Advantages of HAM radio over CB radio communication:
- More Power - CBs are limited to 4W, HAMs are legal up to 1000W
- More Clarity - FM provides a clearer, more understandable signal than AM (CBs)
- Less Interference - CB is subject to severe interference from lightning, engine ignition noise, and other natural and man-made sources. Due to use of illegal amplifiers, CB signals often interfere with adjacent channels. Also CB signals often "skip" across long distances making it difficult to use some channels
- Greater Distance - One consequence of greater power is greater distance of communication. In addition hams can use repeaters, which are special receive-retransmit stations placed high on towers and buildings
- Modern - AM hogs frequencies, is noisy, and is subject to interference between stations. Hams use crystal clear narrow band FM for short distance and very efficient single sideband for long distances
- Courteous Operators - Generally speaking HAM operators are more courteous, 'trash talk' is virtually non-existent on HAM
- ARES Participation - ARES provides emergency communication for local government and community service agencies.
- RACES Participation - RACES is a public service provided by a reserve (volunteer) group of Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Operators that is administered by local, county and state emergency management agencies, and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government
- Skywarn Participation - Skywarn is a concept developed in the early 1970s that was intended to promote a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and communities. The emphasis of the effort is often focused on the storm spotter, an individual who takes a position near their community and reports wind gusts, hail size, rainfall, and cloud formations that could signal a developing tornado. Another part of SKYWARN is the receipt and effective distribution of National Weather Service information
- IRLP / EchoLink - A HAM can connect to a repeater and dial an IRLP or EchoLink node that makes a connection over the Internet to a repeater in another state or country.
- AutoPatch - A HAM can use the repeaters AutoPatch that allows them to make a phone call where cell service isnt available. They can call loved ones and let them know they will be late.
- Listen Weather Channels (maybe CBs can do this too, i am not a CBer)
- APRS - this technology allows your HAM radio to beacon your GPS position to other HAMs or over the Internet so your family can see where you are in the backcountry
- Talk to Astronauts - with a HAM you can talk to the International Space Station as it comes overhead in orbit!
- Great for Parent/Child activities - my son (9yrs old) is studying for his license, this has been a great tool for us to grow closer and get smarter at the same time.
- AND I AM SURE THERE IS MORE, I am a new HAM but I have learned about all of these so far... it's very exciting...
The downsides are: You have to get a license, and the equipment generally speaking is a bit more expensive. But these are minor,
the test is pretty easy and a good HAM radio can be had for < $200; The benefits highly out weigh the cost!
