CB

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(US "FCC" "CEPT" or "mid band" CB Frequencies)
(US "FCC" "CEPT" or "mid band" CB Frequencies)
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|Channel 14
|Channel 14
|27.125 MHz
|27.125 MHz
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|Crystal controlled handheld CBs often included channel 14 as their only channel
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|Crystal controlled handheld CBs often included channel 14 as their only channel, also used by RV clubs (see also: channel 10)
|-
|-
|Channel 15
|Channel 15

Revision as of 19:09, 14 June 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"

See the HFUnderground CB 11 meter and 10 meter forum here:

[1]

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, and low power to medium power R/C (radio control, remote control) purpose, 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.

Contents

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, general tactical radios in jeeps, trucks, for landing craft communications and as datalink radios for portable instrument landing systems. These lower power radios (power output in the 5-15 watt range) provided CB-like communications capability and operated on the same frequency ranges as the tank radio sets and artillery radio sets.

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 frequency agility. Many radio installations included one transmitter and two receivers, to allow a tank commander to listen to two radio nets and transmit on one.

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 24.715 MHz - 30.105 MHz (new Chinese export CB radio coverage for 12 meter band, 10 meter band and 11 meter band full coverage, also appearing on modern [2019] President export radios as the export/12m-10m coverage option), 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
  • 27.415-27.855 MHz - Band E - "high band" or "uppers", mixture of SSB, AM and FM (FM rarely used in North or South America)
  • 27.410 MHz LSB - Often used for SSB in the USA, can suffer from interference or QRM from AM stations on 27.405 MHz (CB channel 40)
  • 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:

Frequency Range MHz Frequency Range kHz Remarks
24.990 MHz to 25.010 MHz 24990 kHz to 25010 kHz Time and Frequency Standard Stations - WWV on 25.000 MHz 25MHz 25000 kHz operates here
25.020 MHz to 25.320 MHz 25020 kHz to 25320 kHz Business/Industrial Radio Service (FM mode, shared with 25070-25121 kHz marine HF SSB)
25.070 MHz to 25.121 MHz 25070 kHz to 25121 kHz HF-SSB marine (maritime mobile radio service, 3 kHz steps) - shared with 25020-25320 kHz
25.330 MHz to 25.550 MHz 25330 kHz to 25550 kHz Government and Military Fixed/Mobile
25.550 MHz to 25.670 MHz 25550 kHz to 25670 kHz Radio Astronomy and is supposed to be clear of stations
25.600 MHz to 26.100 MHz 25600 kHz to 26100 kHz 11 meter shortwave broadcast band SWBC or HFBC band. Rarely used. Some DRM tests done here.
26.145 MHz to 26.175 MHz 26145 kHz to 26175 kHz HF-SSB marine (maritime mobile radio service, 3 kHz steps)
25.870 MHz to 26.470 MHz 25870 kHz to 26470 kHz Remote Broadcast Pickup (Studio Transmitter Link or STL) service (overlaps with 11 meter broadcast band and HF marine)
26.480 MHz to 26.950 MHz 26480 kHz to 26950 kHz Government and Military Fixed/Mobile
26.950 MHz to 26.960 MHz 26950 kHz to 26960 kHz Internationally allocated fixed service (center frequency: 26.955 MHz 26955 kHz, often used for data links)
26.957 MHz to 27.283 MHz 26957 kHz to 27283 kHz ISM Band (27.120 MHz +/- 163 kHz)
26.960 MHz to 27.280 MHz 26960 kHz to 27280 kHz Part 15 devices (see also: ISM devices and remote control or data link systems using higher power)
26.960 MHz to 27.410 MHz 26960 kHz to 27410 kHz Citizen's Band Radio Service - US CB Radio FCC allocation 40 channels + 5 R/C data channels 10 kHz steps
27.430 MHz to 27.530 MHz 27430 kHz to 27530 kHz Business/Industrial Radio Service (20 kHz steps, FM mode)
27.540 MHz to 28.000 MHz 27540 kHz to 28000 kHz Government and Fixed/Mobile
28.000 MHz to 29.700 MHz 28000 kHz to 29700 kHz Amateur Radio Ham Radio 10 Meter Band
29.710 MHz to 29.790 MHz 29710 kHz to 29790 kHz Business/Industrial Radio Service (20 kHz steps, FM mode)
29.800 MHz to 30.550 MHz 29800 kHz to 30550 kHz Government and Military Fixed/Mobile

A search of the FCC database reveals the following:

Frequency Remarks
29.790 MHz 4 active licenses, including one repeater system belonging to Van Pool Transportation (WQMA652)
29.770 MHz 4 active licenses, including one repeater system and one high power car service dispatch system in New York City
29.750 MHz 4 active licenses, including two repeater systems and one high power school bus dispatch system
29.730 MHz 1 active license (WQQX896)
29.710 MHz 6 active licenses, including a 1000w repeater system and several high power forestry systems
27.860 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.765 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.655 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.635 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.615 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.555 MHz 0 active licenses, no previous (expired, canceled, etc) licenses found
27.530 MHz 3 active licenses, all less than 5 watts power output
27.510 MHz 2 active licenses, all less than 5 watts power output
27.490 MHz 63 active licenses, high power is authorized on this frequency (itinerant use per FCC Part 90)
27.470 MHz 5 active licenses
27.450 MHz 5 active licenses, high power is authorized on this frequency
27.430 MHz 5 active licenses, high power is authorized on this frequency
25.870 - 26.470 MHz Hundreds of Remote Broadcast Pickup licenses, often only used for short periods
25.990 MHz 3 active licenses, including WBAP-AM's STL on 25.99 MHz WQGY434 transmitting 300 watts
25.950 MHz 5 active licenses
25.910 MHz 3 active licenses, including WBAP-AM's STL on 25.91 MHz WQGY434 transmitting 300 watts
25.320 MHz 1 active license (WQVJ608)
25.300 MHz 2 active licenses, KA6935 and WPTN464
25.280 MHz 1 active license (WQVJ608)
25.260 MHz 1 active license (SHELL COMMUNICATIONS, INC callsign: KA6935)
25.240 MHz 1 active license (WQVJ608, also licensed for 25.28 MHz, 25.32 MHz, 27.45 MHz, 27.47 MHz)
25.220 MHz 1 active license (SHELL COMMUNICATIONS, INC callsign: KA6935) also 25.26, 25.30
25.200 MHz 0 active licenses
25.180 MHz 4 active oil company licenses, 1 marine HF-SSB shore station license (WPTM574)
25.160 MHz 0 active licenses
25.140 MHz 4 active licenses, all oil companies, all for mobile operations only
25.120 MHz 0 active licenses
25.100 MHz 5 active licenses, oil companies and spill response companies (base stations and mobiles)
25.080 MHz Same licenses as 25.040 MHz / 25040 kHz
25.060 MHz 5 active licenses, all oil companies, all for mobile operations only
25.040 MHz 4 active licenses, including Marine Spill Response Corp WNYA617
25.020 MHz 5 active licenses, all oil companies, all for mobile operations only

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. Most communications heard on CB radio are in AM mode. Yes, truckers (and lots of other people) still use CB radio in 2019. These are the de facto standard CB channel frequencies. Depending on where you're located they're the American CB radio channels, 27 MHz CB channels, the mid band channels, the CEPT channels or the European/EU channels.

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. SSB activity is generally found above channel 30 or 35 (depending on local needs). LSB is generally used for English-speaking stations. SSB operators will sometimes use the "in-between" channels around channel 38 27.385 MHz - 27.370 MHz (between channels 36 and 37), 27.380 MHz (between channels 37 and 38), 27.390 MHz (between channels 38 and 39), 27.400 MHz (between channels 39 and 40) and 27.410 MHz (5 kHz above CB channel 40).

CB Channel Frequency Remarks
Channel 1 26.965 MHz in the Americas frequencies below CB channel 1 are considered "lowers" by freeband CBers and are generally used for AM mode (with some exceptions)
Channel 2 26.975 MHz
Channel 3 26.985 MHz AmRRON CH3 Project Prepper and militia frequency (also FRS/MURS channel 3 - every 15 minutes for 3 minutes the 3-3-3 communication rule)
Channel 4 27.005 MHz 4x4 and off-roader common channel, Latin American trucker channel
Channel 5 27.015 MHz
Channel 6 27.025 MHz "The Superbowl" - High powered stations often use this as their home channel or calling channel
Channel 7 27.035 MHz
Channel 8 27.055 MHz
Channel 9 27.065 MHz Originally the CB emergency channel, now used as a calling channel in Latin America (you'll have better luck on channel 19 in an emergency)
Channel 10 27.075 MHz Original road/truck channel, moved to ch. 19 when CB was still 23 channels and required a license
Channel 11 27.085 MHz Calling channel, originally from the 23 channel CB days
Channel 12 27.105 MHz
Channel 13 27.115 MHz
Channel 14 27.125 MHz Crystal controlled handheld CBs often included channel 14 as their only channel, also used by RV clubs (see also: channel 10)
Channel 15 27.135 MHz
Channel 16 27.155 MHz 4x4 and off-roader common channel (4x4 = 16)
Channel 17 27.165 MHz Trucker/road channel (only in some areas - secondary to channel 19 or 27.185 MHz)
Channel 18 27.175 MHz
Channel 19 27.185 MHz Trucker channel or road channel, center frequency of the 26.965-27.405 MHz CB band
Channel 20 27.205 MHz While 27.185 MHz is the middle of the band, CB ch.20 is often used for radio testing to avoid causing interference on channel 19
Channel 21 27.215 MHz Trucker/road channel (only in some areas - secondary to channel 19 or 27.185 MHz)
Channel 22 27.225 MHz
Channel 23 27.255 MHz Shared with high power data link and R/C systems
Channel 24 27.235 MHz Used for ROS and other digital modes in some parts of Europe
Channel 25 27.245 MHz Used for ROS and other digital modes in some parts of Europe
Channel 26 27.265 MHz Often used by high power stations for AM DX (supplementary to channels 6 and 11)
Channel 27 27.275 MHz
Channel 28 27.285 MHz Often used by high power stations for AM DX (supplementary to channels 6 and 11)
Channel 29 27.295 MHz
Channel 30 27.305 MHz Depending on local needs, frequencies above channels 30 or 35 may be used for SSB only, and/or for local AM nets
Channel 31 27.315 MHz Calling channel (FM mode) in Europe
Channel 32 27.325 MHz
Channel 33 27.335 MHz
Channel 34 27.345 MHz
Channel 35 27.355 MHz
Channel 36 27.365 MHz
Channel 37 27.375 MHz Secondary or backup SSB calling/working channel LSB mode (secondary to 27.385 MHz LSB)
Channel 38 27.385 MHz SSB calling channel, LSB mode (27.385 LSB)
Channel 39 27.395 MHz Secondary or backup SSB calling/working channel LSB mode (secondary to 27.385 MHz LSB)
Channel 40 27.405 MHz in the Americas frequencies above CB channel 40 are considered "uppers" by freeband CBers and are generally used for SSB (with some exceptions)

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 with 5 kHz deviation is the only mode allowed on 27.60125-27.99125 MHz - straight 10 kHz channel steps, no gaps or odd sequence like the mid band 40 channel CB band. 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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 1 27.60125 MHz
Channel 2 27.61125 MHz
Channel 3 27.62125 MHz
Channel 4 27.63125 MHz
Channel 5 27.64125 MHz
Channel 6 27.65125 MHz
Channel 7 27.66125 MHz
Channel 8 27.67125 MHz
Channel 9 27.68125 MHz
Channel 10 27.69125 MHz
Channel 11 27.70125 MHz
Channel 12 27.71125 MHz
Channel 13 27.72125 MHz
Channel 14 27.73125 MHz
Channel 15 27.74125 MHz
Channel 16 27.75125 MHz
Channel 17 27.76125 MHz
Channel 18 27.77125 MHz
Channel 19 27.78125 MHz
Channel 20 27.79125 MHz
Channel 21 27.80125 MHz
Channel 22 27.81125 MHz
Channel 23 27.82125 MHz
Channel 24 27.83125 MHz
Channel 25 27.84125 MHz
Channel 26 27.85125 MHz
Channel 27 27.86125 MHz
Channel 28 27.87125 MHz
Channel 29 27.88125 MHz
Channel 30 27.89125 MHz
Channel 31 27.90125 MHz
Channel 32 27.91125 MHz
Channel 33 27.92125 MHz
Channel 34 27.93125 MHz
Channel 35 27.94125 MHz
Channel 36 27.95125 MHz
Channel 37 27.96125 MHz
Channel 38 27.97125 MHz
Channel 39 27.98125 MHz
Channel 40 27.99125 MHz

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:

[2]

WPAS Channel Frequency MHz Frequency kHz
Channel LW01 27.60125 MHz 27601.25 kHz
Channel LW02 27.61125 MHz 27611.25 kHz
Channel LW03 27.62125 MHz 27621.25 kHz
Channel LW04 27.63125 MHz 27631.25 kHz
Channel LW05 27.64125 MHz 27641.25 kHz
Channel LW06 27.65125 MHz 27651.25 kHz
Channel LW07 27.66125 MHz 27661.25 kHz
Channel LW08 27.67125 MHz 27671.25 kHz
Channel LW09 27.68125 MHz 27681.25 kHz
Channel LW10 27.69125 MHz 27691.25 kHz
Channel LW11 27.70125 MHz 27701.25 kHz
Channel LW12 27.71125 MHz 27711.25 kHz
Channel LW13 27.72125 MHz 27721.25 kHz
Channel LW14 27.73125 MHz 27731.25 kHz
Channel LW15 27.74125 MHz 27741.25 kHz
Channel LW16 27.75125 MHz 27751.25 kHz
Channel LW17 27.76125 MHz 27761.25 kHz
Channel LW18 27.77125 MHz 27771.25 kHz
Channel LW19 27.78125 MHz 27781.25 kHz
Channel LW20 27.79125 MHz 27791.25 kHz
Channel LW21 27.80125 MHz 27801.25 kHz
Channel LW22 27.81125 MHz 27811.25 kHz
Channel LW23 27.82125 MHz 27821.25 kHz
Channel LW24 27.83125 MHz 27831.25 kHz
Channel LW25 27.84125 MHz 27841.25 kHz
Channel LW26 27.85125 MHz 27851.25 kHz
Channel LW27 27.86125 MHz 27861.25 kHz
Channel LW28 27.87125 MHz 27871.25 kHz
Channel LW29 27.88125 MHz 27881.25 kHz
Channel LW30 27.89125 MHz 27891.25 kHz
Channel LW31 27.90125 MHz 27901.25 kHz
Channel LW32 27.91125 MHz 27911.25 kHz
Channel LW33 27.92125 MHz 27921.25 kHz
Channel LW34 27.93125 MHz 27931.25 kHz
Channel LW35 27.94125 MHz 27941.25 kHz
Channel LW36 27.95125 MHz 27951.25 kHz
Channel LW37 27.96125 MHz 27961.25 kHz
Channel LW38 27.97125 MHz 27971.25 kHz
Channel LW39 27.98125 MHz 27981.25 kHz
Channel LW40 27.99125 MHz 27991.25 kHz
Channel UW01 27.605 MHz 27605 kHz
Channel UW02 27.615 MHz 27615 kHz
Channel UW03 27.625 MHz 27625 kHz
Channel UW04 27.635 MHz 27635 kHz
Channel UW05 27.645 MHz 27645 kHz
Channel UW06 27.655 MHz 27655 kHz
Channel UW07 27.665 MHz 27665 kHz
Channel UW08 27.675 MHz 27675 kHz
Channel UW09 27.685 MHz 27685 kHz
Channel UW10 27.695 MHz 27695 kHz
Channel UW11 27.705 MHz 27705 kHz
Channel UW12 27.715 MHz 27715 kHz
Channel UW13 27.725 MHz 27725 kHz
Channel UW14 27.735 MHz 27735 kHz
Channel UW15 27.745 MHz 27745 kHz
Channel UW16 27.755 MHz 27755 kHz
Channel UW17 27.765 MHz 27765 kHz
Channel UW18 27.775 MHz 27775 kHz
Channel UW19 27.785 MHz 27785 kHz
Channel UW20 27.795 MHz 27795 kHz
Channel UW21 27.805 MHz 27805 kHz
Channel UW22 27.815 MHz 27815 kHz
Channel UW23 27.825 MHz 27825 kHz
Channel UW24 27.835 MHz 27835 kHz
Channel UW25 27.845 MHz 27845 kHz
Channel UW26 27.855 MHz 27855 kHz
Channel UW27 27.865 MHz 27865 kHz
Channel UW28 27.875 MHz 27875 kHz
Channel UW29 27.885 MHz 27885 kHz
Channel UW30 27.895 MHz 27895 kHz
Channel UW31 27.905 MHz 27905 kHz
Channel UW32 27.915 MHz 27915 kHz
Channel UW33 27.925 MHz 27925 kHz
Channel UW34 27.935 MHz 27935 kHz
Channel UW35 27.945 MHz 27945 kHz
Channel UW36 27.955 MHz 27955 kHz
Channel UW37 27.965 MHz 27965 kHz
Channel UW38 27.975 MHz 27975 kHz
Channel UW39 27.985 MHz 27985 kHz
Channel UW40 27.995 MHz 27995 kHz

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).

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 41 26.565 MHz
Channel 42 26.575 MHz
Channel 43 26.585 MHz
Channel 44 26.595 MHz
Channel 45 26.605 MHz
Channel 46 26.615 MHz
Channel 47 26.625 MHz
Channel 48 26.635 MHz
Channel 49 26.645 MHz
Channel 50 26.655 MHz
Channel 51 26.665 MHz
Channel 52 26.675 MHz
Channel 53 26.685 MHz
Channel 54 26.695 MHz
Channel 55 26.705 MHz
Channel 56 26.715 MHz
Channel 57 26.725 MHz
Channel 58 26.735 MHz
Channel 59 26.745 MHz
Channel 60 26.755 MHz
Channel 61 26.765 MHz
Channel 62 26.775 MHz
Channel 63 26.785 MHz
Channel 64 26.795 MHz
Channel 65 26.805 MHz
Channel 66 26.815 MHz
Channel 67 26.825 MHz
Channel 68 26.835 MHz
Channel 69 26.845 MHz
Channel 70 26.855 MHz
Channel 71 26.865 MHz
Channel 72 26.875 MHz
Channel 73 26.885 MHz
Channel 74 26.895 MHz
Channel 75 26.905 MHz
Channel 76 26.915 MHz
Channel 77 26.925 MHz
Channel 78 26.935 MHz
Channel 79 26.945 MHz
Channel 80 26.955 MHz

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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 68 27.680 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing
Channel 72 27.720 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing
Channel 82 27.820 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing
Channel 86 27.860 MHz Supplementary Distress/Safety/Calling
Channel 88 27.880 MHz Distress/Safety/Calling
Channel 90 27.900 MHz Non-commercial Boats
Channel 91 27.910 MHz Non-commercial Boats
Channel 94 27.940 MHz Non-commercial Boats, Yacht clubs
Channel 96 27.960 MHz Non-commercial Boats
Channel 98 27.980 MHz Rescue calling/working (supplementary to 27.880 and 27.860 MHz)

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.

26 MHz AM Public Channels:

  • Channels 1 to 17 and 25 to 40 are for AM and SSB communications (26.330 MHz to 26.530 MHz and 26.610 MHz to 26.770 MHz)
  • Channels 18 to 24 are for AM only (26.540 MHz to 26.600 MHz)
  • Channel 11 is for trucking/road users (26.450 MHz AM)
  • Channel 15 is the designated AM calling channel (26.500 MHz AM)
  • Channel 35 is the designated SSB calling channel in LSB (26.720 MHz LSB mode)

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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 1 26.330 MHz
Channel 2 26.340 MHz
Channel 3 26.350 MHz
Channel 4 26.370 MHz
Channel 5 26.380 MHz
Channel 6 26.390 MHz
Channel 7 26.400 MHz
Channel 8 26.420 MHz
Channel 9 26.430 MHz
Channel 10 26.440 MHz
Channel 11 26.450 MHz
Channel 12 26.470 MHz
Channel 13 26.480 MHz
Channel 14 26.490 MHz
Channel 15 26.500 MHz
Channel 16 26.520 MHz
Channel 17 26.530 MHz
Channel 18 26.540 MHz
Channel 19 26.550 MHz
Channel 20 26.570 MHz
Channel 21 26.580 MHz
Channel 22 26.590 MHz
Channel 23 26.620 MHz
Channel 24 26.600 MHz
Channel 25 26.610 MHz
Channel 26 26.630 MHz
Channel 27 26.640 MHz
Channel 28 26.650 MHz
Channel 29 26.660 MHz
Channel 30 26.670 MHz
Channel 31 26.680 MHz
Channel 32 26.690 MHz
Channel 33 26.700 MHz
Channel 34 26.710 MHz
Channel 35 26.720 MHz
Channel 36 26.730 MHz
Channel 37 26.740 MHz
Channel 38 26.750 MHz
Channel 39 26.760 MHz
Channel 40 26.770 MHz

Russian CB Channel Frequencies

Legally speaking, Russia as two sets of 120 channels for a total of 240 channels. In most multi-norm radios, this is the "export mode" or "RU" mode. Some radios allow for more channels, starting at 25.615 MHz/25.610 MHz or 26.065 MHz/26.060 MHz 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,

  • 26.670 MHz FM is designated B14R or B14RF/B14R FM (band B, channel 14, R raster/channeling or the "zeros", FM mode)
  • 27.185 MHz AM is designated C19E or C19EA/B19E AM (band C, channel 19, E raster/channeling or the "fives", AM mode)

Many CB radios used in Russia include a frequency display as the use of multiple channel raster plans can be confusing. Since FM is by far the more commonly used mode for local communications, the mode portion of the alphanumeric channel name is often omitted.

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.

Channel "zeros" (R) channel "fives" (E) channel
Channel B01 26.510 MHz 26.515 MHz
Channel B02 26.520 MHz 26.525 MHz
Channel B03 26.530 MHz 26.535 MHz
Channel B03A 26.540 MHz 26.545 MHz
Channel B04 26.550 MHz 26.555 MHz
Channel B05 26.560 MHz 26.565 MHz
Channel B06 26.570 MHz 26.575 MHz
Channel B07 26.580 MHz 26.585 MHz
Channel B07A 26.590 MHz 26.595 MHz
Channel B08 26.600 MHz 26.625 MHz
Channel B09 26.610 MHz 26.615 MHz
Channel B10 26.620 MHz 26.625 MHz
Channel B11 26.630 MHz 26.635 MHz
Channel B11A 26.640 MHz 26.645 MHz
Channel B12 26.650 MHz 26.655 MHz
Channel B13 26.660 MHz 26.655 MHz
Channel B14 26.670 MHz 26.675 MHz
Channel B15 26.680 MHz 26.685 MHz
Channel B15A 26.690 MHz 26.695 MHz
Channel B16 26.700 MHz 26.705 MHz
Channel B17 26.710 MHz 26.715 MHz
Channel B18 26.720 MHz 26.725 MHz
Channel B19 26.730 MHz 26.735 MHz
Channel B19A 26.740 MHz 26.745 MHz
Channel B20 26.750 MHz 26.755 MHz
Channel B21 26.760 MHz 26.765 MHz
Channel B22 26.770 MHz 26.775 MHz
Channel B23 26.800 MHz 26.805 MHz
Channel B24 26.780 MHz 26.785 MHz
Channel B25 26.790 MHz 26.795 MHz
Channel B26 26.810 MHz 26.815 MHz
Channel B27 26.820 MHz 26.825 MHz
Channel B28 26.830 MHz 26.835 MHz
Channel B29 26.840 MHz 26.845 MHz
Channel B30 26.850 MHz 26.855 MHz
Channel B31 26.860 MHz 26.865 MHz
Channel B32 26.870 MHz 26.875 MHz
Channel B33 26.880 MHz 26.885 MHz
Channel B34 26.890 MHz 26.895 MHz
Channel B35 26.900 MHz 26.905 MHz
Channel B36 26.910 MHz 26.915 MHz
Channel B37 26.920 MHz 26.925 MHz
Channel B38 26.930 MHz 26.935 MHz
Channel B39 26.940 MHz 26.945 MHz
Channel B40 26.950 MHz 26.955 MHz
Channel C01 26.960 MHz 26.965 MHz
Channel C02 26.970 MHz 26.975 MHz
Channel C03 26.980 MHz 26.985 MHz
Channel C03A 26.990 MHz 26.995 MHz
Channel C04 27.000 MHz 27.005 MHz
Channel C05 27.010 MHz 27.015 MHz
Channel C06 27.020 MHz 27.025 MHz
Channel C07 27.030 MHz 27.035 MHz
Channel C07A 27.040 MHz 27.045 MHz
Channel C08 27.050 MHz 27.055 MHz
Channel C09 27.060 MHz 27.065 MHz
Channel C10 27.070 MHz 27.075 MHz
Channel C11 27.080 MHz 27.085 MHz
Channel C11A 27.090 MHz 27.095 MHz
Channel C12 27.100 MHz 27.105 MHz
Channel C13 27.110 MHz 27.115 MHz
Channel C14 27.120 MHz 27.125 MHz
Channel C15 27.130 MHz 27.135 MHz
Channel C15A 27.140 MHz 27.145 MHz
Channel C16 27.150 MHz 27.155 MHz
Channel C17 27.160 MHz 27.165 MHz
Channel C18 27.170 MHz 27.175 MHz
Channel C19 27.180 MHz 27.185 MHz
Channel C19A 27.190 MHz 27.195 MHz
Channel C20 27.200 MHz 27.205 MHz
Channel C21 27.210 MHz 27.215 MHz
Channel C22 27.220 MHz 27.225 MHz
Channel C23 27.250 MHz 27.255 MHz
Channel C24 27.230 MHz 27.235 MHz
Channel C25 27.240 MHz 27.245 MHz
Channel C26 27.260 MHz 27.265 MHz
Channel C27 27.270 MHz 27.275 MHz
Channel C28 27.280 MHz 27.285 MHz
Channel C29 27.290 MHz 27.295 MHz
Channel C30 27.300 MHz 27.305 MHz
Channel C31 27.310 MHz 27.315 MHz
Channel C32 27.320 MHz 27.325 MHz
Channel C33 27.330 MHz 27.335 MHz
Channel C34 27.340 MHz 27.345 MHz
Channel C35 27.350 MHz 27.355 MHz
Channel C36 27.360 MHz 27.365 MHz
Channel C37 27.370 MHz 27.375 MHz
Channel C38 27.380 MHz 27.385 MHz
Channel C39 27.390 MHz 27.395 MHz
Channel C40 27.400 MHz 27.405 MHz
Channel D01 27.410 MHz 27.415 MHz
Channel D02 27.420 MHz 27.425 MHz
Channel D03 27.430 MHz 27.435 MHz
Channel D03A 27.440 MHz 27.445 MHz
Channel D04 27.450 MHz 27.455 MHz
Channel D05 27.460 MHz 27.465 MHz
Channel D06 27.470 MHz 27.475 MHz
Channel D07 27.480 MHz 27.485 MHz
Channel D07A 27.490 MHz 27.495 MHz
Channel D08 27.500 MHz 27.505 MHz
Channel D09 27.510 MHz 27.515 MHz
Channel D10 27.520 MHz 27.525 MHz
Channel D11 27.530 MHz 27.535 MHz
Channel D11A 27.540 MHz 27.545 MHz
Channel D12 27.550 MHz 27.555 MHz
Channel D13 27.560 MHz 27.565 MHz
Channel D14 27.570 MHz 27.575 MHz
Channel D15 27.580 MHz 27.585 MHz
Channel D15A 27.590 MHz 27.595 MHz
Channel D16 27.600 MHz 27.605 MHz
Channel D17 27.610 MHz 27.615 MHz
Channel D18 27.620 MHz 27.625 MHz
Channel D19 27.630 MHz 27.635 MHz
Channel D19A 27.640 MHz 27.645 MHz
Channel D20 27.650 MHz 27.655 MHz
Channel D21 27.660 MHz 27.665 MHz
Channel D22 27.670 MHz 27.675 MHz
Channel D23 27.700 MHz 27.705 MHz
Channel D24 27.680 MHz 27.685 MHz
Channel D25 27.690 MHz 27.695 MHz
Channel D26 27.710 MHz 27.715 MHz
Channel D27 27.720 MHz 27.735 MHz
Channel D28 27.730 MHz 27.735 MHz
Channel D29 27.740 MHz 27.745 MHz
Channel D30 27.750 MHz 27.755 MHz
Channel D31 27.760 MHz 27.765 MHz
Channel D32 27.770 MHz 27.775 MHz
Channel D33 27.780 MHz 27.785 MHz
Channel D34 27.790 MHz 27.795 MHz
Channel D35 27.800 MHz 27.805 MHz
Channel D36 27.810 MHz 27.815 MHz
Channel D37 27.820 MHz 27.825 MHz
Channel D38 27.830 MHz 27.835 MHz
Channel D39 27.840 MHz 27.845 MHz
Channel D40 27.850 MHz 27.855 MHz

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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 1 26.968 MHz
Channel 2 26.976 MHz
Channel 3 27.040 MHz
Channel 4 27.080 MHz
Channel 5 27.088 MHz
Channel 6 27.112 MHz
Channel 7 27.120 MHz
Channel 8 27.144 MHz
Frequency Range (kHz) Service Allocation
26760-26944 kHz 1W DSB Fishery Radio Service
26968-26976 kHz Japanese CB channels 1-2
27016 kHz 1W DSB Fishery Radio Service
27040-27144 kHz Japanese CB channels 3-8
27310.5-27470.5 kHz 25W SSB Fishery Radio Service
27524-27980 kHz 1W DSB Fishery Radio Service

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 MHz - 27.275 MHz, 25.550 MHz - 30.495 MHz, 25.555 MHz - 30.500 MHz, others covering 26.065 MHz - 28.755 MHz, 24.265 MHz - 29.655 MHz, the de facto standard export 25.615 MHz - 30.105 MHz or other obvious "overlays" from the standard CB channels. See also, the Chinese 27.500 MHz - 39.500 MHz allocation (27.5 MHz - 39.475 MHz on some radios). 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.


CB Channel Frequency
Channel 26760 26.760 MHz
Channel 26768 26.768 MHz
Channel 26776 26.776 MHz
Channel 26824 26.824 MHz
Channel 26840 26.840 MHz
Channel 26848 26.848 MHz
Channel 26856 26.856 MHz
Channel 26864 26.864 MHz
Channel 26872 26.872 MHz
Channel 26880 26.880 MHz
Channel 26888 26.888 MHz
Channel 26896 26.896 MHz
Channel 26912 26.912 MHz
Channel 26920 26.920 MHz
Channel 26928 26.928 MHz
Channel 26936 26.936 MHz
Channel 26944 26.944 MHz
Channel 27016 27.016 MHz
Channel 27524 27.524 MHz
Channel 27532 27.532 MHz
Channel 27540 27.540 MHz
Channel 27548 27.548 MHz
Channel 27556 27.556 MHz
Channel 27572 27.572 MHz
Channel 27580 27.580 MHz
Channel 27628 27.628 MHz
Channel 27636 27.636 MHz
Channel 27644 27.644 MHz
Channel 27652 27.652 MHz
Channel 27660 27.660 MHz
Channel 27668 27.668 MHz
Channel 27676 27.676 MHz
Channel 27724 27.724 MHz
Channel 27732 27.732 MHz
Channel 27740 27.740 MHz
Channel 27748 27.748 MHz
Channel 27756 27.756 MHz
Channel 27764 27.764 MHz
Channel 27772 27.772 MHz
Channel 27780 27.780 MHz
Channel 27828 27.828 MHz
Channel 27836 27.836 MHz
Channel 27852 27.852 MHz
Channel 27860 27.860 MHz
Channel 27884 27.884 MHz
Channel 27892 27.892 MHz
Channel 27908 27.908 MHz
Channel 27916 27.916 MHz
Channel 27932 27.932 MHz
Channel 27940 27.940 MHz
Channel 27956 27.956 MHz
Channel 27964 27.964 MHz
Channel 27980 27.980 MHz
Channel 27988 27.988 MHz

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.

Frequency (kHz) Frequency (MHz)
27310.5 kHz 27.3105 MHz
27334.5 kHz 27.3345 MHz
27338.5 kHz 27.3385 MHz
27342.5 kHz 27.3425 MHz
27346.5 kHz 27.3465 MHz
27350.5 kHz 27.3505 MHz
27354.5 kHz 27.3545 MHz
27358.5 kHz 27.3585 MHz
27362.5 kHz 27.3625 MHz
27366.5 kHz 27.3665 MHz
27370.5 kHz 27.3705 MHz
27378.5 kHz 27.3785 MHz
27382.5 kHz 27.3825 MHz
27386.5 kHz 27.3865 MHz
27388.5 kHz 27.3885 MHz
27398.5 kHz 27.3985 MHz
27404.5 kHz 27.4045 MHz
27418.5 kHz 27.4185 MHz
27426.5 kHz 27.4265 MHz
27434.5 kHz 27.4345 MHz
27442.5 kHz 27.4425 MHz
27452.5 kHz 27.4525 MHz
27458.5 kHz 27.4585 MHz
27466.5 kHz 27.4665 MHz
27470.5 kHz 27.4705 MHz

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. Compare use of 27.821 MHz as the fishery radio calling distress frequency with Australian 27 Meg / 27 MHz Marine use of calling and distress frequency 27.880 MHz [27 MHz CH 88].


Frequency (kHz) Frequency (MHz) Designated Use in Korea
27508 kHz 27.508 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27516 kHz 27.516 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27544 kHz 27.544 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27552 kHz 27.552 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27560 kHz 27.560 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27581 kHz 27.581 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27598 kHz 27.598 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27768 kHz 27.552 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27776 kHz 27.776 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27895 kHz 27.895 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27911 kHz 27.911 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27919 kHz 27.919 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27927 kHz 27.927 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27935 kHz 27.935 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27943 kHz 27.943 MHz Fishery Radio - Ship to Ship Maritime Mobile
27789 kHz 27.789 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship
27805 kHz 27.805 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship
27821 kHz 27.821 MHz Fishery Radio - Distress Safety Calling Emergency Frequency
27837 kHz 27.837 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship
27856 kHz 27.856 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship
27869 kHz 27.869 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship
27885 kHz 27.885 MHz Fishery Radio - Fisheries Radio Shore-to-Ship

China/Hong Kong Chinese 27.5-39.5 MHz HF and VHF-low Fishery Marine Band FM Fishing Radio

China, Hong Kong and adjacent waters. HF/VHF system covering 27.5 MHz to 39.5 MHz in 25 kHz steps (FM mode). 25 watt power output. Apparently used with GPS and other position-indicating data links for fishing fleets (FSK) in a similar manner to the AM (DSB) and SSB based systems used in Japan, South Korea and other places. Crosses the boundary between HF and VHF at 30 MHz. Used in conjunction with standard MF/HF SSB marine and VHF marine systems. Advertised as a "dedicated fisheries radio" system with FM voice and FSK datalink capabilities (25 watt transmitters with high gain antennas tuned for 27.5 - 39.5 MHz).

Unlike the Japanese 27 MHz fisheries radio systems (which uses direct frequencies as to reference the channels), this system uses a channelized system with integer channel numbering. Straight channel numbering sequence (channel 1 - 27.500 MHz, channel 2 - 27.525 MHz, channel 3 - 27.550 MHz, channel 3 - 27.575 MHz, channel 5 - 27.600 MHz, etc. through to 39.450 MHz (channel 478) , 39.475 MHz (channel 479) and 39.500 MHz as channel 480) for a total of 480 channels. Radios appear to come with channels 221 [33.075 MHz], 231 [33.275 MHz], 236 [33.400 MHz] and 238 [33.450 MHz] as "dual watch" channels (likely for calling purposes).

Radios sold in China for this band appear to have selective calling and automatic location transmission capabilities in addition to regular FM voice. Emission listed as 16K0F3E and 16K0G3E on the FT-801 "Fisheries Dedicated Radio" with "dual transmission mode" 300 baud rate ASK, 1200 baud rate MSK. Radios also come with voice scrambler (likely voice inversion) capability. Other radios sold in China for this band are called "Fishing Radio Telephone" and offer similar features, including an array of selective calling, group calling and scanning functions. Frequency coverage is the same 27.5 MHz to 39.5 MHz with 20 watts output power (IC-988C FM Transceiver). This system does appear to go through the 10 meter amateur band and would at least partially explain the large amount of FM voice interference from fishing radio system intruders heard on 10 meters during band opening to Southeast Asia and China.

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 - 27.410 MHz). Updated allocations still show 29.7 MHz - 30.0 MHz (29.71 MHz - 29.985 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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 19 27.185 MHz
Channel 20 27.205 MHz
Channel 21 27.215 MHz
Channel 22 27.225 MHz
Channel 23 27.255 MHz
Channel 24 27.235 MHz
Channel 25 27.245 MHz
Channel 26 27.265 MHz
Channel 27 27.275 MHz

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).

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 1 29.7100 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 2 29.7225 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 3 29.7350 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 4 29.7475 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 2
Channel 5 29.7600 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 6 29.7725 MHz AM - Marine Channel 2/B
Channel 7 29.7850 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 8 29.7975 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 9 29.8100 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 10 29.8225 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 2
Channel 11 29.8350 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 12 29.8475 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 1
Channel 13 29.8600 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 14 29.8725 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 15 29.8850 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 16 29.8975 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 17 29.9100 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 18 29.9225 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 5
Channel 19 29.9350 MHz AM - Marine Channel 1/A
Channel 20 29.9475 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 3
Channel 21 29.9600 MHz AM - General Purpose
Channel 22 29.9725 MHz AM - Marine Channel 3/C
Channel 23 29.9850 MHz AM/SSB - Civil Defense Channel 6

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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 1 26.965 MHz
Channel 2 26.975 MHz
Channel 3 26.985 MHz
Channel 4 27.005 MHz
Channel 5 27.015 MHz
Channel 6 27.025 MHz
Channel 7 27.035 MHz
Channel 8 27.055 MHz
Channel 9 27.065 MHz
Channel 10 27.075 MHz
Channel 11 27.085 MHz
Channel 12 27.105 MHz
Channel 13 27.115 MHz
Channel 14 27.125 MHz
Channel 15 27.135 MHz
Channel 16 27.155 MHz
Channel 17 27.165 MHz
Channel 18 27.175 MHz
Channel 19 27.185 MHz
Channel 20 27.205 MHz
Channel 21 27.215 MHz
Channel 22 27.225 MHz
Channel 23 27.255 MHz
Channel 24 27.235 MHz
Channel 25 27.245 MHz
Channel 26 27.265 MHz
Channel 27 27.275 MHz

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.

CB Channel Frequency
Channel 41 27.415 MHz
Channel 42 27.425 MHz
Channel 43 27.435 MHz
Channel 44 27.455 MHz
Channel 45 27.465 MHz
Channel 46 27.475 MHz
Channel 47 27.485 MHz
Channel 48 27.505 MHz
Channel 49 27.515 MHz
Channel 50 27.525 MHz
Channel 51 27.535 MHz
Channel 52 27.555 MHz
Channel 53 27.565 MHz
Channel 54 27.575 MHz
Channel 55 27.585 MHz
Channel 56 27.605 MHz
Channel 57 27.615 MHz
Channel 58 27.625 MHz
Channel 59 27.635 MHz
Channel 60 27.655 MHz
Channel 61 27.665 MHz
Channel 62 27.675 MHz
Channel 63 27.685 MHz
Channel 64 27.695 MHz
Channel 65 27.705 MHz
Channel 66 27.715 MHz
Channel 67 27.725 MHz
Channel 68 27.735 MHz
Channel 69 27.745 MHz
Channel 70 27.755 MHz
Channel 71 27.765 MHz
Channel 72 27.775 MHz
Channel 73 27.785 MHz
Channel 74 27.795 MHz
Channel 75 27.805 MHz
Channel 76 27.815 MHz
Channel 77 27.825 MHz
Channel 78 27.835 MHz
Channel 79 27.845 MHz
Channel 80 27.855 MHz

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:

Output Frequency Input Frequency Location Remarks
26.565 MHz 27.405 MHz Germany CH41 output/CH40 input (German 80-channel CB)
27.085 MHz 27.175 MHz Netherlands Multiple TX/RX sites, each site assigned a CW ID transmitted at the end of transmission
27.620 MHz 27.820 MHz Jamaica Optional CTCSS tone: 88.5Hz (was part of a linked system, unknown if still on the air)


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 April 2019] CB repeaters and their location (if known).

Frequency Location Remarks
26.565 MHz Germany Output (input 27.405 MHz)
26.575 MHz Germany
26.675 MHz
26.685 MHz Western Russia
26.715 MHz Chelyabinsk, Russia
26.915 MHz
26.925 MHz
26.935 MHz Unknown location, Eastern Europe/Russia
26.970 MHz Poland (multiple sites)
26.970 MHz Russia (multiple sites)
26.970 MHz Lithuania
26.975 MHz Samara, Russia 10 watt TX power
26.985 MHz Samara, Russia 10 watt TX power
26.985 MHz Tver, Russia
26.985 MHz Sweden At least two sites (see also 27.205 MHz FM)
27.000 MHz Kiev, Ukraine
27.000 MHz Possibly multiple locations in Russia and/or Eastern Europe
27.005 MHz Yekaterinburg (Ekaterinburg), Russia
27.015 MHz Moscow, Russia (multiple sites)
27.015 MHz Samara, Russia 10 watt TX power
27.015 MHz Naro-Fominsk, Russia
27.030 MHz Minsk, Belarus
27.030 MHz Shymkent, Kazakhstan
27.035 MHz Kiev, Ukraine 4 watt TX power
27.040 MHz Minsk, Belarus
27.060 MHz Kiev, Ukraine
27.070 MHz Unknown location, Russia or Eastern Europe
27.075 MHz Eastern Russia
27.085 MHz Altai Region, South-Central Russia
27.085 MHz Netherlands (several locations) Simplex, each location ends transmission with single letter CW ID
27.085 MHz Netherlands (several locations) Output (input 27.175 MHz), each location has unique end of transmission CW ID
27.100 MHz Gomel, Belarus 100 watt TX power
27.100 MHz Krasnodar, Russia
27.105 MHz Ulyanovsk, Russia 4 watt TX power
27.105 MHz Astana, Kazakhstan
27.110 MHz Poland
27.110 MHz Russia
27.135 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.150 MHz Poland
27.165 MHz Issyk, Kazakhstan
27.170 MHz Poland
27.170 MHz Russia (multiple sites)
27.175 MHz Taraz, Kazakhstan
27.175 MHz Netherlands (several locations) Input (Output 27.085 MHz), each location has unique end of transmission CW ID
27.180 MHz Multiple sites Eastern Europe/Russia
27.185 MHz Multiple sites Eastern Europe/Russia
27.190 MHz
27.195 MHz Unknown location Eastern Europe or Russia
27.200 MHz Zaykova, Russia
27.205 MHz Sweden DTMF-activated playback, possibly multiple repeaters on this frequency
27.205 MHz Russia (multiple sites)
27.210 MHz Zhukovsky (Moscow Oblast), Russia
27.215 MHz Almaty, Kazakhstan
27.215 MHz Russia (multiple sites)
27.220 MHz
27.225 MHz Altai Region, South-Central Russia
27.230 MHz
27.235 MHz
27.240 MHz Moscow, Russia 10 watt TX power, 5/8 wave vertical antenna
27.245 MHz Almaty, Kazakhstan 12 watt TX power, 1/2 wave vertical antenna
27.250 MHz Belarus
27.250 MHz Possibly a second repeater in Russia
27.255 MHz Kiev, Ukraine 4 watt TX power
27.260 MHz Krivoi Rog (Kryvyi Rih), Ukraine
27.260 MHz Moscow, Russia 10 watt TX power, 5/8 wave vertical antenna
27.270 MHz Saratov, Russia
27.270 MHz Kiev, Ukraine
27.275 MHz Kemerovo, Russia Cross-band link to 434.500 MHz
27.275 MHz Russia (several other sites)
27.290 MHz Minsk, Belarus
27.295 MHz Tyumen, Russia
27.300 MHz
27.305 MHz Western Europe
27.315 MHz Russia (multiple sites)
27.325 MHz
27.330 MHz Saratov, Russia Located on Sokolova Mountain (wide coverage area)
27.335 MHz Almaty, Kazakhstan
27.335 MHz Unknown location (likely Russia)
27.355 MHz St. Petersburg, Russia
27.370 MHz Western Russia
27.375 MHz Vladivostok, Russia
27.390 MHz Kaliningrad, Russia 10 watt TX power, 5/8 wave vertical antenna
27.395 MHz Netherlands President Grant II RX/TX Radio
27.405 MHz Germany Input to 26.565 MHz
27.415 MHz Yekaterinburg (Ekaterinburg), Russia
27.425 MHz Rostov, Russia CTCSS 88.5Hz Cross-band link to 434.575 MHz CTCSS 77.0Hz
27.430 MHz
27.450 MHz
27.455 MHz Yekaterinburg (Ekaterinburg), Russia
27.470 MHz
27.505 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.515 MHz Obninsk (Kaluga Oblast), Russia
27.580 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.605 MHz Kazan, Russia CTCSS 88.5Hz, Alinco DR-03T 10 watt transmitter with UHF link
27.605 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.620 MHz Jamaica Output (input 27.820 MHz CTCSS 88.5Hz)
27.625 MHz Russia (multiple locations)
27.630 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.635 MHz Moscow, Russia
27.635 MHz St. Petersburg, Russia This is, or was, also used for traffic service radio in St. Petersburg, unknown if still on the air
27.650 MHz Western Europe
27.665 MHz Moscow, Russia 5/8 wave vertical antenna
27.675 MHz Russia
27.765 MHz Germany
27.820 MHz Jamaica Input CTCSS 88.5Hz (output 27.620 MHz)
27.840 MHz Poland
27.875 MHz Rostov, Russia

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

[3] 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.

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

[5] 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)

[6] 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

[7] 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.

[8] CBradio.nl - CB radio database, including information on new radios, CB radio specifications, export radio info, 10 meter radios, export frequency coverage, CB frequency bands for various countries and more, 10 meter radio vs. export frequency coverage for radios, multi-norm EU and CEPT frequency information. CB radio information sorted by manufacturer, model number and release month/year. Excellent resource.

[[9]] - Bell's CB Radio - CAT Enterprises - reputable CB radio, 10 meter radio, export radio, CB antenna, mobile radio dealer and authorized Ranger, Galaxy, Connex repair facility. Trustworthy CB radio work, modifications, etc. Extensive library of information regarding 11 meter band users, frequency plans, CB radio channel frequency lists and other information. At one point this vendor offered a version of the Galaxy DX 99V specifically for 11 meter and 10 meter dual use (frequency coverage changed from 25.165 MHz - 28.755 MHz to 26.065 MHz - 29.655 MHz to allow amateurs to operate on 10 meters while still being able to access the CB band and the low and high freeband CB 11 meter frequencies.


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