moistrous wrote in message ...
hi, i'm new to CB radio... How many channels are there? It looks as if
there are 40 channels, but i see some cb radios advertised that can go to
ch.80... what gives? Any website i visit says the legal frequency range is
from 26.965 to 27.405 MHz, and ch 40 IS 27.405 so it doesn't make sense to
have another 40 channels present. Help meeee!


Hi.


Don't mind the unhelpful responses... some people on this group seem to be
anti-CB while others are too scared to fall in a Troll trap.

In America, there are 40 *legal* channels. On these channels you may either
use AM or SSB.
As each channel can either hold one AM conversation or two SSB
conversations, this means that you could effectively have 80 SSB channels.
The frequencies covered are as you give above, and power is limited to
4Watts (plus 2Watts mod) for AM and 12Watts for SSB. As well as higher
power allowed, SSB is more efficient - giving you a much greater distance.

However, the 80 channel radios you have seen are more likely to be 40 legal
channels plus another 40 illegal ones. Any CB designed to cover illegal
channels is illegal to use - even if using it on legal channels.
It is up to you how you feel about the law, but you should be aware that the
punishment can be strict for those caught using illegal CBs.

Here in the UK, we have 80 channels, FM mode only. 80 channel sets were
made legal a few years back, but only those manufactured and approved as
such. Power in the UK is limited to 4Watts.

If you want more information, don't be afraid to ask and don't be frightened
off by the attitude of some idiots on this newsgroup - CBers are generally
friendly and helpful.


Regards,

Peter.