CB Radio (Citizens Band Radio Service) Band Info

CB Radio in the United States: A Detailed Overview

Citizens Band or CB radio, officially the CBRS (Citizens Band Radio Service), is a system of short-distance radio communications between individuals on a selection of 40 channels within the 27 MHz (11 meter) band. In the United States, CB radio has a storied history, particularly among truckers and hobbyists, serving as a reliable mode of communication for many decades. It’s governed by 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart D of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

CB Radio Modes

Until recently (2017), CB radios operated as analog AM (Amplitude Modulation) transceivers with a maximum of 4 Watts PEP output, and up to 12 Watts as LSB & USB (upper and lower sideband), mostly on the upper 10 channels in the band. Channel 9 is reserved for emergency use only, and channel 19 (17 in some areas) is commonly used for information on traffic and road conditions, primarily by truckers. See below about new changes allowing the FM modulation mode for CB.

Typical Uses of CB Radio

1. Trucking Industry: Historically, CB radio has been a staple in the trucking community. Truckers use it to share real-time information about road conditions, accidents, speed traps, and other vital updates. The ease of use and widespread adoption made it a go-to communication tool on the road, and was celebrated by the 1975 hit movie “Convoy.”
2. Recreational Use: Hobbyists and CB radio enthusiasts use these radios for casual communication, participating in “skip” communication (long-distance CB communication possible due to atmospheric conditions), off-roading, and organizing events, although rarely so these days. CB was further popularized in the ’70s and 80’s by TV shows such as “The Dukes of Hazzard” and the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.”
3. Emergency Communication: In situations where traditional communication methods fail, CB radios can be a crucial lifeline. They can be valuable during natural disasters, providing a way for individuals to request assistance or share important information when cell towers are down, although GMRS and HAM operations have largely replaced CB EmComm (Emergency Communications) uses in many area.

CB Radio and SHTF Emergency Preparedness

For preppers and individuals focused on “SHTF” (S#it Hits The Fan) scenarios, CB radios offer several benefits:

• Independence from Infrastructure: Unlike cell phones, CB radios do not rely on towers or networks. This independence is crucial during disasters when infrastructure may be compromised.
• Ease of Use: CB radios are simple to operate, making them accessible for users without extensive technical knowledge.
• Wide Availability: CB radios and their accessories are still widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Licensing and Frequency

CB radio use in the United States no longer requires a license, making it easy for individuals and businesses to start using the service. Some of the benefits of this band include:

• Propagation Characteristics: The 11 meter HF band can support long-distance communication under certain conditions, allowing for “skip” transmissions that can travel hundreds of miles, especially during peaks in the 11-year solar maximum cycle. However, the direction and distance of these ionospheric sky waves are fairly unpredictable and unreliable for any kind of use for serious emergency communications.
• Penetration: HF bands are less affected by physical obstacles compared to higher frequency bands, providing more reliable communication in various environments, particularly in rural settings.

Comparison with Other Radio Services

1. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): GMRS operates on UHF frequencies (462-467 MHz) and requires a license. It offers better range and clarity in urban environments and is becoming much more popular due to its superior performance in these settings and the availability of newer mobile and handheld radios, such as the popular Wouxun KG-UV9GX. However, GMRS radios and licenses are more expensive compared to CB radios, but offer more power and the use of repeaters, which can greatly and reliably extend the operating range.
2. FRS (Family Radio Service): FRS operates on similar frequencies as GMRS but with lower power limits and no license requirement. FRS is suitable for short-range communication and is popular for personal neighborhood and recreational uses.
3. MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service): MURS operates on VHF just above the HAM radio 2 meter band, and is well-suited for outdoor/rural personal or business use. However, due to its 2 Watt limit, range is typically limited, although it can be extended somewhat by using mobile or base antennas, giving it some advantages over FRS radios.
4. LMR (Land Mobile Radio): Used primarily by businesses and public safety entities, LMR systems are highly regulated and offer advanced features like trunking and encryption, which are typically not used for casual or emergency use by individuals.
5. HAM (Amateur Radio Service): HAM radio offers a wide range of frequencies and modes, with significant power and range capabilities. It requires a license and written test, and while it provides unparalleled flexibility and reach, the complexity and cost can be a barrier for some users.

Recent Changes and Future of CB Radio

The FCC’s recent 2017 rule change allowing FM operation on the CB band is sparking some renewed interest in CB radio. FM (Frequency Modulation) provides better sound quality and less susceptibility to interference (and background static noise) compared to AM (Amplitude Modulation), which has been the standard for CB. However, the adoption of FM on CB bands has been limited due to the entrenched user base and the slow rollout of FM-capable CB radios, and the new capability offers only a marginal increase in usability for the band.

Conclusion

While GMRS is increasingly seen as a replacement for CB radio due to its enhanced performance in urban environments, the simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and independence of CB radio ensure its continued relevance in some areas for personal communications and emergency preparedness. The recent introduction of FM capability may enhance the appeal of CB radio somewhat, potentially revitalizing its usage. As communication needs and technologies evolve, CB radio remains a viable and potentially valuable tool for short-distance communication.