For hobbyists, truckers, and other radio kit users, CB amplifiers can be a helpful gadget that allows you to communicate efficiently and clearly over long distances. But before you buy an amplifier and use one, it’s worth learning how this technology works and the laws governing usage. That way, you can determine if it’s what you need.
At Moonraker, we are passionate about providing a wide range of radio equipment for all budgets. Here, we cover everything you need to know before buying a CB amplifier.
What is a CB Amplifier?
A CB amplifier is a transistor device that can boost your CB radio's power by increasing your signal's amplitude and gain. A CB radio's power output is typically 3-4 watts, and with an amplifier, depending on the type, you can increase the power output of your CB radio to over 500 watts!
What this means is that an amplifier can significantly boost your range.
If you’re thinking all this sounds great and wondering why a person wouldn’t buy one, there are some considerations to know before purchasing.
What You Should Know Before Buying a CB Amplifier
Before purchasing the CB amplifier, it's essential to consider a few things, such as the antenna setup on your radio that plays a crucial role in how far the signal reaches. Knowing the typical conditions of the areas you frequent and plan on transmitting your signal is also of great importance because of the legal and social implications that come with the use of an amplifier.
Legalities
Although the laws regarding public communication bands may be something you're already aware of, we'd be doing a disservice to any new CB users by not making it clear that these amplifiers are illegal to use with your CB radio.
Now, law enforcement won't be kicking down your door for having one, but being caught with one could result in a fine. In some cases, the authorites could choose to prosecute and the offender could end up serving time in jail, although we have to hear of such an event.
Amplifiers are illegal to use in the UK because Ofcom regulates the maximum radiated power of citizen’s band radio to 4 watts. Amplifiers can potentially make your radio exceed that amount.
That said, owning an amplifier isn’t illegal. Thousands of CB users worldwide use these amplifiers every day without ever having any problems.
If you're interested in the technology, it can be a valuable tool to own as long as you operate it wisely and aren't looking for trouble.
Current Set Up
While an amplifier does give you a significant boost, a properly tuned antenna systemmay be all you need.
Assess your current setup and ensure you're getting the optimal performance. If a longer antenna can't give you the distance you're looking for, an amplifier will surely deliver.
Wattage Capacity
Before your purchase, another critical thing to understand is wattage ratings and whether your radio can run with an amplifier.
A good rule of thumb regarding your antenna system is to err on the side of caution and ensure the manufacturer's maximum wattage rating is much more than (or even double) the wattage rating of the amplifier's output you choose.
After confirming your radio and antenna are compatible with your amplifier, check that the alternator in your car can also manage the wattage. This additional step can help you avoid a broken transistor and your money going down the drain.
AM Or SSB Mode
Whether you communicate on AM or SSB Mode will make a difference in what features you'll need for your amplifier.
If AM mode is how you usually talk, most amplifiers will work well, but you may need to lower your radio's carrier to avoid overdriving the amplifier.
On the contrary, communicating through SSB doesn't usually require you to change the carrier of your radio, but it does require a delay, this is normally a switch on the linear (note some linear amplifiers are AM/FM ONLY).
The most important thing with any amplifier is to ensure your VSWR is low (Below 1:1.5) an Antenna Tuning Unit rated at the correct power may be required.
Power Supply
Determining how much power you need to achieve the distance and clarity you desire is one more thing you'll need to figure out before spending money on a CB amplifier.
Generally, 100 watts is enough for most people, but if you're not sure how much wattage is necessary for your goal, you can calculate the power with this formula.
How Do I Choose the Best CB Amplifier?
Now that we've covered what you should know before buying a CB amplifier, we can move on to how to choose the one that will best suit your needs. Below are a few key things you'll want to pay attention to when making your purchase.
Amplifier Efficiency
Amplifier efficiency refers to the ratio of the total input power and the expected power output. As we had previously mentioned while discussing wattage capacity, the input power of your car, antenna, and radio should be more than the output power of the amplifier you select.
Product Category
The main differences in CB amplifiers rely on the noise level, band, and power output. They fall into three categories: variable gain, broadband, or low noise.
The frequencies they pick up can range anywhere from 0.5 decibels to 50 decibels. The noise level output you're looking for will determine which product category you should be searching.
Other Aspects
Some other features you'll want to think about when shopping for a CB amplifier are the dynamic range, its receptivity to the band, and how susceptible it is to EMI (electromagnetic interference).
A spectrum-analyzing device can do away with unnecessary sideband signals and help you avoid signal leakage that could get you caught using an amplifier. The modulation should also always be 100% or below for optimal use.
Need a CB Amplifier? Shop Moonraker
As long as you plan to use it responsibly within the law and do your due diligence with the tips we mentioned above, a CB amplifier can significantly upgrade your radio and antenna setup. Shop Moonraker today for all your CB amplifier, antenna, and radio needs.
Still have a few questions? Get in touch with one of our professionals, and let us help you! With over 40 years of business and one of the largest ranges of stocked products in the UK, we have the expertise and inventory to meet any of your radio communication needs.
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