subject: Why Choose To Use Cb Radio? [print this page] Since radio began the business of distant, wireless communication has fascinated many and it wasn't long before associations of Amateur Radio Operators were formed. The big difference between amateur radio and CB radio is that amateur radio sets can be up to 1000 watts and have antennas with no restrictions. The wavebands available are wider and less crowded and communication can be made via AM, SSB, FM radio-teletype, even television. Satellites act as relay stations so it is possible to talk to the far reaches of the world. The downside is the amateur radio is licensed and there examinations you need to pass before you can get the license.
There are several different types of amateur radio license available.
The Novice license allows operations on several High Frequency bands via Morse code as well as single sideband communication by voice between 28.3 and 28.5 MHz and between 28.1 and 28.3 for radio teletype.Single Side Band (SSB) and FM voice as well as two-way transmissions via TV are allowed between 222.01 and 223.91 MHz and 1270 to 1295 MHz. To gain a novice license you have to pass a theory examination and copy a minimum of five words per minute in Morse code.
The Technician license restricts voice communication to the same frequency range as the novice in addition to the VHF and UHF amateur radio bands. To get this license you must pass a theory examination which includes questions about FCC rules and requirements.
The next step up, the general radio amateurs license, allows High Frequency (HF) Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communication via Morse Code, AM, FM and SSB as well as slow scan television and radio teletype. For this license you have to be able to copy Morse code at the rate of 13 words per minute and pass an exam on general radio theory plus FCC regulations.
The Advanced radio license provides access to more frequencies in the HF band, but to get this you must have passed the general class Morse Code and radio theory exams and a more advanced radio theory test.
The top license for radio amateurs in the USA is the Extra Class license. Holders of this license have total access to all HF VHF and UHF frequencies which have been assigned to amateur radio. For this license you must have passed the general and advanced exams, be able to copy Morse code at 20 words per minute and complete an examination on the more complex aspects of radio theory, operations and FCC rules.
You can get all the information you need on the examinations from the American Radio Relay League, a no profit organization which provides materials to help you study for and pass the examinations for your license.
But if you have other things to do with your time and don't enjoy examinations, there is an alternative in CB radio. There are no examinations to pass and there is no license to obtain. The language used is informal and there's no need to learn Morse Code. All you need is the right equipment. How about it?
