CB and Ham Radio Reviews and How-To Guides
Reviews, roundups and how-to guides for CB, ham, GMRS and marine radio gear, so you can pick the right setup and get it working.
Latest Contents
Buying Guides & Roundups
What Is RadioHow?
RadioHow is a practical guide to CB, ham, GMRS and marine radio gear. We explain how to install, tune and fix antennas, radios, coax and accessories, and we narrow each category to picks worth buying. Our roundups, reviews and how-to guides put clean installs and clear audio first. Topics: CB antennas and mounts, CB radios, coax and connectors, GMRS and FRS radios, ham antennas, handheld ham radios, marine and business radios, meters and tuning gear, mics and headsets, mobile and base transceivers.
Mics, Speakers & Headsets
Fix muddy audio and weak transmit with the right microphone, external speaker or headset, and learn which cables and settings matter most for clear voice.
A radio is only as good as the antenna and cable behind it.
How RadioHow Chooses Gear
- Install and tune: We favor gear that is simple to mount, ground and tune, with clear instructions and fittings that hold up outdoors.
- Signal and audio quality: We look at how a radio, antenna or microphone may handle range, noise and clarity in everyday vehicle and base use.
- Build and connectors: We check housings, connectors, cables and seals for how well they may withstand vibration, weather and repeated use.
- Safety and legal use: We note power limits, licensing needs and electrical safety, and we flag jobs better left to a licensed professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CB antenna setup for a beginner?
A well mounted, properly tuned antenna usually matters more than the radio itself. For most vehicles, a magnet or fixed mount with a quarter wave or loaded whip, a solid ground connection and good coax is a dependable start, then check SWR before transmitting.
What does a high SWR reading mean?
A high standing wave ratio means power is reflecting back instead of leaving the antenna. Common causes include poor grounding, a bad connector, damaged coax or an antenna that is the wrong length. Fix those first, then retune and check the reading again across the band.
Do I need a license for CB, GMRS or ham radio?
Rules depend on your country. In the United States, CB and FRS generally need no license, GMRS requires one, and amateur radio requires passing an exam. Always check the current rules from your national regulator before you transmit, and follow power and band limits.
How long can my coax cable be before I lose signal?
Loss grows with cable length and frequency, and thinner cable loses more. For short vehicle runs, common coax types work well, but longer base runs may justify thicker low loss cable. Use quality connectors and keep the run as short and direct as you reasonably can.
Why does my radio have poor range or noisy audio?
Weak range is often caused by a poor ground, high SWR or an antenna in a bad spot, while noise can come from engine or electronics interference. Check mounting, connectors and power wiring first, and try moving the antenna or adding noise filtering before replacing the radio.
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