| When you're in the market, there are some | | | | your 12 volt cigarette adapter, you've probably |
| things to consider when buying a walkie talkie or | | | | heard the noise from the engine come through |
| handheld CB radio. Beginning enthusiasts often | | | | your CB's speaker. The NB/ANL feature reduces |
| incorrectly assume that all CB walkie talkies are | | | | white noise that infiltrates reception and improves |
| the same and that as long as they offer forty | | | | basic sound quality, allowing you to hear |
| channels, they'll be happy with their choice. | | | | conversations better, especially those coming |
| While today's modern society is focused on | | | | from a fair distance. |
| technology with the boom of the Internet and cell | | | | 4. Backlight or Nightwatch Display. Usually not |
| phone texting, CB walkie talkies have continued | | | | available in the lower cost versions of CB radios, a |
| their strong and fortuitous reign as the portable | | | | backlit or nightwatch display allows for easier and |
| communication tool of the heartland. It can be a | | | | more efficient operation at night. If you plan on |
| bit confusing when you're first starting out, but | | | | using your CB radio handheld at night this feature |
| we'll break down 8 things to consider when buying | | | | is a must. |
| a handheld CB radio. | | | | 5. RF Gain. This allows the CB radio handler to |
| 1. Price. You should have a budget in mind before | | | | control and filter certain signals, filtering out |
| you step foot in a store, or click online. If you're | | | | weaker ones or bringing them in stronger. |
| an absolute newbie to walkie talkies and Citizen | | | | 6. Instant Channel 9 & 19. This popular feature |
| Band radios, you may want to consider something | | | | allows the user to switch between or to the two |
| cheaper until you know for certain that you'll | | | | most popular channels: 9 and 19. (9 is the |
| enjoy this new and exciting hobby. You can | | | | emergency channel and 19 are for highway and |
| consider a used walkie talkie as one way to find | | | | truckers). |
| an affordable CB radio. All handheld cb radios will | | | | 7. Antennas. Although your walkie talkie will come |
| have the same basic features. If you're a | | | | with an antenna already, in most cases you can |
| seasoned veteran, however, you'll most likely | | | | remove it and install a higher quality one. Choose |
| have a higher budget and focus on brands like | | | | an antenna that will suit your individual needs. |
| Uniden or Cobra CB handheld radios. Knowing your | | | | Some people require more signal strength while |
| budget will help you make the right choice. | | | | others prefer to concentrate on a lighter, more |
| 2. Weather Capabilities. Some CB walkie talkies will | | | | portable type as they local proximity needs only. |
| have a feature that allows them to connect to | | | | 8. Size. Depending on where you plan on using |
| NOAA, the national weather service. This feature | | | | your walkie talkie will determine the size you can |
| allows users access to real-time weather updates | | | | accommodate. There are also handheld versions |
| and alerts. It's an ideal feature for individuals who | | | | that can go wherever you go and fit in a pants or |
| either travel a lot or rely on weather for their | | | | coat pocket with ease. |
| jobs. It's also fun to listen to all the details of | | | | Whatever your personal needs and experience, |
| weather patterns (unless you live in Southern | | | | you're bound to find a handheld CB radio that's |
| California where the weather is always the same). | | | | right for you and your budget. These are just a |
| 3. Noise Blanker/Automatic Noise Limiter (NB | | | | few of the things to consider prior to buying. |
| ANL). If you've had walkie talkie in a car and used | | | | |