Workshop Section.

This section.
This section is intended for those who would like to repair CB equipment or circuits. It is not intended to be full training or advanced electronics, and it is recommended that you should know at least basic theory and safety before messing with circuits.
Every reasonable attempt is made to avoid unnecessary technical babble, making the subjects easier to understand through the use of plain language and only the necessary mathematics.

Danger!
Electricity can be dangerous: Before dealing with any high voltages, please get proper training and take all necessary precautions. Even if the available current is too low to kill, there are still other possible dangers which could result in serious injury or death.

Warning. It is not always necessary that you touch a supply to get a shock. Some high voltages will leap out and get you if you get too close. Also, if your mains supply uses an earth system (as in the UK), you only need touch one side of a supply to get a shock. All piping (including water supply and heating) will be connected to earth, and so can become the other connection needed to allow current to flow - through you.

Dangers include:
Electrocution: It only takes a few milliAmps to kill. Death is usually caused by current flowing through the heart, causing it to stop.
Burning: Current flowing, or arcing can generate heat. This heat could cause injury or even start a fire.
Reflex action: A sudden jerk of the hand or body may cause other dangers, such as glass components (tubes, CRTs, etc) breaking and causing injury, touching a lethal supply or falling from a high place.

Basic precautions.
* Ensure that your equipment is maintained correctly. Pay great attention to mains plugs, as these are often poorly wired. Check your equipment regularly.
* Never work when tired.
* Avoid working alone. If an accident does occur, another person being there could save your life. Learn emergency procedures and life saving techniques.
* Ensure that the equipment to be serviced or repaired is safe to connect.

Watch your pockets. Never keep screwdrivers or pens in your shirt or jacket breast pocket! As you lean over the equipment to look inside, those objects can fall in and, if it is switched on, the results can be disastrous.

* When using power supplies, use current limited supplies and set the current correctly. Avoid using car or truck batteries, as the current is only limited by the battery rating and will be several hundred Amps, which is more than enough to start a fire. There may also be dangers associated with the acid used or the battery exploding if shorted.
* When working on earthed system, an isolating transformer can provide good protection against shocks to earth. However, always take other relevant precautions as the transformer may not always be available (such as for field work).
* Work away from metal pipes, and never lean or hold on to metal pipes while working.

Antennas.
Erecting antennas can present dangers to the unwary. Overhead wires may touch an antenna, either while being erected or when it bends in the wind.
Ensure that your antenna is well clear of any overhead wires. Although great care should be taken to ensure that it is well fitted and will not fall down, even in winds, you should also consider what is in it's path if it did come down.
Even if a cable is not carrying high voltage, think of what the company who own the cable will do to you if you should damage it - some companies like to make examples of people who damage parts of their system.

Static.
Some electronic components are sensitive to static. Simply touching the metal pins of such components can damage them. If you believe that you may handle such components, you should use all necessary anti-static equipment.

Disclaimers.
These pages are provided in good faith, for reference only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of all information, no absolute guarantees are made.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly qualified and trained for any work you take on. If in any doubt, leave equipment well alone.
The author does not encourage dabbling in circuits or equipment that you do not understand, or illegal repairs and modifications. It is your responsibility to ensure that any work you do conforms to the legal requirements and specifications in force in your country or area.
Nobody associated with this site or any of the content will be responsible for anything that occurs as a result of your actions.