How to get started in CB radio?

What equipment do I need (eg power supplies, microphones etc) do I need to get started with CB radio? PLease bear in mind that I am a COMPLETE noob, and so links on how to wire it all up and use it would help.



ThanksHow to get started in CB radio?
CB radio operators are generally very rude, and use foul language. They disregard rules and regulations..



If you still want to get into it, then buy a mobile radio, and an antenna. Hook it up to your car and.... uh... get to the experience. The microphone that comes with your radio will be fine.How to get started in CB radio?
1. Decide on where you want to be with it a year, three, five years from now. If you're just wanting to cruise around town, $40 will get you a great radio, another $20 will get you a decent mobile antenna, another $25 for an SWR meter. Hook it directly to the battery for best results, don't use a cigarette lighter or fuse block. If you're wanting to exploit radio to the craziest extent possible, start thinking about amateur radio. If you want to risk FCC intervention %26amp; fines, then a tower, beam, amplifier, and annoying toys are for you.



2. Assuming plain old CB rules for you, decide on mobile or base station setup. For a base station, you'll need to plan things out with coaxial cable, type and placement of the antenna, power supply, and of course the CB itself. You'll need to decide whether you want AM or SSB, instant WX, etc. Power mikes aren't really necessary.



3. When it's installed, spend some time just listening to the conversations instead of jumping in and sounding like a noob.How to get started in CB radio?
I would see first if CB is something you want to get into, and if CB will do what you want it to do.



I would first put an ad on craigslist or such, seeing if there is a used system you can buy.
go to a truck stop. there is usually a CB store inside or nearby. they can get you set up with an installed system.