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Questions discussed in Part 2: (dates indicate last modification)
* What is CB? (6/92)
* Do I need a license to operate a CB radio? (4/03)
- in the USA (6/92)
- in Canada (2/93)
- in Japan (6/92)
- in Australia (9/96)
- in New Zealand (7/93)
- in the UK (1/97)
- in France (9/93)
- in Germany (4/03)
- in Italy (7/93)
- in Portugal (5/97)
- in Russia (7/93)
- in South Africa (5/97)
- notes for all countries (7/93)
* What are the CB Frequencies? (4/03)
- in the USA (6/92)
- in Canada (6/92)
- in Australia (9/93)
- in New Zealand (7/93)
- in Japan (9/93)
- in countries subscribing to the European CEPT conference (11/92)
- in the UK (4/03)
- in France (11/92)
- in Germany (4/03)
- in Italy (7/93)
- in Portugal (5/97)
- in Russia (7/93)
- in South Africa (5/97)
- in other countries (4/03)
* What are the common brands of CB radios? (7/93)
* What should I consider when choosing a location for my antenna?(7/92)
* Once I hook up my CB and antenna, is the radio ready to use? (2/92)
* What are good antenna characteristics and what are some good mobile
antennas? (6/92)
-----------------------------------------
* What is CB?
CB stands for "Citizen's Band" radio. It got that name because its main idea is to be a kind of radio service anyone can use. Depending on the country you live in, it is either a minimally-regulated or an unregulated set of radio channels used for short-range (local) communications. Many people use CB radios in their vehicles, homes or both.
This UseNet newsgroup "rec.radio.cb" is all about CB radio. The FAQ also covers non-licensed or minimally-regulated radio bands internationally. Readers can expect to find discussions, questions, and answers about all uses of CB and related bands here. There are also other newsgroups for other radio applications, such as rec.radio.shortwave, rec.radio.broadcasting, and several subgroups of rec.radio.amateur, for amateur or "ham" radio. Radios either wanted or for sale are the subject of rec.radio.swap. (Though, an article about a CB radio for sale should be cross-posted to rec.radio.cb and rec.radio.swap with a distribution limited to your city, state or region.)
* Do I need a license to operate a CB radio?
The answer to this question depends on the country you reside in. We currently have information on the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, and Russia. Note that all of these are from e-mail reports contributed by readers. As regulations change, we can only keep up when people notify us. Please check your local regulations because you are responsible to know and obey them.
--- in the USA
You are no longer required to have a license to operate a CB radio in
the United States. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) did at
one time require a Class "D" license for for Citizen's Band which
required nothing more than filling out a form and sending it in to the
FCC with the license fee. The FCC then sent you a call sign which
might look like "KPS 2720" or something similar. During the CB craze
in the mid-70's, the FCC decided that the paperwork burden
outweighed the benefits and put CB under blanket authorization.
The FCC permits the use of the following to identify yourself:
1. Your old Class D callsign, if you have one.
2. K, your first and last initials, and your zip code (i.e. KPS 68123)
3. your name (i.e. "Paul")
4. some unique nickname or Handle (i.e. "Cobra", "Rubber Duck", etc.)
A rule change in May 1992 now allows one-way transmissions about highway conditions on CB. This was intended to allow local authorities to use unattended audio warnings about road construction or other hazards.
In the USA, there are two additional radio bands besides CB which are
intended for use with minimal regulation by individuals:
1. GMRS, the General Mobile Radio Service, is located in the 460-470
MHz band. A license is required. More information is included in Part 4.
2. The FCC has recently opened up the 31.0-31.3 GHz microwave band to
licensed users of several fixed and mobile radio services including GMRS.
3. The Family Radio Service, located in the vicinity of the GMRS. Low
power Handheld operation only. No license required.
--- in Canada
No license is required. You may identify yourself by your name or a
handle of your choice.
--- in Japan
No license is required. You may identify yourself by your name or a
handle of your choice.
--- in Australia
No license is required for 27 Mhz CB in Australia.
--- in New Zealand
A license is required in New Zealand. A callsign will be issued with
your license. You must identify yourself by at least your callsign.
Callsigns look like AK1122 ("Auckland 1122") or WN63 ("Wellignton 63".) There are 16 callsign districts using a 2-4 letter code for the region name and the radio station number. Some callsigns may be issued for experimental use and will have an "X" after the district name (i.e. AKX1 "Auckland Experimental 1".)
--- in the UK
A license is required. Queries about the issue or renewal of a licence:
Subscription Services Ltd,
Radio Licensing Centre,
P.O. Box 885,
Bristol,
BS99 5LG.
Tel: (+44) 0117 925 8333
Queries about C.B. policy:
Amature and Citizens' Band Radio Unit,
Radiocommunications Agency,
11N/27.2,
New King's Beam House,
22 Upper Ground,
London,
SE1 9SA.
Tel: (+44) 0171 211 0160
(+44) 0171 211 0159
(+44) 0171 211 0158
The CB Licence currently costs 15 UK Pounds and needs to be renewed
each year.
You can be prosecuted if you operate a CB without a valid Licence.
Application forms are available from Subscription Services Ltd., who
issue licences on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency.
Forms are also available from the radiocommunications agency
(particularly if bulk supplies of application forms are required).
There is also a CB information sheet available from the agency and
this is issued upon request, free of charge. It includes information
on equipment regulations and what you can and cannot do.
If more information on any aspect of CB Radio is required, both the
Agency and SSL may be contacted.
The UK will honor licenses from other countries using CEPT-approved radios. (See the CB Frequencies section below on CEPT for more information.) Your license may be used under the terms from the country which issued it.
--- in France
As of 1993, France no longer requires a license for you to operate a
CB. But there is a 296.50FF tax on CB radios which is close to the
cost of the old license. The main difference is that the old license
was good for 5 years. Now you will pay the tax every time you buy a
radio.
Like most (or possibly all) of Europe, France does not give you a callsign. So you may identify yourself by your name or a handle of your choice.
France will honor licenses from other countries using CEPT-approved radios. Your license may be used under the terms from the country which issued it.
--- in Germany
License required for:
Radios with AM
Radios with 80 Channels
Radios with SSB (Single-Sideband on a trial basis for 2 Years)
Prices per license currently 18 EUR per year (will be calculated every
year). License is issued by Regulierungsbehoerde fuer
Telekommununikation und Post (RegTP) see:
http://www.regtp.de for "CB-Funk" (German name for CB-Radio)
--- in Italy
A license is required to operate a CB in Italy. Licenses may be
obtained from Ministero PP.TT. You will need to provide them with your
CB's model, serial number, and certification number. They will also
want to know your "handle" (if you go by a fictitious name on the
radio) and whether you want your license to apply to other members of
your family. The total cost is (equivalent to) US$50 plus $10 per
year. You must notify the PP.TT if you sell your radio or buy a new
one because the license applies to a person and a radio. Our reporter
in Italy says it takes about 2-3 months for the license to arrive. It
is valid for 10 years.
--- in Portugal
A license is required A license is good for 2 years, but licenses
issued after the year 2000 will be valid for 5 years. "Handles" may be
used, but you must use your ID when asked.
--- in Russia
A license is required. You must identify yourself by the callsign that
is issued with your license. Callsigns look like "3A4157".
--- in South Africa
A license is required. they are valid for a year and are renewable.
--- notes for all countries
There are rules and regulations that must be complied with while using
CB no matter which country you live in. If you don't have a list of
those rules (which most likely were included with your CB), you will
probably find them at any store that sells CB radios. If your
government issues a callsign to you, you must identify yourself
with that callsign.
* What are the CB Frequencies?
The answer to this question depends on the country you reside in. We currently have information on Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vatican City.
--- in the USA
CB transmitters use the operator's choice of AM (amplitude
modulation) (with 4 watts maximum RMS power) or single sideband (with 12
watts maximum peak envelope power) on the following frequencies:
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
26.965 - 27.405 AM/SSB Citizen's Band (CB)
Special-use channels:
9 - emergency, monitored in some areas by "REACT", a volunteer group
coordinated by the local Sheriff's office and/or the State Police or Highway
Patrol (not in all areas).
17 - unofficial "trucker's" channel (California & western states.)
19 - official "trucker's" channel for traffic, weather and speed trap advisories.
15, 16, 31-40 - often are used for single sideband (SSB) activity (by Gentlemen's
agreement).
Note that US regulations disallow "DX" long-distance communications (over 150 miles in this case) with CB. However, directional antennas may be used to enhance communications within the legal range.
--- in Canada
The CB frequencies, modulation, and power limits are the same as the
26-27 MHz CB band in the USA. Radios must be type accepted for use in
Canada.
--- in Australia
Australia has 2 bands for CB. The use of AM or FM depends on the band.
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
26.965 - 27.405 AM/SSB 40 channels, same frequencies as USA
max power: 4W AM RMS, 12W SSB PEP (same as USA)
476.500 - 477.475 FM 40 channels, .025 MHz (25 kHz) spacing
max power: 5W
We've been told there are "no antenna restrictions" though you'll probably need to double-check with local regulations if you're thinking of putting up a tower.
Radios for the Australian 26MHz band are essentially the same as radios made for the USA. However, all CB radios used in Australia (either band) must be type accepted by the Department of Transport and Communications (DOTAC).
The following AM/SSB band frequencies have special uses in Australia:
Channel 8 Road channel (truckers)
Channel 9 Emergency (same as USA)
Channel 11 AM calling
Channel 16 LSB SSB calling, also used for DX (distance)
Channel 35 LSB unofficial additional SSB calling, also for DX
A unique feature of Australia's 476-477 MHz band is that repeaters are allowed. Inputs are on Channels 31-38 and outputs are on Channels 1-8. A repeater must use the proper channel pair, i.e. 1/31 to 8/38. The maximum power output for a repeater is 21W input. Note: as with repeaters on other bands, do not begin to operate one without obtaining and fully understanding the applicable regulations. Additional information about the technical aspects repeater operation is available from amateur (Ham) radio sources such as the ARRL Handbook.
-- in New Zealand
The CB frequencies, modulation, and power limits are the same as the
26-27 MHz CB band in the USA and Australia.
The following frequencies have special uses in New Zealand:
Channel 5 European call (USB)
Channel 11 truckers' channel (AM)
Channel 15 AM calling
Channel 35 SSB calling
--- in Japan
Japan has 3 radio bands that do not require licenses. Two of them are
limited to extremely short-range use because of low power limits. The
other, with maximum power output of 5 watts, is more like CB as it is
known in North America, Europe and Australia.
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
26.968 - 27.144 AM (no SSB) "Citizen's Radio." Maximum power: 0.5W.
Channels 1-8 on 26.968, 26.967, 27.040,
27.080, 27.088, 27.112, 27.120, and 27.144.
Other channels in between these are assigned
to fishing vessels (with 1W max power).
421.8125 - 422.300 FM "Specific Low Power Radio," also known as
"UHF CB." Maximum power: 0.01W (10mW). Newly-authorized in 1989, this
service is mostly used for handy-talkies and ski patrols. It uses 9 duplex channels
with 12.5kHz spacing (421.8125/440.2625 ... 421.9125/440.3625) and
9 simplex channels with 12.5 kHz spacing (422.2000 ... 422.3000).
Note: other frequencies in Japan are allocated for business use:
903.0125-904.9875 FM "Personal Radio." Maximum power: 5W. 158 channels
with 12.5 kHz spacing. External antennas are permitted. Radios must be equipped
with a control ROM for automatic ID.
As in Europe, made-for-the-USA CB radios are illegal in Japan. There have been cases where such radios have caused interference with maritime emergency traffic.
--- in countries subscribing to the European CEPT conference
The following countries have implemented the CEPT (Conference of
European Postal and Telecommunications administrations)
recommendations T/R 20-02 and T/R 20-07 for CB radios:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (see Note 1), Denmark (see Note 2), Finland
France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal (see Note 2),
Norway (see Note 2), Sweden, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
Notes:
1) as of last report, confirmation was pending in Cyprus
2) special markings are required on the radios. So, for example, UK
radios marked "CEPT PR 27 GB" are legal but ones marked "PR 27 GB" are
not. Radios from other countries may also be similarly affected.
CEPT approval is significant because, with the exceptions listed above, CEPT- approved CBs from any one of the countries listed above can be used in any other on the list.
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
26.965 - 27.405 FM 40 channels, same frequencies as USA, and
4W max power.
If you travel to another CEPT-conforming country, you may use your CB under the terms of your license from your own country. Be aware that only FM is CEPT-approved so AM and SSB may not be legal to use once you cross the border.
Important note: CEPT-approved CB radios are not legal in the USA and made-for- the-USA CB radios are not legal anywhere in Europe. The difference is because CEPT radios use FM and American radios use AM or SSB. There are no agreements allowing a radio which is type-accepted in North America to be used in Europe or vice versa.
Channel 19 appears to be the calling channel in most CEPT-conforming countries. When exceptions are known, they are listed specifically for the country.
--- in the UK
The UK has 2 bands for CB as follows:
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
26.965 - 27.405 FM 40 channels, same frequencies as CEPT & USA.
4W max power. Radios using this band are marked "PR 27 GB"
or "CEPT PR 27 GB" and are CEPT-approved.
27.6 - 27.99 FM 40 channels, 0.01 MHz (10 kHz) spacing, and
4W max power.
Radios using this band are marked "27/81-UK"
and are only legal in the UK
Data transmission (Packet-Radio)is allowed
in UK since 2003, but very restrictive.
See Homepage of Radiocommuications Agency for Details.
Antennas must be omnidirectional - beams and yagis are prohibited.
Antennas must stand vertically, no higher than 6.85m (not including
ground plane.)
AM and FM are not compatible, so a US-legal CB cannot communicate with any UK-legal CB even though they may use the same frequencies. And each is illegal on the others' soil. This only prevents use of atmospheric skip between them. (See Part 4.)
--- in France
France uses the same frequencies (in 40 channels) as CEPT and the USA.
AM, FM and SSB are permitted. The only legal CB radios in France are
those which are approved by France Telecom or visiting CEPT-approved
radios.
Frequencies (MHz) and modulation description:
max power: 1W AM, 4W SSB, 4W FM
Channel 9 AM used to be for emergencies but was deregulated because no
one monitored it for that purpose.
Channel 19 AM is the calling
channel (used to establish contact then move to another channel.)
Channel 11 FM is used for DX/skip long-distance contacts.
Channel 27
AM is sometimes used as a calling channel for base stations (at home).
AM is the most commonly-used modulation method in France.
When traveling outside France, remember that most countries in the CEPT conference do not permit the use of AM or SSB. France has adopted the CEPT rules for CB in Europe - see below for more information.
--- in Germany
26.565 ... 26.955 MHz (i.e. Channels 41..80)
26.965 ... 27.405 MHz (i.e. Channels 1..40 like the US)
Modulation:
FM on all 80 Channels 1..80
AM on CEPT/FCC Channel 4..15 only
SSB on CEPT/FCC Channel 4..15 only
Technical requirements:
ETS/EN 300135 (for FM Radios)
ETS/EN 300433 (for AM/ SSB Radios)
See www.etsi.org for details.
Power Limits:
FM : 4 Watt RF Carrier output
AM : 1 Watt RF Carrier output, 4 Watts PEP Power
SSB: 4 Watts PEP
If your antenna systems has more than 10 Watts ERP (effective radiated power), you need an additional "paper" that deals with electromagnetic environment protection and protection for people with electronic aids like heart-beat-pacemakers.
Additional Info for Germany:
Packet Data Transmissions are allow on the following channels:
CEPT 24,25
Germany 52,53,76,77
Most used is AX.75
RegTP recommends the use of call signs
(Range DAA200...DRZ999)
--- in Italy
Italy also uses the same frequencies as CEPT and the USA. AM, FM, and
SSB are permitted.
Channel 9 is recommended as an emergency channel. Truckers often use Channel 5 on AM. It has been reported that Q-codes are popular in Italy. Our reporters in both Italy and Germany have said that many Italian CB'ers can be heard using linear amplifiers even though they are illegal.
--- In Portugal
Portugal after the year 2000 will only allow CEPT approved radios on
the above mentioned CEPT bandplan. Currently AM, FM, and SSB are
permitted. There is no distance limit, however 5 watts power output is
the limit. Amplifiers are forbidden, as well as directional antennas.
Common channel usage:
Ch. 9: Emergencies
Ch.11: AM calling
Ch 34 Truckers (ssb)
Ch 6 : Taxicabs
--- in Russia
CB radios in Russia use the same frequencies as the USA and CEPT
(European) countries. AM and FM are both permitted. The maximum
transmit power is 5 watts. Our reporter from Russia says there is no
restriction on the distance of communications; so, technically, use of
skip (see Part 4) can be assumed to be legal.
Because both AM and FM are legal, Russian CB radios can communicate with European radios (in FM) and with North American or Australian radios (on AM.)
--- in South Africa
South Africa allows AM and SSB on nine channels. These correspond to
channels 19-27 on the US CB bandplan. 4 W AM and 12W SSB are
authorized. Unity gain antennas are required. Amplifiers and
Long-distance communications are forbidden.
Calling channel:US 19
Emergency Channel:US 21
SSB use is typically on channels US 26 & 27
--- in other countries
This is the "grab bag" section. We have incomplete information on
these countries but we'll tell you what we've heard. We'll add more
information as people send it to us. (If you know more, please let
me know.)
* Switzerland uses FM on the same frequencies as CEPT but CBs do not
appear to be very common there.
Switerland will close down
933 / 934 MHz CB-Operations on December 31st 2003.
CB-Radio Classic in Switzerland:
Switzerland has 40 Channels AM, FM, SSB (FCC/CEPT)
4 Watts Output (FM)
1 Watt Carrier (AM)
4 Watts PEP Power (AM, SSB)
Every Radio needs a license which can obtained
from BAKOM (regulation authority) www.bakom.ch
Calling Channel is 40 FM (27.405 MHz)
Trucker Channel is 9 AM (27.065)
SSB calling channel is 16 USB/LSB
Packet-Data Transmissions are allowed, mostly
on channels 24 + 25 (CEPT/FCC)
BAKOM gives you offical Call Sign (sample: HEA200)
when registering your CB-Radio.
* Channel 19 is the calling channel in Poland. Some probably-outdated info said that this was also the case in Czechoslovakia but that may not necessarily be true under the new governments of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
* The calling channels in Austria are 4 AM and 9 AM.
* From California, we can hear a lot of CB activity in Mexico via skip but no one has provided us with any details yet. However, we know that Mexico uses AM on the same frequencies as the USA's 27 Mhz CB band.
In every country we know of where CB is legal, radios must be type-accepted, meaning they must have been manufactured specifically for use in that country. The exception is CEPT-approved radios, which may be used in any country which has implemented the conference's recommendations.
* What are the common brands of CB radios?
Some of the more common brands that you will find out in the USA market are as follows: Uniden, Cobra, Midland, Realistic (Radio Shack), and others. Made-for-the-USA CB radios are also legal in Canada and Australia though they must be properly labeled ("type accepted") for sale and use in those countries.
In France some common brands of radios are President and Midland. These are somewhat similar to Germany but the President brand is known as "Stabo" there.
In Italy, Midland, Lafayette, and President are among the popular brand names.
We currently don't have any corresponding information for other countries. Note that radios must be marked properly for sale in your country, even in countries using American or CEPT (European) radios.
* What should I consider when choosing a location for my antenna?
The answer to this question differs greatly between base and mobile installations. Each will be answered separately.
In mobile installations, things to consider are whether you're willing to drill holes or want to use a magnet mount, gutter mount, trunk mount, or a bumper mount. If you say "no" to all of those (which would probably mean you have a very nice car) your list of options is pretty short . A handheld with a rubber duck antenna or an AM/FM (broadcast)/CB antenna are about it.
Otherwise, you can start making choices with the following things in
mind:
1) The closer your antenna is to the top & center of the vehicle, the
better. So the roof is better than the rain gutter or trunk, and all of
those are far better than the bumper. But they'll all work.
2) A drilled/permanent mount is better than a magnet mount in the same location. (This is so that the antenna gets a better "ground plane".) If you use a magnet mount, run your coax feed line through the door or hatch that gets the least use and then leave it alone. Don't use any path where the coax will get pinched.
For base installations (i.e. at home) the best places are "as high as you can" within legal limits. The roof is normally fine. If you're in an apartment complex, you may be limited to a balcony but ask the manager - they may just want you to keep it "invisible." (Check your national and local regulations. In the USA, the FCC regulations limit CB antennas to 60 feet above ground level or 20 feet above the tallest structure on your building. Maybe shorter if you live close to an airport - one foot high for every hundred feet from the nearest runway.)
Base station antennas should have a good ground in case of lightning. (In the rare event of a lightning strike, this can mean the difference between burning down the building or just the radio.) Most cold water pipes that go into the ground will work. But the best choice for a ground would be an 8-foot (2.4m) copper rod stuck in the ground near the antenna. (If you want to use anything other than the rod for a ground, contact someone knowledgeable about housing construction and safety - you don't want to accidentally use a hot water or gas pipe. You also need to know your local building codes.)
* Once I hook up my CB and antenna, is the radio ready to use?
No. When you get a new CB and/or new antenna, the CB and the antenna must be tuned or "matched." To do this, you need an SWR meter which is a device that measures the compatability (match) between the antenna system (coax and antenna) and the radio. SWR stands for "Standing Wave Ratio." The lower your SWR, the better your match. First timers are recommended to get help from a knowledgeable person but some notes about the process are included here.
You do NOT want your SWR reading to be over 3:1 ratio on any channel. Transmitting with an SWR of more than 3:1 can damage your radio. A "perfect" match is 1.0:1 which tells you the radio and antenna system are very compatable with each other. However, "perfect" isn't possible (in theory) so 1.1:1 is the best you can hope for. Even 1.5:1 is acceptable, but it isn't as good.
You will only be able to achieve your best match on one or a small group of channels. The SWR will increase on each channel as you get further from that point. This is especially true when using antennas that are shorter than about 4.5 feet. So, 2:1 may even be unavoidable on the extremes, like Channels 1 and/or 40. If you know you're going to use one channel most of the time, try to put your best match there. Otherwise, just center it on Channel 19 so you can use all 40 channels optimally.
You can find SWR meters at places like Radio Shack or amateur radio dealers. Further information about Standing Wave Ratio can be obtained from the ARRL Handbook. (ARRL is the American Radio Relay League.) Their annual handbook is full of information on many different aspects of amateur radio, but the basic concepts apply to all radio services.
Most stores that sell CB radios will have an SWR meter and someone who knows how to use it; however, they will often charge for their services.
* What are good antenna characteristics, and what are some good mobile antennas?
Antennas have to be designed to transmit and receive on the band that you are using. CB is located in the 11-meter band. (They call it that because the wavelength is about 11 meters.) Mobile CB antennas range in height from a little under 2 feet (24 inches) up to 108 inches.
The 1/4 wave whip (108") will offer better reception and transmission capability over a shorter, coiled or "loaded" antenna.
VERY short antennas, or multiple antennas that aren't "phased" properly will result in a very poor signal. Remember, for co-phasing antennas they must be at least 1/4 wavelength apart to gain any benefit; which, for the 11 meter band, is around 9 feet. Most cars aren't wide enough to allow antennas to be placed 9 feet apart. The other characteristic of co-phasing is that it is much more directional than a single antenna. It will transmit and receive MUCH better along the axis of the car than sideways off the car. So, if you want an omnidirectional rediation pattern, you don't want co-phasing (so you only want one antenna.)
Another subject of common questions is about antennas which receive AM/FM broadcast stations and act as a CB transceiver antenna. User experiences on this newsgroup vary widely with each brand. (The motorized ones seem to have the least favor among the postings we've seen.) In general, these antennas work but are not nearly as good as a dedicated CB antenna. You have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for your circumstances.
Good brands of dedicated CB antennas in the USA include (but are not
necessarily limited to) Hustler, Wilson, Antenna Specialists, Solarcon, Jo Gunn,
FireStick and K-40.
In France, some common brands are President and Magnum.