Posted by Arthur P. Bloom [67.84.143.155] on Tuesday, August 06, 2013 at 15:35:30 :
In Reply to: Re: Anyone know anything about CB Radio's? OT posted by Sterling from TX [99.58.180.94] on Tuesday, August 06, 2013 at 14:19:56 :
CB radios use AM, rather than FM. AM is inherently noisy and picks up static from conventional ignition systems, and even if an ant f@rts, you'll hear it through the speaker.
CB radios are limited to 4 watts, which at the frequency they use is good for 4 to 5 miles.
The reason for this is twofold: The government didn't want unlicensed people shouting across the country. HAM radio is the method for that. Secondly, CB has historically been used by truckers and travelers, and there is no reason to hear about road conditions or Smokies further away than 5 miles. At 60 mph, that's a 5 minute warning. Anything else would clog up the airwaves.
The radio of choice these days is FM-band "Family Radio Service" or FRS. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service
or GMR. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mobile_Radio_Service
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