I bought a cobra CB radio ($60). I bought $30 antenna for it as well. The frequency range is something like 26.9 to 27.8 with 40 channels. My problem is that I can't hear anyone talking. I live near several major interstate highways so I know range isn't a problem (less then 1/8 of a mile). Can someone help? Thanks.

RTFM 5char

I apologize for my ignorance, but what do you mean?

'read the manual'

That has little to do with it. The likelihood is that your antenna is sub par. Unless you're reasonably close to a high traffic area, you'll not likely hear much.

What sort of antenna? Have a link to something similar?

Have you tried lowering the squelch?

I used to have a police scanner and I couldn't pick up anything with the squelch higher than 40%.

Have you tried lowering the squelch?

I used to have a police scanner and I couldn't pick up anything with the squelch higher than 40%.

That might be it too. I have a nasty habit of assuming everyone is used to using radios.

I still think, given it's the CB band and this is a cheap machine, that it's likely an antenna issue.