If you've been bitten by the radio 'bug' and enjoy using a CB radio why not move up to something with a little more range and power
? The ten meter waveband occupies the 28 to 29.7 MHz section of the electromagnetic spectrum and has many of the same characteristics as the 11 meter CB waveband, but there are some significant advantages to its use.
1. More power. One thing I love about ten meter radios is the fact that they have a lot more power than their Cb cousins. More power typically translates to more range and better reception.
2. Licenses. It may seem strange to love the fact that you need a license to operate on the 10 meter band, but it does mean that the airwaves are 'cleaner'.
3.No license fee.The amateur radio license is free and all you have to do is pass a 35 question multiple choice examination.In 2007 new FCC regulations removed the requirement to learn Morse code in order to obtain a license. The procedure is now much simpler.
4.Amateur Radio organisations. There are a number of enthusiast organisations for radio amateurs, but there is one specific to the 10 meter band - Ten-Ten International.
5. 10 meters is primarily a day-time band. I can enjoy my hobby at reasonable hours, there's no need to sit up through the night to listen to interesting transmissions.
6.!0 meter radio equipment is typically very versatile and built with the intention that it can be easily modified by the home enthusiast.
7. Call signs. As a CB enthusiast you'll have had a 'handle' which you devised yourself. Once you get your amateur radio license you'll get an official radio call sign. It may seem a bit strange, but it'sactually a bit of a thrill!
8. Gadgetry. A CB radio can be a pretty basic device, but 10 meter radios are both more sophisticated and more fun. More advanced electronics make them easier to use and provide better quality reception and transmission.
9. It.s an open door. The ten meter waveband is an excellent introduction to amateur radio, but you don't have to stop there. You can take more advanced qualifications.
10. DX transmission. 10 meter radio, like 11 meter is ideal for 'skip' so you can often receive transmission over big distances. There are even satellites which broadcast amateur radio on the 10 meter band to make long distance communication possible. While conversations over large distances are illegal on CB radio, they are perfectly legal on the 10 meter band.