27MC

27MC / Citizens Band radio

General information
Never transmit with a 27MC / CB radio without an antenna connected. If you use an external CB antenna, tune it first with an SWR meter.

If you transmit with a bad or missing antenna, the final amplifier stage can be damaged. That is usually not covered by warranty.

Do not use two antennas on the same radio at the same time. That can also cause damage.

General

General

CB radio, also known in the Netherlands as 27MC, is meant for short-range radio communication without needing to be a licensed radio amateur. It became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s among truck drivers, hobby users and small businesses.

It is still useful today. You do not need a subscription, internet connection or mobile network. With a good radio and a properly tuned antenna you can communicate locally, keep contact while travelling, and sometimes make long-distance contacts when propagation conditions are good.

First steps

If you are new to 27MC / CB, keep the setup simple:

  1. Connect a suitable antenna first.
  2. Check and tune the antenna with an SWR meter if it is an external CB antenna.
  3. Switch on the radio and set volume and squelch calmly.
  4. Choose a channel and listen first to check whether it is free.
  5. Only then make a short call or radio check.

Calling on the radio

On CB you often use a handle. That is simply your radio nickname, for example NordStar.

Example call:

This is NordStar 707 in the mountains of North Carolina trying for the world.

If you have an amateur radio licence, you use your official call sign. A general call often starts with CQ, pronounced as "seek you".

Example:

CQ CQ DX Crossway 01

Short summary

  • Handle = self-chosen nickname on CB.
  • Call sign = official radio amateur identifier.
  • CQ = general call to anyone listening.
  • DX = you are looking for long-distance contacts.
  • The spelling alphabet helps make names and call signs clear.

A - Alfa

B - Bravo

C - Charlie

D - Delta

E - Echo

F - Foxtrot

G - Golf

H - Hotel

I - India

J - Juliett

K - Kilo

L - Lima

M - Mike

N - November

O - Oscar

P - Papa

Q - Quebec

R - Romeo

S - Sierra

T - Tango

U - Uniform

V - Victor

W - Whiskey

X - X-ray

Y - Yankee

Z - Zulu

Antennas

Antennas

The antenna is at least as important as the radio. A good antenna, mounted in a suitable place and tuned correctly, gives better range and protects the radio.

For a fixed setup, an antenna such as the Antron 99 is a common option. For mobile or temporary use, choose an antenna that suits the vehicle, mounting point and cable length.

Tuning an antenna with an SWR meter

What is SWR?
SWR shows how well the antenna system matches the radio. A low SWR means most of the power goes into the antenna. A high SWR means power is reflected back into the radio.

SWRMeaning
1.0Perfect.
1.2 - 1.5Very good.
1.5 - 2.0Acceptable.
2.0 - 3.0Not good; tune the antenna.
> 3.0Do not transmit. Risk of damage.
SWR meter
SWR meter for checking and tuning a CB antenna.
Base station

President Lincoln II+ as a base station

The President Lincoln II+ is a mobile radio, but it can also work well as a compact base station when used with a good power supply and a properly tuned antenna.

President Lincoln II+
President Lincoln II+.

RF Power

Use only as much power as needed. More power does not automatically mean proportionally more range.

Squelch / ASC

Squelch suppresses noise when nobody is transmitting. ASC can do this automatically.

RF Gain

RF Gain controls receiver sensitivity. Reducing it can help with very strong nearby signals.

Modes

AM, FM, USB and LSB are different operating modes. Use the mode that matches the channel and contact.

Amplifiers

Amplifiers

An amplifier such as the KL503 can increase transmit power, but it also increases the need for a properly tuned antenna system, suitable cabling and careful operation.

Never use an amplifier with a poor SWR. First check the antenna system with low power, then increase power only when everything is correct.

KL503 amplifier
KL503 amplifier.
Handheld radio

President Randy III+

A handheld CB radio is useful for portable use, short local contacts and testing. Range depends strongly on the antenna and surroundings.

President Randy III+
President Randy III+ handheld CB radio.
  • Use high/low power depending on battery life and distance.
  • Use squelch or ASC to reduce noise.
  • Use scan or dual watch when you want to monitor activity.
  • For better range, use a suitable external antenna where possible.
Long distance

Long-distance contacts

Under normal conditions, CB radio is mainly local. During good propagation conditions, especially on sideband, much longer contacts can sometimes be made.

For long-distance contacts, listen first, keep your call short and clear, and use standard radio language where possible.