Can a ham radio talk to a CB?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a CB Radio? The short and quick answer to whether you can talk to CB radio with your ham radio is: Yes, you can. CB radios operate in the HF range on the 11m band. Ham radios can communicate in the HF range on the 10m and 12m band, both of which are pretty close to the citizen's band.

Are ham radios and CB radios the same?

Ham Radio Power vs CB Power

CB is capped at 4 watts of power by the FCC. Ham radio is capped at 1500 watts of power by the FCC. Ham radio is literally, potentially 375x more capable than CB. Now, if you run that much power, you are going to need a good dual battery setup and a high output alternator.

Can a 2 way radio communicate with a CB?

Though there are instances where someone on a walkie-talkie can hear chatter on a CB radio, it is not possible to communicate. You cannot use a walkie-talkie to speak to someone on a CB radio because they do not operate on the same channel.

Can a ham radio talk to a walkie-talkie?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a Walkie-Talkie? Technically speaking, yes, a Ham radio can talk to a walkie-talkie. Most handheld ham radios are built to operate on the 70 cm band, which includes frequencies very close to the FRS and GMRS walkie-talkie frequencies.

Can ham radios pick up police?

Yes and no -- many ham radios are "wide band receive" capable, meaning they can receive outside of the ham bands. These extra receive frequencies sometimes include police frequencies. In some states, it is illegal to listen on those frequencies, but an exception is made for amateur radio operators and some others.

Can a Ham Radio talk to a CB radio?

How far does ham radio reach?

As I've mentioned, Ham radios have an average range between 2 miles and 18 miles. But, if you've recently purchased a Ham radio (especially a handheld unit), the manufacturer might claim that you can get substantially more range than 2-18 miles. In fact, many 2-way radio units claim as much as 36 miles of range.

What is the point of ham radio?

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communications.

Is CB channel 9 still monitored?

"We do not routinely monitor Channel 9," he added.

Are ham radios illegal?

Federal law generally prohibits radio broadcasts without a license issued by the FCC. Anyone found operating a radio station without FCC authorization can be subject to a variety of enforcement actions, including seizure of equipment, fines and other civil and criminal penalties.

What frequency can I talk on without a license?

Almost all GMRS radios also support FRS frequencies, which can be used without a license. Channels 8-14 on a typical 22 channel consumer radio reserved exclusively for FRS. These channels can be used license-free, but are limited to a half watt of transmit power and will have limited range.

Do truckers still use CB radios?

For the most part, CB radios remain in use because they are the norm for truckers who have been working in the industry for the last 10 or 20+ years. While some truckers have resorted to using trucking apps on smartphones to communicate, more advanced radio systems offer a more ideal route.

What is better than a CB radio?

Wide-band FM modulation means clearer audio and less static. Better range than CB under most circumstances – Up to 30 miles. Able to use repeaters for even more coverage. Shorter, more powerful antenna than what CBs use.

Are CB radios coming back?

Many thought citizens band radios would disappear after the 1970s, along with pet rocks and disco. But not only are they still around, they are making a comeback. CB radio sales have increased steadily during the last three years, a trend not seen since the 1970s.

Do truckers use ham radios?

CB or Not CB

Truckers have long been associated with Citizens Band (CB) radio. A section of the 11-meter amateur radio band was set aside by the FCC in 1958 as a poor man's business radio band, and by the 1970s CB rigs were in every truck.

Can I use a 10 meter radio as a CB?

10 Meter Radios are not CB Radios.

10 Meter Radios are not designed to communicate with CB Radios. 10 Meter Radios are Amateur Radios, also known as Ham Radios. Unlike a CB Radio, you need to have a license to operate a 10 Meter Radio.

Can I use a CB radio without a license?

A CB radio does not require a license to operate. CB service operates on 40 shared channels in an AM mode or Single SideBand (SSB) mode. SSB offers less noise and greater range than AM mode and is usually found on higher end CB radios.

Can you buy a ham radio without a license?

A - No License is required to purchase the equipment, nor to Monitor (listen) to the many Amateur (Ham) Radio frequencies. However, an FCC License is required to Transmit on Amateur Radio Frequencies in the USA.

What makes a CB radio illegal?

The Communications Act of 1934 (the “Act”) prohibits anyone from transmitting “energy or communications or signals by radio within the United States except under and in accordance with the Act and with a license.” CB operators are not required to have a license because the FCC's rules authorize their operation, but ...

Is it illegal to swear on a two-way radio?

Watch the language used over the radio. Users and license holders can get fined by the FCC for profanity and bad language. The fines are no joke. We have seen $8,000 and more in fined to abusive users.

What is channel 19 on a CB radio?

Any authorized CB radio frequency is open to all, but some have agreed-upon special purposes. For instance, channel 9 is for emergency use, and channel 19 is used by truckers to report on traffic conditions. Channel 19 is at the middle of the bands, thus has the best antenna efficiency.

What is the most active CB channel?

Channel 19 is the most commonly-used channel by truck drivers on highways, to the point that some radios even have a dedicated button to bring up channel 19 instantly. In many areas of the US, other channels have been used in the past for similar purposes including 10, 17, and 21.

What CB channel do most truckers use?

CB Radio Channels

Channels 17 and 19 are the two channels most commonly used by truckers; in some areas, those on north- and southbound roads use channel 19, while those on east- and westbound roads communicate on channel 17.

Are ham radio operators weird?

Ham radio operators tend to be a little different than most folks. They do mundane things, such as talking to people around the county and around the world about the weather and normal life, but they also prepare for the worst that can happen.

What is the most popular ham band?

20 metres – 14.0–14.35 MHz – Considered the most popular DX band; usually most popular during daytime.

How do you call a specific person on ham radio?

If you want to talk to a certain person, call their using their call sign once or twice, then your call sign. In an emergency, give your call and say "emergency" rather than using "Break Break". repeater system, the repeater has a timer so that it can ID every 10 minutes.