How do I use the side band settings on my cb radio and what are the benifits, and should I considder a linear?

I have a new side band radio and tuned a set of firestik duals but dont really know how to use it besides talking to truckers on the road. What are the advantages of upper and lower side band, and how much trouble would one be in for adding a linear amplifier to their radio? What are the benifits of that? And last but not least how do I get the engine noise to go away from the radio?How do I use the side band settings on my cb radio and what are the benifits, and should I considder a linear?
Sideband is a Mode (or type) of transmission , just as AM is also another Mode.

CB's that have sideband modes will be switchable from LSB (lower sideband) and USB (upper sideband).

These modes offer greater range than normal AM.

Sideband CB's will put out 12 watts on sideband whereas AM transmissions are only 4 or 5 watts output.

Due to atmospheric conditions in the ionosphere long distances (500miles +) are possible on the CB band.



While possible on AM , the Mode is more prone to noise and fading effects , combine that with low output power makes it a poor choice for trying for long distance 'DX' contacts.



Sideband Mode is much more suitable for DX as it is less prone to distortions of the signal when it is refracted back to earth by the ionosphere. , and the extra power does help.



With the standard power of 12 watts feeding a 5/8 wave vertical I was able to make contacts easily of over 2500miles and I also made some contacts of over 5000 miles.



This is of course using the ionosphere to return the transmitted signals back to earth.

This condition is called 'Skip' , even though this is a misapplied term.



Typically without Skip , the standard transmission range of sideband Cb's with 12 watts is about 20 to 30 miles with a good antenna system.



Using an external amplifier , often called a 'Linear Amp' is illegal and is a Federal offense.

Using one and getting caught with it will incur a heavy fine and a police record that never goes away.

Performance wise, it is better to go with standard power and good antenna rather than use a poor antenna and a Linear Amp.



Electrical interference getting into the radio can be cured by installing noise suppressors on the alternator.

Older vehicles with separate regulators etc may need one there as well. , as well as distributers that use contact points.



This will cure most of your noise.



Don't forget to firmly mount the radio to the car body making sure it has a good electrical connection as well.



Run your + battery supply directly between the battery and the radio , making sure that the cable it doesn't pass nearby devices in the engine compartment (or the cabin) that makes noise (eg , alternator , electric fans , computers etc)



Make sure your antenna also is properly grounded to the vehicle body with a good solid mechanical and electrical connection.How do I use the side band settings on my cb radio and what are the benifits, and should I considder a linear?
Sideband is a term describing a modulated lobe of a frequency. upper and lower Single Sidebands are identical in modulation, but off carrier frequency. If you really want to boost SSB operation, I'd recommend a modulator instead of a linear.



As far as usefulness.. very few people actually use it. both people have to be on the same frequency, on the same sideband, in order to even receive each other clearly. You could consider it a cheesy way to a private channel.. as most people don't have sideband radio's, and fewer care to flip through 120 channels to find your conversation.



I've been in CB's, radio's, and electronics for many years, and I've spent no useful time on a CB Sideband channel.. ever. There are conditions where Sideband can "talk skip" extremely well.. but you're lucky to be in that skip pocket to begin with, nevermind someone else in that pocket being on the same sideband channel as you.



Engine Noise.. you need grounding straps for your engine and frame. Any CB shop should be able to help. The idea is to create a good grounding connection between your engine block and your frame by using conductive straps. "Engine Noise" is typically generated by static electricity (caused by moving/rotating parts) finding it's way to ground (the chassis) through the electrical system, instead of a path of lesser electrical resistance.