CB Learning Center
Our learning center has you covered every step of the way, from selecting the right equipment through installation and troubleshooting.
Select the right equipment
CB Radios for Truckers
CB Radios for Pickup Trucks
Covers the most popular antennas, radios and mounting locations for pickup trucks. Everything you need to know to get a CB up and running in your truck.
CB Radios for Jeeps
Everything you need to know to get a CB installed in your CJ, classic Wrangler or JK. Covers the most popular antennas, radios and mounting locations for Jeeps.
How to Choose the Best CB Radio
This article discusses CB radios in depth and covers individual features (RF gain, NBL, weather, etc), vehicle considerations for CBs and recommended models.
How to Choose the Best CB Antenna
Everything you need to know to pick the perfect CB antenna for your vehicle.
CB Radio Fundamentals (Video)
If you've never used and/or installed a CB before, this is definitely worth watching. Discusses how CBs work, what you'll need for a new install, what items are compatible with each other, and much more.
How to Choose the Right CB Equipment (Video)
Here you'll find radio and antenna selection tips, how to pick the proper mounting location for your antenna and much more.
Common Purchasing Mistakes
If you're buying for the first time, there are a number of common mistakes you'll want to avoid! Following these tips will help you get the most for your purchasing dollar and steer clear of expensive and frustrating problems.
Complete System Checklist
If it's your first time assembling a CB system, you'll want to refer to our checklist to make sure you're not missing any essential items! Also includes a list of optional, but popular CB accessories that will make your installation more convenient and/or functional.
The Dual CB Antenna Guide
Dual CB antennas sure look impressive. But are they a good choice for your truck or other vehicle? We cover everything you need to know.
Complete Guide to CB Coax
Everything you need to know about picking and using coax cable with your CB radio install.
Frequently Asked CB Questions
A number of commonly asked questions related to CB radios, antennas and mounting methods
CB Antenna Range Approximations
One of the most common questions we get is "What kind of range can I expect?" This article discusses approximate ranges for different antenna types, and variables that affect transmit and receive distance.
Installation Guides & Tips
Elements of a Successful Installation
CB installations can be a bit complex and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. However, if you follow a few simple rules you'll be much more likely to end up with a trouble-tree installation.
How to Tune Your CB Antenna
Tuning your antenna for optimal performance is achieved by using a SWR meter to determine the optimal length. It can be a bit confusing if you haven't done it before, which is why we've created a step-by-step video with written instructions as well.
How to Interpret SWR Meter Readings
You've successfully measured your SWR - great! Should you be happy...or worried? We'll walk you through what SWR readings in different ranges actually mean.
Understanding SWR
If you're curious about why it's so important to "tune" your antenna for optimal SWR, this article is for you! This isn't mandatory reading before tuning / adjusting you antenna, but it will give you a much better idea of WHY you're fiddling around with that funny meter.
How to Power Your CB Radio
Getting power to your CB radio isn't exactly user-friendly. Most CB radios come with bare-end positive and negative leads and it's up to YOU to figure out how to tap into your vehicle's electrical system. This article discusses your options.
Poor CB Antenna Mounting Locations
Mounting a CB antenna in certain locations is asking for trouble. Remember these mounting tips to reduce the chance of post-installation headaches.
Troubleshooting Guides
High SWR Troubleshooting Guide
Can't get your CB antenna's SWR within a reasonable range? Going crazy trying to troubleshoot the problem? Our guide can help.
Resistance and Multimeter Use
An understanding of electrical resistance is required to successfully troubleshoot most CB electrical issues. This guide discusses the principle of resistance and basic multimeter use.
How to Test for a Ground
Far and away, the most common cause of high-SWR is an improperly grounded antenna. This guide discusses how to use a multimeter to determine if your installation is properly grounded.
How To Test for a Defective CB Coax
A defective coax cable will result in sky-high SWR. Fortunately, testing coax is very straightforward.
How to Test for a Defective CB Antenna
A defective antenna will result in high SWR. Testing is very similar to coax testing, and easy with a multimeter.
SWR Meter Coax Connections
It's not uncommon for people to struggle with off-the-charts SWR readings only to realize their meter wasn't connected properly! Here's how to make sure your meter is properly installed.
How to Identify a Faulty SWR Meter
Reached Limit of Antenna's Adjustability
Occasionally the tuning process will indicate that you need to further increase/decrease the length of your antenna. Here's what to do if you've reached the limit of how far the antenna will lengthen.
Great SWR, Poor Performance
Have great SWR readings from your antenna, but struggling to talk more than a 1/2 mile? It's probably time to upgrade your antenna.
CB Radio Problems
CB radios are rarely the cause of problems. Issues can almost always be traced back to an antenna, coax or grounding issue. However, there are a few radio-related issues discussed in this article.
Electrical and Engine Noise
Electrical noise picked up by your CB can distort your signal and make it difficult to hear incoming transmissions. Moving a few wires or installing a filter may solve the problem.
How to Perform a System Wide Continuity Check
An open can be a result of improper assembly, and can cause high SWR readings in your CB radio and antenna install.
Should You Be Using No-Ground Equipment?
Having performance issues on a vehicle with a limited metal chassis? You may need to consider no-ground plane CB equipment.