CB FAQs

What is CB?
Citizens Band radio (CB) is a 2-way voice communication system for personal use for the general public.  It lets you talk from your truck, car, home, busine...
Do I need a license to operate a CB?
No license is required.  The FCC used to issue licenses for CBs, but they discontinued that requirement many years ago.
How far can I talk on a CB?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question. All Cobra CB radios transmit using the maximum FCC allowable power output of four watts.  There are...
What type of antenna should I use?
There are only 3 important considerations when choosing a CB antenna: The longer the antenna, the better the range.  There are always trade-offs between...
What is SWR?
SWR is an acronym for “Standing Wave Ratio”.  It is a measure of how well the antenna is tuned to the CB band.  Any problems with the antenna, antenna cable...
Can I use a mobile CB in my home?
Yes, a mobile CB can be used as a base station.  You will need a DC power supply and a base station antenna. The power supply should have an output between...
Are FRS and GMRS radios compatible with CB?
FRS and GMRS are relatively new radio bands which have been opened to the general public. FRS and GMRS radios are compact handhelds and use FM transmission ...
CB Radio Features - Weather Alert
Weather Alert is a feature that alerts you of a weather emergency.  Here is how it works: If the National Weather Service identifies a weather emergency (t...
CB Radio Features - SoundTracker
SoundTracker is a Cobra-exclusive noise reduction technology.  When enabled, a special noise-reduction circuit cuts noise up to 90% for a cleaner, clearer s...
CB Radio Features - Single Sideband
All CB radios operate on AM, which is the same type of transmission as a typical AM radio station.  In addition, some higher-end CB radios are equipped with...