The California Highway Patrol doesn't let the fact that the citizen's band radio service -- also known as CB radio and dating back to the 1940s -- affect its decision to use it for CHP enforcement. Rather, the CHP still uses CB radio on a limited basis, generally as a complement in monitoring California's highways and responding to incidents.Friday, June 13, 2014
The California Highway Patrol doesn't let the fact that the citizen's band radio service -- also known as CB radio and dating back to the 1940s -- affect its decision to use it for CHP enforcement. Rather, the CHP still uses CB radio on a limited basis, generally as a complement in monitoring California's highways and responding to incidents.
Stray radio signals from CB radios can be a pain, as they interfere with a variety of devices including telephones, radios and televisions. Understanding what causes stray radio frequency (RF) interference is key to eliminate the problem. Stopping stray RF might be as simple as installing a filter or replacing the coaxial cable connecting the CB radio to the antenna.
CB radio output wattage can vary if there are problems with the transmitter output in the radio and with other factors. Measuring the radio's output power with a wattmeter and "dummy load" checks the transmitter and helps ensure that the radio signal is strongest. There are several other ways to measure CB radio output power. While common electrical meters can't directly measure radio output power, basic RF (radio frequency) power measurements are not difficult with simple instruments and some math.
The CB radio craze peaked in the 1970s, and the equipment is now refined and affordable compared to those glory days. Still a mainstay of truckers and road travelers, CBs are not high fidelity radios. One of the drawbacks of the CB system and its broadcast frequencies is that radio interference is a common occurrence. This interference has a variety of causes, and there are ways to reduce its effects.
Most of the tasks related to keeping your CB radio gear in good working order involve its electronics; however, without working knobs, you can't adjust volume, gain, tuning and other aspects of obtaining a clear signal. To replace these rotary controls, purchase a new set that matches the brand and model of your equipment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)