So what exactly is the difference between the 10 meter radio and the CB radio?
In recent years, the line between traditional CB radio and 10 meter radio has become blurred. Phrases like ’10 meter CB radio’ and ‘export radio’ have become irrevocably woven into the vocabulary. Despite the widespread use of both technologies, many users have no idea what the real differences are.
A traditional CB operates in the 11 meter band at about 27 MHz. This gives you 40 channels ranging from 26.965 MHz on channel 1 to 27.405 MHz on channel 40. The distinctive feature of CB is that access to these frequencies is not it is restricted by the FCC and is available to anyone. Hence the term ‘Citizen Band’.
However, while access is not restricted, the use of these frequencies is another matter. Users must abide by certain codes of conduct and severe hardware limitations. Per FCC rule, no CB transmitter can exceed 4 watts of transmit power. A savvy operator can use a high-quality antenna to “out” more, but increasing the output by almost any other means is prohibited.
By contrast, 10-meter radio access is restricted, but the hardware allowed is not as limited. 10 meter radios operate on frequencies ranging from 28 MHz to 29.7 MHz. To access 10 meter radio frequencies, you must obtain an amateur or ‘hobbyist’ radio license from the FCC. These licenses are relatively easy to obtain and are generally free. Certain 10 meter radios also work on FM radio frequencies, which will require an even more advanced license. The hardware involved in the 10 meter radio can be quite impressive. Unlike CB communications, the FCC considers the 10 meter band acceptable for long-range communications, many radios offering more than 100 times the transmit power of a traditional CB transmitter.
So why has the line between the two become blurred? Many CB operators do not like the severe restrictions placed on CB broadcast output. Manufacturers responding to this desire have produced 10 meter radios that look and function exactly like a standard CB. These newer radios are easily modified to operate on CB radio frequencies, which is probably what both the manufacturer and operator had in mind when they were purchased. It is important to note that such modifications are against FCC rules.
The term ‘export radio’ is used to refer to these new CB radio style 10 meter radios. The problem is that these radios are supposed to be marketed for export use only. Many other countries do not have as severe restrictions on transmit power as the United States.
Although there is a strong public desire to allow higher transmit power among CB radio users, it is highly unlikely that the FCC will change its policy any time soon. The FCC considers the CB radio to be a short-range communications device and does not want high-power transmissions to disrupt local communications between other carriers. This point of view will almost certainly prevent any change in policy at any time in the near future. By learning the difference between 10 meter and CB radio, and how you intend to use your new equipment, it should be clear which model is right for you.
