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Citizen Band radio or CB Radio has been used as a cheap and simple means of communication between vehicles in the UK since the introduction of the legal 27 MHz frequency band in 1981.

CB has a lot to offer all types of enthusiasts. Out on the road there is still a spirit of community with people reporting the whereabouts of hold-ups and accidents, often allowing alternative routes to be taken long before you get snarled up in several miles of standing traffic.

Most CB Radios these days come with 80 channels (40 UK and 40 European). All these channels can be used in the UK, but only the 40 channels designated for use in mainland Europe should be used in the rest of the EU.

From 8 December 2006, it will no longer be necessary to hold a Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act licence in order to operate Citizens’ Band Radio equipment, providing that the equipment is operated in accordance with the WT (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006.

CB users share spectrum which is in a frequency band managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This use is secondary to that of the MOD (the primary spectrum user) and it should be noted that CB users must be prepared to accept incoming interference caused by continuing use of this spectrum by the MOD.

Please note: users must understand that CB radio equipment shall be operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis; that is, it shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from, other radio services.

All CB radios have different features, these let you communicate more easily and efficiently. There are many different features available on a CB radio, from Auto Squelch to Built in VOX. If you are new to CB these names will probably mean nothing to you but check the list below for some explanations. Generally the more expensive the radio the more features it has.

40 Channels	MIC Gain
Operates on 40 UK Channels only	Adjusts the level of outgoing audio
80 Channels	RF Gain
Operates on 40 UK Channels & 40 European Channels	Adjusts the level of incoming signal
Multi Channels	Tone Control
Operates on 10 bands with over 400 channels allowing you to use it all throughout Europe.	Adjusts the tone of the incoming audio
LED Channel Read-out	Automatic Squelch
LED read-out shows channel number	Automatically adjusts the squelch level
Backlit LCD Display	Channel 9 Button
Backlit LCD display shows channel number and other icons	Allows you to jump to the emergency channel at the touch of a button
Digital Signal Meter	Channel 19 Button
Meter on LCD screen shows incoming and outgoing signal strength	Allows you to jump to the calling channel at the touch of a button
Analogue Signal Meter	Frequency Display
Mechanical style signal meter shows accurate signal strength reading	Shows frequency on screen as well as channel number
Up/Down Buttons on Mic	Memory Buttons
Buttons on microphone allow you to change channel	Allows you to store frequently used channels in a memory bank (5 or 7)
Scan Function	Dual Watch
Allows you to scan all the channels for a transmission at the touch of a button	Allows you to monitor 2 channels at once
Last Channel Recall	Backlit Front Panel
Takes you back to the last channel you transmitted on	Makes the radio easy to use in the dark
PA Function	12 or 24 Volt Operation
This amplifies your voice through an external PA Horn	CB Radio operates on 12 or 24 Volt.
Key Lock Function	Built in VOX
When activated, provides key pad security eliminating accidental channel change.	Voice activated hands-free function.

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