What is the difference between a HAM Radio and a CB Radio?

Arnoldo Budzynski: difference ham radio cb radio

Randa Hessell: HiyaThere is HUUUUUGEEE difference between Ham radio and CB radio.They are not to be confused.In fact , there are so many differences it would be hard to list them all on a simple answer., but the basics are this....In most places , CB radio operation is allowed at no license cost.That however doesn't mean license free.By transmitting on the CB bands , operators thereby agree to the terms and conditions set out for the use of the band by the spectrum management authorities of the country that they are in.This means that there is rules and conditions , and penalties for illegal operation on the CB band.On the other side of the equation Ham radio operators must pass quite involved tests to prove their technical proficiency and knowledge of radio and electronics theory and practice.Then they must pay yearly fee's to the government for the privilege of using the Ham bands. Even with the license , Hams don't! own the bands or specific channels.It is a shared resource that Ham operators know must be managed correctly so all can have a fair use of the spectrum.If all Hams were going nuts doing what they wanted to , whenever they wanted to , the bands would be a mess , and completely useless.This is in effect what has happened to the CB bands.Due to lack of willingness by CBrs to follow the rules and do what is right , they have rendered their band either inactive , or just a mess of distorted signals.In an attempt to limit interference to other services such as TV and radio , CB radios are limited in power output.Ham radios have much higher transmitted power output.Because of the education Hams have in radio/electronics , they can use this power and not cause interference to others.So by far it is CB radio operators that cause interference complaints to be registered with the communications authorities.,,in fact , many 10s of thousands of complaints get filled against CB operator! s every year in the USA alone.Another area where CB and Ham di! ffers is in the types of transmissions that can be made.CBrs are limited to voice only modes , where Hams can use Morse code , voice , and a variety of digital data modes.hams can even transmits TV type of pictures around the world to other Hams , and even relay their transmissions through satellites.This here is just a small example of some of the many ways Ham radio and CB radio differs.If I had to pick 1 thing that is the biggest difference between the two , I would say it must be the education and mindset of the people involved.CBrs are nothing like Hams., and they never will be.For more information please feel free to email me.gW:-) OH2FFY...Show more

Kiersten Clayburn: What Is Cb Radio

Ardelia Liptow: well first thing is that back in the day you needed to get a license for a CB radio. Then FCC got less caring probably to many people were just getting the radios with out a license. Ham radio is supposed to be a respected operating environment. Like you ! should not curse on ham radio but sadly many people do. Other things is that the FCC allows you to do more like use up to 200 Watts of power. You got RTTY which is like very slow texting. Plus it sounds cool. you got a lot more stuff. I'm sure that people can talk all day about the stuff you can do....Show more

Verena Koop: Everything.CB Radio has no license and you're limited to legally use 40 channels and 4 watts of power. Voice only and you are not allowed to talk furtherthan 150 miles.HAM Radio uses power more, more frequencies and can use more than voice. You can use morse code, computers and even send photos over the air. HAM RADIO operators also provide emergency communications. This happened after 9/11 when means of communications ffailed...for more info...click to www.arrl.org...Show more

Gene Debell: RE:What is the difference between a HAM Radio and a CB Radio?What is the difference between an Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) and a CB Radio?

Noah De! ni: CB uses 40 channels around 27 MHz (the high end of the high frequen! cy (HF) radio spectrum). You can only transmit voice using AM modulation or sideband. You can only transmit with 5 watt of power on a store-bought radio. It is generally only good for short range point to point communication.Ham radio (Amateur Radio) has a number of complete bands of frequencies that can be used. These cover the spectrum from 1.8 MHz in the medium frequency (MF) range, into the HF, VHF, UHF, SHF into the Gigahertz (microwave) frequencies. Depending on frequency, one can talk around the world, short range communication, to Amateur Radio satellites, bounce signals off the Moon, talk through repeaters, marry communications to the Internet or experiment with other communications.Amateurs can use many forms of communication other than voice communications. They communicate with many forms of digital communication, video, radio control, experimental forms of communication, even good ol' Morse code. Depending on frequency and bands used, Amateurs can use up to 1.5! Kilowatts of power. There is a whole range of radio gear and accessories available. Some Ham shacks can look very impressive, so can the types and number of antennas used! Hams are allowed to make and use their own radio equipment and accessories if they want.All this freedom requires technical responsibility. Hams must insure they are using their gear correctly. This requires technical expertise on their part. Amateurs must pass written exams that test their technical knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations they must conform too. There are three levels of Amateur Radio operator classes in the USA; Technion, General and Amateur Extra. Of the three Amateur Extra provides all Amateur privileges, as well as requires the most knowledge. There are a number of study guides out there that can help one prepare for these exams. Knowledge of Morse code (CW) used to be required to varying degrees. That is no longer required....Show more

Ronnie Panas: 5

Jo! n Bergmeier: You have to take an exam to get an amateur radio license. ! Then you can use a variety of equipment, bands and transmission methods. Any fool can have a CB - all you're allowed (in the UK) is 4 watts on the 27MHz FM band. There are regulations about the type/height of ariel you're allowed too. Most CB regulations are ignored by many users. Other countries allow AM transmission. 27MHz AM is reserved for model control systems in the UK (model planes, cars, etc)...Show more