Got questions about CB radios, HAM (10 meter) radios, antennas, or accessories? Here are quick, straight answers to the questions our customers ask most.
Do I need a license to operate a CB radio?
No. CB radio operates under the FCC's "license by rule" framework, so anyone can legally operate a 40-channel CB radio in the United States without applying for an individual license, as long as the radio is FCC-certified under Part 95 and used within the legal power limits. Source: FCC.gov
What is the maximum legal power output for a CB radio?
The FCC limits CB radios to 4 watts of carrier power on AM/FM and 12 watts peak envelope power (PEP) on SSB. Attaching a linear amplifier or otherwise boosting a CB radio's output above these limits is illegal, even if the equipment is technically capable of it. Source: FCC.gov
Do I need a license to operate a 10 meter radio?
Yes. Unlike CB, the 10 meter band (28.000–29.700 MHz) is part of the Amateur Radio service, so you need a valid FCC Amateur (HAM) Radio license — at least a Technician class license — to legally transmit on 10 meters. Source: ARRL
How high can I mount my CB base station antenna?
Per FCC rules, a CB antenna mounted on a structure can't rise more than 20 feet above the highest point of that structure, and a freestanding antenna can't exceed 60 feet above ground level. Lower height limits apply if you're within 2 miles of an airport. Source: FCC.gov
What's the difference between a CB radio and a 10 meter HAM radio?
CB radios operate on 40 fixed channels between 26.965–27.405 MHz, require no license, and are capped at 4W AM / 12W SSB. 10 meter radios operate on the amateur 28.000–29.700 MHz band, require an Amateur Radio license, and — depending on license class — can legally run much higher power, giving licensed operators greater range and flexibility.
Will a bigger antenna give me better range than a more powerful radio?
Since legal power output on both CB and 10 meter radios is fixed by regulation and license class, antenna choice, mounting height, and SWR tuning are usually the biggest factors in real-world range and audio quality. A properly tuned, well-mounted antenna will typically outperform any radio swap alone — our CB antennas and antenna mounts collections are a good place to start.