Should I get a CB radio or a ham radio?

If a licensed amateur radio operator wanted to speak on a CB frequency range, the operator would need to use a CB radio. That said, amateur radio can be used in many applications where people currently use CB radios. For example, some road rally organizers use CB radios to communicate during a rally.

Is CB or ham radio better?

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.

Is ham radio and CB the same thing?

Ham Radio Distance vs CB Distance. CB runs on 27 MHz frequencies. Ham VHF and UHF runs on 147 MHz and 440 MHz respectively. The higher the frequencies, the easier it is for signals to punch through objects like trees, bushes, vehicles, etc.

Do people use CB radio in 2021?

According to today's truck drivers, CB Radios are necessary in order to communicate with other drivers on the road. The #1 reason professional drivers still use the CB is for safety and communication. The age of smartphones does not help if you do not have the fellow drivers' number.

Are CB radios still used 2020?

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 the difference between CB Radios and Ham Radio?

Are CB radios worth having?

Hunting, Fishing, Hiking and CB Radios

It's a very good contingency to have to contact emergency services, but it's also good for keeping in touch with your hunting buddies. The range is better than FRS, and the equipment is less expensive than GMRS - and doesn't require a license.

Will CB radio come 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.

What are truckers using instead of CB radios?

Several truck drivers now find themselves using trucking apps on their smartphones to communicate, like Next Trucking, for example. Some use a more evolved radio system, such as a satellite radio service like Sirius or XM, to replace their CB radio.

Do truckers use CB?

Even with modern technology, most truckers still have a CB radio in their truck. Although most truckers still own and maintain a CB radio in their cab, they certainly don't use them like they once did. Speed limits, speed governed trucks and new technologies answer many tasks the radios were once used for.

Can ham radios pick up police?

But, the vast majority of US police agencies still operate on radio channels compatible with the little $30 technological wonders. The programmable portables are sold for use by amateur radio, HAM operators for use on their two-meter and 70-centimeter bands, which are adjacent to the public safety bands.

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.

What happens if you use a ham radio without a license?

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.

How far can a CB radio reach?

Transmitter power is limited to 4 watts in the US and the EU. CB radios have a range of about 3 miles (4.8 km) to 20 miles (32 km) depending on terrain, for line of sight communication; however, various radio propagation conditions may intermittently allow communication over much greater distances.

How hard is the ham radio test?

The Technician and General License exams each have 35 questions, and the Amateur Extra has 50. In order to pass the each test, you must get at least a 74%. For Technician and General, this means you must get 26 questions right out of the 35 questions.

What does Rubber Duck mean in CB talk?

"Rubber duck" – the first vehicle in a convoy. "Rubbernecker" – Vehicles that further slow down or impede already congested traffic by rotating their heads 180 degrees to view the accident or traffic incident and not paying attention to the road ahead.

Is CB channel 9 still monitored?

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

Are CB radios good for emergencies?

Be Prepared for a Disaster

CB radios can provide essential communication between families and Emergency Responders. Also, Channel 9 on CB is scanned by police to get emergency communications regarding accidents, medical issues, and other emergencies.

Can you talk on CB channels with a ham radio?

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.

How far does a ham radio work?

The absolute maximum distance that you can talk over with a ham radio is around 4000 miles (6400 km). This would only be possible during something like an emergency if both antennas were high enough, such as up on top of mountain peaks or skyscrapers.

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 much does a good CB radio cost?

For less than $70, you get a well built radio with weather channels, a backlit display, public address and more. And it all comes in a small, compact package for easy installation. Usually a feature set like this would easily cost you $100+.

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.

What does CB radio stand for?

The Citizen's Band (CB) Radio Service, also known simply as CB, is a public, two-way personal radio service. There are several classifications of CB operation. The best-known form of CB is voice communications that became a fad in the 1970s. Mobile CB operation, especially in cars and trucks, remains popular.