The Rules of Citizen Band
Since its legalisation, citizen band and the other legal bands were always intended to be used in a 'wholesome' way. For most this was the first time that it was possible to talk with others in different locations and the attraction of this was widespread and quickly became the phenomenon it was.
The basic enjoyment of Radio communications is the ability to relay messages between two remote stations and understand more about the person and the equipment at the other end. All of this in the days before chatrooms, forums and technology based platforms which are now hysterically used by the masses.
The real foundation of radio communications stems from the need to share the same frequency at the same time without creating an overlap of transmissions or interference inn the messages being transmitted. Since its first use, radio communications usually follow a prescribed formula that needs to be understood and observed by all radio users in order to enjoy successful communications.
This formula usually follows the course of:-
'Is this frequency in use?'
'I am transmitting on this frequency is anyone receiving my transmission?'
If successfully received a radio operator will respond to such a transmission to confirm he has received it and the exchange of transmissions between them on that frequency will continue.
In terms of CB Radio slang this has become :-
'Break, Break' - I am transmitting on this frequency (to see if it is in use)
'19 for a copy' - I am transmitting on channel 19 is anyone receiving?
'This is The Bandit calling on Channel One Nine' - I am <Call-sign> calling anyone on channel 19
In order to successfully communicate with other CB Radio users the frequency must be clear and others will be listening for these specific transmissions and will usually respond accordingly.
The frequency must be clear, that means no 'dead keying', no music being played over the air waves and no foul mouthed breaker with a 1000 Watt amplifier bleeding all over the frequency.
So before we begin to use the airwaves in a way which is beneficial for all radio users we should first establish some basic rules:-
- Be courteous to others
- No swearing
- No long transmissions (particularly no long key ups)
- No music on the airwaves
- Only use the relevant channel to establish a communication and then move to another channel
Although not widely used these days there are established channels for specific functions:-
Channel 19
Channel 19 is the calling channel. Do not use channel 19 to continue a communication. Establish a contact then request to move to another channel if you wish to continue communications.
Channel 9
Although not actively monitored nowadays it is good to avoid the use of Channel 9 for general communications. Others may need to use Channel 9 in an emergency (yes even nowadays) because of an accident or breakdown. Even inn recent years Mayday calls have been received from stranded boats etc using a standard CB Radio. There are many other channels to use so stay off of channel 9 so that the frequency is always clear for those that need it.
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