Many People buy Cb radios because how they Look, Not Knowing their features....
Here we have a list of the Most common features that a Cb Radio have
Squelch Control - This control sets the break-point at which a CB radio outputs a signal. In effect, it keeps the operator from constantly having to listen to static and only activates the speaker when a transmission is received. This is a standard feature and is included with nearly every CB radio sold.
RF Gain - Allows the operator to filter the type of transmission a CB radio receives based on signal strength. It’s useful to block out faint transmissions to eliminate background noise when talking with someone with a strong signal. This feature can also be used to pull-in and better hear weak signals.
PA Capability - Allows use of the CB radio and microphone as a transmitter for a public address system. This requires a PA horn (usually not included) that can be mounted under the hood or on top of the vehicle.
Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) - Filters out static, engine noise and other interference from the reception signal to improve reception sound quality.
Weather Capabilities - CB radios with this feature have the ability to access local NOAA radio stations for real-time weather reports and updates.
Instant Channel 9 & 19 - The ability to quickly jump to two of the most popular channels: Channel 9 (Emergency) and Channel 19 (Highway / Truckers).
Night-watch and/or Backlit Displays - A number of higher priced models include a backlit radio display for convenient operation at night. This is an invaluable feature if a radio will be used extensively at night or in dark conditions.
Dynamike - This control amplifies your voice to make you sound louder. It is like a built-in
power mike. Normally you would have this control turned all the way up If you are using a power mike and you experience squealing or distortion, try turning down the Dynamike.
Delta Tune - If the other person's CB is a little off-frequency, their signal may sound a little
distorted. If so, you can adjust the Delta Tune to clarify their voice. Delta Tune only affects
received signals, it has no effect on transmit. Normally you would leave the Delta Tune at the 12:00 position.
S/RF, SWR, CAL SWITCH - The normal operating position is the S/RF position. In the S/RF
position the meter will show transmit power and receive signal strength.
The CAL and SWR positions are only for check the SWR of the antenna.
SWR - This is a measure of antenna performance. Some radios have a built-in SWR meter to measure the SWR. It tells you how well the antenna system is tuned to the CB band. If you want to adjust your antenna, you need an SWR meter. The procedure to check SWR:
1. Set the switch to the CAL position.
2. Press the button on the microphone and adjust the SWR CAL knob until the needle is on the triangle marker in the upper-right corner of the meter.
3. While still holding the button on the microphone, set the switch to the SWR position.
4. Read the SWR along the top scale of the meter. For proper operation the SWR must be below 3.
USB/AM/LSB SWITCH - This switch is used on radios equipped with Single Sideband (SSB), which is a special mode of transmission. Use the AM position to communicate to regular CBs. Use the USB and LSB positions to communicate to other Single Sideband radios.
VOICELOCK - This control is only used on Single Sideband radios. When you are switched to USB or LSB, received signals may sound distorted. Adjust the Voicelock control to clarify the signal. Voicelock only affects received signals, it has no effect on transmit.
The most important and misused is the on and off knob. If you just HAVE to go into a vulgar foul mouthed rampage, turn it off, blow off steam, when your ready to join humanity again, slowly turn it back on. If someone else decides everyone needs to hear his/her rampage, turn it off, after a few miles turn it back on and hope they were going the other way. There is nothing to gain by yelling back at an idiot, when their mouth is open their ears are shut. OK, my rant is over.