| © 2008 Right Channel Radios | | | | have the ability to access local NOAA radio stations |
| The most important thing to understand when | | | | for real-time weather reports and updates. |
| choosing a radio is that all CBs, regardless of their | | | | - Instant Channel 9 & 19 - The ability to quickly jump |
| price, are limited to 4 watts of transmission power | | | | to two of the most popular channels: Channel 9 |
| by the FCC. This means that a $50 bare-bones CB | | | | (Emergency) and Channel 19 (Highway / Truckers). |
| radio and a $200 chrome plated CB radio with every | | | | - Nightwatch and/or Backlit Displays - A number of |
| feature imaginable will have exactly the same | | | | higher priced models include a backlit radio display for |
| transmission power. While a radio can be “peaked | | | | convenient operation at night. This is an invaluable |
| and tuned”, a process that increase a CB’s | | | | feature if a radio will be used extensively at night or |
| performance, all CB radios will have the same | | | | in dark conditions. ? |
| transmission power out of the box. | | | | When choosing a CB radio and its corresponding |
| What primarily differentiates CB radios from each | | | | features, it’s important to focus on how and |
| other is their features, not their output strength. CB | | | | where the CB will be used. Specific vehicle owners |
| radios come with a number of features, the most | | | | tend to want different features in a CB radio: |
| popular of which we’ve outlined below: | | | | - Tractor Trailers & Large Trucks: Professional drivers |
| - Squelch Control - This control sets the break-point | | | | tend to want full-featured CB radio as they are a |
| at which a CB radio outputs a signal. In effect, it | | | | crucial communication tool on the road. As such, a |
| keeps the operator from constantly having to listen | | | | good after-market radio “peak and tune” to |
| to static and only activates the speaker when a | | | | boost performance is often important. The Cobra 29 |
| transmission is received. This is a standard feature | | | | LTD series is one of the most popular CB radios |
| and is included with nearly every CB radio sold. | | | | among professional drivers. |
| - RF Gain - Allows the operator to filter the type of | | | | - Jeeps & 4x4s: Off-road drivers usually have smaller |
| transmission a CB radio receives based on signal | | | | vehicle cabs and tend to choose compact CB radios |
| strength. It’s useful to block out faint | | | | due to space constraints. The Uniden 510XL and |
| transmissions to eliminate background noise when | | | | Cobra 75 WX ST are both popular choice with |
| talking with someone with a strong signal. This | | | | off-road drivers due to their compact size. |
| feature can also be used to pull-in and better hear | | | | - RVs: RV owners traditionally have ample cab space |
| weak signals. | | | | that can accommodate large CB radios. Popular |
| - PA Capability - Allows use of the CB radio and | | | | features with RV owners include weather channel |
| microphone as a transmitter for a public address | | | | capabilities as well as front-mounted speakers for |
| system. This requires a PA horn (usually not included) | | | | convenient in-dash installation. The Cobra 18 WX ST |
| that can be mounted under the hood or on top of | | | | II and Uniden Bearcat 538W are both popular with |
| the vehicle. | | | | RV owners. |
| - Automatic Noise Limited (ANL) - Filters out static, | | | | There are a wide range of features available for CB |
| engine noise and other interference from the | | | | radios and only the individual can best determine |
| reception signal to improve reception sound quality. | | | | which feature set best suits their needs. |
| - Weather Capabilities -CB radios with this feature | | | | |