How to "dial in" a CB?

I don't know what you mean, you just turn it on and select a channel adjust the volume.

Being old has zero to do with it, there isn't much technology change in CB design in the last 30 years other than component selection and yahoo features. Range is limited and should be because it is only supposed to be 4 watts going out to the antenna and it is a CB with everyone and their brother/sister screaming on it.

There is a misconception about the squelch, I wish they wouldn't put it on the radio but they do so turn it so it makes a sound and keep turning it till it stops.

RF gain which a lot of radios have, turn that the opposite way of the squelch, usually it is setup that way.

The antenna may be a problem, it should be checked out by someone who knows what they are doing with the right tools.

 

If your having range issues...It's most likely the antenna's fault or where it's mounted...or both.

Best antenna's are going to be ones taller than 6'...Best place to have it mounted is usually the roof, but that maybe impossible on a Big Rig, so next best place is either behind the cab or on the mirror bracket.

If your using a 2' or 3' antenna, there's not going to be much you can do as for as range go's.

 

What JJD said is right. The antenna is what makes or breaks the radio. CB's, in order to get the correct range, require a 9 ft tall antenna, believe it or not. Those little 2, 3 and 4 ft antennas on a CB are garbage. Oh sure you "might" talk 4 miles....if you're lucky. It's like trying to breathe thru a straw. The Wilson 2k is a good antenna, not as good as a 102 whip but about the best you can get on a semi.

Of course a high SWR also plays a role in your range.

Set the squelch so the radio stops hissing. If it hisses some more, add a little more squelch. All you're doing is setting the threshold for a signal to get thru.

 

A good 5 ft antenna will work just as well as anything else.

Sorry but the proof that the big antenna's are dependent on the radio as much as it is on the placement of the antenna.

Generally the 5 foot like a Wilson fgt-5 is a good start, the gain is almost equal to that of a 102" whip. [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica][FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica][/FONT][/FONT]