Which cb channel should i use

Channels are generally spaced 10 KHz apart. While these channels are open to everyone, some have commonly agreed upon purposes, which are noted in the table below. Examples include Channel 9 reserved for emergency communications and Channel 19, which is mostly used by truckers.

If you want specific information or want to share messages on these channels, you are welcome to do so or just switch over for a listen. A fair warning though: truckers have their own handles and slang, and chatty visitors are not always welcome.

How you plan on using your CB radio as well as which channels you may be trying to tap into will be the difference in which features you'll find beneficial. These features will help anyone improve the quality of their CB frequencies:. Single sideband modulation SSB more efficiently uses transmitter power and bandwidth.

For an in-depth explanation, refer to Wikipedia's page on SSB. Above the band at They are reserved for commercial use by companies and educational, religious, and health institutions. The federal government has from CB and ham users with modified equipment often use frequencies The Civil Air Patrol, part of the U.

The meter amateur radio ham band runs from Frequencies of If you own a modified export CB radio such as the Galaxy , the 19 high setting puts you at If you're talking on that frequency, you'll be very noticeable between the dots and dashes of Morse code to the Official Observers OOs of the Amateur Radio world.

To notify you, they'd have to break their own band rules, as voice communication is not allowed at that frequency even for licensed amateur radio operators.

The FCC then contacts trucking companies and can fine them, which has led to the truckers being fired. To avoid that problem, simply stay within the 40 authorized channels. CB radios can be modified for use in Amateur Radio's meter range, which is legal only for licensed operators to do. CB radios approved for use in the U. Even those are possible to modify, but it is more difficult than modifying a non-approved one.

Freebanding or "outbanding" on random frequencies or channels is a term used to describe an operator who is illegally using these frequencies or channels within the 11 meter above or below the 10 kHz frequency. Many of the channels outside of the 10 kHz CB radio frequency are "private" channels that only those with proper authorization and licensing are permitted to use, but these licensing requirements and restrictions haven't stopped everyone from illegally tapping into these channels.

Unauthorized frequencies include the international call frequencies of International call frequencies have been established to provide a common meeting place for long distance operators to initiate or respond to calls from other stations. It's not used for conversation QSO , as those who make contact then move to other frequencies.

So, if you're jawboning on those frequencies, you'll be as welcome as fire ants at a picnic. Listening is OK, but talking is not. Beware, the FCC cracks down on such illegal use of frequencies, citing and fining scofflaws. Despite the FCC banning the marketing and sale of any CB radios that they've deemed easily modifiable, clever operators are still able to rig up almost any amateur radio to reach these "off limit" frequencies.

The 40 CB channels in the United States can become overcrowded at times, which drives many CB radio operators to use frequencies that are above or below the permissible CB frequencies.

A radio frequency that is below the citizens band, for example, is often quiet and seemingly underutilized; however these frequencies are strictly reserved for use by designated radio services, such as government agencies.

Many freebanding CB radio operators tap into an unauthorized CB channel just for the thrill of it. Whether it's to receive news from a different part of the country or from around the world, or just for the excitement about being somewhere they shouldn't be, these freebanders run the risk of being caught by the FCC or any law enforcement agency.

However, if someone continues their unauthorized use of CB frequencies, they can face a number of penalties including:. So how do you stay out of trouble with your CB radio? Stay within the 40 CB channels and don't modify or purchase a radio from a less than reputable dealer. The best way to ensure that you remain CB radio "legal" is to invest in an American-made legal FCC certified CB unit, and don't make any drastic or unnecessary repairs or upgrades without consulting the FCC.

The complete reference can be found at the government site in Subpart D. For the most part, users are well behaved and respect the rules, but you may encounter trolls who want to cause trouble or new users who are unaware of the etiquette.

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April 26, Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on linkedin. Share on email. What is UHF? What is UHF? Channels and Duplex channels input.

Channels 5 and Duplex channels strictly used for emergency communications. Channel Caravanners and Campers Convoy Channel. Channels Reserved for future use.