cleeCOMcen supply a range of CB radio and Amateur radio equipment inluding antennas, cable, accessories and adapters.
We offer friendly advice for those with an interest in radio.
Here are some of the most common questions we are asked at cleeCOMcen:
Do people still use CB radio?
Yes, both local and country wide. If you were to put a CB radio in your vehicle and drive up to Caistor top on a weekend, you would be amazed at the sheer amount of signals on the airwaves.
Do you need a licence?
No, CB is licence free. Buy the equipment and start operating.
How many channels are legal in the UK?
There are 80 channels, 40 on the old UK FM band, and 40 CEPT mid band channels.
Can I use AM and SSB modes?
Yes, on the CEPT mid band channels you can use AM 4 watts and SSB at 12 watts.
Can I talk to people in other countries?
Yes, subject to weather conditions and modes of transmission. It’s a common pastime to talk to people in Europe and the USA and further afield.
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio is a popular technical hobby and volunteer public service that uses designated radio frequencies for non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communications.
Amateur Radio is the only hobby governed by international treaty.
As a radio amateur you are able to transmit radio signals on a number of frequency bands allocated specifically to the radio amateurs.
Radio amateurs make use of their frequencies in a number of ways:
Contacting people all over the world by radio which often leads to developing international friendships
Competing in international competitions to test how effective your equipment is, and how good you are as an operator
Technical experimentation — many of the leaps forward in radio technology have been initiated by radio amateurs
Communication through amateur space satellites or with the International Space Station (which carries an amateur radio station)
Providing communications at times of emergencies and undertaking exercises to ensure you keep the capability to do so.
There is no better way to explore the fascinating world of radio communications than by becoming a radio amateur.
How to become a Radio Amateur:
To become a radio amateur you must obtain a licence. There are three levels of amateur radio licence. Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. As you progress from Foundation to Advanced you are allowed to use more of the radio spectrum and more power opening up wider interest and experimentation.
You will need to contact GARS(Grimsby Amateur Radio Society) for training, which is provided locally.
Scanning:
There are many radio signals that can be heard on a relatively cheap scanner. These include CB Radio, Amateur Radio bands, VHF low band (taxi and business users), aircraft band, marine band and PMR and public service band.
Anybody can purchase a scanner and listen to these bands quite legally with no licence.
PMR:
Private Mobile Radio is a licence free system using the 446 UHF frequency. This is a short range system that will transmit up to 3 miles in open ground or around half a mile in built up areas. PMR radios are usually a hand-held type and very portable, making the idea for all sorts of activities.
Who uses PMR?
The PMR band is licence free and has many uses. Users include businesses, security, motorcycle instructors, hobby radio enthusiasts (UHF CB), restaurants, shops, neighbourhood watch, event organisers, plus many more!