Radio Service Comparison

Radio Service Comparison Chart

CB Radio	GMRS	HAM Radio
FCC Part 95	FCC Part 95.E	FCC Part 97
Free to Use	35$ for 10 yrs	35$ for 10 yrs
Limited Channels in 11 meter band	Limited Channels in UHF Band	Many Frequencies in many bands
HF-like Propagation on radio to radio	local range with ability to set up a repeater without needing coordination	Range possibilities are endless with satellites, moon bounce (EME), HF, etc.
Unmoderated	Requires only fee for license	Requires 35 question multiple choice test for initial license class

Citizens Band

Civilians Band (CB Radio), is widely known as the Truckers radio used in big 18 wheelers. CB Radio today continues to be the cost effective and range capable radio used for truckers communicating when picking up loads from yards, to families travelling long distance, and so much more. These radios while they are cheaper and easier to come by have a wide range of small nuisances that limit range and capabilities.

Most cheap radios you can buy for CB radio come only with the (AM) Amplitude Modulation mode that changes the height of the wavelength as you speak into the radio. CB Radio is considered to be part of the HF bands (3MHz to 30MHz) and has MUCH better propogation and distance when used with a (SSB) Single Sideband Radio that take the Carrier Frequency (Channel you are on) and transmits/receives only the upper or lower half of that frequency's bandwidth give you better performance. Radios made for CB also are limited on their power output limiting their range during times of lower solar activity and night-time hours. CB Radio range is best during the summer, during the day, and when there is a higher solar index.

Another thing to consider when getting CB antennas is to go with the longest antenna you can, the best antennas are usually the 102" whip antennas that can properly transmit and receive with little to no compromise. While other antennas will work bigger antennas will always have the advantage when it comes to HF frequencies. Compare using a small CB antenna to trying to catch an oversized beach ball with a baseball glove. Using the antenna that is tuned to, and the right size for the wavelength with lead to better results.

General Mobile Radio Service

GMRS is a valuable tool and communication service for many. This service is best suited for families and friends wanting to have radios and communications when hunting, travelling, or even just around the farm or house. GMRS requires (1) family member to have a license and the entire immediate family living in the same household is legally able to use the same callsign. This makes licensing a bunch of people, specifically for the family use, very cost effective and easy to do. This service limits the frequencies you may use to specific channels in the UHF Band (462 MHz Area) with only FM modulation being authorized, while this is very effective in urban environments and road trips it may become an issue is areas of heavy foliage for camping or hunting uses. Range of radios vary depending on power, antennas used, and terrain in between the two radios trying to communicate. If users are close together, less than 3 miles, communications with a decent GMRS will be of no challenge with a Hand Talkie (HT). Mobile GMRS radios are limited to a maximum of 50 watts of power which can greatly increase communication range and quality. The best advantage of GMRS is that once licensed, you are able to make FULL use of the 27 channels authorized to GMRS to build or purchase a repeater set up and with quality parts and coax with the proper tuning and programming can vastly extend range up to 30 miles more or less depending on the repeaters geographical elevation and Height Above Terrain. GMRS radios must be part 95 certified for legal use however many argue that commercial LMR and other radios certified for Part 90 (Public Safety) are great to use as long as no interference is caused. The legal effects of not using a Part 95 radio fall on the license holder.

HAM Radio

HAM Radio has the most to offer when it comes to control the operator has, abilities, modes, and even frequencies to use. To become an amateur radio operator it takes a higher knowledge of FCC Regulations and Radio Basics to pass a (35) question multiple choice test with at least a 74% to pass the entry level license class, Technician. The HAM Radio service is broken into (3) License classes:

• Technician License Class: Authorizing most abilities in the VHF/UHF and (1) HF band allowing for "newer" operators to gain experience and learn to communicate in the hobby on a local basis using repeaters and simplex with almost no limitation on modes allowing for P25, DMR, and many other modes of communication. More "Beyond Line of Sight" Communications can be achieve by technicians using remote linking programs such as Brandmeister, Echolink, and Amateur Radio satellites including the International Space Station.
  
• General License Class: Authorizes most but not all capabilities in HF and enables more technical exploration in communications talking to operators around the globe. A major benefit to the general class other than a large boost in frequency allocations, is the ability to become a Volunteer Examiner and assist or lead test sessions for ONLY the Technician level class with some exceptions like being able to assist for higher license classes while still not being allowed to sign the CSCE.
  
• Extra License Class: This class gives even more HF frequency allocations primarily in areas that are hot spots for DX or Foreign countries to operate at and is a desired area to operate and make contacts with distant stations with varying frequency allocations in their region. Additionally, this class is the most recognized license class by foreign nations allowing you to communicate with your HAM Radio equipment while travelling abroad. The final reason the Extra license class operators are very important is they are the ONLY license class allowed to become volunteer accredited to hold test session and license operators on ALL classes including the extra license.