Joe wrote:

Under ideal conditions what kind of range are we talking?
AM = 4-5 miles?
SSB = x miles?

Your range is really dependent more on your antenna than on your mode of
transmission, differences in legal power output aside.

Although there are height limitations for CB (20 feet above existing
structures at the antenna sight), there is nothing stopping you from
putting up an antenna that concentrates its radiated signal in one
direction, or in two directions.

Most CB antennas are omnidirectional. They radiate power equally in all
directions. Beam antennas, such as are used in outdoor TV antennas,
concentrate their power in one direction and also suppress reception of
signals coming from directions other than where they are aimed. They
also amplify signals received from the direction they are pointed in.

This results in a greater signal-to-noise ratio in the receiver and much
greater concentration of your signal in the direction of transmission,
greatly increasing your effective radiated power.

Scott
--
In buying horses and taking a wife shut your eyes tight and commend
yourself to God.