CB Radio Near Brake Controller

[revrnd]

I asked this question elsewhere on the 'net & never got a reply:

I have a question for you long time brake controller users. In the instructions it says do not mount or activate RF generating items (cell phones, 2 way radios) near (less than 12") the brake control. My CB radio is just to the right. I never transmit w/ it. I usually just have it on & listen during traffic "issues". Does the radio generate RF when receiving?

[Team Wilhelm]

I'd say maybe yes but I'm not real sure. Radio works by transmitting radio waves. RF refers to radio frequency. Both the frequencies of RF or Waves are slower than those of visible light.

[chevy02]

Does your brake controller operate on RF ,mine is just wired in i wouldnt think it would matter if its not running a remote signal to your trailer or your braking system but i may be wrong it wouldnt be the first time

[MtnGuy]

I don't remember anything in my Valley Odyssey instructions regarding CB use, but I will check that. I use a CB, but it is about 2' from the brake controller. I wouldn't think that the CB gave off any kind of radio waves unless it is transmitting.

[Pompano32413]

My CB box is mounted under the dash just to the right of my Prodigy also. I just installed the Prodigy and haven't towed yet, so I'll let you know. I never use the handheld CB anyway and i might just take it out. I rarely have my CB connected to it. Ya think maybe CB is gone the way of the 8 track player?

[NWJeeper]

No, CB, Ham and other types of radios do not emit RF unless transimitting. Also, I would think that a brake controller would and should be well sheilded against RF if it were to be an issue as they makers know that they will be installed in rigs with radios in most cases. Add to that the fact that by FCC law a CB can only legally put out 4 watts of transmit power and I can't see that causing an issue for anything. By comparison though my amateur radio mounted in our rig can put out up to 60 watts and I have one in my Jeep which will put out 70 watts transmit power and both can interfere with the stereo.

I would say you have nothing to worry about with the CB radio.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by Pompano32413

Ya think maybe CB is gone the way of the 8 track player?

I would shure hope so as it was never any good in the first place. CB should have been in the same bands as the FRS is now. That's the way Austrailia did it from the start. FM and much better distance.

[Mr. Black]

CBs still have their uses.

Just don't plan on talking to anyone more than a few miles away.

Great for convoy traveling and great for hunting with groups of people.

I still use a CB often.

That being said I have seen many people mount their brake controllers to their CB mounts. Never heard of it being a problem either. I have my CB on top of the dash due to space constraints with the manual trans.