What is the difference between CB Radios and Ham Radio?

[@youknowit158]

Is the classes on the website mobile friendly? As in can I do it all on my phone

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Yes they are mobile, tablet or computer friendly. They are the study classes to help prep you for the FCC test. You can find more info at myoffroadradio.com

[@degardner84]

The other benefit to ham radio vs CB is that some ham radio bands use repeaters that will give you several miles of range where CB does not have anything like that.

[@rpcomms1]

@@degardner84 Sorry Dave ,that statement is not quite true,CB Parrot,Split frequency repeaters and ROIP are going on in UK and Eu lands,bit of a misnomer there.Plus Australia can use UHF 477mhz CB radio and use repeaters on there CB UHF band.

[@degardner84]

@@rpcomms1 ok, I didn't know that about the UK. Thanks fo the info. 😊

[@roberttretola8263]

@@degardner84 You can very well use a repeaters with CB radios in the USA, as the same you can with ham radios. There are people who have very large CB base stations that offer repeaters for those using only CB radio. There are also devices that anyone can purchase to start their own repeater technology on there own with their cb radios. Repeaters are most common with Ham radios, and are available for CB radios as well, there is no laws from the FCC saying you can't use this technology with CB frequencies .Look at the smart phone apps that offer CB Chating , which you are using a CB repeater to get your voice out on the CB frequency from your cell phone, that is just 1 example.

[@TampaMaximumMike]

My neighborhood has a descent amount of CB. Even with a vehicle type antenna inside my condo, I can still pickup quite a bit of talk and can communicate with some of them. I got back into CB to mostly use on the Interstate. Works good for that. There are also times when you are only trying to communicate with those in your general vicinity, and it is good for that too.

[@N9YSQ]

Antenna height above ground is going to help. You get more benefit if you invest in the antenna and coax. If you want local AM then you want a 1/4 wave ground plane antenna, or 1/2 wave dipole antenna or a jpole. At 26 mhz the jpole won't be as small as the ground plane. For ssb you want the 1/2 wave dipole or a directional beam. That is where decent antenna "gain" comes into play. What will matter is any hoa restrictions. I would go for the ground plane antenna

[@N2YTA]

CB (citizens band) radio is an unlicensed service operating at about 27MHz (11 meter wave length). The band is divided into 40 distinct channels. The mode of transmission for CB radio is either amplitude modulation (AM) with a maximum transmit power of four watts, or single side band (SSB) with a maximum output power of 12 watts. CB radio is for voice communication only. CB operators are not required to identify themselves during transmissions and commonly use nicknames referred to as “handles”. Amateur radio (ham radio) is a licensed service and requires passing an FCC exam and being issued a license and call sign. There are different levels of license with each requiring an additional test and allowing more operating privileges. There are bands of frequencies all over the radio spectrum allocated for amateur use. The bands of frequencies range from below the AM broadcast band all the way up to microwaves. The modes of transmission in ham radio can be AM, FM, SSB, CW (Morse code), several types of digital transmissions (used for both voice and data) and even a slow scan TV mode. There are also amateur satellites orbiting the Earth that relay signals. The allowable transmit power in amateur radio can be as much as 1,500 watts. When transmitting ham radio operators must identify themselves with their FCC issued call sign. Amateur radio operators commonly provide communications in the event of an emergency. Both CB and amateur radio are specifically for personal communication; commercial or business use is prohibited.

[@25aces]

This 30 second read was more informative than the 5 minute video, thank you.

[@charliejeans2413]

@@25aces yes, Pay for the liscence and training channel. If you want some talk while travelling go CB..if you are flying, hiking, marine, 4x4 club, then maybe a ham or FM, UHF just to have the same chat channels as the club.. Many clubs will have extra liscenced channels to broadcast. So even thought you see Ch. 44, 44, 45, 46, 47,49, 50, 52, 53. E.g.. these will be the private liscenced channels, there's 1000.s of Frequencies so a private channel can be, 49.650. 49.660, 49.670 etc. All 'sub channels to the main frequency. Not rocket science, your mobile phone is exactly the same, only your individual frequency can be 'dialed' ( and monitored, listened to ) which these ph. / private channels, selling point is privacy ! Lol They usually don't cost the members anything, but your radio receiver needs the program to be updated and on the device to join the conversation. ( usually a good deal can be found if you buy from the club with there channels, ) The radio will still have all the other channels working as well. The only reason you have these extra channels is so you don't have to listen to the trucks or council workers on the same channel. Personal choice is pretty much the answer, which do.you prefer and is the group in private channels ? Then your Q, is. how much will i use it, how far will it broadcast/ recieve, how long does the battery last ? There are some issues in some countries, where use of VHF is illegal, like Afghanistan. But in commonwealth countries no problem. Some new multi band radios coming out of China are banned from sale, bc ? Why can't we have 1 radio with many frequencies? Police, army, emergency, etc all use radios of some type, you can hear them talking but tgey are trained not to talk in a way to give out information. They use ph. Now for conversations private radio channel.. btw TV is radio waves as well. Tesla the champ worked it all out in 1890. Including remote control. Radio waves again. So there all a variation of the same electrical frequency. Hope I didn't loose you. Cheers. .

[@JDfloridaman]

Well done. Even used semicolons like Henry Davis Thoreau.

[@N2YTA]

@@JDfloridaman I compose posts in Microsoft Word for the spell checking and punctuation, then copy & paste; I’ll pass the compliment along to them!

[@t.n.s.hilton3697]

@@charliejeans2413 very informative

[@nigelb5341]

I'll tell you the difference. I got a real kick out of CB and then I got my ham licence. It was like talking to the Fonz at a party and then meeting Sheldon cooper at a wake. I could go on but there it is in a nutshell.

[@appalachianunderground8474]

Excellent comparison

[@achirichello1208]

Damn.

[@anthonywychock3449]

😂😂😂😂

[@mauricevde]

Bazinga !

[@terrymac9570]

Ham radio requires you to sit several exams to gain a licence that shows you have the technical knowledge ,an understanding of radio regulations and the principals of radio theory to operate over a wide spectrum of frequencies without causing interference to other radio users or electronics around you. CB does not, it is free to all citizens with just a few basic regulations.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Yes, more or less true, to get the lowest level Ham Radio licence you only need to take one test.

[@terrymac9570]

SnailTrail4x4 and there are 8 y/o girls passing it’s that simple

[@svrsxlt]

Eh sorta true. You take one test and that's how you get your lisence. You actually don't have to understand anything if you're good enough at memorizing answers since all the current questions are posted. Cb is free to all citizens with few regulations which can cause certain issues as well.

[@GoA7250]

@@SnailTrail4x4 What does more or less true mean? One is regulated and a licince is required, the other anyone can get a radio and talk shit.... Interesting, almost like it means something!

[@Dingleberry1856]

⁠@@GoA7250it means nothing, I have a radio, I do talk on it, I don’t have a license because the king don’t control my freedom of speech or the medium I choose to distribute it.

[@pook2830]

Two people who know nothing about radio, talking about radio. Nothing to see here.

[@wvcaver774]

BTW some of the answers I see on the hamradio FB pages is pretty sad !

[@zoolkhan]

@Steven someone who knows, can tell if someone else does not know. David is spot on here. These guys are clueless. They could not radio their way out of a wet paper bag. I would be more supportive if they would show that theyre genuinely interested into radio hobby, but all they care for is how to equipp their 4x4 for some pointless CO2 wasting.

[@1968DodgePolara]

yep they know nothing I been talking on CB and ham for years they miss the obvious ...

[@raymondschmidt2003]

well I seem to agree with you , but cb radio and murs radio is great

[@turyb.goodiii7356]

Noticing that the radio community is full of dicks!

[@tac73]

A ham since 1975, it seems to me like overkill, to get a ham license just for 4 wheeling. Have you ever considered other radio services, such as GMRS, MURS, FRS?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

The use of repeater where we are is great. I can call in and let my group know that I just hit the trail, and I'll be at camp in 3 hrs. Something I can't do with a smaller direct one to one radio

[@tac73]

@@SnailTrail4x4 Not that you'd want to do this... But, you can own, & operate your own GMRS repeater(s). A full duplex system would be pricy. But, a simplex system is far less costly, & complex.

[@ronaldonmg]

The international communication community wants the frequency-bands and strong transmitters reserved for serious users, so they can be used over serious distances when the need arises. There's no point in wasting shortwave-bands on local chitchat

[@pupdaddymail]

The problem with GMRS ( and MURS by extension) is that there is almost nothing available in practical equipment available. What is there is miserably over priced, under powered, and under featured. Midland being the big name there. So as a last resort people are buying Chinese Type 90 transceivers to use for part 95 (GMRS) because they have the higher power that a GMRS license allows and a good combination of affordability and performance. Getting a GMRS license and using the part 90 radios seems to be a very attractive solution there. In GMRS, Midland is NOT your friend.

[@christianbrotherspaintingi6821]

need license for all those idiot

[@edstar83]

2:27 When I was a kid I hooked up an old CB radio to a random 12 volt transformer, connect some speaker wire to an old telescopic radio antenna and i could hear and talk to people.

[@karvast5726]

I have one exactly like that and a 12v transformer never tried it idk if there is any communication in my area

[@wesleybuff2536]

So, this is a cyclical sort of thing that goes up and down. You could talk to Australia one year and three years later barely be able to talk into the next county. This relies on tropospheric propagation which follows the cycles of the sun.

[@PlanetObservatory]

I have been a lover of radio since I was a kid. Walkie talkies, cb radio, ham radio all of it. Not sure why, just have always loved radios.

[@ChrististKing]

*RADIOOOOOO*

[@capndavey1]

over simplified description cb uses am ham uses fm well not true you can run am or sideband or dmr cw or whatever floats you boat. and cb uses sideband to!

[@rpcomms1]

FM cb used in quite a few places legally around world,not just USA on AM\SSB

[@TurboRetard]

Yeah lots of cb use SSB

[@Camman010]

FM CB is illegal in North America. SSB was used on CB but they found that in the US the people weren't smart enough to know how to use it so it died out. Ham can use any mode of communications so long as you stay within the band width for that band.

[@theunconventionaldeal3879]

Is the next video about the difference between a bike and a aircraft carrier?

[@EarthRockerAdam]

You joke cause you know, but I thought they were the same thing. That's how I ended up here

[@Bob814u]

I was told when I started in Ham Radio "Study to pass the test. You can learn how to use it later." I did. I have been a Ham since 2014 and am still learning. Great video! With Tyler you should be able to have an "Elmer" who is someone who can explain how to use it in the field. If you want to know the range a "beginner" technician licensed operator can talk, well, there are satellites you can bounce your signal off of.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Thanks Bob, Since this video was released I have received my Ham's license and gotten a vanity call sign :) KJ1MMY

[@ograe7557]

Snail trail meant something different when I was in High School 😂😭😅👍👍🌹

[@TheRandomDead]

Chicks in cars loaded with subwoofers

[@randomnessx3597]

Ham better in some situations cb is better in others

[@eddiesparks2782]

Personally I enjoy both. Both have their own niche. If I don't want to go through the ordeal of wiring up my ham radio and running lines through the firewall of my vehicle, I can without worry plug my 4 watt uniden into the lighter socket- and get traffic info more readily than the ham bands- - I find CB as a better starting point than a dual band HT, as you generally have to apply some knowledge when working out your SWR. Also - a 505 uniden can be had for $30 - and a tuneable antenna for $20 and a lighter plug for 5. Not too shabby

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Those are great suggestion, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@dr.greggwareham571]

Thank you gentlemen ~ from a viewer in Cambodia

[@loctite222ms]

Basically. Anybody (technically US citizens in the US) can buy and use a CB. No test or license required. Tuning a CB antenna is simple. Amateur radio required and passing a test (easy). Ham HTs typically don't run much more power than a CB. Simplex range probably isn't that different. The details are much more complicated. CB I'm guessing you're talking about is legally limited to 40 channels in the 11 meter band am or ssb. Closest similar ham band is 10 meters. Hams can operate in a wide variety of bands and modes usually with much more power.

[@N9YSQ]

Let me add, it is quite possible to get 15 or more miles from the hts on the video using the proper antenna systems including good coax. That's both stations. 5 watts into an average ht antenna only radiates about 1 watt on average. When I started out the guys told be to expect 1 mile per watt over average terrain from an ht over simplex. Much shorter range among buildings and dense trees. It was recommended to carry a roll up jpole and ht adapters for emergencies. And if possible a mobile radio with more power out and quality moble antenna.

[@clarenceswope3026]

Matter of fact CB used to be part of the ham band it was called 11 meter

[@ChrisRedfield--]

The difference is, CB is free to use and HAM needs a licence. In the EU CB radio on FM/AM/SSB 4 watt max

[@paganphil100]

Chris Redfield: SSB is now 12 watts legal power in the UK and most of Europe.

[@hotstreetcar]

It takes no effort to tune a CB radio just an SWR meter and I talk all over the world on my CB without a repeater

[@jimgreen6704]

Only at or near the peak of the sunspot cycle can you talk all over the world and rarely with 4 watts. Don't get me wrong cb has its place but many things available to hams are not allow on cb i.e. many digital modes, satellites, etc. With ham radio and an investment of a few hundred dollars one can be using radio freqs from below am broadcast band up to light. Modes include am fm a dozen or more digital modes,modes, eve slow and fast scan TV. We even have a ham repeater that allows you to talk half way around the world with an ht user Theriot conditions. With cb you only legal allowed to use very narrow group of freqs in the 27 mHz region. As the old saying states you spend your money and you takes your pick. By the way hams guard their privileges and will turn you in if you do not have a license and it is v easy to find out. Hope to see you on the bands.

[@hotstreetcar]

@@jimgreen6704 when someone threatens to turn you in for using a radio frequency doesn't kind of seem right that's why I like CB radio unregulated and raw only the best can get through and make contacts it ain't as simple as it's going down to the store and buying equipment to do it it's snowing how to operate it believe me I know

[@Dingleberry1856]

@@jimgreen6704😂😂😂😂sad HAMs and their fecklessness.

[@zaboomerfooo]

I don't have any problems with my CB

[@jayrogers8255]

Interesting video. I think tho that if your interest is using radio as ancillary communications, and not for experimentation, GMRS/FRS are better ways to go.

[@themouas]

All portable radios are limited to 4 to 5 watts per FCC. The reason your CB has less range from a portable is the frequency, and the antenna. For a CB to work efficiently the antenna has to be 102 inches long, they take all that and coiled it on top of that little CB portable radio which defeats its purpose. If everything is built equal a five watt CB radio will out do a VHF, or UHF with 5 watt output in long distance communication. By that I mean a 102 inch antenna set up correctly. However, CB frequencies are not good for use if you're in downtown, and surrounded by buildings, because CB frequency doesn't bounce like UHF radios so that is another reason you don't get the range with a CB. Before you decide what radios you are buying you have to consider where you will be using your equipment. CB is good for something, but not good for everything, VHF is good for something, but not good for everything, UHF is good for something, but not good for everything.

[@DrOlds7298]

Peak it and Tune it for improved output/reception. Totally legal,that's just making the modulation/reception better? (Out of the box,some don't work as they should?) That's also why "A Box" (Linear Amplifier.....'Not' legal,but seldom enforced now?) is so popular with those living in urban areas?

[@notsure7874]

Partially true. CBs are limited to 4 watts AM deadkey, 12 watts PEP on sideband. The AM radio when you're talking on a 4w carrier can "swing" to about 12 watts "peak" - Peak Envelope Power. Sideband has no carrier so it cant be measured by a deadkey. Thats the fcc reg for CB, nothing to do with other services. Handhelds are usually limited to 5 watts or so by physics. A handheld much over 5 watts, you're not getting more fars - you're just draining your battery faster. Ham radios have a 1500 watt limit per FCC, doesnt matter if its mobile or not.

[@themouas]

@@PlasmaStorm73, boosting your transmission signal from a portable radio is like cheating.

[@CBRadiouk1]

If u can't easily tune a cb radio Antenna easily, brush up a little on antenna basics.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

It's not that it isn't easy, it's more about how it's another step.

[@CBRadiouk1]

@@SnailTrail4x4 You also need an Antenna for ham bands, and if using a wire for multiple bands need to know about rd. Not to mention angles of radiation.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

@@CBRadiouk1 -- but do you need to adjust the antenna on the ham bands?

[@CBRadiouk1]

@@SnailTrail4x4 I can't believe u even asked that. If u are using a Miliband antenna like a g5rv, u would use an atu. Feedline loses are very low because of the balanced feeder. Just like on the cb band, if your antenna was a mono band variety. You would need to know how to tune it.

[@solidcomms3136]

27 megahertz has greater foliage penetration then the 144 to 147 megahertz of 2 m and UHF CB radio is simpler to operate non license required and a very good tool for off road not to mention more prevalent than amateur radio equipment when four wheeling with large groups

[@jayrogers8255]

Runjam Webster I’m not sure if you’re in the U.S. or not: there is a UHF “CB” here which does require a license: it’s called GMRS (it used to be Class A CB vs. what we think of as CB on 27MHz, which was Class D CB), it allows up to 50 watts & to use repeaters! It’s on 462/467 MHz & shares frequencies with FRS. It’s a cool little band!

[@fixumup1]

do more research, this guy knows ham, not CB. its super simple to tune a CB antennas nice guy,, does not know CB at all.

[@charliejeans2413]

Pay for the liscence and training channel. If you want some talk while travelling go CB..if you are flying, hiking, in 4x4 then maybe a ham or FM just to have the same chat channels as the club.. Many clubs will have extra liscenced channels to broadcast. They usually don't cost the members anything, but your radio receiver needs the program to be updated and on the device to join the conversation. The only reason you have these extra channels is so you don't have to listen to the trucks or council workers on the same channel. Personal choice is pretty much the answer, which do.you prefer and is the group in private channels. .

[@indiana146]

@Cassie Harry hes talking out his rear whats he mean cb limited power cb heck you can have as much or as little as you want cb can get you all round the world Ok you may not blegaĺ if you gìve them too much power But some hams are a bit snobby What rig and power do u use in ozz Take care

[@InternetGoldMiner]

Dummies

[@mrearlygold]

"tune" a cb antennae or may not get heard at all? LOL, I was based in westfield NJ and stepped on mobiles as far south as Maryland.

[@biringen]

Tuned antennas is needed cause you will damage the output in a very short time, if to much power output to the antenna (W)...therefor antennas need tuned to best swr (1:1,1) and 50ohm Impedance

[@biringen]

This is generally for CB or HAM radio

[@510ozy]

Can I just talk to buddies on these radios say if i'm out camping somewhere? or do I need a license ? I bought a Baofeng bf-f8hp five years ago when I first got my boat for emergency uses if ever needed but now I would like expand my use. Any help with info in the right direction would be appreciated

[@SnailTrail4x4]

To talk on the Ham frequencies you need a license. If it's an emergency you can talk on any radio frequency

[@morphshag]

Yeah I gotta say I disagree. Am or SSB on 27MHz has a lot more range in it than 2m or 70cm FM radio. Tuning the antenna is as difficult as attaching an SWR meter. And you don’t have to worry too much about the gain or radiation pattern in situations where a 6 or 9db antenna might not make it over a hill but a 3db might. Here in AU a lot of 4WD users have switched to our UHF CB band. We have 80 channels, 5w output and are allowed removable antennas and in car rigs all with no licence.

[@buick4013]

Thank you!

[@jerrypeal653]

I disagree 5 watts on CB 2 Meters is legal at much higher wattage in a hand held device . Been a ham operator for some 40 years CB prior to that .

[@buick4013]

@@jerrypeal653 umm your forgetting that in SHF your beloved repeaters will be down in short order. That 2m rig will be useless.

[@tramey1961]

Buick 401 talking point to point a uhf/vhf mobile radio is just as good as a cb radio. You’re only going to be able to talk to the horizon with either one. If point to point is all you’re interested in then why bother getting a ham license

[@notsure7874]

@@tramey1961 That's not entirely true. 27mhz follows the curvature of the earth somewhat. Much better than higher frequencies. You get into lower bands, with nvis antennas you can reliably make contact in a 3-400 mile radius.

[@RhythmicSensations]

You will be tuning any antenna for mobile or base use. Also, now that the fcc has approved fm for use with the 11m band, this too will change. But ham radio is more versatile, has more power and you won't have someone telling you that you can tune the antenna by changing the length of the feed line. As stupid as that sounds, there are guys teaching this, and they believe that it works. You'll learn something while preparing to enter the entertaining world of ham radio.

[@joemason9187]

We have had cb fm bands for some years in the uk, id say having a rig in the van gets out great both around town and then some.

[@AdamosDad]

There are many CB radios that use SSB, which is arguably a better mode than FM, you can use them without the hassle of becoming a "HAM", the deal about CB's having antenna length problems between users is a flat out lie, if you have an antenna tuned for CB any other user can hear and talk to you, this is just a commercial for this guys HAM licensing service. I can say CB is the best for the masses event though I am a HAM I also use CB.

[@wesleybuff2536]

I believe they are referring to other users who fail to invest in a decent mount for a reasonably high gain antenna keeping you restricted from communicating with them. This is not an issue if everyone puts in a good effort to maintain good equipment.

[@alexahedo85]

Im looking for a long range cb radio that dose not require a license. It would be nice if the cb can communicate with a walkie talkie. Like some midland brands.

[@paganphil100]

Alex Ahedo: Hi Alex, I don't know which country you live in but here in the UK (for example) all CB radio is licence-free although it may be different in other countries. The range depends mainly on your antenna and your height.....operating from a hill-top with a good antenna will give you a much longer range than operating from a low location with the same antenna. Atmospheric / Solar conditions also affect range but these can vary a lot. Any radio, either "Ham" or CB.....whether its a base station, mobile or "walkie talkie" can communicate with any other radio if they are both using the same frequency and mode (FM / AM / SSB / CW).

[@DrOlds7298]

It's all about the frequencies they operate on. I actually have two walkie-talkies that will operate on 27mhz (CB) bands. One is an old 6 channel,the other is a 40 ch. They just eat batteries,though!!! (6-8 at a time!!!)

[@Aletef]

Yes sir, very well explained. 73, EA8DIO

[@12superoo]

Either it is very different in Australia or these guys have no idea about CB UHF. I do have both UHF CB and Dual Band Ham radios programmed for CB frequencies. (1 to 80 legit channels).

[@SnailTrail4x4]

From what I have been told there are far less Repeaters down under then there are here on the west coast. Also our CBs only have 40 channels

[@danialphaomega]

My cb on bad days I get out about 20 miles in the city w/ no amp, and with skip I've gotten out across the other side of the country. But with FM if you are not near a repeater then you are SOL because those things are low power, I have ham too, but I just like CB a bit more.

[@wesleybuff2536]

So, FM is not a type of radio. It is a modulation scheme like AM. Both modulations can propagate below about 50 MHz or so IF CONDITIONS ARE EXCELLENT. They are poor far more often than they are good requiring large amounts of power, low loss feed line, and a good antenna(often directional). Repeater communications often does not take advantage of propagation as it is not necessary. It is more reliable by a large stretch as you have control over where you operate from often times, just make an educated choice. It sounds like communications in your area is not all that difficult, typically simplex operation in our area is almost worthless.

[@tramey1961]

danialphaomega a hand held uhf/vhf radio can work pretty good on simplex with a good mag mount antenna even in low power. A 50 watt mobile ham radio will out preform cb point to point all day long

[@zalleywaalley8227]

You really do need to update/correct or delete this video. VHF/UHF handhelds are NOT unlimited for power. The use of repeaters is a lot of fun but, without a repeater VHF/UHF at 5 watts will cover about half the area that a properly setup cb will

[@paganphil100]

Gregory M: That's right....and in a city or other built-up area UHF range can be as little as a few hundred yards.

[@N4TCM]

These guys are clueless. The rubber duck antennas are basically a dummy load. No gain if at all.

[@bornofsource9419]

nah. dont delete it. i learned more from the comments than i did from the last few vids i watched

[@terrysaunders8222]

All CB’s offer AM mode, some fancier radios (more expensive) additionally have SSB modes. The radios are simple to use, operate at low power (4 watts on AM, or 12 watts on SSB), and offer 40 channelized frequencies for ease of use. They operate in what is called the “11-Meter” band, which refers to the approximate wavelength of the frequencies they operate on (26.965-27.405 mHz). No special skills required, the radios are fairly cheap, and no license is required to install or operate. Drawbacks include a relatively short range, despite having longer antennas than most other mobile radios (due to 11 meter wavelength). Ham radio offers a multitude of bands to FCC licensed operators. The “bands” are numerous, and include (but not limited to) 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6 meter bands in what is called the MF and HF bands. Most bands (with a few exceptions) allow MANY modes of operation including (but not limited to) AM, FM, SSB, CW, and various digital modes. The power limits vary between a few watts to 1500 watts… though most hams just use what is needed to work properly within the limits. From VHF on up through UHF and microwave bands there are more “bands” including the popular 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm, and 23cm bands. Many of these bands offer use of ham-owned “repeaters”, which allow you to use low power handheld radios (HT’s, aka “walkie-talkies”) to talk though powerful networks of radios to large areas that the HT alone could not reach. Antenna sizes can vary widely, but general rule of thumb is the lower frequencies (which happen to be longest wavelengths) have larger antennas… usually a good fraction of the stated meter-band size. As an example a simple 80m dipole HF antenna is around 135 feet in length, but a UHF ducky antenna for an HT may be just a few inches! Worldwide communication is possible on many ham radio bands, and with the exception of the 60 meter bands, most HF bands operate along a continuum of frequencies, vs. a channelized system…. This leaves literally millions of places to carry out communications across the various bands. An FCC license is required, and there is a steeper learning curve as a result. The hobby can be as cheap or as expensive as your budget allows, but generally speaking, for the non-DIY’er, the equipment is more expensive than CB radio, but literally offers you the WORLD!

[@SnailTrail4x4]

That's a great write up, thanks. Not sure if we could hit all of that in two minutes. But I appreciate you writing it down for others, thanks

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

here here I second that

[@SnailTrail4x4]

@@PlasmaStorm73 -- it was a video series I was doing called two min Tuesdays. I talked about different topics in the off-roading community or product for two mins. Mainly as an introduction to items for others to learn about.

[@josiahhaifley2839]

I don’t know why everybody says 10-14 days to get your call sign. I got mine in 2 days. I had to go to my city and search for recent grants tho

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Yeah I think I got mine in less than a week as well

[@thomasthreatt]

I'll stick with my Stryker sr-655hp Which puts out a 127 watts and I can get out 16 miles so I can get help if I really need to

[@tiamatthedragon6758]

so i guess you are a HAM? otherwise. in violation. Rule 10 Power Output {A} Your CB station transmitter power output must not exceed the following values under any conditions: AM [Amplitude Modulation] - 4 watts carrier power [CP] SSB [Single Side-Band] - 12 watts peak envelope power [PEP] {B} If you need more information about the power rule, see Part 95/ Subpart E. {C} Use of a transmitter which has carrier [CP] or peak envelope power [PEP]in excess of that authorized voids your authority to operate the station. Rule 11 Linear Amplifiers {A} You may not attach the following items (power amplifiers) to your type-accepted CB transmitter in any way: [1] External radio frequency [RF] power amplifiers, also called linear amplifiers, or linears; or [2] Any other devices which, when used with a radio transmitter as a signal source, are capable of amplifying the signal. {B} There are no exceptions to this rule and use of a power amplifier voids your authority to operate the station. {C} The FCC will presume you have used a linear or other external [RF] power amplifier if- [1] It is in your possession or on your premises; and [2] There is OTHER EVIDENCE that you have operated your CB station with more power than allowed by CB Rule 10. {D} Paragraph C above in this section does not apply if you hold a license in another radio service (HAM, etc.) which allows you to operate an external RF power amplifier.

[@DrOlds7298]

@@tiamatthedragon6758 127 watts is tame. Go up on Channel 6 on a CB...aka the Super Bowl. Some call it "The Land of Linears". 25-50,000 watts/5-7 big Leece Neville alternators just for the radio,takes up the back of a Van/Suburban with 2-6 forklift batteries,too. Those guys are nuts!!! (And yes,I've actually seen them? Been to one of the 'Key Down' competitions.)

[@davidpayne5995]

nice radio. bought a 955 for the rig couple of months ago. clear as a bell. hooked a predator 2 and a texas star 350. very pleased so far. Not fit for the channel 6 superbowl but does pretty well up on 38 lsb shooting a little skip when the goddess of the d layer gives me her blessing. :)

[@JamesWoodard1222]

CB has a longer wave length than the VHF/UHF rigs a new ham will typically be using. This gives CB the upper hand for longer distance propagation with less power demand. Also, being AM, the CB isn't as limited by line-of-sight as the FM VHF/UHF ham radios. This is the reason most ham radios, outside the Technician/Novice classes, use AM SSB for voice communication. Yes, the FM signal is cleaner. However, you can hear the AM signal from greater distances. The claim that CB antennas are harder to tune is just false. All radio antennas have to be properly tuned to the frequencies on which they'll used and the process is the same, regardless the band or mode used. Proper cable, cable length, grounding and fine tuning of the length of the areal. Also, consider market saturation. There are currently ~70,000 licensed hams in the US while there are likely several million CB users. Class D CB(what we're talking about here), Class A CB(UHF CB/GMRS), FRS and MURS make up the Personal Radio Service(FCC Part 95). All are regulated but only GMRS requires a license. The Amateur Radio Service(FCC Part 97) is a service to itself and requires one of three classes of license. There are benefits and drawbacks to each service. My theory is you should focus on the benefits of each and use as many services as you can.

[@johnryding1630]

AM or SSB, James? They are different modes I hardly ever use AM when talking to the world

[@Coalrollinfurry]

James Woodard ok, that works, i like your comment but outside of Australia there is no uhf cb.

[@loctite222ms]

I don't know how many ACTIVE CBers are out there any more. Might not be several million any more. Probably most that were inclined to use CB now have a cell phone.

[@JamesWoodard1222]

Ninos small engine repair Sorry. I’m an old guy. GMRS was originally called Class A CB by the FCC. What we call CB was Class D CB. That’s why I put “UHF CB” in parenthesis. It is CB and it’s in the UHF frequency spectrum.

[@JamesWoodard1222]

It may be true that there are fewer active users of CB than in the past. But that doesn't make it a bad option for trail comms. Look at the benefits. It's inexpensive. There's no licensing requirement. It has decent range, even considering the 4 Watt power limit. It works where there is no cellular service. The topic is trail comms. Unless everyone in your group is a licensed ham, CB is the way to go.

[@Dipuglia]

How much does it cost to get the license?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

It's changing here soon to $35

[@Rhythmicons]

CB is more useful in a car than Amateur, in my experience. For a base station, I really want VHF/UHF to get the Skywarn storm spotters, and shortwave broadcasts on the HF transceiver.

[@Rhythmicons]

IF someone on a repeater will respond, and that's IF one has programmed their radio to hit said repeater, and IF one is in range long enough. I've never been in a situation where Amateur radio did anything in my car other than provide weather updates on demand. This isn't a CB > Amateur situation, just relaying my personal experiences. @@PlasmaStorm73

[@drnv150]

There is very little comparison 400 kHz of bandwidth compared with 300-400 kHz per band, from LW HF to UHF and above. FM, data, Digital , video and Satellite modes are not even legal on 11 meters. To say nothing of the fact 11 meters was a ham band until it was allocated as a non-Amateur band.

[@robertrockwell7581]

cb is limited to 4 watts A.M and 12 watts upper or lower side band. ham is limited to 1500 watts do people follow these rules of course not and just as soon as this sun spot period ends you will hear more cb than before. but nowhere near a couple million cb users like there used to be but it is starting to come back.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

I never left cb!✌️🍻🏜️

[@christiansacks9198]

CB Radio IS FM too, 27.78125MHZ FM = Channel 19 in UK, I'm sure it's the same in the US

[@N2YTA]

In the US CB radio is mostly AM; some operators use SSB. Use of frequency modulation for CB radio is not permitted in the US.

[@paganphil100]

Christian Sacks: AM, FM and SSB are all now legal in the UK.

[@N2YTA]

In the US CB radio is only AM or SSB.

[@tramey1961]

Christian Sacks in the United States CB radio is restricted to 40 am channels with upper and lower side band. In the UK I believe you have 40 am and 40 fm on cb we don’t have that here.

[@paganphil100]

@@tramey1961 : SSB (12 watts) is also legal in the UK now.

[@multimood]

It's not hard to tune a CB antenna, same process as tuning a HAM antenna, takes about 5 minutes.

[@edpetrovski6640]

I guess the word "expert" doesn't mean what it used to. CB is limited to 40 "channels" around 27MHz frequency range. Five watts...or, if you prefer...about 10 watts PEP (peak envelope power) on single sideband AM. Ham radio is limited to 1500 watts....but you're not going to get even close to that with a handheld. BUT, using a handheld ham radio I can use repeaters...which vastly extend the range of that little radio.....and if the repeater is linked to the internet I can sit in my living room in the US and talk to a ham in Tokyo. None of that is possible using CB unless you get really really lucky and the ionosphere cooperates...which, lately, it isn't.

[@FOX627-t2q]

CB dont have to be on AM... most cb operators oparate on USB or LSB... wich often is refered to mush clearer noise then FM and AM and even far contacts

[@notsure7874]

SSB is not clearer than FM. I'ts way better at weak signal, so you can get much further with it. FM gets lost in the noise floor fast. Also you can now operate FM on CB in the usa.

[@kg4hlz]

I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from getting there Ham license but if you are not interested in the hobby you may want to consider FRS or GMRS. The new regulations for FRS allow more power and I think external antennas. If you pay around $60 you can get a GMRS license that allows much more power and repeaters. The only disadvantage for off roaders is that it is UHF. This means it is pretty susceptible to ground obstacles. It will bounce around (in say a canyon) though if you are pushing engulf power. If you are going the Ham radio route; I suggest using 2 meter and 6 meter in your vehicle and 2m walkie talkies (Handy Talkies or "HTs" in ham lingo). One more advantage of ham is that if you upgrade to a general class license, you can use HF. It "skips" off of the upper atmosphere back down to earth. If you are outside of cell phone coverage and have an emergency, you could probably still call for help no matter where you are.

[@TheTechPianoPlayerKid]

I’ve always thought about getting into ham radio. A couple questions. I have a walkie-talkie, or 2 way radio, that has FRS/GMRS. First of all, I heard that you need a GMRS license, to use GMRRS. How would they catch you, if you don’t have one for GMRS? Just curious. Second, which one would you recommend, ham radio, or GMRS license? And, how much does it cost to get a GMRS license, versus a ham radio license? And let me make myself clear. I’m staying on the FRS, just to be safe, until I get a GMRS license, when I decide.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Let me forward this question to Tyler, and I'll get back to you.

[@TheTechPianoPlayerKid]

SnailTrail4x4 Ok. Thanks

[@tyler822]

Hey hey! Great questions! You do need a GMRS license to operate using GMRS restrictions. The way they catch you is quite simple really through RF Triangulation. There is a whole sport within the Ham Radio hobby called "Fox Hunting" or "transmitter hunting" that does just this. They hunt down radio signals over anywhere from a 20 mile, to 500 mile radius lol. Think of it like a version of Geocaching, but with radios. Super fun, and surprisingly easy to do with the right equipment. Between ham and GMRS, I will choose Ham all day, every day. Ham has more repeaters per geographical areas in the United States. You can run more power. And you have far more options in frequencies to use. GMRS is a great option for off roaders though if you don't want to get into the complications and black hole that is the ham radio hobby. If you are just looking for rig to rig communications and nothing more, then go with GMRS. If you are looking for something to have reliable, emergency communications while outside of cell reception, go with Ham hands down. A GMRS license is $60, no test, covers your immediate family, and renew and repay every 10 years. Ham license is $15, 35 question exam, covers only you, renews for free every 10 years, no test or payment on the renewal every 10 years. Plus, with Ham Radio, you get to play with APRS... which is one of the coolest and most useful radio toys for off roaders. Check out Jimmy's other video on APRS that we did. It is a 2MT, so it doesn't go in depth into everything APRS is capable of, but you can get an idea of the awesomeness :)

[@danielbennett2573]

Well, this will be the Only video from you guys that I am going to watch. i absolutely HATE when I see a so called "expert", being sooo obviously Ham radio biased, that he feels the need to give out WRONG information about CB radio. How sad, imo.

[@tedmead465]

Something that wasnt mentioned is that a ham license and gmrs licenses aree good for 10 years. But with ham radio you have access to an extremely large amount of bandwidth and massive power limits. But if you are in the offroader class or mountain biking groups you are better served using gmrs.

[@tramey1961]

If you just want to talk to your off road buddies then CB or FRS is the only thing you need.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

If they are close, yes. If your looking for help then you could use a repeater and get your voice heard.

[@MakeYourFame]

All questions and answers found on the licensing tests for all classes can be found free online per the FCC. Dont waste your money, there are tons of free apps out there.

[@ROKON-2x2]

Thanks

[@joistein]

IN EUROPE WE USE MOSTLY FM+SSB not AM.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Difference between CB and HAM? Electronically and mechanically there is no difference, CB channels 24 - 40 in the US used to be allocated to Ham radio before the mid to late 70's. They are both radio and operate the same in a basic aspect.. Socially however they are two different worlds with some similarities. They both have good people and complete dickbags alike.. They both serve a purpose. Ham serves the purpose of being a tiered license hobbyist and experimental service where CB radios was created to serve the civilian public at large both private and commercially with no license requirements. Nowdays we have FRS, PMR446 (EU), MURS, LMR/PLMR, GMRS alongside CB and Ham radio and each of those also serve a purpose and have special requirements also. The biggest and most used service however is Cellular services in 800/900/1800/1900 MHz bands by far. Safe to say that more cell phones exist now that Ham and CB radios combined..

[@SnailTrail4x4]

That's great insight. Thanks for the comment. The biggest difference between CB and Ham to me seams to be the power allocated to Ham. CB Radios have a Max power of 4 watts, where Ham could get up to 1,500 watts with the correct license. That extra power and shorter wave length help commination out on the trail. 100% agree that there are more cell phones then CB/Ham combined. But where I go cell phones don't work.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

CB is allowed 4 watts AM and 12 watts on upper or lower Sideband. SIdeband is way more efficient for distance comms. If you are outdoors in a rural area your best band to use is VHF (30 - 54 MHz - Lo band or 144 - 174 MHz - Hi band) because it propagates well in the outdoors environments, so one can get by with using MURS for this and not having to get a license. Flip the coin if you are in an urban environment or indoors then UHF is where you want to be because UHF reflects easier off man made structures like metal buildings and such so the no license UHF is 462/467 MHz FRS. A side note - In large cities the public service tend to use linked or networked 700 or 800 MHzsystems because they work well in the concrete and steel jungles where small towns and rural counties will stick with VHF bands. Railroads in the US use VHF 160 - 162 MHz channels (Railroad band is channelized) because most railroad lines across the US are traversing in rural areas like across plains and deserts or through mountains so it makes sense to use that band for that purpose.

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I know absolutely zero about any of this. If one has a hamm radio can it just purely be used to listen to other people?

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Yes but only withing the band coverage of that radio for example a baofeng UV-5r covers about 140 - 174 MHz and 400 - 500 MHz, you can only listen in those ranges and only in FM mode.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

It's not really hard, Most of it is intimidation, "all those buttons and dials" lol. But you should not let "old and female" stop you from learning, I mean what have you to loose? It's a fun hobby.. To be honest I was the same way back in the 80's but I just started playing with stuff and taking the chances. If you want to listen and have a very low overhead (low cost) then I say look into a USB SDR dongle and the SDR Sharp software for your PC..

[@smudgepost]

Nice simple analogies thank you

[@TF856]

I'm glad I saw this video. Now I know who to ignore because they don't know what they're talking about.

[@dlc2724]

I think I just watched an advertisement ??

[@samuelherrera7941]

in my field of work, traffic control, crisp and long distance communication is vital specially in canons. what radio you suggest and ham radio looks appealing. should take ur classes?

[@wesleybuff2536]

Depending on the terrain and distance, you may require a repeater based communication. If that is the case Amateur Radio would open up plenty of capability and teach you what you need to know.

[@n6hpx]

something to think about in some parts of the world Ham Radio is accepted where CB is not, and here in the Philippines CB is outlawed since President Marcos was around. You still find a few die hards there but not many since the imposed fines of 70,000 pesos sets some back to the stone age. The comment I can do the same thing on a cellphone is laughed by those of us in real communications. Where cellphone towers can't pick up a single hand held radio. Cell phones have a 15 miles at best connection where CB and Ham has a 150 mile range.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

That's really interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

Larry Fields They also selling Australian surplus UHF CB in the Philippines via OLX buy and sell online. In the US, UHF CB are allocated to Police radio notably NYPD.

[@DrOlds7298]

Strangely enough,for many years this (Philippines) was where many CB Radios were built?? Cobra in particular. Many still swear today by their older 'Filipino Cobras'?? (Regarded as being better in quality than the later Vietnamese/Chinese built ones??)

[@BillSias-op7xw]

Power IS limited for HAM depending on license/frequencies used, in HF (General license and higher) power is always limited to that necessary to effect reliable transmission, so if you are in Kansas talking to a dude in Japan in a valley if you need 5KW, ok, use it. :)

[@notsure7874]

That's ridiculous. Hams are limited to 1500 watts regardless of license class. You're supposed to use the lowest power you can to make contact - but that's up to the operator. Nobody is going to beat down your door and tell you that you could have made X contact with 100 watts less power and fine you.

[@ChiefDoesStuff]

Screw the license. Outlaw all the way.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

🍻🏜️🤠

[@MujoNovak]

If u do comparison then put Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood radios on the table!

[@stevenrobertson7069]

you say in your video that CB is limited will explain to me how I can talk to people across the United States and I talk to people there are ham users that has been in the game for many many years and they tell me his CB is not as better as a ham they're both radios and they both put out and FYI they make an FM CB radio

[@wesleybuff2536]

CB is an HF radio band, which is subject to propagation. During good propagation conditions even the lowest amounts of power can randomly bounce around the country if you set your antenna up properly. This type of HF radio is also virtually useless locally as it is, moral of the story is its the worst of both worlds. Its not something that can be counted on by any means. Alternatively they are talking about VHF/UHF amateur radio bands which are extremely reliable for local and regional communications provided you know how to use the piece of equipment and what other equipment is in your area.

[@tramey1961]

Steven Robertson when they say CB is limited means it is limited to 40 fixed am/SSB frequencies legal in the United States. I know in Europe and the United Kingdom they have more channels and they allow fm on them. For this video they are talking about us legal radios. Uhf/vhf ham radio can be used on a wide range of frequencies, either simplex or repeater use. In this video they are not wanting to talk hundreds of miles they just want to be able to talk to their friends on the trail with them. If a person wants to talk all over the country a good HF ham radio has several bands to use for that. Depending on sun cycle and time of day some ham bands are better for propagation then CB.

[@joistein]

CB in Europe have FM and AM plus SSB but in the US you may not use FM and i don't understand that because it's not as much risk of interference from FM as AM. I had a call from my nabor and he was complaining that I could be heard on his TV so I testet FM and it was gone. A CB in a car with a good antenna has about 60 miles range. If you are going to use handheld a VHF>UHF is better because they don't have long antennas.

[@yessure5291]

Canada seems to have a different system for the license. There is *basic* and *basic* with honours and *advanced* The basic exam was 100 questions.

[@chrissyjohnson1937]

It's all good fun !!!

[@DanaDane559]

I was a kid during the "CB craze," but I don't think I'll be joining this one...if there is one. I can see the application for truckers, church buses, motor homes , caravaners & other private enterprises. But I don't see the use for me. I got old & unsociable & don't want to talk to random people just to "rap" anymore.

[@claudehauper7629]

It’s 2020; get a cellphone. They reach other phones across the country or world with NO external antennas. And if you live or work where there’s no cellphone service, get a satellite phone. Either case, you’ll be able to connect with far more people than you will with 20th-century technology.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Where I travel there isn't cell phone reception. And if I'm traveling Ina group then we can't communicate with each other if there's an emergency. This is why Ham radios are great

[@claudehauper7629]

SnailTrail4x4, radios have very limited range and can’t call landlines. That’s what satellite phones are for.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

@@claudehauper7629 Ham Radios with repeaters give us a large spread, from a mile or so with a standard radio to 100s of miles when you add repeaters into the mix. Where I live repeaters are plentiful and easy to contact. I agree a sat phone works well, but they cost alot of money, and Ham radios have a $100 test and buy the unit and no additional costs.

[@claudehauper7629]

SnailTrail4x4, cars are also expensive and require expensive fuel and maintenance costs to operate. However, they beat riding a bicycle, which also has a one-time cost and no additional fees. You get what you pay for.

[@chuckconnors615]

I am thinking of getting some cheap Baefong handhelds for the purpose of talking with family while on CRUISE SHIPS.... being that we mostly will be in INTERNATIONAL WATERS .... I think I will be cool with no license..... YOUR THOUGHTS.... and while in mexico or jamaica .. or Cabo San Lucas .... do the USA license have reciprocity there??? YOUR THOUGHTS

[@alexderpyracc4053]

From experience the repeaters on ham radio sound the exact same as cb radio it's unfortunate that this is the way it's going :(

[@cerulean22b69]

im commenting before watching the whole thing just to say i love that Peanut Butter Jelly Time t-shirt! i need it! edit: ok i watched the video. i would most likely be a hobbyist so this course wouldn't really be for me. but still an informative video.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Haha, thanks for both comments. Yeah the video is for a rookie aa d off road hobbits

[@rbpe3thatsme841]

You mentioned tuning a CB antenna. Is that tune In once or is that tuned in on a daily/ moment basis that you need to talk to your buddy

[@wesleybuff2536]

As long as the equipment stays mounted in the same configuration it will largely remain tuned. Of course unbolting and moving the antenna could throw it off slightly.

[@hemantparakh8995]

My Radio stuck up in the middle kindly suggest what modifications are required to use it as both as CB and Ham Radio

[@SnailTrail4x4]

You can't. CB runs on AM, ham repeaters run on FM. It's two different modes of modulation.

[@ronlevy7288]

Is there such a thing as a radio that has HAM as well as CB frequencies?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

No, not from a bender, because they transmit on different frequencies and different power outputs.

[@paganphil100]

Ron Levy: Most "Export" radios have the CB band plus the 10 metre band (see link below for example).....some also have the 12 metre band. They may not be legal to use, depending on where you live. www.kcb.co.uk/contents/en-uk/p1703_Superstar_9900.html

[@jamesenloe277]

Can a HAM radio communicate with the CB RADIO?

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Not legally

[@JohnMackay-kn3rl]

FM ham radio usually requires a repeater for long range. 1000 mile contacts are common on SSB. CB

[@VT560T]

Great video, two questions. 1) does your off road focused study course cover everything I would need to know for the exam? Off road comms is exactly how I plan to use it. 2) can you post the name or links to the HAMs you’ve got on the table there? Thanks!

[@SnailTrail4x4]

1) Yes, I took Tyler's course and passed first try. I did do a lot of studying and took the practice test like 10 times. I'll add some of the Radios to the video description.

[@notsure7874]

Off roaders are usually best served with GMRS. No test, 35 dollar license, it's FM in the UHF spectrum just above ham UHF frequencies. I'm not saying don't get a ham license, by all means go do it if you want to. But when your group is a bunch of guys that want to go offroading, how many of them are going to go deal with studying for a test to use a radio? It's a lot easier to just pay 35 bucks and buy a 40 dollar radio that's already got the channels programmed (other than repeaters of course).

[@cathymckinney7786]

Can a CB Radio make me dizzy every time I get around it?

[@jessebenhale]

Spartan....HAM....4x4....what a wonderful video! :)

[@israelasa2262]

Some of your comments are not correct. And misleading. But what do I know I'm only an Amateur Extra.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Please let me know what we need to correct so others in the future can have a better understanding.

[@Coalrollinfurry]

You mean extra class? Oh wait, youd have referred to it as such if you actually were one. Cheers!

[@donadams8345]

Amateur extra is a common way to refer to that class.

[@tiamatthedragon6758]

try again there skippy. most just use extra to speed it up in conversation. but the actual is Amateur Extra.

[@edcronin5409]

Israel Asa yap de Kg6oqk

[@davidcorbett2195]

Could also legally go GMRS, still need a license, but no test. There's a ton TON more differences. As far as antenna tuning.. any antenna for any radio needs tuned for that frequency, but you do at least hint at a major part of the optimum use of a radio.. antenna, antenna, antenna.

[@rpcomms1]

CB,FRS,GMRS,MURS,PMR446 and other similar systems throughout the world are classed as personal communication systems sometimes licence free based with no technical exams restricted frequencies\channels Generally lower power devices but not always. use straight away by anyone non technical maybe a small fee required for certain technical aspects ie RF power,repeaters etc Can establish a quick way of communicating among friends and families etc without all the hassles of exams ,operating protocol. HAM or Amateur Radio is Hobby driven by Technical and experimental . must possess a call-sign issued from a passed exam ticket taken, so unless other people in your party are also licensed you cannot use your radios It is not for personal or business use communications. Access to more frequencies than Personal communications systems Generally higher power classes of equipment and special variation can be applied to licensee Modes of operation have a wider selection available to user every one must be licensed and have call-signs to operate this could in some case Various rule and operating procedures need to be kept to. Pretty simple stuff oh the VSWR tuning antenna thing in video,well that applies to all two ways radios not just CB band,all radio transmitters have to be matched correctly to a resonating antenna (correct frequency) to work effective! and be able to transfer the energy from the radio via coax cable to antenna as a complete system Those are the most critical three things in any 2 way radio system in a vehicle of base station set up. Rob 73's

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Great information In there Rob, and thanks for taking the time to explain that to us and future readers.

[@rpcomms1]

No prob's chaps! :) have fun with radios!

[@notsure7874]

Plenty of nonresonant antennas out there. A longwire or random length wire antenna you don't want it to be resonant on any frequency you're using. You match swr with the tuner, but that doesn't make it resonant on that frequency. Marine SSB uses almost exclusively non resonant antennas.

[@eriknielsen138]

Do you really need a license for a hand held just for off roading

[@SnailTrail4x4]

The legal answer is yes

[@JARyding]

What class license does he have?

[@jdc31947]

I AM NOT CAPABLE OF PASSING THE HAM RADIO OPERATOR'S LICENSE TEST.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Study

[@nr3rful]

Wonder what your ham license is ?

[@daveythehand4964]

Was this video-taped on a boat? Christ. The picture keeps see-sawing.

[@badbrad8918]

Ham radio is a wide spectrum of frequencies. CB is right smack dab in the middle of it all. Barely into the High Frequency level. It is 11 meters and is identical to 10 meters. The only difference is the FCC says you can not go over 4 watts PEP on AM mode. Eleven meters was once part of the Ham system until it was removed just after WW2. It had little commercial value and it gave people a chance to do short range communications without having to do all the HAM radio testing. CB can do it all if you want- CW, SSB, AM, and FM modes. We know CB, being HF, can go into skip mode and the range can be remarkable. The equipment is cheap and plentiful. Some of the manners and languages might need improvement but it is a good communication source. Do not look down on it. Also, for license free operations, consider picking up MURS radios and FRS radio now that the FCC says they can be 2 watts instead of the whimpy 1/2 watt. So, there it is: HF, VHF, & UHF to play with. They are the gateway RFs to hardcore fun.

[@zoolkhan]

spot on

[@bily4566]

Can I use my ham radio to listen to CB frequencies I understand it’s not legal to talk from my ham on a CB which is really crappy anyway can I listen?

[@brianhill8096]

you dont know what your talking about 12 legal watts ssb cd can talk just about anywhere ps you need a good antenna system !!!

[@CAphotos]

They mentioned that a license is required for amateur (ham) radio, but what they FAILED to mention is that if you're going to use ham radio as a means of communication in an off-roading group, then ALL the users need ham licenses.

[@SnailTrail4x4]

That's absolutely true, if your going to talk on a ham radio you need a license.

[@ElMasChingon76]

Or does the HAM Police show up??

[@chasemartin4450]

If you're far enough out for nobody else to hear your signals, then no. If you're within the range of other hams who are looking to enforce the rules, then yes.

[@reddon1969]

That doesn't sound "kosher"

[@adamturner9990]

Can truck drivers us these to talk to other drivers

[@SnailTrail4x4]

Sure, as long as you're on the same frequencies

[@Sarasdad91]

Ham radio is for serious talkers. CB can be, but mostly is not. CB radio does not use repeaters. Ham radio does, and it requires a special license. CB does not. CB used to at 1 time, but not anymore. Infact, with every new CB from Radio Shack, in the 70s, an FCC license application was included. You had to be at least 16 to apply, and while waiting, you used your 1st n 2nd initials and zip code as a temp call sign. CB radio was allot of fun.

[@W5KJD]

You really should learn more about CB radios and the reality of their use. Also GMRS license doesn’t have a test, just pay your $35.00 fee to the FCC and there you have it. Unless you’re using a ham repeater the CB will do much better than a ham HT will because of the antenna. And it’s not a difficult task to set SWR on CB antennas as most modern CB antennas are usually pre set and if not it’s so simple to adjust them to a safe SWR.