AMATEUR RADIO vs CB RADIO
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AmateurRadio and Citizen's Band (CB) are two systems of two-way
communications regulated and authorized in the US by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Amateur Radio licensees are
sometimes informally called "hams."
USES PERMITTED
Amateur Radio: Noncommercial public service-oriented communication service.
Hobby and experimental communications. Home computing by radio. Emergency
and routine public service. Providing reliable two-way radio contact for special
community events and activities. Transmission and delivery of free Radiograms on
behalf of the general public.
CB: Business and casual conversations. Public aid channel for emergencies.
OPERATING RANGE
Amateur Radio: Unlimited. Amateurs have communicated with orbiting
astronauts. International communications are commonplace.
CB: Limited by Federal Law to less than 150 miles. CB users typically
talk within less than 4-5 miles.
FREQUENCIES OFFERED
Amateur Radio: More than two dozen Amateur frequency bands are spread
across the entire airwave spectrum, from 1.8 MHz to 250 GHz.
CB: One frequency band of 40 channels, from 26.96 to 27.41 MHz.
POWER PERMITTED
Amateur Radio: Up to 1500 watts, if needed. Essentially unlimited antenna height
and configuration.
CB: Less than 5 watts. Antenna height is limited by Federal Law.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Amateur Radio: Tests for technical knowledge and operating rules. Exam
difficulty progresses by license level.
CB: Permit no longer necessary. No exams.
HOW TO TELL WHO IS WHO
Amateur Radio: Government-issued call signs indicating country/zone of
operator and personal identification. Formal station identification is
required on the air at frequent intervals. Operators also typically identify
themselves in ordinary conversations using their real names. Most states
offer licensees special Amateur Radio call sign license plates.
CB: No formal system of identification. Users typically identify themselves
by aliases or "handles."
SIGNALS ALLOWED
Amateur Radio: Voice, Morse Code telegraphy, digital computer data,
telemetry and visual images using FM, AM, continuous-wave (Morse Code),
single sideband, personal computers, teletype, television, satellite,
repeater, relay, modulated light beams and spread-spectrum.
CB: Voice only on AM and single sideband. Wireless control of hobby gear.
AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT
Amateur Radio: Users can design, construct and experiment with home-built
equipment, and they can modify, overhaul, repair and improve store-bought
gear.
CB: Federal Law forbids any adjustment, modification or repair by users.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Amateur Radio: Ability to experiment by radio, home computer and
television. Local, regional and worldwide communications; enhancement of
international goodwill. Public service. Mutual cooperation between
licensees. Voluntary self-regulation by common tradition.
CB: Avoiding speed traps. Motorist pastime. Neighborhood contact.
Enjoyment limited by profanity, low power, discourtesy and interference.
JOURNALS, CLUBS AND GROUPS
Amateur Radio: American Radio Relay League (ARRL), national nonprofit membership
association. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).
More than 2000 clubs throughout the country. Several major national
publications.
CB: Some local clubs. Emergency group REACT found in some areas.
No national publications.
FOR MORE INFOMATION ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO CONTACT:
ARRL
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111-1494
Phone: (860) 594-0200
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