Q & A

How are CB radios powered?

Mobile radios generally get their power from the vehicles 12 volt system. They are wired in just like a car stereo. Just remember, red is hot, black is ground. Handheld radios typically run on batteries and/or ac power supplies. Base station radios usually just plug into the wall or a power supply. People have asked whether or not they can just plug their radio power cord (with a cigarette lighter plug) into a power supply with a female cigarette lighter plug, like the 360247, and have it plugged into the wall. There is not enough current to run the CB radio.

How do i know if my antenna is compatible with specific mount?

Nearly all antennas utilize a standard 3/8” x 24 connecting thread, which is supported by 99% of the available antenna mounts. Despite this near-universal compatibility, it’s important to make sure your mount will be sturdy enough to support your antenna. Though a small roof magnet mount would be well-suited for a short 2’ fiberglass antenna, it would be a poor choice for a heavy center-loaded 5’ antenna, as the momentum of the antenna during driving would most likely cause the magnet mount to come off. When choosing a mount, it's important to consider the stress an antenna will cause.

How far will my mobile CB radio transmit?

With a proper single antenna setup, a good rule of thumb is 1 mile per watt of output power. Most newer radios are a the maximum allowed 4 watts which gives you about 4 miles. You can visit this page in our Help Center to give you additional information: https://www.wearecb.com/cb-radio-range.html

What is SideBand or "SSB"?

"SideBand" (SSB) is a mode capability found in higher-end CB Radios. You will have access to the Upper & Lower Sideband Modes (USB, LSB), on each of the 40 channels, in addition to the "Regular" (AM) mode, using the "Am/USB/LSB switch. When switched over to a sideband, each receive signal must be "fine tuned" in with the clarifier or voice lock control found on the SSB CB radio, otherwise people will sound garbled or distorted. Keep in mind that when switched to a sideband, you can only communicate with other CBers that have that same SSB capability as well. You can usually expect an increase in range, & less noise on SSB, than on the "standard" AM 40 channels.