CB Radio Beginners Guide. Part 2. Choosing your first CB radio AM FM SSB. 

Hi Fred I fist picked a mic up at 10 uears old had till I was 13 then lst week I watched on of your videos now I have a set up in my car and a home base thank you for getting me back in to cbs

My mum often reminisces of the time she came downstairs (late 80's) at about 2AM to a living room full of people my brother had met on CB...

CB radio is definitely making a come back. And it's not only in the UK, but also in the Netherlands were I live. Our CB group has grown considerably the last couple of years and we also help people who want to get started on the 11 meter band. Keep up the good work Fred!

I,m English but live in Holland,in the 1990’s I had a president Lincoln with an amplifier running up to a hundred watts and an Antron 99 antenna on the roof….all illegal but made fantastic contacts as far as USA and Australia….and all of uk and Europe …..no longer have the set up but loving your series. Super that there are so many channels in the uk I have no idea how many there are here nowadays….👋🙂. ( ex Charlie tango)

Never had a CB radio but grew up watching them used a lot in any movie with trucks. I enjoyed your video.

Returning to CB after leaving it in the early 80's not long after legalisation as I progressed to my Amateur licence, this youtube channel is partially responsible for my return :). Just picked up an Alinco DX-10 from Knights ( short drive away ) to give me a dedicated 10m/11m rig as I didn't fancy modding my main HF radio. It's certainly changed in the years I've been away , some things are better, some are worse but I'm looking forward to 10m getting really active again now the sunspot cycle is warming up. -Mark CT-4686

Im in USA mid east coast and getting back into CB after about 25 years. I have a Cobra 29 NW ST that was my mobile then and is set up as my base now with an Anton A99 base antenna. I also have a Yaesu FT-8800 in my truck and im looking to add the CRT SS 9900 V4 to the truck so i can talk to my CB contacts while on the move.

Useful video, thanks! Never really did anything with CB back in the day and subsequently got my full Amateur licence which brings me to why I ended up here in the first place. As a member of Raynet we are finding our selves co-operating more and more with the local 4x4 group who use CB SSB. Communications interoperability means we need to purchase a couple of CB SSB rigs! One final point - If you really pee Ofcom off and they decide to confiscate your 'radio' equipment then that's not just your rig. It can include your TV, FM broadcast receivers, mobile phones etc etc. You'd have to have done something pretty horrendous to trigger that response though. . .hopefully! Happy hunting, OC

USA viewer here. Enjoy your videos, Fred. Thank you for making such great content! Mobile AM CBer from the 1980's, new to sideband and loving the amazing skip from my base station.

Nice one bro , clear and informative. I live in a static deep in Shropshire hills, the Long Mynd. I was on the cob back in late 70’s home based. Now, I’ve just ordered President George 2, and an 18 foot thunder pole. The format of this radio seems to be a lot more complex to know what the hell I’ve got to do!! I need somebody to talk clearly about CB and set up and you are well worth a listen. Thanks Phil.

Hello Fred, thanks for the insight into current CB radio. In the early 90's when I was a teen-ager I had a communicator's 440 on a car battery with a 5/8 base station antenna, I still live in North bucks/ South Northamptonshire on a "good night I'd talk to breakers on Dunstable downs . I was kinda tempted to get back into the hobby , the DARK SIDE sounds interesting....stay safe 🌈

Well I made the plunge and got my first CB. Not much space in my small SUV... got a President Bill II, superb little radio with a Lil Wil antenna. Thanks for your videos.

11 meter CB radio is easy to use. I recommend buying a Uniden or Cobra SSB so you can have the best of both worlds for 11 meters

Hey Fred. I have been watching your videos since I got back on the air about 5 years ago when the missus handed me down from the loft my old Ham international from the 80's! It still works. . . So bought an Anytone 6666 and they are great radios for the price and I put a silver rod up and it was really good. Sadly there's no one else on the radio round here but it's brilliant for side bands and DX. I then bought a Yaesu ft450d and was happy for a while and then I took the plunge and did the exam and got my amateur licence. I have had contacts round the world and the 6666 radio will of course do 10 metres as will the antenna so you don't really have to find any more money along with the fact that a second hand 450D will hold its value if you decide to sell it. I didn't even think that I would get my ticket but it was just a natural progression for me. Have always loved the radio. Keep the videos coming. Kind regards, Simon.

The new CRT 7900V is a brilliant radio which blows the socks off the 6900/7900, mainly due to its excellent digital noise reduction.

Yeah, I'm in the USA. I just purchased the President Harrison radio. Love the size it is perfect for my 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel also purchased a Stryker SRA10 Magnet Antenna 62.5" I'm getting ready too install next week i also ordered a SWR Meter as you suggested even though it has a built-in meter. I got to learn of great info from seeing all 3 videos. Thank you for sharing. 🇺🇸👍🏼

Not messed with radio since my early twenties. Just bough myself a president randy with the car kit and a T800 for homebase. Went looking for a series on starting into CB. Perfect fit for what I was looking for. Thanks so much. Chris.

love it I've still got my president Lincoln and cobra 148 old skool

Back in old days when CB was popular, I seen a lot of people buy CB equipment only to sell it, or not use it. They couldn't get an antenna put up, so they gave up on the idea. Plan ahead starting with supporting your antenna. The antenna is more then half the battle when it comes to having a good working base station. It is a good idea to walk around your property and decide where the mast / support for a vertical antenna (most common) can/will go. Once you know you can get an antenna up and hold it there, move on. Oh and you might want to consider some kind of tilt-over mast.

👍🏻your doing really well with this series Fred, well done.

getting back on the air after 42 years,amazing how the rigs have improved.

Splendid- I’m glad you’ve put this together. I’m trying to return to hobby after a 30 year absence. SSB wasn’t a thing as such back then. So again thank you it gives me good insight

Be great if you could run through a complete plug in and set up. Everything from additional components, external speaker, power and source. Great info here.

Ps I’m using the newish CRT One V for mobile ops - under £50 from Knights who optimised the radio via it’s service menu highly recommended . I get fantastic audio reports using a thunder pole Red Devil antenna. Also just press one button to cycle through from UK FM to Mid block AM and then Mid block FM.

Thanks Fred..great video. Love watching these brings me back up to speed. Around Northamptonshire, weve a small network but very welcoming. Running a President Franklin homebase,with 1/2 silver rod..73s for now.

Thanks for sharing Fred. It is good to support this hobby as you do. People will really enjoy this if they give it a try. It is also an awesome and reliable communications device that can be convenient, helpful and downright life saving sometimes.

As just getting started and not having a clue what to buy found this video extremely usefull thank you.

This is a great series of videos Fred (step-by-step). Though stateside, I have a President McKinley (EU Ver), and I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with it after a month of use. While not a biggie, the US version had NOAA weather channels, while this one did not, but I found the NB/ANL in the EU version to be lacking somewhat, compared to the McKinley FCC model. It definitely is small and lightweight, but I think you're correct in steering someone towards the CRT (or similar) series of radios ( I would have liked a shot at the Alinco but they haven't been sold in the U.S. for several years). I'm playing catch-up with this series and just noticed Part 3 was out now, so I'll check it out after I get some chores done around the house. Thanks again for your continued promotion of 11m/CB radio via these videos as they will certainly help someone just getting into the hobby, or a former 11m operator blowing the cobwebs off old equipment!

Thanks again Fred. Good easy to follow video. You can also talk about grounding and ground plain adaptors when fitting a mobile antenna.

Hi Fred, good informative video. I came back 2 years ago. Lots of noise as you said. I bought a used CRE 8900. Works great, has an output of 16 watts I believe. Have a set of 100W linears to help. Been thinking of changing the mic but havent of yet. I really get on well with going mobile. Have a 12 meter telescopic pole with a 5/8 homebrew antenna. Middle of nowhere with zero noise. lovely. Keep up the good work

Thanks for your videos. I'm learning alot! I am a US ham and GMRS operator and found out there is a resurgence of CB in my area, so I am jumping into the fray!

I am ( somewhat of ) a old braker like yourself and always good to get other people's views about C.B's. I have got a few rigs including the SS6900 and an old Rotel 240.

I’ve finally set up my rig today and got out for the first time. I’ve gotta say it’s not like it used to be. I’ve got a wally broadbanding 18 19 20 sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond on ch19 at 9+ here in Lichfield. And the swearing is constant and unnecessary. It’s a shame really that people abuse everything these days. Have we gone so far backwards Fred?

Hi, Fred, I like your videos very much, I own the Anytone AT-5555N, Anytone AT-6666 I have two of these radios, the President Lincoln II + and President MC-Kinley USA version oh I forgot President Richard. For my antenna I used A-99 with a 3-way switch. My name is Hector my number 5502 from Hollywood Florida USA. My ham license KK4HGE. you are doing a great job with your videos. Keep up the good work.

Fred brilliant series. Lots of Newby breakers. This could make or break a lot of breakers... no pun intended. Keith DJ.

Spent years on the CB back in late 90s before becoming an amateur. Not done either for years but still have the gear

Definitely making me want to get back into CB.Thanks Fred.

i like your show fred in the shed

back i to CB radio after 40 years for off road driving were no mobile signal exists 👍

i m watching from the netherlands,and the things explain in the first part are only in us and uk correct i think,in europe the rules are different whe can use am/ssb yes but only on 4watt same as fm lol but ones again a good video :)

Cb radio in my area is up and down in South wales there's a few come back on in bridgend and up the valleys but nowhere near how many was on about 7 years ago. 73s from Peter the flying ferret 👍

Hi Fred, another great video 👍🏼 Excellent point about noise, S7 here all the time, on 4w be lucky to get out further than 5 miles. If someone owns a basic rig the RM KL60 is a decent option to give a better chance without breaking the bank or annoying anyone locally. It’s low amp draw too so you don’t need a big power supply. I really like the Thunderpole T800 as a starter rig. Bought one for my van and ended up using it at home a lot, made contacts into Germany and France on CEPT FM with it as well. Mentioned before it’s fairly busy on the Nottingham/Derby border, although there doesn’t seem as many on this year. Keep up the good work mate 🙂

The stalker 9 wipes the floor with all new modern radios. Hope you're well Fred mate. (More fine work)

Frid in the shed this cool choosing your fist CB radio AM FM

good show doc NY USA

Another polished and interesting video. The videos just get better and better. Really good radio video again. Thanks Fred.

You are a doing a great job hopefully encouraging new people to get involved in the hobby

Thank you your videos have helped me tremendously

I have the crt 7900 home base and president McKinley in car. I like both had good report from people on both. My favorite is the president McKinley because I have had more contact on it but I think that's because it's mobile

hello from Wyoming USA new lookElue here old school CB talker and just wanted to say nice job

Does anyone remember the valve burners I had one in the 80's use to blank tvs out. My neighbour use to hear me through her fridge. I was banging some mad power. Loved ssb and thinking of coming back. Just need to work out what rig I want. Keep it up Fred enjoying the vids.

Loved 1st video, always love watching your videos as had cb since I was 17, finally got a crt ss6900 cb , keep up the good work Fred

very good Fred🏁

My Radios Have Increased In Worth Over The Years !!

Very interesting Fred. I've always looked at dark ssb radio's but been scared off because of the legality etc. Would be interesting to know what you actually need to do to be able to use one without restriction. Keep safe pal, cheers.

I've a had a few asking about how to get into the hobby, so I've pointed them over to this series as, no doubt, you'll cover all they'll need to know to get going 👍

I use a CRT 7900 with original mic and box power, works great, a wee crt Xenon in the works motor, fab radios!

Hi Fred and viewers I've just purchased the CRT 7900V Turbo at KAMSAT for £215 with FIRST CLASS delivery. So excited.. 73's.

Frid in the shed I like your utube videos 📹

Cheers Fred .

Hi stumbled across the Chanel I had a cb at age 12. Now just turned 52 and purchased again but trying to learn the teq side as I didn’t have the knowledge. Having an Ariel fitted this Wednesday looking forward to it .

Frid in the shed I am thinking about getting a hand held CB radio with AM FM ssb

Cb is coming back in the US too we just got FM channels now and fcc been busting people for excessively high powered radios / amps / linear amps and confiscating their equipment personally I have a galaxy 949DX 40 channel am/lsb/usb i got off Craigslist for 35 dollars US and i love it its the best radio ive ever owned and ive had cb's since the mid 70s when we still had to have a license but that was in my moms name since i was too young then in the early 80s they dropped the licenses for cb

Great vids

Morning Fred just catching up on your videos in this series I run a CRT ss9900, other than an issue with the VFO / channel selector that’s failed which has been repaired by the supplier I can’t fault the radio. Always get good reports on my audio I run static mobile with either a tank whip or my MP1 on its tripod, Home base I run a Serio venom at 7m I can’t fault it’s performance. 26TG064

Hi Fred . I be bought the Crt Alpha model. Interesting radio with nice hidden feature. But it seems to me that at first problem outside the warranty. I will throw it in the trash can

IMHO the AT-6666/CRT 9900 is the way to go if you want an SSB radio. Better power, better audio and the flexibility to go anywhere. I talk to people all over the world on mine from the base station or the car here in the US. On SSB its tough to beat for the price. Saying that IMHO the FM is a little lacking on receive with weak signals. I would put a 1981 Rotel RVC-240 against it and probably go with the Rotel on UK40 FM. I talk with some UK stations on 27.78125 from here in the US and unless the have a signal above S4-5 its a little rough. On SSB you can hear people clearly with almost no signal. The variable RF output works really well so you can run either low drive or high drive amps if you need to. In the price range I don't think it can be beaten.

Well done sir.

nice one fred

So many people in London, most cities are buzzing with contact.

Once again Fred awesome info, are you going to do a video on mic's, Echo Chambers and Roger beeps/K-Tones? :D

Thanks!

Yesterday I discovered kiwisdr web of radios you can access listen to and control worldwide!! You can check the reach of your antenna and signal now by speaking and simultaneously monitoring online a station on the kiwisdr network (you chose it from a map! Near or far from you! You choose the frequency!), if you hear your voice then your antenna/signal is good! Maybe you can review in a vid your experience with kiwisdr! Cheers, Rosin

Sure the McKinley is expensive but having the vox input is handy if you intend to try the digital modes like js8call, VarAC, ROS and SSTV.

I LIKE THE STRYKER 955HPC

nice

I got the 25x1 like you thers an odd noise with it and after a small but of use mine the vfo you mentioned how good came undone thers a small nut on the back of it and I tightened and it worked fine again but like you it's not really worth the top 100 pounds 660 tecson loads better wich I've got too but ❤your chanal thanks

I am not a CB person at all, I am however very interested. I see it being a good thing for folk who can't get out of the house to have conversations and make friends...just my thoughts

I've got a crt ss6900n for cb use but only listen on other bands sometimes

Just got my CRT SS 6900v to go SSB on 11m. Hope to make contact international soon.

Hi Fred looking forward to the antenna video as I’m mainly using my 6900 in the van and not getting out far. Mainly with a springy but got a sirio but it’s a pain getting it on and off as it’s a big van. Something half decent I can leave on would be great

Don’t forget me when you come to sell that minty maxcom Fred :)

Might be good to advise if someone finds one of their old CBs in the attic or if they purchase an old one off E-bay, they may need to get it re-aligned and re-capped, as old capacitors can fail over several years.

Really thinking about getting back into this. But antennas..... Best base station, best homemade base station and best sota type? Cheers mate

Hi can you please make a really easy explanation about how amplifiers works and how to connect them?

I hope u have your amature license by now

If there was a physical shop somewhere i would get another rig etc,but am not computer literate 😢

Before we get in to CB radio.. How many people know the meaning of AM, FM and Sideband? Also what is the meaning of SSB, USB, and LSB.

Just seen you can buy a CB radio from B&Q! What's going on? 👍🤣

Many thanks Fred, big effort from you here. Do you have any Northern Ireland contacts? So tempted to try CB here in County Antrim. Any feedback appreciated. Cheers. John.

Cool series 👏 I'm wanting to get back into cb after 30 years and this is a really great help, thanks 🙏 I'm looking at a CRT2000 unit on eBay and it says (quote): *~The radio can also be supplied "expanded" for use on 10m & 11m and covers approx 25-30MHz in this mode. There is no extra charge for this, just ask at time of ordering (please send a separate message).~* What do you think about this, does that effectively mean it runs ssb too? Would this turn it to the dark side? (Lol) As for my antenna, I'm not in a position to fix one to the outside of my home, so am looking into either a loft mounted dipole, or a bazooka (or could I use a bazooka in my loft??), or maybe a sigma Excalibur (again, inside my loft??) *Or* I'm quite tempted by something like the "Wonder Wand" with the "counter..thingy" (lol😅) I'm learning towards that with the modified crt2000 atm, as an easy out-of-the-box setup to get started again,.. but I obviously still have a lot of research to do,😅 What do you think?🙏

Never used a CB since 1984

I want to get into Radio. Subscribing,

Thanks for the video. I only use CB's when out green laning in the Land Rovers. Is there any advantage to using AM, FM or SSB? Or even a difference in the UK and EU bands? When would you want to switch bands/frequencies? I have a few CB sets in different vehicles along with a group of friends. Mostly they work fine, but it is amazing how easily you can loose contact with someone being a bit further along a green lane. Would higher power or setting them up differently make any significance for this kind of use? Thanks.

I just got a CRT 9900 and I found there was loads of adjacent sideband spatter when I ran it into a dummy load looked at it on an SDR (the SDR was not being over-driven). This was about the same regardless of output power setting and only improved when I reduced the mic gain. The adjacent sideband rejection spec on TX is meant to be 55dB, which seems to be the case as long as the mic level isn't overdriven. I'm wondering if I got a dud or if they all do this. I would have thought there should be some limiter in there somewhere that stops this kind of thing happening.

I've finally took the plunge and gone for the CRT SS 6900-N and the Antron 99 hopefully will be here by the end of the week, so thank you again. The only thing i want to ask you about is do you run a separate earth cable to your aerial or just use a coax cable from the Radio to the aerial, i've read different things about running a separate earth and for now i would rather just do what you have done because i know your set up works. Thank you again

I am using 2 radios which are the President Lincoln2+ and also the CRT SS 9900 radio and they kick ass!!!

Thanks for these videos Fred, I have just had a 9900 delivered after using an Amstrad 901 from back in the day (being on air back in the 80s when I was a teen) I went for the 9900 after watching your reviews, and will hopefully be fitting it into my Vw campervan later on today. I have a full size springer from thunderpole so it will be interesting to see how far I can get out compared to the 901. I will look out for you on the 305 👍 Do you know if this aerial will work on 10, 11 and 12m or do they need to be different lengths? Confusing info out there

Hi Fred, great video, recently got back into CB radio and I have the CRT9900, if I do my foundation license does this then make the 9900 legal?

Hi Fred. I know it is a year after you publishing this but I bought a CB UK radio and all I could hear was static. I used to own a Midland 3001 (I was in the pub one night, a friend said he had a radio, so we went to his house and all the radios I had seen before had a red display whereas this one was green. I bought it and took it home, connected it to a car battery and stuck a length of wire into the aerial socket. Then I sat there all night listening as I had no money left to go back to the pub and couldn't transmit as I didn't have an aerial and I knew it would damage the radio if I tried without a proper aerial. So this radio to me is great and I have seen them for sale but not sure if they are still in use as they were the wrong frequency? could you help me out as to whether they are worth buying or not? To me, when it went the the CBUK legal stuff, I personally think that killed CB Radio in the UK? By the way, I remember that I could get a 12" fluorescent light tube, put one end with the two pins touching the tip of the aerial, and putting my finger over the other end touching the two pins of the light tube. Then I keyed the mic and it would light up? WoW Loved those days in the eighties. I was Snowman by the way in Manchester. LOL