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Jason Davidson - CB Radio Specialist

Jason Davidson

Over 18 years of hands-on experience with CB radios and installations.

Q&A With Walcott Radio
Walcott Radio technical experts understand that both new and advanced users of CB/HAM radios will need technical help at times. We want you to know that we are here to help you. Our store first started in 1986, and we've been providing CB/HAM radio support for more than 30 years. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions:

Why do we need CB radios when everyone has cell phones?

I get asked this question all the time, and the simple answer is this: what's the phone number of the person in front of you while you're stuck in traffic? Who can tell you why traffic has completely stopped? If there is a wreck ahead, and you want to know which exit to take, who will tell you? Want to avoid a police speed trap? Truckers will be warning everyone with a CB to watch out, there's a "bear" up ahead. What it comes down to more than anything else; CB Radios work when cell phones won't.

Are CB's expensive?

You can get a complete CB system for around $80 like the Pro510 Complete CB Package, and you can have it all installed within a few minutes. Of course your options go up from there, but owning a CB can be a quick and easy process that doesn't use any tools, and can be moved in/out of your vehicle within minutes. Options are also available for long-haul truckers, hobbyists, or people who just want better than average performance as well. Contact Walcott Radio, and we'll help you figure out a system that suits your needs.

Do I need a license?

CB Radios no longer require a license for operation. That means anyone can buy a CB radio and start talking on it immediately. Licenses are still required for amateur "ham" radios, check our our books by Gorden West for all your HAM radio licensing needs.

Will this CB radio work for my ________ truck?

Some CB radios are being designed for the compartment or cubbies that many new semi-trucks are being designed with. If your 18-wheeler was built from 2010 on, and if there is a "cubby" for the CB radio, then your truck is likely designed around a 7.5" wide radio. If this is you, consider any Cobra 29 model CB radio, the new compact Galaxy 10 meter radios, or the Stryker SR447HPC2. If instead, your truck has a dash-mountd plate, then you won't have to worry about the size of the radio.

How do I choose the most compatible CB or HAM radio part for my console?

Generally speaking, CB radio parts are interchangeable across models within the same brand. Galaxy, Connex, Uniden, Firestik, and many others are known for creating new technology and discontinuing older models. This is not to say that they are any less than functional or impossible to continue to operate. That is why the Walcott Radio store exists. We are here to connect you with parts and accessories to prolong the use of virtually any CB, HAM or amateur radio. If you're unsure on compatibility, or have questions on which CB parts to use, contact us toll-free at 1-844-WALCOTT.

My husband has a CB radio, and I don't know how to get to the right frequencies for signaling for help if needed.

Here's a quick guide to CB frequencies, and some police 10 codes in case of emergencies. We recommend you ask your husband for a quick tutorial before each road or camping trip to build up "muscle memory." This will help you be more familiar in case of an emergency. You can also get live help online or by phone during our business hours.

Important Facts
What channels should I use on my CB? Channel 19 is where everyone will be at. If you need help, or want to know what's going on up the road ahead of you, you will find most everyone on CB channel 19. Alternatively, channel 9 is considered the emergency channel, but since many police officers are no longer using CB radios, if you need help, stick with channel 19.
What is channel 19's frequency? For CB's in the US, channel 19 is 27.185 MHz, on the AM mode.
What distance can I expect out of my CB? Your ability to talk to other CB'ers is going to vary, but you should always expect around 2-5 miles average range, with 10-20 miles being fairly rare, and ranges longer than that extremely uncommon.

What type of CB radio equipment do you have for sale?

We carry everything from complete CB radio systems to antennas, truck mounts, speakers, coax cables, power cords, and more. It's hard to pinpoint just everything we carry because we have options for more than 70 CB radio brands. If your place your order in before 2 PM CST, your in-stock product(s) will ship that same day!

Walcott Radio is proud to be your top CB radio retail and repair shop. We have an extensive inventory of CB/HAM radio parts and in-depth 10-meter amateur radio guides. Contact us for live help during CST business hours: 1-844-925-2688. We look forward to talking with you! Until next time 'stay plugged in and keep on truckin'.

Contact Us

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  • Walcott Radio
  • 2940 N Plainview Rd Walcott
  • Walcott, IA 52773
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  • Phone Support
  • 1-844-925-2688
  • M-F 10am to 5pm CST
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  • Store Hours
  • M-F 9am-6pm
  • Sat 9am-5pm
  • Sun Closed
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