The Simple Guide To CB Radio. Everything You'll Need To Know To Get On The Air And Talking Made Easy

[@blackhawk65589]

This is one of the best beginner videos lately. Your radio videos have improved so much the past 5 or so years. I really like using a trail cam battery instead of a car battery.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good idea! Trail cam battery setups are light weight and still have the power to run stuff!

[@HouseOfThe8Strings]

CB is alive and well. Spend a day setting up a good antenna system and you’ll realize how much is actually happening on the air! -209

[@FarpointFarms]

Totally! A good antenna setup right makes the world wide open.

[@JasonCooper-em4gt]

Right ham fest finds fingerhut cb radio 📻

[@WhiteCavendish]

16 and 4 are traditionally the off road channels (4x4=16) and are mostly used for off roading. Overland Bound officially uses 16 as the CB calling channel. Another great vid!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for sharing the 16 4 channels. good to know

[@tahoma6889]

16 is a SSB (Sideband) channel. Has been since the 1960's. Using it on AM is causing other people problems. Just an FYI.

[@WhiteCavendish]

@@tahoma6889 You're literally the only person I've ever seen say that and every single resource online agrees with me.

[@tahoma6889]

Are these radio resources you are looking into, or off road resources? Channels 15 and 16 were designated SSB channels to accommodate 23 channel SSB radios. They are still used today and I often hear a lot of overseas stations on 16 SSB. There are also regular net's that take place on 16 LSB. If you have been researching radio sources, then you know what a net is. Traditionally, these (15/16) were the only designated SSB channels there were until the introduction of 40 channel usage. At that point, 31 thru 40 were adopted in as well. Everyone knows, 15, 16, 31 thru 40, are sideband. @@WhiteCavendish

[@Louiscare]

​@@tahoma6889 I'm not very big into it, but here in EU 16 is offroad and 4 is general comm of Germany

[@davidg4081]

A great basic& simple explanation for new people getting intonCB/ 11 meter radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

That was the aim. To give a person interested in radio a good place to start.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

​@@FarpointFarmsis that you singing in the introduction of your KZbin channel ? 🎶

[@88corinutza]

@@FarpointFarms Just bought the Uniden 980 SSB Thanks for the tips

[@TheCorybonuaf]

I am just getting into using a CB. And I have learned more from this video than the past four hours. I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@FarpointFarms]

Great to hear! That was my intent!

[@justinrayguitars6024]

Great video! I am glad to see people getting back into CB. No subscriptions are user fees. The one thing you forgot to mention is the fact that once you get everything you need then you start wanting more. More channels,bigger antenna, more power and the list go's on. LOl 73's from 828 Guitarman.

[@FarpointFarms]

Shhhh! We don't want to scare people away! Ha! Yes, it's a great hobby and it can and sometimes does get a bit addicting.

[@aslanhicks3045]

I’ve never wanted to watch someone talk about anything more, you are very clear and have a wonderful voice

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@KeepItMowed]

I'm glad someone is explaining this for the newbie's. Good video.

[@FarpointFarms]

I'm aiming to keep the hobby alive by drawing in new younger users.

[@johnkelley6278]

Good inexpensive hobby to get back into, I have got 35 dollars invested in 3- forty channel CB radios and a magnet antenna. Thanks for keeping and revitalizing this hobby.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing! Those are good deals in 2023!!

[@svbluehighway]

If only the other cb ers were as chill and level headed as you…. Great job!

[@FarpointFarms]

I appreciate that!

[@MillerOubre]

COuld you do a video on the best handheld CB antennas? like your top three antennas !

[@FarpointFarms]

Not a lot of options there, but I'll see what I can find.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

CB videos never get old. Fun hobby too.

[@FarpointFarms]

It's kept me on the air since the late 80's!

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

F C C wise I was K D L 5712 or the Chaplin also

[@MJ-wk5lm]

You were the one who convinced me to get (back) into the hobby, and get a ssb McKinley radio. I had a ham license, but I let it lapse. I also really enjoy listening to shortwave.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad to hear it. Shortwave gets way too little love these days.

[@tahoma6889]

Renew your ham, the bands are amazing right now.

[@tahoma6889]

If you go take the technician license test and pass it all your previous privileges will be restored.

[@movingforward6099]

I used to be into cb radios when me and my dad plowed snow all night in the 90's. Still got them in me garage. Think ill try to find them. Cheers!!

[@FarpointFarms]

That sounds like some cold but good memories

[@HenryCalderonJr]

Great refresher thanks Eric! Have a fantastic weekend with your loved ones also! 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@FarpointFarms]

You to my friend!

[@jasonbabila6006]

During the 80's I used a 1st version President Lincoln with a 12' stainless steel whip and 18' of RG8, I had the antenna mounted at the top left corner of the bed of a 1965 C10 with a 1/4" thick steel 6" X 12" plate bent 90 degrees to form an L mounting bracket and mounted near the tailgate, no amps all barefoot, the SWR at all channels were 1.0 to 1.1, I was able to communicate worldwide on SSB, and numerous states on AM, it had good grounding and the 1/4" bracket acted as a ground plane. I definitely miss that set up and days of DXing with numerous QSL cards from around the world.

[@FarpointFarms]

I do miss the glory days of cb for sure. We had monthly meet ups back in Raleigh.

[@jasonbabila6006]

@@FarpointFarms Back then we had no clubs or meetings but we helped each other with their setups weather it's a mobile or base station, also there was hardly any obnoxious skips and commotion interference.

[@daviddennison4201]

Yard sale yesterday picked up 2 radios K40 ant. +old RS 12v supply 30$ made my day Great video as usual thanks!

[@FarpointFarms]

That is awesome! Those deals are still out there. I find antenna's to be a lot harder to find than radios.

[@dopiejoe1258]

In the late 60's the Citizens Band radio was carved out of the Ham Radio Part of the frequency and given it's own band with 27 megahertz band. Pretty strict back then. Then the trucking industry adopted it for their use,(I was a trucker)to keep up with where the speed traps etc. were.Truckers still use them but not as much in the last few years.I know because I was a trucker for 20 yrs. A boyfriend of my sister was an electronic whiz and built me a Heathkit 5 channel CB back when I was 13 yrs. old. Later on I became a trucker and retired about 3 yrs. ago.Still got some CB's. 72 yrs.old now.

[@FarpointFarms]

Good info. Thanks!

[@Ratlins9]

This video is the most comprehensive and easy to understand for a newcomer (myself) to learn about CB radio. Thanks for making this video, I’m now a subscriber.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad it was helpful! It is comments like this, that makes me glad I can make videos

[@whitepunch1392]

Was helping my uncle clean out a old mobile home and found a 102 stainless whip . I was pretty happy to say the least. Been using a lil Wilson on my f250 truck roof . Gonna put the whip on my ranger I think . Great video .

[@FarpointFarms]

That 102 is really going to impress you!

[@rustyholt6619]

i have gotten and abandoned cb radios about once a decade or so since there was still a license for cbs... love the chatter ,hate the liniers and hars an discontent❤

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't hear much hate these days on air. Maybe it's my area.

[@jodevine7279]

That negan of commo, I love it

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks, I could be called worse names

[@jodevine7279]

@@FarpointFarms you just kinda look like Jeffrey dean morgan with the beard 🤣 seriously though the info is great and I’m hunting down my first CB and antenna for my car now

[@josephvoytus3694]

​@@jodevine7279 That's a great call, he does indeed !!

[@79tazman]

I use to run a K40 on my mobile and a Antron 99 as my base antenna about 40 feet in the air my mobile radio was a cobra 148 GTL that had all the mods and a Ranger RCI2990 for my base. That was back in the late 90's and then I moved from a house into an Apartment and ended up getting out of it since I did not have a place to set up my base

[@FarpointFarms]

Sounds like you had a great setup, sorry that you had to let it go.

[@ChuckPackwood]

Finally got my Maco Antenna up on the Roof. Sure helped getting out and getting heard..

[@FarpointFarms]

I hear great things about those antennas.

[@twitchy5710]

Appalachia, CB radio, Infowars... looks like we have a few things in common. Hope I'm able to catch you on the radio at some point if I can ever get this antenna set up. My handle is going to be 'twitchy', I'm in Leicester but unfortunately I live in a North facing cut from hell.

[@FarpointFarms]

I will have to keep an ear out for you. We are in a fish bowl so sometimes reception can be tricky

[@CAGraphics576]

I had a few CB radios 40 years ago, so thank you for getting me refamiliarized. For my car, I see what looks like a decent radio for $50 and wonder what features I get with a $100?

[@FarpointFarms]

I like to tell people get one that is in your budget with the features that you want. Don;t forget a solid antenna-

[@williamhelliwell3060]

Great info for the beginner!! Four watts... how quaint (LOL) Been in the hobby for almost 50 years. It has changed a lot over the years but it does seem to be coming back. I find myself on 11 meters more than other bands, tends to be more friendly and down to earth.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree that things seem to be on a large upswing. Lots more locals on the air at any given time around here.

[@spaceflight1019]

If you run legal power, you learn that the antenna is the most important part of a station. Antenna and coax. A great antenna turns the crappiest radio into King Kong. A bad antenna turns the best radio into a mudduck.

[@joshchilders-fy1pk]

​@@spaceflight1019who runs legal power anymore fcc does not care

[@spaceflight1019]

@@joshchilders-fy1pk Fundamentals.

[@curtekstrom9531]

As the owner of 27 Cobra 29, 23 Channel CB Radios. Peaked and Tuned by a very knowledgeable Radio man. I will never touch a 40 Channel radio.

[@FarpointFarms]

Is your radio guy near me, I could use a good one

[@bro.weaver1282]

I 102¨whip on the roof of that Mazda would look pretty cool.

[@FarpointFarms]

Heck yes!

[@JD144-]

Video is full of good info for someone getting started. Wish I’d had these videos 30 years ago. 👍👍

[@FarpointFarms]

We had books and friends to help us back in the day. Now it's all on film!

[@bro.weaver1282]

Here it´s either 19 or Lower 29, all the base stations went down there to escape the skip. So really only two channels around here locally. Kinda a shame cause you would think the CB is dead if you only have regular 40 channels.

[@FarpointFarms]

It is an issue for AM only users. A lot of base station operators use SSb most of the time.

[@bro.weaver1282]

@@FarpointFarms Yeah, the local guys been using AM since the 70´s, so it just will not change. It would be cool to have FM locally, but we are all on AM, and once in a while a ¨"new" radio will pop up, like a Golden Eagle. Also many of the old timers only have AM with an expansion mod.

[@ysyvon]

Thank you so much for this! I want to get into Cb radios and this was very helpful!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prayerwarrior424]

I’m just starting to look into this as a communication tool with my family when STHF begins. You gave a great overview sounds a lot easier than a ham set up, thanks!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad I could help! You got this!!!

[@MowerJunkie]

Awesome video, hopefully it will help get more people on the air. In my area we are blessed with a lot of locals, Someone is out there just about anytime of the day. Take care Erik, Enjoy the hobby!

[@FarpointFarms]

Same to you my friend! I've got some old timers near me that spend their evenings chatting, so when I moved here I was in heaven. Since then, I've got a few younger guys to join the conversations as well. Love it!

[@TalonAvex]

Seeing that I'm installing a radio building in the rural area I'm moving to, your guides will come in handy soon! Thank you for all the hard work.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad to help, good luck with your build!

[@tahoma6889]

Look up the UUU Ham Shack build. There is more to making a proper radio station than electronics. His video will help understand wiring, grounding and other very important topics.

[@jamesgullo8240]

Meaning to get back into CB. Thanks for the timing of this video!

[@FarpointFarms]

Welcome back to the hobby!

[@exgruntr031]

Another home run. Great informative video.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgethayer3533]

Hi Eric I like CB radio I am stil) using My cobra model 148 I've been using since the late 70s and a starduster antenna and I also have a radio in both of my vehicles have handhelds in both my vehicles thanks for all your good videos Eric keep up the good work I wish I was able to pick you up on the radio and be able to talk to you you're too far away I'm out in Northern California have a great day my brother God bless you and your family stay safe oldgeorge.

[@FarpointFarms]

Keep your radio on! I speak to folks in CA all the time!

[@dennistate5953]

Good job Eric. ❤

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you! I tried to make it easy for everyone!

[@johnc5450]

Prices have definitely gone up! I couldn’t find any decent radios on eBay at the prices you listed, not even remotely close at this time! I have had some luck on FB market place as well as Craigslist. eBay seems to think they are all collectors items! Great video and I look forward to seeing what comes next!

[@FarpointFarms]

It's sad that many of the hobbies that I enjoy are rapidly being priced out of the range where I can enjoy them.

[@jamaciadog5603]

Great video for people getting started. They should remember to keep your coax as short as possible to avoid losses. With 100 ft of RG8X, you could see a 1.5 db loss, which is over 20% of your power. At 4 watts, that's a lot. (and with a high noise floor, your signal may disappear to others listening.)

[@FarpointFarms]

Good point. Better quality wire makes for less losses, but still, 4 watts isn't a lot to start off with!

[@chrisowen5497]

A cheap, but excellent base station antenna is the simple wire dipole. Instructions are all over the internet, and they work great, as long as you tune it. I’ve used one in the past with great results and I had an adapter to hook it to my shortwave radio when I wasn’t “feeling” the CB radio. (Not both radios at the same time though) I have the parts in the basement to make one, but I can’t seem to convince my wife that we need it. 😂 Also, you can string it up in the attic, if you live in a “radio hostile” area. Anyway, I hope this helps someone. Great video!

[@FarpointFarms]

Great info, Thanks!

[@shanehough8439]

Thanks for this video and many others. I have a lot to learn but I just got my first cb today, a cobra 29 nw ltd classic from a junkyard for $15

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad I could help! You got a great deal on that CB!

[@bangzoom8180]

Perfect and succinct.👍🏽

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks!

[@bangzoom8180]

Eric...I credit you in my quest for a mobile CB. Down to earth and informative videos regarding all subjects. Thank you 👍🏽

[@duanebledsoe7566]

You can use a Jackery to power your radio also, and it is light weight and portable for off grid use, and can serve for other power needs as well (phone charging, lights, etc).

[@FarpointFarms]

great tip-

[@Walker_328]

You are correct. Our local channel is 26.875 for whatever reason, and then 27.205 for the morning time group. Very aggravating for someone that cares about swr as much as me. A little more difficult to tune an antenna with that much spread in frequency.

[@FarpointFarms]

That is quite a spread. What are you able to get it down two on those channels?

[@Dap8998]

I am enjoying your videos. I started looking to get back into CB radio after many years. I mentioned this to someone at work and a few minutes later he handed me a Cobra 29 LX that he had laying around. I ordered a K-30 to put on the roof. I drive down to Pinehurst often and this should make the trip more enjoyable I think.

[@FarpointFarms]

That is awesome! You have a really nice coworker to give you that.

[@robertobrien4799]

Flipping AWESOME!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@Pimporly]

Great CB Radio Content I'm Miami 305 on LSB Channel 37 38 Which it is 27.3750 27.3850 and sometime on 27,3950 Which is Channel 39. I'm sometime on it from 4:00 Pm sometime 5 PM. and so on Conditions are bad now but I can tell you guys this it going to be Great Starting Next Year or the Following one. we just have to Hang in there until this Happen. 73 to all of you guys from the Miami area

[@FarpointFarms]

Can't wait!

[@Pimporly]

@@FarpointFarms Can't Wait either. Take care my Friend

[@davepetro5676]

Do you have a recommendation on a 9 foot whip antenna where to buy 1 I found my 2 old CB radio I had when I was a kid have fun talking to local in morning for about 10 minutes a day. Keep on when I drive around

[@FarpointFarms]

If you can go back in time, Radio Shack. Maybe Ebay or Amazon for it.

[@johnskitzis6540]

Thank you for doing this! It’s been many years and this is going to help a lot.

[@FarpointFarms]

I hope so! Let me know if you need help.

[@hotrodmercury3941]

Just by chance, I happen to drive a Mirage and yes I got an antenna too! I got a 3 foot and use some Velcro to tamp it down on rainy days.

[@FarpointFarms]

Cool!

[@TREMERE1]

Great video. My main problem with my late 70's/early 80's Cobras (148 GTL AND 142 GTL) is finding someone who works on them. They've been sitting for quite a while, and need to be checked out for operation.

[@FarpointFarms]

Sadly it is becoming an issue with some of these older radios.

[@DavidBarbarine]

Bring back the CB radio!

[@FarpointFarms]

YES!

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

IT never left the trucker's ch 19

[@torgomax]

I bought a Wilson 1000 for my Randy2.. gonna try to find someone local to tune it for Me.

[@FarpointFarms]

Get yourself a used SWR meter and save the $$. You can do it!

[@TheBigsouth08]

Can do you a video covering antennas for those of us in apartments that can't have outdoor antenns

[@FarpointFarms]

Working on one this week.

[@johnshoemaker4438]

Hi, thanks for saying most cars still use am radios, thats something i really wanted to know. As well as not to use a mobile antenna for a base station. Thanks for all you do. Best wishes !!

[@FarpointFarms]

There was talk for a while about some car companies wanting to do away with AM radio. There was a bit of push back on it

[@davidurban7346]

Who the hell sings the into song? I can't find it anywhere

[@edwardharrington678]

That was interesting especially how cheap the radios and kit are. In the UK where I live things are much more expensive. I was a self employed courier driving a small van all over the UK and had a CB because thee truckers would put out messages about delays or accidents quicker than what local radio stations did. In the UK CB is not as popular as it was but all heavy goods lorry drivers all have them.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thing are starting to spiral out of control here cost wise. Sad state we are in.

[@rickymcdicky1469]

Hey this was really helpful. Probably the best video I’ve found! Thank you very much.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you found it helpful

[@Prariedog]

Great video Eric Thanks for sharing Safe travels

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks, you too!

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Fred :) also years in 1960 to 1988 my area Channel 11 was Truckers Channel 1960 to 1977 then in 1978 to present years Channel 19 also 1994 Channel 9 not used for Emergency crew of Tow Truck plus Fire Department or Cops of Town or Country plus Highway anymore ! Also for 4 watt am , 12 PEP Sideband lots operators use more than in home base and mobile too! But lots get Peak & Tune higher watts to get out by license techs and is illegal in USA because hear Canada never her illegal to since CB license dropped in 1988 for all Canada ! Also lots operators use higher channels above 40 and Below Channel 1 to plus Export radio like 2950 of 10 meters and plus All band radios like Kenwood Base or Mobils for 11 meters of 26.000 to 27.999 on FM, Am , Sideband too ! Myself had no problem with it plus Use I max 2000 since 2002 and RG 8 U coax big black type and Used A99 in past plus Shakespeare Pogo Stick 2 peice too ! Power Supply I use is 35 amp for my CB radio and daul band 2 meters and 440 no problem at all I license radio operators since 2007 for ham radio antenna is homemade J pole daul band 2 and 440 plus LMR 400 coax 100 feet and RG 8 is 100 feet too in home back garage! I used battery back up when needed and window open too when use it or recharge up on trickle ! Plus battery is deep cycle Marine boat type!

[@FarpointFarms]

Sounds like a great setup!

[@AndrewHCann]

@@FarpointFarms yes Fred also I used RadioShack Magnetic mount had chrome spring was my first antenna , 2 was Emergency Kit steal whip antenna, then 3 was K40 Magnetic mount and Wilson 1000 Magnetic mount was 4 ! Also Emergency kit antenna, plus K40 Magnetic mount black one and Wilson 1000 Magnetic mount still got and have use loads!

[@block3852]

Thanks for another great video on radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you like them!

[@block3852]

@@FarpointFarms You bet I do, Thanks!

[@blazinSpike]

I've been looking for a really good base station antenna for my ranger RCI-6300f25

[@FarpointFarms]

I LOVE the Antron A99. It's a good price and works well for at least 20 years.

[@blazinSpike]

@@FarpointFarms will it handle 25 watts

[@RotcivVanDahl]

To buy radios, you can also go to a nearby truck stop. However they won’t have base station antennas.

[@FarpointFarms]

I stopped at one on the west coast that did sell them- This was a huge place and had everything

[@jima5911]

😀thanks for all the great video

[@FarpointFarms]

You bet! I've got a whole series in the works.

[@jamesvalenti9288]

What is your opinion on Wilson Antennas?

[@FarpointFarms]

I love TRAM/Wilson/K30 or 40 antennas. They are all made by the same parent company and all work great.

[@jpb5385]

Great informative video. Thanks!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barneymm2204]

The antenna is no joke. I talked to a guy sixty miles away on four watts (because he couldn't see his radio clear enough to SSB) on the Antron before the wind claimed it.

[@FarpointFarms]

It's the number 1 reason for a good or bad signal. You can slap an amp on a crummy Antenna and still not match the performance of a good stock setup.

[@nicogeelen1039]

Again a good video. In the Netherlands is mostly FM radio, I have a base station with a good antenna With AM and FM

[@FarpointFarms]

Interesting! AM is dominate here, but FM is gaining steam.

[@nicogeelen1039]

@@FarpointFarms In the 80's CB radio's only had the FM. AM wasn't allowed in Europe. FM has a short distance. Antenna's have to be "in sight".

[@wilfredprins9718]

​@@nicogeelen1039in the 80s many had a "kacheltje" which made in possible to reach the UK from the Den Helder area

[@warchild57]

E an old realistic trc 415. My grandson is having a lot of fun with it. Is there a way to bump up modulation or just getting more out of it? Love your channel and thanks for good quality, family friendly content 👍

[@FarpointFarms]

There are people that can tune even those older radios, but I am no expert on it.

[@jimzivny1554]

Good explanation.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@adalbertoorellana7232]

Thank you

[@FarpointFarms]

You're welcome

[@matthewlangley5565]

Every time you do a video you get my more radios on that cabinet. Its started off as 1 now its 5.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are starting to sound like my wife- (don't tell her I said that). I like to display things that I will be filming soon or that I think are cool

[@matthewlangley5565]

@@FarpointFarms Its all part of Radio. I just started not long ago and my wife is already complaining

[@loniebrown9646]

I have a question... In Alberta Canada, I'm picking up ham radio, or CB radio, on portable cobra hand held, using 10 double A batterys.. Picking up folks as far south as Texas mid morning central mountain time... I understand propagation, and 4 watts is not going farther than line of sight, but has me thinking about adding a base station style CB antenna to increase range....???? This is all started with SW radio, general interests in listening to what's out thier...

[@FarpointFarms]

It could be skip that is getting you all the way down there to Tx. If the conditions are just right, you can made some far away contacts. I made it from NC to England/Ireland in my car.

[@henryeason9572]

Thank you!

[@FarpointFarms]

You're welcome!

[@slapstick4976]

Thank you for the content

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesmatheson9624]

Hey is there an adjustable antenna that goes from 2 feet to 9 feet Thanks for letting me ask

[@FarpointFarms]

Not that I am aware of.

[@mikecricket113]

Wait you can ground your radio to your outlet ground? Please explain how to.

[@FarpointFarms]

Yup. The ground terminal on your outlet of just that, a ground. Run that to the chassis and there you go!

[@mikecricket113]

@@FarpointFarms any special equipment needed? Like a modified 3 prong plug , or use just the the ground prong and not the hot and neutral?

[@barneymm2204]

@@mikecricket113 I'd verify ground is good with a circuit checker, modify a three prong plug by cutting off the hot and neutral prongs, drag a rough file across the face to knock off the sharp stubs that will remain and, for good measure, use some good electrical tape and tape over where the prongs have been filed down. BUT FIRST!... After checking with a circuit checker, I'd use a meter and make sure that your ground is grounded. Back in days of yore, the old computers used to use ground voltage (zero) as reference for zeros (0V = 0, 5V = 1). Every rental I moved into the first thing I'd do is check voltage between all three prongs of an outlet (H-N, H-G, N-G). In order for an outlet to be safe for a computer, there had to be less than a third of a volt between N-G. It's possible a homes/buildings electrical grounding could be a floating ground. I've seen it. I've seen chassis grounds have higher voltages than earth grounds.

[@adamboychuk8221]

One question are all those radios running off the same antenna

[@FarpointFarms]

There are different antennas

[@michaell7877]

Ole timer new to your channel. I used to be all into it, back in the early 70's. I even had a base station with a tower, set of beams, and a silver eagle D104. LOL.. I really can't get into the whole setup again, cause I lease now and don't own a place, or I would. I'm interested in hand held cb hand helds. Maybe even with ssb too. I basically want to use it for on the move via vehicle and traveling by feet lol... Got any suggestions?

[@FarpointFarms]

There is one called the Cherokee brand- (old school) that had SSB- It might be worth looking into

[@RotcivVanDahl]

I love the radio shack references. However radio shack is no longer around. Way back in the day I ran radio shack radios. They were great. Now I’m running cobra with a lil Wilson magnet on my van, 42” stainless whip. But I’ll be using the whip soon. Truck stops are always throwing them on clearance rack. Btw. Ppl can hang around and find an old school trucker to talk about cb’s. It’s quite helpful

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@jaycharles9548]

Question please…….thinking of putting a “base” unit in my house so I can communicate 20-30 miles out to my children in case cell phones go out. They would have a mobile CB in their car ( Cobra 50 WXST ). Would this work ?

[@FarpointFarms]

I doubt that you will be able to get that far of reception. a GMRS radio might work better for you especially if there are repeaters in the surrounding areas

[@prayerwarrior424]

I’m in MA and one son is in FL… interested in home base… can you recommend what we (and him ) will need?

[@FarpointFarms]

I've made many videos on the subject. Look at my base station video and my power needs video to get more help.

[@chestypuller4591]

I've got my base station gear already to go. President McKinley radio, 75' of cable, power supply and the ever popular Antron A-99. All, except the power supply, purchased from Walcott Radio in Iowa. In talking with the pros there, I was told the A-99 antenna does not need to be grounded. I asked the question a few times to confirm. What are your thoughts on that?

[@FarpointFarms]

It doesn't need to be grounded as long as you are OK with burning your house down when lighting hits it. GROUND IT!

[@chestypuller4591]

Well, there you have it! Grounded she shall be! Sort of assumed that all long and when I purchased my gear. Surprised they gave me that answer. Could you do or re-do a vid just on grounding that shows where wiring should be attached to the antenna and ground stake to run into the ground? Thx

[@chiefjoseph8154]

New again to the CB world. How do you get past all the noise and skips? I hear people a thousand miles away and no one local? My CB is tuned and matched to my antenna. If it makes a difference I’m in the Northeast.

[@FarpointFarms]

Local chat now usually happens only on a channel or two and only at certain times of day. If your radio has a scan function, let it roll until someone closer pops up!

[@vampiregoat69]

I miss running a CB I used a mobile Cobra 29 LTD as a base station. NEVER seen those CBs for that cheap so not sure where you are getting those prices at not even on Ebay are they that good

[@FarpointFarms]

I look at local flea markets, ham fests, random thrift stores. They are getting harder to find, but they are still out there

[@tdawg9736]

Good info , thanks !!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephvoytus3694]

Put a Uniden 980 & 3ft antenna on a new Bronco. The antenna is mounted on back to the right of spare tire (say passenger seat) sticks above the roofline a foot-ish. My question is after talking to some truckers on I-80 and figuring MAYBE 2 mile range...could the Bronco's non metal roof be hampering my range ? I picked up an SWR meter but haven't gotten out away from town to see if i can adjust a bit to make better. Was hoping for 5-6 mile range, which I had achieved with a 2013 Wrangler with similar roof & setup. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/suggestions.

[@FarpointFarms]

Yes, the fiberglass roof on the broco is likely the issue. the SQR Meter will be the tell. You may have to rethink the antenna position to get a better signal.

[@josephvoytus3694]

@@FarpointFarms thank you. Super appreciate the quick reply !!

[@karlschulte9231]

Going thru noise reduction steps reduces noise and makes signal reception better. Metal/ tinnedbraid from clen metal spot on tailpipe to car frame plus ground strap from hoid to firewall can make large difference. Add choke coil in dc line and on coax just inside entrance to car. The pipe acts as an antenna for spark plug noise, as can shield and dc cord. There are kits for plugs but , assuming cables to spark plugs is good condx. some hams wrp alum foil secured with bare wire around each lead and wired together and to engine block. Resistor type plugs are also used. See auto shop for detail. I have made customer, mil and agencies, so quiet , that no noise was heard in radio. Hard to do on HF AM/ SSB, but the basic steps above will act like ther stations sound 4 to 10 times louder.

[@FarpointFarms]

Awesome, that you for sharing that

[@tahoma6889]

A single capacitor installed in the vehicle properly, will do all of these at once.

[@PistolPete3322]

Hi, thx for the video. My daughter lives 9 miles from us. We’ve been talking about getting radios in case of an emergency. We live in the suburbs. Could you recommend something for us?

[@FarpointFarms]

That range is PERFECT for CB radio use. Get a pair of Saturn B100 antenna's and two radios and you are in business.

[@PistolPete3322]

@@FarpointFarms thx! can you recommend a cb radio too?

[@Caleb-et7js]

I have a 75 foot tall poured cement silo that is full of steel rerod and the ladder rungs are steel part of the structure could I just clamp a 102 whip on the top rung and use that for a base station antenna?

[@FarpointFarms]

It should work, but I would check the swr to make sure that it is low enough to use.

[@jima5911]

Great for cars but, How can I improve the match of my home antenna?

[@FarpointFarms]

Good quality RG213 wire. A good grounding system and of course SWR adjustments on your Base antenna. I have my Antron A99 set down to 1.2 across all 40 or better. Height is also a plus when it comes to Base setups. The higher off the ground, the better the line of sight reception.

[@oldred2470]

So my question is what type of cb would recommend and how long of a attena for just hear everybody in and around my state

[@FarpointFarms]

Your best radio would be one that has SSB. The Uniden 980 and the President McKinley. As for antennas? The Antron A99 is a perfect pick!

[@Tykoon]

Thanks for this intro to CB. I guess one needs a License to transmit on CB? If so, what do you recommend as a receiver-only for non-licensed users (listeners) to CB?

[@FarpointFarms]

No! There is no license for CB radio!! It's one of the best parts of the hobby. Buy one at a yard sale and get right on the air, no checks or codes needed.

[@BarnyDaddy]

I have an old K40 radio with K40 antenna. Any good? I don’t have a tuner to adjust the wave of the antenna.

[@FarpointFarms]

That should work, it was decent in the day

[@itsyaboimat2393]

So im a paid on call firefighter in the northeast and a ford police interceptor utility I'm looking at picking up has a Cobra Ultra iii in it can it be programmed for my fire department frequencies?

[@FarpointFarms]

No sadly you'd need both a CB and a scanner for that task.

[@nicklewis7291]

I just scored a Cobra 2000 on Facebook market place 😃

[@FarpointFarms]

That is the last "Dream" radio I'd like to own. So cool looking!

[@reidtillery2856]

I have a 4-watt President Walker FCC and an A-99 antenna. Mostly all I'm hearing on am is a lot of garbage skip from far away put out by people probably using a whole lot of illegal power? Does CB ever get any better than this?

[@FarpointFarms]

Have you tried talking? They are out there, but if you never speak up, who will there ever be to talk to?

[@paulbainjr]

Is it ok to still use your CB call sign just for fun because I was given my CB license call sign Wayback in the 80s and it’s such a cool call sign lol

[@FarpointFarms]

Totally OK to do that.

[@waynedoomad2573]

Great video

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad you enjoyed it!