A CB radio or citizens band radio is a communication device used as a personal radio service. When choosing a radio, it is entirely dependent on what you need. With your budget in mind keep note that all radios have the same transmission power out of the box.
One factor to look at first when picking a radio is the size you want; radios can range from handheld units to a full- chassis unit. Consider where you’re going to mount the radio, if it is going to be in an off-road vehicle it would be best to consider a smaller unit while larger vehicles like trucks will have a broader range to choose from.
Here are some key features to look at when picking out a radio:
Backlit displays
If you’ll be using the radio during the night, it is worth looking into getting a radio with a backlit display; this illuminates the screen to help make operation more manageable in the dark.
Weather capabilities
A feature that provides the user with real-time weather updates, some radios can even give the user severe weather alerts even when not in use.
Channel scanning
This feature allows the user to scan all CB channels for activity.
PA (Public Address) system
If you are working with a team, having an external public address system can be essential, using this feature allows you to use the radio and handset to address a group of people.
SSB (Single Side Band)
This Can generally be found in higher-end radios, this feature provides the user access to over 80 additional channels and can legally transmit at 12 watts of power without the requirement of an FCC license. It is worth noting that only other SSB users can receive SSB signals and respond to them. However, all SSB radios support standard AM-mode and will allow communication with non-SSB CD users.
RF (Radio Frequency) gain
RF gain lets the operator filter transmissions according to signal strength; this feature helps isolate weaker signals from strong signals and allows for more accessible communication by blocking out background noise.
Built-in metres
Some higher-end radios may include a feature that can display transmission and reception strength.
This can also include standing wave radio or SWR antenna readings.
This feature helps identify potential antenna problems.
Selecting the right radio is reliant on what features you are looking for and what you are willing to spend. Remember, while features are an essential part of deciding which radio will be suitable for yourself, the most crucial part of the radio is the external antenna which can affect the radio’s transmission.
When finding a good antenna, you want to maximise how far you’ll be able to transmit and receive.
You have to consider the style, type, how tall the antenna is and where it will be mounted.
These are three types of CB antennas:
Fibreglass
this antenna is wound with copper or silver-plated copper wire which is coated in protective material. Fibreglass antennas can be mounted lower on a vehicle while also being budget-friendly.
Coil loaded
This type of antenna is designed to handle more power and are made to house a heavier gauge wire coil, unlike fibreglass antennas.
Magnet
Characterised by a boding coil on the lower housing, this antenna allows for easier installation, because of this however mounting positions are limited.
See our range of UHF radio antennas
and our antenna mounting brackets
When selecting an antenna, it is also important to make sure the mount is also sturdy enough to support it.
A small roof magnet mount would be suited for a short fibreglass antenna. Therefore it would not be able to support anything more substantial like a heavy centre loaded 5-foot antenna; this is because the momentum of the antenna while driving would most likely cause the magnet mount to come off.
When choosing the mount, consider the amount of stress the antenna will cause.
So as you can see there are many options and variants on choosing the best CB radio for yourself. You need to consider the application and where it would be mounted and its features, click here to browse our UHF CB Radios all with free shipping Australia wide