set up on top of a hill or high point and have conversations with other CB'ers many miles more than with the usual FM.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Ian. Yes your right you can get local skip on FM and AM. Its quite rare but i have got a video on the channel when i caught some.

[@LeeKirkman88]

They'll experience propagation on UK40 as you frequently get foreign stations calling for contact on the 19. But SSB is where its at.

[@clivedavies3]

Nice one fred

[@MrSlugbait]

5 or 600 views??....or 41 thousand? well done Fred

[@michaelzuniga9652]

The Radio looks a lot like a Cobra I could be wrong but that's fine it's what I see Enjoyed the the Vlog keep going WAVEN from So.Cal

[@twodogz5575]

nice one Fred

[@adriangreen6462]

Cheers fred

[@MrSIZEMIK]

i remember reading 25 years ago that Sideband is 10x more efficient when transmitting, so 10w sideband is like 100w FM

[@looneytune-upelectronicsll2241]

great job.

[@bluezbiker1]

if you press in the clarefer you can tune without the clicking for a short while.

[@pauldarby1739]

Enjoyed the video Fred. CT2625 Keep it up.👍🏻

[@MrLosttheplot]

hi i really like your videos. ive built your power supply in a tool box. its great. thank you

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Andy. Mine has been working well.

[@mattcurtis3019]

I can't wait to set up my Shakespeare 25 ft.. just need to know what to buy rig wise want to be able to set up a nice bit of kit?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Depends on what you want to spend. I would always advise to get a SSB radio.

[@cmj20002]

On 11 meters in the USA we use LSB not USB, so if you are trying to make a contact in the USA it will be LSB. I have a Galaxy 93T and a Stryker 955 HPC that I run. Usually I use the Stryker, but I like my Galaxy the most, it is more of a collectors piece now.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes ive made stateside on LSB before. A video is on my channel. Hoping to get some USA action this fall.

[@cmj20002]

@@CB-RADIO-UK I have picked up skip from down under on 38 LSB, when conditions are good you can get just about anywhere. I use a mobile antenna just a 4 foot fire stick and 100 watts gets you pretty far during skip. The only place I have never heard during skip is Alaska. I get the islands, north and Southern US. Canada as well, but never AK. Not sure why.

[@jackapoomypuppytilly6003]

great 👍

[@johnhall3827]

remember the cobra 80 ussb lssb am fm 80 channel American cb great for lessening to the American's. you could not talk to them, but you did get the odd conversation .

[@mightywhite4558]

Hi Fred I used to be on cb years ago & I had a really good set up when I had house with my dipole up really high. 30 years later I live in a flat & in not aloud to put any dipole up. I bought a balcony aireal to try. I also live in a bit of a dip. Wat I want to know is the president Grant 2 the newish rig legal. Will I be able to pick up skip still on such a small aireal.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

In the summer when skip is high a small antenna will still work.

[@keithrobinson3532]

Keith Robinson in Littlehampton. Bought a CRT SS 6900N v and I've tried for 3 days to receive signals but all I get is static. Followed the instructions on the yellow tape strip on top of the unit and nothing new happens. I set the digital viewer screen on 27.555.00 but still nothing. Using a fully charged car battery which I charged daily cos I run fairy lights on it at night. I can't even get FM. Nothing works. Just static. I'm new to Ham CB and I'm 71 years old. Tried watching all your videos but got totally confused and disheartened at lack of progress trying to get a person on CB 40 channels and USB and LSB. Need help. Can you do a video on starting from scratch keeping in mind I don't know a dam thing about CB Ham radio. Cheers.K.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Sorry to hear your having issues. There is a learning curve coming back on radio from the old 40. Ive been on the radio myself off and on this afternoon and there is nothing coming in at all on the 27.555. All the channels are dead. I was lucky to get some local contacts on the 305 but that was it. Radio does go a bit like that. First question is what antenna do you have up.

[@keithrobinson3532]

Hi Fred. The antenna I am using is a Sigma Excalibur

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Sorry to say but unless you have local cb action that compact antenna is going to be very restrictive. However it may bring in some skip when it about. To stand a chance to hear stations say 10 miles and more your going to need a 18' base antenna be it on a pole or better high up. Best value is a Silver Rod at around £30

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233466093020?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338365712&toolid=20006&customid=EB46774827&

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

This is the most BASIC set up you can try but it does work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWrQiaaOj899rZI

[@mrcool5351]

Great video fred loved it OFCOM WILL BE SEEING YOU SOON all the best have a nice day

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I very much doubt it. Welcome to the 2000's mr cool.

[@mightywhite4558]

Hi Fred can u put a dipole attached to ceiling in lounge & will i still be able to swr it in. I live in a block of flats. & I'm not aloud to put any aireal s outside. & I don't have access to loft. Pl163

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Chris to be honest a indoor dipole is going to be very restricting if it works at all. Could you not rig up say a block of wood which you could attach a small antenna and stick it out the window when you want to go on air. I was thinking something like a Sirio Boomerang 27a. See here. www.kcb.co.uk/contents/en-uk/p44.html

[@mightywhite4558]

Yes I have a boomerang airea l I haven't tried it yet thanks

[@paganphil100]

Chris Mogg: Yes you can.....I also live in a flat where no external antennas are allowed so I use a horizontal half-wave wire antenna which works very well (especially for "skip"). www.wireantennas.co.uk/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&search=CB+antenna

[@Moonlightshadow-lq4fr]

If the signal is being bounced off the ionosphere then it shouldn't matter transmitting on low ground. Mountains would be no obstacle.

[@MrTayto63]

Hi Fred.quick question.which is better for mobile use,keep in mind even doe going to use for mobile use .Cb unit won't be fitted to car.only setup mobile when in use then boxed in boot when not used so the size of unit not concern. Looking at 2 units as want to use ssb . looking at CRT ss9900 expanded and CRT ss6900n. The buttons on ss9900 are small but good unit .told gets hot with heat sink but be using mostly on ssb and ss6900n buttons ggod size and easy to use. The click not bother me . I'm at odds which one to get .

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The 9900 has more transmit power but is the harder radio to use. If your new or coming back to radio the 6900 is easier to use. I would prob go for the 6900 to start.

[@MrTayto63]

@@CB-RADIO-UK cheers Fred

[@williamhynds9213]

Hi Fred have you any videos on how to program the ss6900ni would appreciate it I am frk. Northern Ireland 68rb57

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No sorry ive not got the usb lead of software.

[@uh2535]

yea, thanks Fred, but... what is that SSB or Single Side Band? AM is sound wave Amplitude Modulation, FM is sound Frequency Modulation, CW is Continuous Wave modulation (one tone beeeeeeeep AM with interruptions), but what is Single Side Band modulation? Is it related to brain sides? Modulating upper brain ir lower brain? what is that? technically? a? please 🙏🏻🤔😂

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. On SSB you have the transmission split into two side bands. Upper and Lower. No carrier wave for the radio to lock on to. Hence you need a clarify control or beat freq oscillator (BFO) to tune in the signal.

[@uh2535]

@@CB-RADIO-UK seems I am too far from understanding there... is it related on operating radio frequency? or with the sound waves band? what of the sound is transmitted? sorry, I am just learning... anyway, big thanks for answering 🙏🏻

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

@@uh2535 No prob. Your not so much producing sound waves but resonating a signal. Just google wiki "Shortwave" and you should find some answers.

[@johnbolt806]

Hi Fred. I know I ask a lot of questions but your answers are realy helpful. I watched a video from a guy with a hand held and he was saying it may need a licence. I asked him what if I owned one what would happen if I used it either to talk of just listen. He said it would stop working and will be tracked and I would be caught straight away. Could I ask you if you have a video on what is legal what isn’t. Can I use side band legally. The radio I want to buy is this radio you are using so don’t want to waste my money if I can’t use it. Thanks

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi John. To recap. On CB radio if you stick to the 11 meter 27MHz band and DO not stray onto Ham radio bands the chances of getting caught using non approved equipment in 2021 is very very low. Of course the radios work regardless of what band you tune too. Ofcom no longer monitor CB radio nor have any budget to investigate and i dont know anyone who has been caught by them in recent times. If anyone is going to get caught it will be me for making these videos. Iam quite sure that ive already been reported many many times already. If you want to stay totally legal then you will need a UK type approved SSB radio. Problem is that because CB in the UK is only used sparingly there are not many legal SSB radios to purchase which is one reason we all use EU radios. Currently my legal choice would be a President McKinley which is a good radio.

[@johnbolt806]

@@CB-RADIO-UK thanks Fred. Keep the videos coming. They are interesting and bring back good memories

[@Cultwatch123]

Couldn’t find your Fred shed Facebook site

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No iam no longer on there. Thanks