AMATEUR RADIO vs. CB RADIO ========================== Amateur Radio and Citizen's Band (CB) are two systems of two-way communication regulated and authorized in the United States 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 kHz to 250 GHz. CB: One frequency band of 40 channels, from 26.96 to 27.41 MHz. POWER PERMITTED: Amateur Radio: Up to 1,500 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, operating rules, knowledge of Morse Code in some instances. 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, as well as personal identification. Formal station identification is required 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, 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 prohibits 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). Over 2,000 clubs throughout the country. Several major national publications. CB: Some local clubs. Emergency group REACT found in some areas. No national publications.