CB Radio's
- Thread starter MD911
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OK2BCK
Member
CB stands for Citizen Band so no license needed. But I believe that only FCC licensed equipment can be used.
avguy
Member
Here's the best source:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=cb
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=cb
No licence required for CB/Ham/FRS radio. Just purchase your gear, program in the frequency you require, and go nuts.
If a kilocycle cop invades your frequency, simply refer them to Hamsexy.
Please do not use public safety frequencies.
If a kilocycle cop invades your frequency, simply refer them to Hamsexy.
Please do not use public safety frequencies.
Not for Western Canada, it ain't.
CBs used to require a license decades ago for mobile/base installations. GMRS in the USA requires a license, but the blister-pack radios you get from a department store are on FRS frequencies and/or low enough power that nobody is going to notice (and I'm not sure that Industry Canada cares, anyway).
EdmontonFireRadio
Member
Ham does require a license. It's an easy test to pass but once you have your callsign you are all set.
Michael-SATX
Member
FCC dropped the requirement for a CB license back in 1973-ish. The budroes at the FCC would like to have everybody on 1-watt or higher GMRS/FRS bust out $75 bucks for a 5-year license per group of users.
Hmm, I wonder just how few users actually buy these lincenses ? I'm thinking only VERY few do this.
FYI-No matter what kind of bragging rights that a blister pack of 2-way radios says on the package
10, 20 or 25+ mile range. The FCC mandates that all brands be low power and whimpy on Ch 8 to 14 !
So using Ch 8-14 is great in close call range uses, because of less power drain and bettery battery life.
So for full power and best range, go for either channels 1 thru 7 or 15 thru 22. And of course range ratings are NEVER what you will get anywhere close to in "actual use" ... ie terrain, buildings, walls & objects...
They claim they go out to flat land and test "line-of-sight" ranges ... ha ... but they are funny to read
PS-Channels 1 thru 7 are shared FRS/GMRS, 8 thru 14 are just FRS, and 15-22 strickly GMRS freqs.
It is amazing how cheap and powerfull these radios have gotten - great for consumers like us
Just a humorous stat on the VERY humble begginings of FRS 2-way radios ... I once heard a rumor
that either Radio Shack, Motorola or the public approached the FCC and said "Hey We Need This ... "
and the FCC agreed and wha la FRS was born and I believe back in the 1997 Radio Shack catalog
the very first FRS offering was a WHOPPING $179 each and had like some whimpy 100 or 300mw
RF power output and couldn't talk to the car in front of you even if you rammed its back bumper)
When I started with RS their top of the line was $99 each and had only 14 channels, 38 quiet codes
and a blistering 500 mw output ... ( maybe 1/2 to 1 mile range ) but rugged ! cat # 21-1860 (RIP)
This little gem has 3 presets and "dual watch" that let a user monitor any 2 channels at once
Finally, FRS/GMRS radios sold in some other countries are on different freqs than the USA versions.
So USA models maybe ilegal for use in other coutries which just might have their PD/FD on these freqs.
Hmm, I wonder just how few users actually buy these lincenses ? I'm thinking only VERY few do this.
FYI-No matter what kind of bragging rights that a blister pack of 2-way radios says on the package
10, 20 or 25+ mile range. The FCC mandates that all brands be low power and whimpy on Ch 8 to 14 !
So using Ch 8-14 is great in close call range uses, because of less power drain and bettery battery life.
So for full power and best range, go for either channels 1 thru 7 or 15 thru 22. And of course range ratings are NEVER what you will get anywhere close to in "actual use" ... ie terrain, buildings, walls & objects...
They claim they go out to flat land and test "line-of-sight" ranges ... ha ... but they are funny to read
PS-Channels 1 thru 7 are shared FRS/GMRS, 8 thru 14 are just FRS, and 15-22 strickly GMRS freqs.
It is amazing how cheap and powerfull these radios have gotten - great for consumers like us
Just a humorous stat on the VERY humble begginings of FRS 2-way radios ... I once heard a rumor
that either Radio Shack, Motorola or the public approached the FCC and said "Hey We Need This ... "
and the FCC agreed and wha la FRS was born and I believe back in the 1997 Radio Shack catalog
the very first FRS offering was a WHOPPING $179 each and had like some whimpy 100 or 300mw
RF power output and couldn't talk to the car in front of you even if you rammed its back bumper
)When I started with RS their top of the line was $99 each and had only 14 channels, 38 quiet codes
and a blistering 500 mw output ... ( maybe 1/2 to 1 mile range ) but rugged ! cat # 21-1860 (RIP)
This little gem has 3 presets and "dual watch" that let a user monitor any 2 channels at once
Finally, FRS/GMRS radios sold in some other countries are on different freqs than the USA versions.
So USA models maybe ilegal for use in other coutries which just might have their PD/FD on these freqs.
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OK2BCK
Member
Agree
After I moved to New Zealand from Europe, I was nicely surprised being able to buy 40 channel UHF (476-477MHz) Citizen Band radio here, with 5 Watts of power! I have bought twin pack of portable Motorolas to use them occasionally at work and they go very well!
http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.filereader?496073b102798238273fc0a87f3b06ec+EN/catalogs/CTG0000068
Jan
It is amazing how cheap and powerfull these radios have gotten - great for consumers like us
After I moved to New Zealand from Europe, I was nicely surprised being able to buy 40 channel UHF (476-477MHz) Citizen Band radio here, with 5 Watts of power! I have bought twin pack of portable Motorolas to use them occasionally at work and they go very well!
http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.filereader?496073b102798238273fc0a87f3b06ec+EN/catalogs/CTG0000068
Jan
N
N_Jay
Guest
In Canada, or in the US?
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I'm in Canada.
Anyone remember when FRS first came out in the States? It wasn't available in Canada yet, and
CPS were still on 462 MHZ, and one of the FRS freqs was on the input of one of their repeaters.
Probably 467.5875 if memory serves...
During Stampede week I heard a few American FRSers on one of the CPS repeaters.
CPS were still on 462 MHZ, and one of the FRS freqs was on the input of one of their repeaters.
Probably 467.5875 if memory serves...
During Stampede week I heard a few American FRSers on one of the CPS repeaters.
N
N_Jay
Guest
Then you need to worry about (Or "Ah-Boot") Industry Canada, not the FCC.
Even for something small like this?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/p...0f81b853fb73a0785c956b1d6a569c3e#BVQAWidgetID
No, for that you needn't worry.
Jay was just letting you know that the other posters when referring to the FCC must have forgotten that we're in the Western Canada forum, and here in Canada the FCC doesn't apply.
Jay was just letting you know that the other posters when referring to the FCC must have forgotten that we're in the Western Canada forum, and here in Canada the FCC doesn't apply.
N
N_Jay
Guest
Probably not (I think CA CB rules are similar to the US)
Cobra® Compact 4W CB Radio $124.99 Holy crap!
I just bought that same CB for $34 USD, and returned it because the TX audio was low, and sounded off frequency.
N
N_Jay
Guest
I distinctly remember that. It was 6 District which if I recall right was 462.6500, and some redneck trailer park couple was arguing about a guy "gettin' [his wife] some more o' dem mini-donuts". :lol:
And yes, the OP did mention FCC in his original post, but the likelihood is that he meant to ask if there were licensing requirements in Canada. In any case, question answered.
Really depends on how you want to use it. I don't think that HHs are as good as mobiles, but with a good power source and antenna they could be. Just remember we are in the "quiet" zone of Sunspot Activity. This means that coms. on CB especially during the day should be in the order of short distance [again depending on antennas] 7-12 kms.. As the Sunspot acitivity picks up, the short distance coms. will be limited to a km or less expecially during the day. I never tried a HH for long distance skip on 11 m. so not sure how they work. Again, being more specific will bring more specific answers. FRS/GMRS are not affected by the Sunspot Cycle.
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