Whats the Difference between HAM Radio and CB Radio?

A question that occasionally gets asked by people considering buying a radio is 'What's the difference between HAM Radio and CB Radio?'.  Whilst on the surface there would appear to be little difference in that both are a means for two people to receive and transmit messages over the airwaves there are a number of distinct differences both in terms of radio hardware and the ranges achievable by the different types of Radio as well as how they can be used.

A subset of the same conversation is more to do with the types of people that use either CB Radio or HAM Radio and as part of this, the quality of communications that are achievable.

To begin with a radio enthusiast must pass specific radio exams in order to legally use HAM Radio equipment legally and as part of this must demonstrate a good understanding of specific Radio theory and understand the appropriate ways to communicate on the allowed frequencies.

After passing further examinations more frequencies are permitted to be used and additional power is allowed to be transmitted which again facilitates a far greater range than with cheaper lower powered radios.



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