What's the difference between CB radio and ham radio?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on myoffroadradio.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fieldradio.org


Can I use a ham antenna for CB?

A 10 meter ham band antenna (28-29.7 MHz) should work on CB radios (26.965-27.405 MHz), a 102" antenna is a 10 meter band antenna.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wranglerforum.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on woofthebeatenpath.com


What is the point of a 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


What is the difference between CB Radios and Ham Radio?



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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fcc.gov


Can you play music on ham radio?

The reasoning behind this rule is that the amateur radio bandwidth is a scarce resource, and individuals trying to communicate can't compete with commercial broadcasters transmitting music. So commercial, broadcast, and music are all illegal in amateur radio, to preserve the spectrum for our use.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ham.stackexchange.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ham.stackexchange.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hackaday.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


Do you need a Licence for a CB radio?

Since 8 December 2006, CB Radio has been exempt from the need to hold a Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act licence, providing that the equipment is operated in accordance with the technical parameters set out in the regulations.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ofcom.org.uk


What can I do with a ham radio?

People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. You can set up a ham radio station anywhere!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on arrl.org


How far can you talk on a ham radio?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fieldradio.org


What channel do truckers use on CB?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yumatruckdrivingschool.com


Is CB Channel 9 still monitored?

"We do not routinely monitor Channel 9," he added.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcall.com


What is an illegal CB radio?

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 ...
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lexology.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


Do truckers still use CB radios 2021?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on highlandwireless.com


What does ham stand for in ham radio?

Amateur radio operators are also known as radio amateurs or hams. The term "ham" as a pejorative nickname for amateur radio operators was first heard in 1909 by operators in commercial and professional radio communities. The word was subsequently embraced by the operators, and stuck.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on legion.org


Can I use a ham radio as a scanner?

A police scanner is a one-way communication radio that receives police radio frequencies and helps monitor police communication. So, can a Ham radio double as a police scanner? The simple answer is, yes. You can use your Ham radio as a police scanner.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fieldradio.org


How can I learn ham radio?

  1. Step 1: Choose the Level of License. There are three classes of licenses that are offered by the FCC (The Federal Communications Commission, the branch of government that controls ham radio licenses). ...
  2. Step 2: Study For The Exam. ...
  3. Step 3: Take Your Exam In-Person or Remote.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hamradioprep.com


How much does a ham radio cost?

The lowest starting point is around $100. This will buy you a basic low power short distance radio and cover the cost of your ham radio license exam and study books. Second-hand equipment is perfect at this stage and a shortwave transceiver and a simple antenna could be less than $400.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hamradioinsider.com


Is Amateur Radio Legal?

Since 1912, a federal license has been required to operate a ham radio legally—a seemingly reasonable mandate since operators make use of public airwaves, which are under FCC regulation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pacificlegal.org


Is ham radio still used?

Ham radios are still relevant in 2021. Whether you're studying for your FCC license or you're interested in taking up a new hobby, investing in an amateur radio is a worthwhile pursuit.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on midlandusa.com