Citizens band radio is it still used, also known as 2-way radio, is an amateur radio service that operate using low power FM frequencies, typically between 860 and 1610 MHz, and uses two-way communications to transmit data. In most countries it is restricted to personal use; however, there are several areas where Citizens Band Radio is used regularly. It can be picked up in rural areas and used to listen to police, fire and EMS.
The reason for its limited availability is that it was initially designed for military purposes, where it could be used for communication in hostile territory without being identified. Citizens band radio, commonly used in most countries, is actually a land-based radio network, a system that allows short distance personal communication between people, using two-way radios operating on various 40 channels close to 27 MHz in the mid-frequency band. This technology was originally developed by the United States Navy and was adopted by the army, navy and air force. The army and air force to use the system for live-fire exercises in large fields; the navy uses the system for surface ships, offshore communication and low-earth orbiting telecommunications. The FCC also allows Citizens Band Radio devices for police operations and highway safety, though the spectrum is lower than that used in other systems.
Since the technology was developed for the commercial market, it has been made available to the general public. The low-frequency band is more commonly used because of its high bandwidth; however, this frequency is also susceptible to duplexing. Duplexing occurs when two stations on opposite sides of the band are transmitting simultaneously; each station will take a frequency at the same time as another station. Since the carrier will detect the signal, then it will cause a slight loss in sound clarity and volume.
Commercial applications include short-term communication through walkie-talkies and other wireless means, as well as longer-range communications, such as in earthquake prone regions or areas prone to natural disaster. Many individuals also use their lands for recreational purposes, such as camping or boating. Citizens Band Radio is an easy and convenient way to enjoy your favorite hobbies while staying in touch with the local community. These radios have less power than their traditional analog counterparts, but their range is much farther, as well. You can communicate with neighbors or friends hundreds of miles away; even over a dozen miles in some cases.
You’ll need a simple installation kit if you plan to make your own Citizens Band Radio. Most devices operate from rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, which are easily available at any hardware store. To conserve the battery power, you should set the radio to vibrate when it receives low-voltage signals. If you’re unfamiliar with operating this type of radio, there is an instructional video online for you to download. You don’t need an extensive knowledge of radio waves to set up one, but you will need to know what types of frequencies are available in your area and what type of reception you want.
The average new model radio has about three hundred channels, so the range of your signal will be limited by the transmission distance between you and the receiver. In this case, the two main types of citizen band radio are simplex and multimode. Simplex radios use single-sided channels, whereas multimode devices use their double-sided channels. These two types are more likely to receive reception over long distances, although the difference isn’t great. Your best bet is to buy a simplex radio and then upgrade to a multimode later on down the road; they’ll work more efficiently and be more reliable in that way. You can expect to pay less than two hundred dollars for most devices, depending on the model.