does anyone know how to use DX ing on a cb radio. I have a nice cb radio with a 15' antenna and would like to

Answer 1

We are at the bottom of the 11 year sun-spot cycle, so there is not much DX activity on CB. It will begin to increase progressively over the next 5 - 6 year, when it peaks again. This next sunspot cycle is supposed to be the best since 1958.

When there is DX, you will hear people from all over the country. Just because you hear them, doesn't mean they can hear you though. DX is sometimes one-way. Sometimes what you are hearing a person running a beam antenna, with a lot more power than the standard 5 watts.

You will do better with Single Sideband (SSB) for DXing, as it is a more efficient form of communications. Your rig has to be designed to use SSB, as most low end ones are simply AM. SSB activity can be found on channels 16, 17, 37, 38, 39 and 40.

"Freebanders" use the frequencies just above channel 40, and most of this is LSB (Lower SideBand). There is some activity below channel 1 as well. There are also some class C channels mixed in between the normal 40 channels. There is no equipment you can openly buy to do this, as it's illegal. You have to be very careful to stay below 28 MHz though, as this is the start of the 10M amateur band. If you interefere with amateurs, they have the technical ability and time to easily track you down, and they will inform the FCC. FCC fines are typically $10K.

Linear amplifiers are a way to increase your transmitting ability. They are of course illegal to use. They take the 5 watts from you radio, and amplify it to 100W, or even higher. Every tme you double your power, you are increasing your signal 3 dB. So going from 5 watts to 80 watts is 12 dB, as is going from 100 watts to 1600 watts. Linears also increase your chances of being caught, as they typically interfere with other services.

Antennas are another way to increase your receiveing and transmitting ability. A 6 dB beam will quadruple your effective power, plus increase your receiving ability by 6 dB. Beams themselves are NOT illegal, but there are restrictions as to how high you can mount them.

As pointed out, DX communications is itself also illegal.

If you are interested in a legal way to do this, check into getting an amateur license. The entry level technicians license is only a 25 question test, and you get to see the questions they use before the test. The Technician license allows you to use some of the 10M band, which is right above the CB band. Some CB equipment can be modified to be used on 10M. Your antenna can also be shortend slightly and used on 10M.

Check out the link below at ARRL.ORG for more info. Contact any amateur club in your area, and they will be happy to help you get your license.

Answer 2

All communications over 250 Km. in the USA are prohibited by regulation.

------------------------
Sec. 95.413 (CB Rule 13) What communications are prohibited?

(a) You must not use a CB station--

(1) In connection with any activity which is against federal, state or local law;

(2) To transmit obscence, indecent or profane words, language or meaning;

(3) To interfere intentionally with the communications of another CB station;

(4) To transmit one-way communications, except for emergency communications, traveler assistance, brief tests (radio checks), or voice paging;

(5) To advertise or solicit the sale of any goods or services;

(6) To transmit music, whistling, sound effects or any material to amuse or entertain;

(7) To transmit any sound effect solely to attract attention;

(8) To transmit the word ``MAYDAY'' or any other international distress signal, except when your station is located in a ship, aircraft or other vehicle which is threatened by grave and imminent danger and your are requesting immediate assistance;
*****
(9) To communicate with, or attempt to communicate with, any CB station more than 250 kilometers (155.3 miles) away;
*******
....