Basic controls:
Volume knob — controls the audio level of your radio; it is frequently an on/off switch as well (all the way down, or to the left, is off).
Squelch — squelch sets the sensitivity on your receiver so that static can be filtered out. If you are only interested in hearing strong signals or don’t want to hear static you will turn up your squelch (clockwise / to the right) until the static disappears. Getting rid of static will also allow you to perform a channel scan to look for active channels with strong signals. If you want to listen to distant signals (also known as DXing) or shoot skip (talk to distant CB’ers) you should turn your squelch all the way down (to the left / counter clockwise).
RF gain — RF gain also controls the sensitivity on your radio so you can filter out distant or weak signals. For example, if there are multiple broadcasters on a channel and you only want to hear strong signals you can turn down (counter clockwise / to the left) your RF gain until you only hear strong signals. Generally speaking, you should always leave your RF gain all the way up (clockwise / to the right) so that you are not filtering anyone out.
Channel selector — in most modern radios you will be able to select from 40 channels; some older radios might only have 23 channels. * SEE OUR CHANNEL LIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
When you are ready to test your CB you will want to go to a popular channel — like channel 19, the channel truckers use — and say “can I get a radio check?” Usually someone will respond with a simple “it’s working,” and at that point you can ask their location and how well they are receiving your signal.
Also see our page on CB lingo and 10 codes so you can talk the talk!
FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR INFORMATION ON USING YOUR CB FOR LONG DISTANCE COMMUNICATION — AKA SHOOTING SKIP.
Channel List:
(Note: the citizens band radio spectrum is also called the 11 meter band because this is the length of a CB radio’s transmission wave.)
| Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Typical Use (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26.965 | Used by truckers in eastern USA & Canadian maritime provinces |
| 2 | 26.975 | |
| 3 | 26.985 | |
| 4 | 27.005 | Often used for 4x4s/Off-roading |
| 5 | 27.015 | |
| 6 | 27.025 | Considered the “Super Bowl” channel for shooting skip |
| 7 | 27.035 | |
| 8 | 27.055 | |
| 9 | 27.065 | Emergency communications or traveler assistance |
| 10 | 27.075 | Often used by truckers for regional roads |
| 11 | 27.085 | |
| 12 | 27.105 | |
| 13 | 27.115 | Considered the Marine/RV channel |
| 14 | 27.125 | Commonly included transmit/receive crystal in many vintage kids’ walkie-talkies |
| 15 | 27.135 | |
| 16 | 27.155 | |
| 17 | 27.165 | |
| 18 | 27.175 | |
| 19 | 27.185 | Unofficial “Highway Information” channel. Used by truck drivers and travelers on US Interstates. |
| 20 | 27.205 | |
| 21 | 27.215 | |
| 22 | 27.225 | |
| 23 | 27.255 | |
| 24 | 27.235 | |
| 25 | 27.245 | |
| 26 | 27.265 | |
| 27 | 27.275 | |
| 28 | 27.285 | |
| 29 | 27.295 | |
| 30 | 27.305 | |
| 31 | 27.315 | |
| 32 | 27.325 | |
| 33 | 27.335 | |
| 34 | 27.345 | |
| 35 | 27.355 | |
| 36 | 27.365 | |
| 37 | 27.375 | |
| 38 | 27.385 | Frequently used for single side band (SSB) — especially lower side band (LSB) transmissions. SSB / LSB transmission can increase range / power drastically. Only certain CBs can transmit in SSB modes. |
| 39 | 27.395 | |
| 40 | 27.405 |
(Note: CB transmissions may interfere with the nearby frequencies used below by RC hobbyists; exercise caution on these frequencies.)
| 3A | 26.995 MHz |
| 7A | 27.045 MHz |
| 11A | 27.095 MHz |
| 15A | 27.145 MHz |
| 19A | 27.195 MHz |