So you've got your new ssb radio and your antenna all set up, then you listen and hear strange numbered call signs and Q codes and frequencies being given and you wonder where do I start.
So the first thing you will want is a callsign. Now these can be whatever you want but there is some logic to their make up. The first number is your country number, and while you dont have to use one it will help you to make contacts.
You can use anything you like for example your initials and a number.
There are also Radio Clubs who have certain Letters to their club.
For example, I am 26TM205 Being a member of the TransMission1 club. Transmission1
And they run the Tango Mike club, (Its free to join). There are many many clubs on the CB and one of the original clubs who actually came up with the prefix country directory was the AT (Alpha Tango) club based in Italy. If you use Facebook you will find many groups who are CB radio clubs etc.
Anyway, once you have your unique call sign, you are ready to start, Thes best way to learn is to monitor 27.555MHz and see how the other stations make contacts.
Sadly there are still idiots on CB Radio and you may come across a few of those during your day, best to just ignore them.
You will more than likely hear a station calling CQ CQ (seek you) this is 34 Romeo Charlie 151 please qsy (change frequency) to 27.515 they usually repeat the frequency.
So you go to the frequency they gave (usually USB) and if you want to make contact give them a call stating your contact callsign e.g 26CB111 or whatever you call is.
The basics of the contact is a signal report, this is two numbers based on readability and signal strength.
Readabilty is based from 1 to 5.
1 being unreadable to 5 being fully readable
The 2nd number is their signal strength shown on your radios meter, from S1 to S9 or even S9 plus 10db if they are very strong.
With signal report given and logged you then go on to give operator first name and your location.
You dont have to give your exact location usually you use your city name.
And then you may both discuss the equipment and antenna you are using. Try to keep your transmissions short as band conditions can change quickly and the station can disappear into the noise.
As long as callsign, signal report and usually name are copied by both stations then the contact is deemed complete and you can log it in your radio logbook or on your computer.
Some stations only want a short contact because maybe their first language isnt English and they may only know a few sentences to pass over their information.
If you speak other languages a contact can be more fun and last a lot longer, as long as you rememeber to keep your overs short incase propagation changes and you or the other disappers into the noise, then you should be ok.
Anyway this is just a brief description of how to use SSB CB Radio, Once you get a few contacts in your log you may find your self becoming addicted to DXing around the world.
.png)
