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Citizens Band or "CB" Radio
Do I need a (FCC) license for CB?
CB radio is a system of short-distance ("actual" distance will vary) radio communications between individuals on 40 channels (#1-40) within the 26.965 - 27.405 MHz spectrum range (11 Meter) band. SSB equipped radios add 80 more channels with USB and LSB.
CB channel 9
has been designated by the FCC as an emergency contact channel (in the U.S.). Note: This does not mean that someone is always monitoring this channel. Channel 19
is an "unofficial" trucker's channel. Some monitor this channel to be aware of traffic jams, accidents and traffic enforcement.
A CB device must be certified by the FCC (the radio must have a label). FCC rules set the maximum transmitting power of a CB radio at 4 watts on AM and 12 watts PEP on SSB. You may not attach a linear, linear amplifier or any other type of power amplifier to your CB device.
Cobra, Galaxy, Midland, Uniden
4
No, but there are rules!
Is Citizens Band Radio like Amateur "ham" Radio
?
What is CB Radio
?
Amateur radio requires a license from the FCC to transmit, but CB does not. CB users can use on-the-air pseudonyms ("handles" like "The Bandit" from the movie!), but amateur radio operators must use FCC assigned call letters (ex: KXXXXX).
Popular CB brands:
If you are looking for a CB transceiver, you can decide whether to buy at a local store or online. ALWAYS compare CB radio prices before ordering. You don't have to buy to compare prices and to find out what is included for that price. Don't lose money because you did not check!
Check out several sources to compare prices for the best deal, e.g., Internet, local stores.
Check for FREE Shipping and Overnight or Fast Shipping if necessary!
Hit the Compare Price button below when you find a radio you like or want more information about. Then see if you can match the price.
>>Read the customer reviews of the effectiveness of the product before purchasing!
Handheld/Portable++Mobile++Base
CB Handheld (portable, walkie-talkie)
CB Base Station
Galaxy DX-2547 AM/SSB CB Base Station
w/ Freq Counter, Talkback & Roger Beep
+40 Channel AM/SSB 120v AC Base Station CB.
+Automatic "No Calibrate" SWR Meter, Mic & RF Gain.
+Variable RF Output Power & Talkback controls.
>>
CB Mobile
Uniden 40-Channel CB Radio (PRO505XL)
>>
+Instant Channel 9: Quickly set the radio to emergency/channel 9
+Signal/RF Power Indicator: Check the relative strength of incoming transmissions
CB Base Station
CB Mobile
CB Handheld
(Portable)
Citizen's Band radio is an informal way to keep in touch and to have fun on the radio, obtain highway traffic/road condition information, get directions and to communicate with other CB users with a handheld, mobile or base station radio. CB is intended for both consumer and business use.
Performance will depend a great deal on the type of antenna you use and the mounting location. Don't try to save money on small "economy" antennas (homemade or store bought) and cheap coax.
Don't bother trying to illegally convert a ham radio to CB for more power. You may be able to illegally send your transmit signal farther but the party you are calling won't be able to make the trip back to you. So what do you gain? Just buy a better CB radio and/or antenna!
Check out some CBs!
Cobra 19DXIV 40 Channel Mobile Compact CB Radio
>>
+Instant Channel 9/19
+Full Function LCD Display
+New Compact design
+Instant Channel 9/19
Cobra 75 All Road Wireless CB Radio - Dual-Mode AM/FM, Full 40 Channels, Bluetooth Connectivity,
>>
+Dual-Mode AM/FM,
+Full 40 Channels,
+Bluetooth Connectivity
Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
>>
+40 Channels and Large Easy-to-Read 7-Color LCD Display with Backlighting, Backlit Control Knobs/Buttons,
+NOAA Weather Alert, PA/CB Switch, and +Wireless Mic Compatible
Galaxy DX-959 40 Channel AM/SSB Mobile CB Radio with Frequency Counter
>>
+Large, easy-to-read meter with scales for power output, modulation, SWR and incoming signal
+Five-digit frequency counter with large yellow digits , two-digit channel display with larger yellow digits, variable power output control, variable talkback circuit with on/off switch
+Automatic SWR circuit and an SWR alert LED, Roger Beep with on/off switch
>>
>>
Galaxy DX-939 Backlit 40ch Mobile CB Radio with TalkBack & Roger Beep
+Star Lite faceplate makes all lettering glow in the dark
+Large, easy-to-read meter with scales for power output, modulation, SWR and incoming signal
+Five-digit frequency counter and two-digit channel display using large blue LEDs ,
variable power output control, variable talkback circuit with on/off switch
Cobra 29 LTD Professional CB Radio
+Instant Channel 9,
+4-Watt Output, Full 40 Channels,
+Adjustable Receiver and SWR
+Calibration, Dual-Mode AM/FM Access, Black
Ex: Call for Help!
Cobra HHROADTRIP 40-Channel CB Radio
+NOAA All Weather Emergency Radio
+Mobile Mag Mount Antenna Included
+SoundTracker System
+10 Channel Weather Reception
+4 Watts Power Output
>>
>>
Midland 75-785 40-Channel CB Radio
+Power: 7W Input, 4W Output
+Full 40-Channel Pll
+Operation With Pinpoint Channel Tuning Accuracy
+High/Low Power Switch Reduces Power Consumption
+Handheld CB radio with 40 CB channels and maximum-allowed four watts output power
Transceivers
Some people have both!
Just in case you are interested:
Looking for more information about: Amateur Radio, HF Transceivers, CB Radio, Buying your first ham radio, and other informatiion? Check out the next page>>
CB and Amateur Radio do have a few things in common, but there are many differences. CB and ham radio use a transceiver
to communicate with other users. CB uses only one band (11 Meters) with frequencies assigned to channels. Hams can use multiple bands and many frequencies (see chart), with direct frequency entry, and are legally permitted to use more power (watts) to transmit a signal (within certain parameters).
The Citizens Band Service is licensed by rule. The FCC service rules for the Citizens Band (CB) Service are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95. Users must abide by the FCC rules.
Want more range? Get a Ham radio. The technician test is relatively easy and you'll be legal! No Morse code!
Citizens Band Radio
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4
Citizens Band or "CB" Radio
No, but there are rules!
Do I need a (FCC) license for CB?
The Citizens Band Service is licensed by rule. The FCC service rules for the Citizens Band (CB) Service are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95. Users must abide by the FCC rules.
Is Citizens Band Radio like Amateur "ham" Radio?
Amateur radio requires a license from the FCC to transmit, but CB does not. CB users can use on-the-air pseudonyms ("handles" like "The Bandit" from the movie!), but amateur radio operators must use FCC assigned call letters (ex: KXXXXX).
Just in case you are interested:
CB and Amateur Radio do have a few things in common, but there are many differences. CB and ham radio use a transceiver
to communicate with other users. CB uses only one band (11 Meters) with frequencies assigned to channels. Hams can use multiple bands and many frequencies (see chart), with direct frequency entry, and are legally permitted to use more power (watts) to transmit a signal (within certain parameters).
Citizen's Band radio is an informal way to keep in touch and to have fun on the radio, obtain highway traffic/road condition information, get directions and to communicate with other CB users with a handheld, mobile or base station radio. CB is intended for both consumer and business use.
What is CB Radio
?
CB Handheld
(Portable)
CB Mobile
CB Base Station
CB radio is a system of short-distance ("actual" distance will vary) radio communications between individuals on 40 channels (#1-40) within the 26.965 - 27.405 MHz spectrum range (11 Meter) band. SSB equipped radios add 80 more channels with USB and LSB.
CB channel 9
has been designated by the FCC as an emergency contact channel (in the U.S.). Note: This does not mean that someone is always monitoring this channel. Channel 19
is an "unofficial" trucker's channel. Some monitor this channel to be aware of traffic jams, accidents and traffic enforcement.
A CB device must be certified by the FCC (the radio must have a label). FCC rules set the maximum transmitting power of a CB radio at 4 watts on AM and 12 watts PEP on SSB. You may not attach a linear, linear amplifier or any other type of power amplifier to your CB device.
Performance will depend a great deal on the type of antenna you use and the mounting location. Don't try to save money on small "economy" antennas (homemade or store bought) and cheap coax.
Don't bother trying to illegally convert a ham radio to CB for more power. You may be able to illegally send your transmit signal farther but the party you are calling won't be able to make the trip back to you. So what do you gain? Just buy a better CB radio and/or antenna!
Compare Prices before you buy!
Check out several sources to compare prices for the best deal, e.g., Internet, local stores.
Samples
Galaxy DX-959 40 Channel AM/SSB Mobile CB Radio with Frequency Counter
+Large, easy-to-read meter with scales for power output, modulation, SWR and incoming signal
+Five-digit frequency counter with large yellow digits , two-digit channel display with larger yellow digits, variable power output control, variable talkback circuit with on/off switch
+Automatic SWR circuit and an SWR alert LED, Roger Beep with on/off switch
>>
EducationDx©2015, 2023
Looking for more information about: Amateur Radio, HF Transceivers, CB Radio, Buying your first ham radio, and other informatiion? Check out the next page>>
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You can hover over any link to see if it is an Amazon link, if this matters, or a link to a page on this website or to a reference page, e.g., Smithsonian Institution, bookmark on this website, etc.
Amazon Links
Amazon Links
Amazon Links
*Disclosure: Some links on this website are associate links and are used to help illustrate what an item looks like, and you can decide if you want to just look or purchase the item. "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases." We receive a small commission (that helps support this website) if you actually purchase from this company, but the price to you remains the same.
You can hover over any link to see if it is an Amazon link, if this matters, or a link to a page on this website or to a reference page, e.g., Smithsonian Institution, bookmark on this website, etc.
Amazon Links
Galaxy DX-2547 AM/SSB CB Base Station
w/ Freq Counter, Talkback & Roger Beep
+40 Channel AM/SSB 120v AC Base Station CB.
+Automatic "No Calibrate" SWR Meter, Mic & RF Gain.
+Variable RF Output Power & Talkback controls.
>>
+NOAA All Weather Emergency Radio
+Mobile Mag Mount Antenna Included
+SoundTracker System
+10 Channel Weather Reception
+4 Watts Power Output
Cobra HHROADTRIP 40-Channel CB Radio
>>