Radio Shack TRC-401 - Manual (Page 8)

8
CB OPERATION TIPS
Like most activities, CB radio use has
its customs and courtesies. Although
this CB radio is designed for emer-
gency use, it does work on all 40 CB
channels and can be used for more
than just emergencies. The following
tips will help you get the most benefit
and satisfaction from your CB.
CB COURTESY
• Wait for a pause in someone
else’s transmission before you
ask for a break.
• If you do not receive an answer
to your call after a second at-
tempt, sign off and wait several
minutes before trying again.
• Do not hold down PUSH TO
TALK when you are not talking.
(This is called dead keying.)
• Assist callers with directions,
road conditions, and any other
reasonable requests.
MAXIMUM RANGE
The maximum range and quality of
CB transmissions vary depending on
these conditions:
• The type and quality of antenna
used
• The height of the antenna’s
mounting location — the higher
the antenna, the better the sig-
nal’s range
• The surrounding terrain —
mountains and tall buildings limit
the range
• Weather conditions
• The number of nearby CBs op-
erating on the same channel
• Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) be-
tween the antenna and the CB
You can check the SWR be-
tween the CB and a mobile an-
tenna using an SWR meter (Cat.
No. 21-523). Follow the instruc-
tions supplied with the SWR
meter and the mobile antenna to
change the SWR, if necessary.
Note: You cannot adjust the
SWR of the supplied antenna.
21-1588.fm Page 8 Thursday, August 5, 1999 10:05 AM