CB

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Revision as of 14:07, 27 March 2019

Citizen's Band Radio - modern FCC language simply calls it "CB Radio Service" (CBRS) now. Part 95 - Personal Radio Services. CB is the oldest, and most commonly known in popular culture, two-way radio service. Many folks uneducated in the ways of radio simply refer to all radios as "CBs"

Citizen's Band Radio, or "CB Radio" for short. Known by pejorative names such as "Chicken Band", "Children's Band" and several others. Short-range license free (or simple license requirement) two-way radio service for personal or business purposes in the 25-30 MHz (25000-30000 kHz) range that makes up the shortest wavelength portions of the HF band. For local communications, it tends to behave more like a short-range VHF / UHF Radio service. De facto standard frequency allocation based on 40 channel American CB band 26.965-27.405 MHz. In radio hobbyist circles, the CB band and adjacent frequencies are often referred to as "11 meters".

CB is one of the most commonly used two-way and land mobile radio services worldwide, although for handheld walkie-talkie purposes it has mostly been depreciated in favor of VHF/UHF services such as FRS/GMRS and MURS. CB is still heavily used by trucking companies, hunting clubs, farmers, rednecks, doomsday preppers, for local and/or unlicensed paging or data link/telemetry systems,etc and as an inexpensive short-range alternative to licensed services such as the licensed Business Radio Services. Hunters are such a prolific user of CB equipment that export radio companies such as RCI/Ranger have produced radios designed specifically for hunters, such as the Connex Deer Hunter (26.065-27.405 MHz), Connex Coyote Hunter (25.615-27.405 MHz) and Superstar 121/Connex SS-121 (26.515-27.855 MHz) which cover the lower freeband frequencies often used by hunters. See also JAKT Radio 31MHz

Many ham radio operators look down on CB with absolute disdain, while others view it as a useful tool...or at the very least, a source of entertainment.

CB (and the 11-meter freeband frequencies above and below CB) are making a resurgance as one of many communications methods used by so-called "preppers" and survivalists, in addition to amateur radio and VHF/UHF services such as FRS, GMRS, VHF marine, etc.

A large radio subculture relating to illegally modifying CB equipment to access "freeband" frequencies, transmit higher than legal power levels, and or make DX contacts, exists worldwide. A large market for "export radios" (often sold under the guise of being 10 meter amateur radios) exists. CB is an old service, with its roots dating back to the 1950s and its spiritual roots dating back to the Second World War.

Origins and Historical Babble - Second World War

The origins of CB can be traced further back, to World War II. Both the US and Germany developed mobile two-way radios for use in tanks, trucks and other vehicles that used similar frequency ranges, power output levels, and the familiar 9 foot long 1/4 wave "whip" antenna associated with CB. These frequencies the 20-27.9 MHz and 27.0-38.9 MHz ranges (SCR-508 and SCR-608 tank and artillery radios) and the 22.0-33.4 MHz range (Germany, standard 10W.S.c Panzer radio transmitter). The complete German UKW "ultra short wave", another way of saying VHF was known as the Fu 5 or FuG 5. Later German tank radios transmitted high power levels (20 watts vs. 10 watts). This improved radio set was known as the Fu 6 or FuG 6. The German high-HF/low-VHF AM/CW networks provided a communication range of 2-3 km on low power (10w) and 4-6 km on high power (20w).

The American counterparts (SCR-508 family) provided narrower frequency coverage but higher power output and use of FM which significantly reduced impulse noise interference found in vehicles. The SCR-508 tank radio was rated at 25 watts (communication range of 7 miles or 11 km) and the SCR-608 artillery radio was rated at 35 watts (communication range of 15 miles or 24 km). The American radios provided crystal control and channeling at 100 kHz steps (26.400 MHz, 26.500 MHz, 26.600 MHz, etc). The US military also produced lower-powered versions of FM radios that covered the same 20.0-27.9 MHz coverage, designed for mobile command (tank) purposes and landing craft communications.

German AM equipment operated at 50 kHz channel steps (27.050 MHz, 27.100 MHz, 27.150 MHz, etc). The US Army also pioneered the concept of using channel numbers in place of frequencies. For example, 27500 kHz (27.500 MHz) would be referred to as "channel 275". American military equipment provided for 10 crystals to be installed at once and selected "on-the-fly" to allow for rapid frequency agility.

Like the United States and other countries, the German Army operated various versions of these radios, including automatic relay equipment (compare the American SCR-300/BC-1000 VHF-FM 40-48 MHz manpack radio with the German KL.Fuspr.d VHF-AM 32-38 MHz manpack radio) and segregated frequency bands for command and control (in this case, the Germans used a combination of VHF AM/CW tank and command vehicle radios in the 42.0-48.3 MHz range and AM/CW equipment in the 1000-3000 kHz range. Reconnaissance and artillery networks used 24-25 MHz and 23-24.95 MHz AM/CW systems similar in operation to the 22-33.4 MHz panzer tank communications systems. The success of these higher-frequency (above 20 MHz) radio systems for land mobile communications paved the way for the adoption of (what were then considered) higher frequencies for mobile radio.

However, the frequencies used by these military systems was discovered to prone to skywave propagation during the right conditions, including American amateur radio operators intercepting panzer communications while the Germans were operating in North Africa. In addition to being used for tactical communications, the frequency band that would eventually become CB was also used by radar networks such as Chain Home (20-50 MHz) and various radio navigation systems such as the German Lorenz blind landing system (33 MHz), the German "Knickebein" system (30-33 MHz) and others. The British Chain Home system transmitted a continuous "floodlight" radar signal, blanketing the airspace out Great Britain and in many ways, being the first over the horizon radar systems. Chain Home normally operated closer to the lower edge of its frequency capability, often referenced in sources as "12-10 meters" (25-30 MHz).

Origins and Historical Babble - 1950s and beyond

The CB service as we know it today started in the United States in the 1950s as a licensed service in the 26.965-27.255 MHz band (23 channels). When the service was created, the original 26.96 - 27.23 MHz band was taken from the 11 meter amateur radio band in 1947 Because of this, CB and its adjacent frequencies are often referred to as "11 meters". CB was expanded in 1977 to 40 channels. It is this 40 channel plan that became the "standard" CB plan that most countries have since adopted.

On September 11th, 1958, the old 11 meter amateur band was re-allocated by the FCC to the Citizen's Band Radio Service (CB Radio) as "Class D" CB service using FCC verbage. The legislation called for 27 channels between 26.96 MHz and 27.26 MHz with 10 kHz channel spacing, including the five R/C channels spaced 50 kHz apart. The FCC moved the channel centers +5 kHz from the band edge and 26.965 MHz, CB channel 1, was born. Overlaying the 50 kHz R/C channel spacing provided the original 23 channels. Channel 23 was/is 27.255 MHz, while 27.235 and 27.245 remained allocated for business purposes, and while 27.255 MHz/CH 23 became the 5th R/C channel it retained its role in high power paging and continues to do so to this day. It is because of this historical quirk that the CB channels 23, 24 and 25 appear to be out of sequence. When the service was expanded to 40 channels in 1977, 27.235 MHz was added as channel 24 and 27.245 MHz was added as 25. By sheer coincidence (or maybe not), channel 27.265 MHz was added as channel 26 all the way up to 27.405 MHz being channel 40. Thus, from channels 26-40, the first two digits after the decimal in MHz frequency notation are the same as the channel number.

CB is a HF (generally 26-28 MHz) short-range radio service designed for personal or business use by the general public. Although CB occupies the upper portion of HF, it is intended as a short-range service. 27 MHz generally provides VHF low band-like local propagation characteristics during periods of low sunspot numbers and a lack of sporadic-E propagation. During band openings, however, skip propagation is quite common on CB frequencies, and DXing at modest power levels can be realized.

CB Frequencies, freebanding and freeband "channeling"

CB is generally license free worldwide, although frequency allocations, modes and power limits vary from country to country. However, these limits are often ignored and enforcement is extremely lax. Use of "10-meter" or "export" radios is common. These radios offer the user the option of 40 channels plus a band switch, the band switch going up or down 450 kHz (0.450 MHz, or 45 channels). Common export radio frequency coverage includes 25.615-28.305 MHz (standard 6-band export plan), 25.165 MHz - 28.755 MHz (Galaxy DX radios 8-band plan), 25.615 MHz - 30.105 MHz ("RU" or "export" plan, often included in European radios and Chinese 10 meter rigs such as the Anytone AT-5555 and its various clones), and 24.265 MHz - 29.655 MHz (12 meter/10 meter coverage radios such as the Superstar SS-158EDX and its various clones). Others include 25.165 MHz - 30.105 MHz, 25.615 MHz - 30.555 MHz, 26.000 MHz - 32.000 MHz (RCI-2950 and RCI-2970 series radios) and the "three band" or "uppers and lowers" coverage of 26.515 MHz - 27.855 MHz (see discussion regarding "hunting radios" above). Most exports at least have access to the high band of 27.415 MHz to 27.855 MHz and the low band of 26.515 MHz to 26.955 MHz, so the majority of out-of-band communications take place between roughly 26.5 MHz and 27.9 MHz. In Latin America, the lower frequencies in the 25 MHz and 26 MHz bands are popular for taxi cab companies, trucking companies, delivery services etc. During serious band openings you can often hear signals every 10 kHz from 25.615 MHz all the way up to 26.965 MHz (CB channel 1).

Many countries follow the US 40-channel plan, with most of Europe allowing for use of FM on these frequencies in addition to AM. SSB is legal in some parts of the world, in others only AM/FM or even just FM are allowed. The US CB frequency plan has been standardized Europe-wise as the "CEPT" band (or "mid band") in FM mode. Some countries (Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, the UK, New Zealand, etc) have additional channels authorized in addition to the standard 26.965-27.405 MHz US FCC/CEPT "mid band" allocation. Other countries (for example, South Africa, Japan) have entirely different allocations and/or use only a portion of the US FCC/CEPT mid band channel plan. See charts below for CB channel plans.

Freebanding - What is free band CB radio?

Freebanding generally means operating on frequencies above or below the legal CB band in your country. What may be a legal CB frequency in one country may not be legal in another. For example, a trucker operating on CB channel 19 wishes to find a clear frequency to talk to another driver without all the interference found on 27.185 MHz. So he (and the person he's talking to) switch their radios "down one band" (-450 kHz or -0.450 MHz) from 27.185 MHz to 26.735 MHz. The radio's channel display still says "19" but the bandswitch has been moved down one. Often export radios will have 3, 6, 8 or even 12 bands. Freebanding does have some general "gentlemen's agreements" in place. For example, AM operators usually stick to the lower frequencies below CB channel 1 (26.965 MHz), with activity centered around 26.915 MHz (channel 36 down one band), 26.885 MHz, (channel 33 down one band) and other frequencies relatively close to the legal CB band. There are practical reasons for this, the primary one being antenna performance decreases the further away one gets in frequency from the antenna's resonant frequency.

SSB operators usually operate above CB channel 40 (27.405 MHz) and often use 5 kHz steps instead of the standard 10 kHz steps. This means that in addition to 27.425 MHz, 27.435 MHz, 27.445 MHz, 27.455 MHz, etc, the "0 raster" frequencies are used as well (i.e. 27.420 MHz, 27.430 MHz, 27.450 MHz, 27.460 MHz, 27.490 MHz, etc). English-speaking stations will often stick with LSB mode, due to the gentlemen's agreement of using LSB for CB communications (see also: 27.385 LSB or channel 38 LSB) but there are several exceptions - the primary one being 27.555 MHz USB - the freeband calling frequency. In Europe, SSB activity is also found on the 26 MHz frequencies between 26.2 and 26.5 MHz (calling frequency 26.285 MHz USB), often as a method of escaping the heavy activity on the upper frequencies and FM signals on the three "main" European CB bands (see CB bands in the sections below).

In the Americas, 26.225 MHz USB, 26.235 MHz USB and 26.555 MHz LSB are commonly used by Spanish-speaking stations for SSB calling. 27.455 MHz USB is also used (think of it as the Latin American version of 27.555 USB). There are dozens of other frequencies, both above and below the CB band, which are used and/or claimed by various groups, users, radio clubs, etc.

With some common sense, freebanding allows the extremely large number of users of the 11 meter band to find clear frequencies for long distance communication with minimal interference issues. It is against the law (technically) but enforcement is basically nonexistent. See the list of frequencies and bands commonly associated with freebanding CB or the 11 meter band below.

Freeband 11 Meter Frequencies and Bands

Most freeband operators use AM mode below CB channel 1 - the lower bands and SSB above CB channel 40 - the higher bands. There are several exceptions to this "gentleman's rule" however.

While some export radios - sold as 10 meter radios - often cover frequencies above and below the 25.615-28.305 MHz range, that is the de facto "standard" export band alphanumeric plan. Generally the CB band is band "D" or the "mid band". On 120-channel radios, coverage is generally limited to 26.515-27.855 MHz or 26.065-27.405 MHz, depending on the model. Modern Chinese export radios cover 25.615-30.105 MHz to include all of the 10 meter band and frequencies above it.

• 25.615-26.055 MHz - Band A - often used by taxi cabs and trucking companies (AM mode in the Americas, AM or FM elsewhere)
• 25.835 MHz AM - CB channel 19 "down three bands" - truckers are often heard here
• 26.065-26.505 MHz - Band B - often used by taxi cabs, trucking companies and hunting clubs
• 26.225 MHz USB - Latin American SSB activity
• 26.285 MHz USB - 26 MHz international calling frequency (commonly used in Europe)
• 26.285 MHz AM - CB channel 19 "down two bands" - truckers are often heard here
• 26.305 MHz AM - truckers, often heard in North America during band openings
• 26.385 MHz AM - truckers, taxis, etc.
• 26.405 MHz AM - another commonly active frequency
• 26.500 MHz LSB - Caribbean activity noted (also in USB mode - see 27.515 MHz LSB, 27.500 MHz USB and 27.500 MHz LSB)
• 26.515-26.955 MHz - Band C - "low band" or "lowers" all sorts of users, AM in the Americas, AM, FM and SSB elsewhere
• 26.515 MHz AM - active in southern USA
• 26.555 MHz LSB - very active in Mexico and Central/South America (and Caribbean)
• 26.585 MHz AM - Mexican trucker channel, often very busy
• 26.605 MHz AM - alternate to 26.585 MHz (see also, 26.575 MHz, 26.595 MHz)
• 26.705 MHz AM - Puerto Rico, Florida and other Caribbean AM stations, often extremely powerful
• 26.715 MHz AM - alternate to 26.705 MHz
• 26.725 MHz AM - alternate to 26.705 MHz and 26.715 MHz
• 26.735 MHz AM - CB channel 19 "down one band" - truckers are often heard here (see also 27.635 MHz)
• 26.755 MHz AM - Often active in southern USA + every 10 kHz to 26.955 MHz
• 26.885 MHz AM - alternate to 26.915 MHz, others
• 26.905 MHz AM - alternate to 26.915 MHz, others
• 26.915 MHz AM - Big radios USA "915" channel 36 down one band, AM DX channel
• 26.965-27.405 MHz - Band D - legal CB band - "mid band", "FCC band" or "CEPT" band
• 27.405-27.855 MHz - Band E - "high band" or "uppers", mixture of SSB, AM and FM
• 27.415 MHz LSB - US calling/working frequencies (channels +5 kHz, 27.420 MHz, 27.425 MHz, 27.430 MHz, and so on, usually in LSB mode)
• 27.455 MHz USB - Latin American calling frequency (see also 26.555 MHz LSB) - Spanish language
• 27.505 MHz LSB - "Channel 50" - US freebanders
• 27.515 MHz LSB - Jamaica and Caribbean calling/DX frequency "The Knight Patrol"
• 27.555 MHz USB - international 11 meter DX calling frequency
• 27.635 MHz USB - digital modes found here in Europe (ROS, PSK31), see also 27.235 MHz and 27.245 MHz
• 27.635 MHz AM - CB channel 19 "up one band" - truckers are often heard here (see also 26.735 MHz, 28.085 MHz, 25.835 MHz, 26.285 MHz, etc)
• 27.665 MHz USB - Spanish language common frequencies + 5 kHz USB/LSB to 27.705 MHz or higher
• 27.700 MHz USB - international 11 meter SSTV frequency
• 27.735 MHz USB - international 11 meter SSTV frequency (alternate, also digital SSTV)
• 27.775 MHz AM - sometimes AM signals are heard on this frequency and higher during band openings, often taxi dispatchers, etc
• 27.855 MHz AM - High band channel 40 - popular with trucking companies and taxi cabs
• 27.855-28.305 MHz - Band F - up to 27.995 MHz (channel 11A) popular with taxicabs and truckers, although truckers are often heard above 28.000 MHz it is strongly advised that freebanders stay below 28 MHz

Legal Users of 25-30 MHz Spectrum

Aside from legal CB allocations and freebanding (or outbanding), there are several legal licensed services allocated to this interesting chunk of spectrum. This includes paging services, government, military, HF marine and FM land mobile. In the United States, the following bands are allocated for licensed use in the United States:

A search of the FCC database reveals the following:

CB Channel Plans

The so-called "A channels" are also heavily used, especially when a band opening makes finding a clear frequency difficult. The A channels are assigned to R/C and telemetry purposes in most countries (the USA included). These six frequencies fall under a different section of Part 95 of the FCC rules. 27.255 MHz (CB Channel 23) is also one of the R/C channels, but it is shared with CB.

US "FCC" "CEPT" or "mid band" CB Frequencies

AM and SSB Modulation in the Americas, Australia, Asia, FM allowed in Europe and elsewhere.

Channel usage is mostly focused on US or American CB radio habits, although information relating to the rest of North America as well as Central America, South America and the Caribbean has been included where available. CB radio, freebanding and radio in general is very popular in Latin America and that accounts for the large amount of Spanish language traffic heard during band openings.

UK CB "27/81" Frequencies

FM (Frequency Modulation)

The UK allows use of the CEPT "mid band" allocation (same as US frequencies) in addition to the frequencies listed below. The UK 27/81 FM band is defined under UK law as 27.59625 MHz to 27.99625 MHz (indicating maximum 5 kHz deviation from center frequencies, regular two-way radio or land mobile FM). AM, FM and SSB are allowed on 26.965-27.405 MHz. FM is the only mode allowed on 27.60125-27.99125 MHz. In the UK, these frequencies are shared with the Community Audio Distribution Service (CADS) and the Republic of Ireland's similar service the Wireless Public Address System (WPAS).

See below for the WPAS and CADS frequency listing.

The 27.6 MHz to 28.0 MHz allocation overlaps with CADS/WPAS and other services in various countries outside the UK, including paging/telemetry.

Wireless Public Address Service WPAS Community Audio Distribution System CADS Frequencies

For more information see the page for the Community Audio Distribution Service.

CADS operates on the 80 UK CB channels (standard CB channels 1-40 and UK FM CB channels 1-40) so 26965-27405 and 27601.25-27991.25 FM mode only. Ireland's WPAS service operates on two sets of 40 interleaved channels for a total of 80 channels. Although not technically authorized in Ireland, Churches often use the standard 40 "mid band CB" or "CEPT CB" channels as well. Ireland allows use of AM and FM on all 80 channels, while FM is the only mode allowed in the UK. Most CADS and WPAS transmissions are in FM, AM is the exception.

Note that the UK FM CB channels and LW01-LW40 WPAS channels are often offset, for example, instead of 27.60125 MHz, a church using an "export radio" with frequency agility will transmit on 27.601 MHz or even 27.600 MHz. With the local audience of these transmissions, a difference of 1 kHz or so makes very little, if any, difference...as the intended listeners are rarely more than a couple miles away from the transmitter. A small minority of churches broadcast outside the 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz and 27.6 MHz to 27.995 MHz regions, including the area below CB channel 1 (generally the "low band" frequencies of 26.515 MHz to 26.955 MHz, including the German CB extra channel allocation 26.565 MHz to 26.955 MHz) and the "freeband" frequency space between 27.405 MHz and 27.600 MHz.

For prldx's excellent list of WPAS/CADS 27 MHz Church Radio stations/broadcasts and logs, see this link:

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German, Czech and Hungarian "Auxiliary" channels 41-80

FM modulation only in Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary. Digital modes allowed on specified channels (26.675 MHz, 26.685 MHz, 26.915 MHz and 26.925 MHz) in Germany. Designated channels 41-80 (channels 1-40 are the US/CEPT standardized channels).

Australian 27 MHz Marine CB

AM mode. 4 watt carrier TX power limit. No limit on antenna size or gain. Same specifications as AM CB radio. Modern Australian "27 Meg" 27 MHz marine radio equipment usually includes regular US 40-channels in addition to the frequencies below. This sort of dual-use dual radio service equipment appears to be legal in Australia.

27.88 MHz (CH 88) and 27.86 MHz (CH 86) are monitored by coast stations for emergency/distress traffic. 27 MHz marine equipment - often referred to as 27 Megs or 27 Meg radios in Australia - still remain popular for recreational boaters due to licensing and registration requirements to operate on the standard VHF marine band. Many vessels are equipped with dedicated HF-SSB equipment, a stand-alone 27MHz marine radio, and VHF marine equipment, with the 27 MHz gear being used for backup or supplementary purposes. It is due to favorable propagation characteristics over open water that low power 26-30 MHz marine systems remain popular. See the other sections of this article for information regarding 11 meter marine radio bands in other countries.

27 MHz marine gear sold in Australia is often "dual-use" equipment with the capability to be converted to the 29 MHz South African CB frequencies, several of which are used as a supplementary 29 MHz marine band in South Africa. Common 27 Meg marine radio gear includes 27 MHz marine channels 68, 72, 82, 86, 88, 90, 91, 94, 96 and 98 and provisions for "private" channels (generally designated as "P1", "P2", etc). If used, these private frequencies are generally programmed as channels in-between the 27 MHz marine frequencies (for example, 27.700 MHz, or a frequency between the 27.720 MHz and 27.820 MHz gap, etc). However, this is rare and most users do not have issues with finding a clear frequency.

New Zealand "CBL" and "CBH" channels

AM and SSB modulation. The CBH channels are the same as the US channels, giving New Zealand a total of 80 HF CB channels. Often referred to as "AM CB" to avoid confusion with the 80 channel 476-477 MHz "FM CB" or UHF CB allocation also in use in New Zealand (although its referred to as the Personal Radio Service or PRS technically...its known commonly as FM CB or UHF CB. 26 MHz channel 11 (26.450 MHz and 26 MHz AM CB channel 15 (26.500 MHz) are used for calling.

Note that the New Zealand 26MHz AM CB follows the same channel plan as the FCC CB channel plan (including skipped channels and the odd order of frequencies for channels 23, 24 and 25). Mid band (FCC, US, CEPT) CB band -635 kHz or -0.635 MHz. This was done to make it easier for CB radio manufacturers to convert 27 MHz CB radios to the 26 MHz NZ CB band.

Russian CB Channel Frequencies

Legally speaking, Russia as two sets of 120 channels for a total of 240 channels. In most multi-norm radio, this is the "export mode" or "RU" mode. Unlike most countries, Russia has 5 kHz channel steps. Frequency coverage is 26.510 MHz to 27.860 MHz (26.515 MHz to 27.855 MHz or 27.865 MHz) Like most other countries, 24-30 MHz is filled with CB and CB-like traffic. Russian taxi cab dispatchers are heard all over Europe in 12 meters through 10 meters during band openings. Even with 240 legally available channels, Russian CB activity is often heard in the lower 26 MHz band, the 25 MHz band and within the 10 meter amateur band.

AM and FM modulation. SSB used on some frequencies but not allowed. Channels are referred using an alphanumeric designation that provides the band, channel number, and "raster" (last digit of frequency, 5 or 0) plus the mode. Most radios used in Russia use the band letter + channel number format to display channels, and/or include a frequency display due to the complexity of the system. The "E" channels are more commonly used in Russia compared to the older-generation "R" channels (original Russian/Polish/Eastern European CB channel plan).

Common band designations:

• B band: 26.515-26.955 MHz (E raster) 26.510-26.950 MHz (R raster) 40 channels 5 kHz offset + 40 channels 0 kHz offset (C band in the West, low channels)
• C band: 26.965-27.405 MHz (E raster) 26.960-27.400 MHz (R raster) 40 channels 5 kHz offset + 40 channels 0 kHz offset (D band in the West - CB band, mid band or EURO CEPT band)
• D band: 27.415-27.855 MHz (E raster) 27.410-27.850 MHz (R raster) 40 channels 5 kHz offset + 40 channels 0 kHz offset (E band in the West, high channels)

+ channel number + mode (AM or FM, often written as "A" or "F")

For example, 27.185 MHz FM is designated

C19EF (band C, channel 19, E raster/channeling, FM mode)

Modern CB radios sold in Europe and Asia often include "RU" mode as a country setting. More often than not, this opens up the radio to 25.615 MHz to 30.105 MHz in 5/10 kHz steps AM/FM mode. Russia suffers from heavy interference on the 10 meter amateur radio band due to the high number of radios operating above and below the legal CB frequencies and nil enforcement on the behalf of Russian authorities. Therefore, the "Russia CB band" can be difficult to pin down as far as the actual frequencies, some sources now simply state "25 to 30 MHz"

Note: Compared to the table below, most export radios sold in the Americas and Western Europe have the CB band as Band D, not Band C. Therefore Channels B01-B40 would be C01-C40, channels C01-C40 would be channels D01-D40 and so on and so forth.

Japan CB Radio Frequencies

AM modulation only. 0.5 watt (500mw) power limit. Often included as part of the Japanese "DSB Fishery Radio Service" (27 MHz fishery radio system) that covers 26.760 MHz to 27.988 MHz in odd steps. Some fishery radio marine frequencies in-between CB channels. Illegal CB operations on the American/Australian frequencies is apparently common in Japan, despite the potential for interference with marine radio service allocations. These frequencies are often used in conjunction with the "standard" 10 kHz CB channeling for fishing, marine transport and other maritime purposes in Japan, Taiwan, China, and several other Asian countries. Japan's primary outband or freeband calling frequencies are 27.005 MHz in AM mode and 27.355 MHz / 27.385 MHz in LSB mode for SSB voice. All three of these frequencies interfere with the fishery radio services in Japan.

Japanese 27MHz Double Side Band DSB Marine Fishery Radio

1W-DSB FISHERY RADIO SERVICE JAPAN

26.760-27.988 MHz. 1 watt maximum carrier power, often overlaid with standard 10 kHz step "marine CB" channeling. See 0.5 watt Japanese CB frequencies above. Not designated channel numbers per Japanese law, referred to by frequency. Radios display frequency and often feature selective calling features. Similar services exist in other Asian countries, with varying frequency allocations. Radios sold in Taiwan covering 26.475-27.275 MHz, others covering 26.065-28.755 MHz, 24.265-29.655 MHz, the de facto standard export 25.615-30.105 MHz or other obvious "overlays" from the standard CB channels. Radios for the 1 watt DSB Fishery Radio Service are still sold as of 2017, despite issues the widespread proliferation of cheaper "export", "10 meter" and "marine CB" equipment. Ranger Communications (RCI) sells "Marine CB" equipment that covers 26.065-28.755 MHz out of the box. The 10 meter band is often plagued by fishery radio interference because of this.

Japanese 27MHz Single Side Band SSB Marine Fishery Radio

In addition to the 26 / 27 MHz double side band 1W-DSB (1 watt AM) fishery radio service available in Japan, a higher power SSB service exists in the same frequency band. J3E emission, 25 watt power limit (per Japanese regulation). Like the 1W DSB 27MHz marine service, many of these frequencies overlap with the traditional CB bands in use outside of Japan. Frequencies licensed to individual fisheries, just like the 1 watt DSB service, the MF/HF services, the standard VHF marine band, and other VHF/UHF bands only available in Japan.

Republic of Korea / South Korea Fishery Radio 27 MHz

South Korea allows use of the 26.965-27.405 MHz "Citizen Radio" allocation in addition to 27.400 MHz (27.402 MHz offset also allowed), 27.410 MHz, 27.420 MHz (27.422 MHz offset frequency also permitted) and 27.440 MHz for paging purposes.

South Africa (27 MHz CB)

AM and SSB (USB only). 9 channels, 27.185-27.275 MHz.

Editor's note (early 2019) - it appears that updated South African frequency allocations now show 26.96 MHz to 27.41 MHz as fixed mobile and CB radio service, possibly indicating that South Africa has changed from 9 channels (27.180 MHz to 27.280 MHz) to 40 channels (26.960 MHz to 27.410 MHz). Updated allocations still show 29.700 MHz to 30.000 MHz as allocated to the 29 MHz CB, 29 MHz marine band and civil defense/emergency response users, indicating that 29MHz CB is still in operation) This is unconfirmed, however.

South Africa (29 MHz CB)

AM on all channels. SSB only allowed on specified channels. 23 channels, 29.710 MHz - 29.985 MHz. Odd 12.5 kHz steps. Some channels have multiple designations depending on their intended use. Used by boating clubs, 4x4 groups, farmers, etc. South African 4x4 groups are starting to migrate to VHF/UHF services but a 29 MHz CB appears to still be required equipment for many of these clubs (much like a 27 MHz CB is required by Jeep and 4x4 clubs in the US and UK).

29 MHz CB marine usage in South Africa is analogous to 27 MHz marine CB usage in Australia. It remains in use by recreational boats, often in conjunction with VHF marine equipment on recreational and fishing boats. Only 3 channels are available for marine use under South African law, 29.935 MHz (29 MHz marine channel 1 or channel A), 29.7725 MHz (29 MHz marine channel 2 or channel B) and 29.9725 MHz (29 MHz marine channel 3 or channel C).

India 27 channel 27MHz CB

AM and FM modes allowed. 5 watt maximum transmit power, no limit on antenna gain. Unclear if SSB is permitted. 26.96-27.28 MHz. Several VHF and UHF services are allowed in India for two-way radio, making 26 MHz/27 MHz CB radio a bit of a niche. However, so-called multi-norm AM/FM CB radios are beginning to be shipped with the Indian band programmed in as one of the country modes the user may select.

Brazilian "high band" channels 41-80

AM and SSB allowed. Up to 25 watts output power. 27.415-27.855 MHz high band or "uppers". Channels 1-40 are the same as the US FCC/CEPT channels. The frequencies 27.445 MHz, 27.495 MHz, 27.545 MHz, 27.595 MHz and 27.645 MHz are skipped in this channel plan. They are, however, still heavily used in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America.

27 MHz 11 meter band CB Repeaters

25-30 MHz simplex echo parrot CB repeaters, mostly operating in the 26 MHz and 27 MHz CB bands (Russian bands). Commonly referred to as "parrots" or "echo repeaters" these are simplex repeaters (store-and-forward). Due the easy availability and low prices of these devices, 11-meter repeaters are becoming more and more popular, especially in parts of the world where FM mode is allowed/used in addition to AM/SSB. Russia is the heaviest user of CB repeaters, due to its large size, heavy reliance on CB for the taxi, delivery, trucking and roadside assistance industries.

All listed repeaters operate in FM mode. The vast majority are carrier squelch, however some require a CTCSS tone (usually 77.0Hz or 88.5Hz) to open the repeater and/or access cross-band links. If any CTCSS/PL tone is known, it is included with the repeater listing.

CB Repeater Networks Crossband Link to VHF/UHF Systems and Internet Services

Several of these repeaters operate as part of larger "networks" or "systems" linked together via the Internet or VHF / UHF Radio services such as PMR446, LPD433, FRS, GMRS, MURS or other country-specific systems. It appears that the most popular crossband links are in the 433.075-434.775 MHz LPD433 service in Russia and the 446.0-446.2 MHz PMR446 service elsewhere in Europe In the Americas, both the UHF FRS and GMRS services and the VHF MURS services have been used to link CB repeaters.

Cross band repeat and links sometimes operate on unlicensed frequencies and/or operate with higher-than-legal power levels within legal frequencies. For example, maximum power output on LPD433 is 10mW, however several Russian 27 MHz repeaters are using modified high power amateur radios on the LPD433 frequencies as part of their linking system. Other linking systems used modified 43 MHz Italian "VHF CB" equipment such as the Alan HM43, Intek/Dragon SY-5430 which is popular in Russia and the CIS nations for its capability to be easily modified to cover 42.3000 MHz to 45.0875 MHz at 25w output power.

CB Repeater Listing

Three repeaters on this list are true split-frequency duplex systems:

Due to the nature of these simplex repeaters being hobbyist owned/operated, this list is likely, and is likely to remain, incomplete. the repeaters listed below may switch frequencies or temporarily go off the air please update this list with any new information regarding frequencies, transmit location or transmit power for entries missing this information.

Below is a list of confirmed [as of March 2019] CB repeaters and their location (if known).

CB Radio 10 Meter Radio Export Radio Images Gallery

The Uniden PRO 520XL is a common basic 40 channel AM-only CB mobile CB radio. Its small size and good performance makes it popular with Jeep and 4x4 or SUV owners and others looking for a rugged simple no-frills CB radio that offers reasonable price point and reliability in various different conditions.

Team MX-10, a typical multi-norm European AM/FM CB radio. The display shows German 80 channel CB channel 80 - 26.955 MHz, indicating the radio is in German or DE country mode (26.565 MHz to 27.405 MHz). Like many multi-norm radios, the MX-10 can be programmed for "RU" or Russian band plan, which is both 25.610 MHz to 30.110 MHz and 25.615 to 30.105 MHz

Galaxy DX 959, a typical AM/SSB "American style" CB radio, easily modifiable to cover 26.695 MHz to 27.965 MHz without any additional boards, or the 120 channel lower/mid/upper freeband plan 26.515 to 27.855 MHz with easy-to-install channel frequency expansion boards. Like many higher-end CB radios and 10-meter or export radios, the Galaxy series of radios are manufactured by Ranger Communications Inc. or RCI.

Three different versions of the Anytone AT-5555, a 25.615-30.105 MHz all mode "10 meter radio" or "export radio"

GME GX294 an Australian spec 27MHz "Marine CB" radio 27.68-27.98 MHz

Connex Coyote Hunter AM/FM 25.615-27.405 MHz hunting radio 4 bands (A/B/C/D) of 40 channels each for a total of 160 channels (D band being CB band) This radio provides access to the lower 3 bands (25.615-26.055 MHz, 26.065-26.515 MHz, 26.515-26.955 MHz in addition to the 26.965-27.405 MHz CB band

Connex Deer Hunter AM/FM 26.065-27.405 MHz hunting radio 3 bands (B/C/D) of 40 channels for a total of 120 channels (D band being CB band), like the Connex Coyote Hunter, this radio is tailored for use on the lower frequency bands popular with hunters, it provides access to the 26.065-26.505 MHz low-low band, the 26.515-26.955 MHz low band in addition to the 26.956-27.405 MHz CB band or "D" band

The famous Superstar 3900 - 25.615-28.305 MHz multi-mode (also known as the CRT SS3900, Superstar 3900EFT (with frequency counter), Superstar 3900F (with frequency counter), Super Jopix 2000 (with frequency counter), Voyage VR9000 (with frequency counter), Voyager VR94, Voyager VR-9000, Voyager VR-9090, Galaxy DX73, Galaxy DX77, Pearce-Simpson Super Cheetah, Ranger/RCI RCI-3900HP, Euro 3900, Euro-CB 3900, Superstar 9000, and dozens of other names. These radios use the famous EPT3600 series main board or chassis. The original Superstar 3900 used the EPT3600-11B version, while later versions used updated iterations of the 3600 chassis. The EPT3600 board is itself a clone of the Cobra 148GTL-DX 120 channel AM/FM/SSB/CW export radio. The EPT-3600 board is used as the basic PCB for dozens of other models of exports, including the Galaxy DX-series 10 meter and CB radios, among others.

Black face version of the Superstar 3900 series 10 meter export CB radio - frequency coverage 25.615 MHz to 28.305 MHz in 6 bands. Built by Ranger/RCI using the same EPT3600 main board as the regular Superstar 3900 series 11 meter rigs. Image courtesy of SWIZZRADIOS on Youtube

Further Reading and References

[2] CEPT European harmonization for CB equipment also called PR27 angle-modulated (FM) double side band (AM) or SSB stations operating in the 26.960 MHz to 27.410 MHz band European FM band and the 26.560 MHz to 27.410 MHz, 26.510 MHz to 27.410 MHz and 26.860 MHz to 27.410 MHz bands in certain countries with 10 kHz steps - exception for frequencies 26.995 MHz, 27.045 MHz, 27.095 MHz, 27.145 MHz and 27.195 MHz, which are also European standardized RC frequencies.

[3] CB frequency list - European channel usage (cached)

[4] Ofcom Citizens' Band (CB) radio spectrum use - information and operation - general information on the 80 UK CB channels available 26.96 MHz - 27.41 MHz band (26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz European CEPT harmonized AM FM SSB CB band) and 27.59625 MHz - 27.99625 MHz band (27.60125 MHz - 27.99125 MHz UK FM band)

[5] United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 95 - Personal Radio Services - including the CB Radio Service (CBRS) - aka Citizen's Band Radio Service 26.965 to 27.405 MHz AM/SSB FCC Rules Subpart D 47 CFR 95.401 through 47 CFR 95.673

[6] RF-MAN's CB radio history and information page - lots of great information on the history of CB in the USA, history of UK CB, relation to ham radio and FRS/GMRS, PMR446, etc.

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