UK CB Radio

CB (Citizens Band) and PMR (Personal Mobile Radio) are two radio systems available for use by the general public.

CB is the higher power system, enabling free communication with an average 10 mile range (performance varies according to antenna system and terrain). 20 Mile range with CB is not uncommon (base-station to base-station). PMR is a low power alternative - but the radios are generally smaller, lighter - and offer a more practical alternative to mobile phones for short distance communication (1 Mile typical).

NB: CB and PMR radios are two different systems - and are in no way compatible.

	PMR	CB	Mobile Phones
Purchase Cost	£15-£100 per radio	£40 to £100 per radio	£30-£200 depending on plan
Range	Approx 1 Mile	Approx 10 Mile	Unlimited
Call Cost	Free	Free	5p to 50p min
Monthly Plan	Free	Yearly license equates to £1.25 per month	£10 to £40+
Privacy	8 channels, no privacy	80 channels, no privacy	Private
Additional Handsets	Unlimited additional radios can share the same channel	Unlimited additional radios can share the same channel	Multiple mobiles must have individual numbers
Conference Cost	Free, just add more radios	Free, just add more radios	Expensive

We can supply a range of both CB and PMR 'starter kits', just click on the icon below.

CB Licensing in the UK is now handled by the Radio Licensing Centre, Bristol. Print and complete this form (pdf format), and send this with a cheque for £15 made payable to "Radio Licensing Centre" to:

Further details plus terms and conditions (plus the above form in html format) can be found here at the RAE website

PMR are only available in hand-held form, have an integral antenna (similar to a mobile phone) and are ready to use.

CB Radios exist in two sizes. Hand held CB's are typically supplied ready to use, whereas their larger cousins require an external antenna - and possibly a power supply unit (PSU) if used in the home. You may also need an SWR meter, these are available for approx £5, however - you may wish to borrow one from a friend as you'll only need to use it once (see below).

In the case of PMR and hand-held CBs, yes. In the case of the larger CB Radios (for use in the car, or from home) - you need an external antenna.

Once you find a good location for this antenna (as high as possible and away from any surrounding structures), you'll need to adjust the antenna for optimal 'effectiveness'. This is called adjusting the SWR.

It really isn't. Once setup, you should never need to touch it again. You basically adjust the length, using an SWR meter as guidance.

A guide to adjusting your SWR can be found in the next section, titled "How to adjust your SWR".

We used to just say 'consult the instructions that came with your meter!' - but judging by the amount of email we've had, most people don't have instructions. Whilst the process is actually very easy once you know how - it's hard to explain. Most people who already have CB's are happy to help out newcomers if required. Alternatively, give us a call - and we'll talk you through it.

SWR measures the effectiveness of your antenna. The lower your SWR, the more power is actually making its way out of your antenna.

SWR can vary greatly over a range of chnls. If you tend to use all 40 chnls, aim for lowest SWR on chnl 20. If you only use a small range of chnls, aim for the lowest SWR in the middle of these. If you use a new 80 chnl rig, aim for lowest SWR at chnl 1 (UK band). However - do check for SWR on all extremes (chnls 1 and 40 UK and CEPT). Essentially, you're aiming for lowest SWR on the chnls you use the most.

5) Adjust the SWR meter control knob until the needle sits at the far right of the graph (not beyond it)

10) Adjust antenna and repeat steps 3 to 10 until the lowest reading is achieved

On CB - Yes. Channel 19 is always used as the mobile 'breaking' or 'calling' channel. People call for people here, then move to another channel to continue talking. You don't have to use it this way - but it's best to respect those who do. Channel 14 has traditionally been used as the calling channel for home based users. However, in many parts of the country 19 has now been adopted for both home based and mobile use. However its generally best to steer clear of 14 and 19 when holding a conversation.

Traditionally channel 09 is used as the emergency channel. Nowadays this is rarely monitored, but it some areas it still may be. So avoid 09 unless it really is an emergency. However, CB should never be relied on as an emergency form of communication - you can't guarantee anyone will hear you.

There are no reserved channels on PMR - although channel 8 (and CTCSS 8 if you have it) is slowly being adopted as a calling channel.

Finally - if you wish to learn more about CB and PMR in the UK, may we suggest you join the UK CB Radio group, provided by Yahoo Groups.