Ham radio and CB radio both use the HF bands for their services and, in fact, the CB band of 27Mhz is very close to the 10M ham radio band.
This presents the obvious question that many radio operators ask of can a ham radio talk to a CB radio?
In standard form a ham radio set cannot communicate with CB as the two operate on different frequencies. A modified ham radio set could communicate on CB frequencies, but this would be illegal and would breach the conditions of the ham radio licence and also the conditions governing the use of the CB band.
Ham radio operators are not permitted to use the CB band as ham operators
The terms of the ham radio licence mean that a radio amateur may only communicate with other licenced radio amateurs.
If a ham operator did talk to a CBer then he/she would be in breach of the licence conditions.
Plus, the only way that the ham operator could use the CB band with ham radio equipment would be with modified ham equipment, which would not be permitted.
Ham operators can use the CB band as CBers
The only lawful way that a radio amateur could use the CB frequencies would be by using a purpose made CB radio – that was designed for use on the CB frequencies.
The ham would not be able to use any of his radio amateur identifications.
So, in other words, if you are a ham operator and you want to use CB, then simply get a CB and become a CB user – like all the other CB users.
Can CB communicate with ham radio?
In it’s standard form no.
A modified CB, however, could transmit and receive on certain ham radio frequencies but unless the operator was a licenced ham radio user then use of the radio would be unlawful.
Some ham radio sets can listen to the CB frequencies
It is possible to receive and listen to CB transmissions on some standard ham radio sets.
This is permitted in most countries and is just the same as listening in with a scanner or short wave receiver.
Final Words
In standard form, ham radios cannot communicate with CB due to different frequencies.
On a technical level it may be possible to modify a ham radio set to operate on 27Mhz ( the CB band ) but this would be illegal and would be in breach of a number of licencing conditions.
If you want to work on CB frequencies then the best and easiest solution is to buy a CB radio.
Read Next
- Will a CB antenna work for a ham radio?
- Why do you need a ham radio license?
- What’s better ham radio or CB radio?
- What’s an affordable ham radio for beginners?
- What kind of range can I get with a 10W ham radio?
- What kind of antenna do you need for ham radio?
