The Citizen Band (CB) antenna is a device which is used mainly for two purposes. Firstly, to receive radio frequency signals and convert them into electrical signals. After converting the signals, it takes them from the transmitter and convert them in to radio frequency signals. Secondly, it is used for tuning the radio because an antenna has to radiate the radio frequency signals; it is done best when the length of the antenna is accurately matched with the wavelength of the transmitted radio frequency.
In simple words, it receives electrical power through its connection and changes it to electromagnetic energy or radio waves. Its behave is similar to a light bulb but instead of shining it transmits.
Start of transmission
The citizens’ band radio service emerged as one of the personal radio services owned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. The programs started in 1945 to give people a personal contact radio band (e.g., remote-controlled model aircraft, and family and business communications). The initial CB radios were developed in 1948 for operating on the UHF band of 460–470 MHz.
Classes OF CB Radio Antenna
CB radio had two classes: “A” and “B.” The technical specifications of Class B radios were simpler and limited to a narrower frequency spectrum. In the late 1940s Al Gross established the Citizens Radio Corporation to produce handhelds for the general public from class B.
Citizens band radio antenna is used in many countries, it is a land mobile radio network, a system that enables bidirectional voice communication between individuals at short distances, using two-way radios operating in the high frequency band on 40 channels around 27 MHz.
The citizens band is different from other sets of personal radio networks such as FRS, GMRS, MURS, UHF CB and Amateur Radio.
Licensing
CB operations in many countries do not need a license they can be used for business or personal communications. Multiple radios in a local area share a single frequency channel, as do many other land mobile radio services, but only one can transmit at a time.
Antenna choice
27 Megahertz is a particularly long wavelength for mobile communications as well it depends on the antenna choice. The selection of CB radios antenna mounts has a significant effect on the efficiency of CB radio. A rising mobile antenna is a vertical whip with quarter-waves. This is about 9 feet (2.7 m) tall; it is mounted low on the body of the vehicle, and also has a spring-and-ball brace to maximize its stability when scrapping or hitting overhead objects. Where a nine-foot whip is required, shorter antennas have loading coils that make the impedance of the antenna the same as a physically longer antenna. The loading coil can be on the antenna’s bottom, center or top. While there are some antennas are wrapped in a helix that is continuously charged.
Conclusion
There are almost 40 channel present on CB handset, and every channel is built to show alternate relapse. Due to the fact that it is hard to change wires for each channels, so the technicians pursue a more practical way. Which is to connect with the strongest wavelength amongst all the frequencies present. Although, the selection of the right CB Antenna can enhance the chances to get clearer transmission.
