AMATEUR RADIO vs. CB RADIO
                  ==========================
 
  Amateur Radio and Citizen's Band (CB) are two systems of two-way 
communication regulated and authorized in the United States by the 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Amateur Radio licensees 
are sometimes informally called "hams.
 
USES PERMITTED
 
Amateur Radio:  Noncommercial public service-oriented communication
  service.  Hobby and experimental communications.  Home computing
  by radio.  Emergency and routine public service.  Providing
  reliable two-way radio contact for special community events and
  activities.  Transmission and delivery of free Radiograms on
  behalf of the general public.
CB:  Business and casual conversations.  Public aid channel for
  emergencies.
 
OPERATING RANGE
 
Amateur Radio:  Unlimited.  Amateurs have communicated with
  orbiting astronauts.  International communications are
  commonplace.
CB:  Limited by Federal Law to less than 150 miles.  CB users
  typically talk within less than 4-5 miles.
 
FREQUENCIES OFFERED
 
Amateur Radio:  More than two dozen Amateur frequency bands are
  spread across the entire airwave spectrum, from 1.8 kHz to 250
  GHz.
CB:  One frequency band of 40 channels, from 26.96 to 27.41 MHz.
 
POWER PERMITTED:
 
Amateur Radio:  Up to 1,500 watts, if needed.  Essentially
  unlimited antenna height and configuration.
CB:  Less than 5 watts.  Antenna height is limited by Federal Law.
 
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
 
Amateur Radio:  Tests for technical knowledge, operating rules,
  knowledge of Morse Code in some instances. 
  Exam difficulty progresses by license level.
CB: Permit no longer necessary.  No exams.
 
HOW TO TELL WHO IS WHO
 
Amateur Radio:  Government-issued call signs indicating
  country/zone of operator, as well as personal identification.
  Formal station identification is required at frequent intervals.
  Operators also typically identify themselves in ordinary
  conversations using their real names.  Most states offer
  licensees special Amateur Radio call sign license plates.
CB:  No formal system of identification.  Users typically identify
  themselves by aliases or "handles".
 
SIGNALS ALLOWED
 
Amateur Radio:  Voice, Morse Code telegraphy, digital computer
  data, telemetry, and visual images using FM, AM, continuous-wave,
  single sideband, personal computers, teletype, television,
  satellite, repeater, relay, modulated light beams, and
  spread-spectrum.
CB:  Voice only on AM and single sideband.  Wireless control of
  hobby gear.
 
AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT
 
Amateur Radio:  Users can design, construct, and experiment with
  home-built equipment and they can modify, overhaul, repair, and
  improve store-bought gear.
CB:  Federal Law prohibits any adjustment, modification, or
  repair by users.
 
MAIN ATTRACTION
 
Amateur Radio:  Ability to experiment by radio, home computer, and
  television.  Local, regional, and worldwide communications;
  enhancement of international goodwill.  Public service.  Mutual
  cooperation between licensees.  Voluntary self-regulation by
  common tradition.
CB:  Avoiding speed traps.  Motorist pastime.  Neighborhood
  contact.  Enjoyment limited by profanity, low power, discourtesy,
  and interference.
 
JOURNALS, CLUBS, AND GROUPS
 
Amateur Radio: American Radio Relay League (ARRL), national
  nonprofit membership association.  International Amateur Radio
  Union (IARU).  Over 2,000 clubs throughout the country.  Several
  major national publications.
CB:  Some local clubs.  Emergency group REACT found in some areas.
  No national publications.
 
 
     For more information on Amateur Radio, contact the ARRL at 225 
Main Street, Newington, CT  06111; telephone (203) 666-1541.
 
 


|       |   |         Deputy Manager, Field Services, ARRL.
|       |___|         The ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the ARRL
| uck   |   |urder    National Traffic System, The Amateur Auxiliary to
------  |   |         the FCC's Field Operations Bureau, the ARRL
     KY1T             Field Organization and the ARRL Monitoring System.
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lhurder%arrlhq.UUCP@uhasun.hartford.edu   Prodigy - MGTS39A   BIX - ARRL.