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Ham radio and CB radio are both tools that accomplish the same goal: allowing radio hobbyists to use the radio frequency spectrum to communicate. You can use radio to several ends, the most popular including user-to-user communication, emergency communications, wireless experimentation, and other forms of private recreation.
Ham radio and CB radio each has its advantages and disadvantages relating to cost, licence requirements, level of experience required, and the frequency range available for communication.
Whether you're already well into a journey of radio experimentation or looking to get your first transceiver, you should understand the difference between ham and CB radio. It all starts with history — there's a half-century worth of major innovations separating ham and CB. The history of CB vs ham radio also impacts who uses which and for what reasons. What follows is a complete breakdown of both types.
The History of CB Radio vs Ham Radio
The origins of radio technology go back to the mid-19th century. Innovations in electromagnetics led to the discovery of new types of radiating energy, including x-rays, infrared, and radio.
The first breakthrough in the history of radio came with experiments by English physicist Michael Faraday at the Royal Institution. Faraday was working on proving electromagnetic induction by demonstrating that it was possible to create a magnetic field. Faraday published his results in 1832. Around thirty years later, another British scientist, James Clerk Maxwell, posited a theory that these same electromagnetic waves could travel at lightspeed, a theory that German physicist Heinrich Hertz confirmed in the late 1880s.
However, it was not until 1899, with the Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi that it was possible to broadcast long-distance communications using the telegraph to broadcast the results of America’s Yacht Cup races. This development in radio eventually led to commercial success for Marconi. Marconi's invention of the first modern transceiver allowed passengers on the Titanic to signal for help, leading to the rescue of at least some.
The discovery that it was possible to conduct person-to-person communication across long distances changed the world. It was not long after this that what we now know as “ham radio" came into existence.
Ham Radio
Virtually as soon as Marconi revealed the details of his invention to the public, curious experimenters began tinkering with amateur transceivers.
In the early days of ham, there were no frequency restrictions or operating procedures. It was a wild west of transmission, with government stations and amateur operators competing for time and space on the waves.
The UK was the first to implement regulations by making licensure a requirement. That was in 1904, when most countries hadn't even gotten into the amateur game. Then came the development of callsigns, including the first station call, “HAM”.
No one knows where the name HAM comes from, although some legends attribute it to the surnames of a group of operators in the Harvard Radio Club: Hyman, Almy, and Murray. However, the club itself has never confirmed this story.
In the 1910s, national societies formed in countries like Australia, England, and the United States. Ham radio was shut down for the duration of WWI so as not to interfere with the crucial transmission of military operations. At about the same time, the FCC in the United States mandated that amateur operators pay a fee and take a test to obtain a licence if they wanted to play on the waves.
CB Radio
It took ham radio a decade to clean up its act, impose regulations, and mandate a certain etiquette when conducting yourself on air. In comparison, some will say that CB remains in the “wild west” stage.
CB originated in the United States in the 1940s when the FCC began to impose even more regulations on radio communications through the creation of the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS). Non-professional operators who were already frustrated by the narrowing scope of what was allowed in radio construction and operation wanted more freedom.
The FCC created the CB service in 1945, designating a spectrum band for short-wave, local communications. There are now 40 channels available today in the CB spectrum, with only one channel (Channel 9) reserved for emergency use.
While CB operation required a licence initially, the early takers to this renegade band of stations have proven too wily to contain. It remains a largely ungoverned portion of frequencies, often used by truckers to communicate about road wrecks, police sightings, and fuel shortages.
What Are the Main Differences Between Ham Radio and CB Radio?
The unique histories of ham and CB radio clue you into some of the major differences. Some operators say the CB is a pond, whilst the ham radio is the ocean.
That's not to say that ham is preferable on all occasions, given its range and power. Plenty of people don't want to spend the time and money it takes to build the “vessel” required to sail those seas. Not to mention the expertise it takes to operate one. Sometimes, all we want is to relax on the glassy surface of a local pond and do some fishing.
With that said, here are the significant differences between ham and CB radio.
Frequency Range
The first difference is the frequency range both types access. The CB frequency range spans 40 channels from 27MHz to 28MHz.
Truck drivers, farmers, 4x4 drivers, hobbyists, and some trade workers often use CB because it's easy to access and operate. There's no cost barrier, and it accomplishes the goal of local communications.
On the other hand, ham has a broad frequency range with no channel limit. Ham radio frequencies include bands within the HF, VHF and UHF spectrums from 1.8 MHz/160m to 430MHz/70cms plus some others. There are a lot of bands to choose from although some are more popular than others. Dual Band radios that cover 144MHz/2m and 430MHz/70cm are some of the most popular and can be cost effective.
Output Power
CB has a transmitter power limited to 4 watts in the US, UK, and across the EU. CB radios have a range of about 3 miles (4.8 km) to 20 miles (32 km) depending on terrain and set-up.
Ham radios have a higher power output of between 5 watts for handhelds and 25 watts for mobiles. But some radios and base stations will have more power and you can add an amplifier to your set-up. Some ham radio setups enable you to communicate across continents.
Licence Requirements
CB operation does not require a licence. You are not permitted to exceed the 4 watts power limit, but otherwise, you have free reign.
Ham, by contrast, requires a licence to use. Requirements vary from area to area, but Ofcom oversees amateur radio licences for all UK operators. The FCC oversees all licensing for Americans.
Licencing requirements will test operators on their understanding of theory and regulations. In addition, exam takers must demonstrate an understanding of basic radio operations across various frequencies. In the UK the power limit for Full Licensees is 400W (26dBW), Intermediate Licensees power limit is 50W (17dBW) and Foundation Licensees power limit is 10W (10dBW).
Expertise
Generally, CB is the radio of choice for non-specialists or beginners. It is ready to use out of the box, does not require a licence and is easy to operate.
Despite the “amateur” labelling of ham, it can require a level of technical expertise. You must be competent to undertake the licence test, which will question you on operation, theory, and history.
Ham is for the more advanced users who want to be able to access a broader range of frequencies. Not to mention those who want to conduct a long-distance exchange of communications.
What Are the Licensing Requirements?
Know the regulations to use your radio responsibly.
CB Radio
Licences are not required to use CB radio. Changes to UK law in 2006 deregulated CB and removed the need for licensure.
In addition, the CB service no longer renews licences as part of the CB Radio Service. So you can fully operate your only station with regular (albeit short-range) broadcasts without taking a test.
Ham Radio
Ham radios do require an amateur licence before operation. There are different requirements for UK and US based users.
The UK’s authority Ofcom provides licensure at three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Full. The applications have different fees and guidance depending on the licensing level.
In the U.S., the FCC puts you through three tests: the Technician Class test, the General Class test, and the Amateur Extra Class test.
Can Ham Radio Be Used as a CB radio?
A CB radio comes ‘ready out of the box’ pre-programmed with 40 channels and 4 watts of power output.
Technically, you can use some ham radios to communicate on the CB frequencies but you will need to tune your radio to the specific CB channel. If you want to access CB channels, most hobbyists (ham and non-ham) will opt to buy a CB radio for this specific purpose. CB radios are very affordable when compared to some of the ham radios on sale and can be a nice addition to your shack.
Got Questions? Contact Moonraker Today!
The deeper you get into CB radio and amateur radio operation, the more complex it becomes. Whenever you have questions, you can contact Moonraker.
At Moonraker we provide professional-level assistance and expertise to our customers. We love to help our costumes with a bit of technical troubleshooting, please do not hesitate to call. Our experts are on hand to help.