Choosing between a Shortwave radio or a Cb radio.?

Question

I'm looking for a radio that can transmit and receive far and run off of 110 volts. Would this be shortwave or Cb? I don't want to get one that requires a ham radio license.

Answer 1

What type of transmissions do you want to receive? Shortwave broadcasts, ham transmissions, CB?



If you are looking to transmit and talk to other people, but do not want to go through the easy process of getting a ham radio license, then pick up a CB radio. This is your only option for operating on a HF frequency without a license. Keep in mind that you are limited to 4 watts on AM and 12 watts PEP on SSB. So you will be limited greatly on the distance you are able to talk on a regular basis. During certain atmospheric conditions you may be able to talk all over the US and possibly even further, but it's fairly sporadic.



If you are serious about wanting to talk long distances, then try and get a ham radio general class license or higher. The general class exam is very easy. While the ham bands are also reliant on the atmosphere, we are able to use many different frequencies to communicate. Talking worldwide or even just in North America and the Caribbean is fairly common.

Answer 2

generally, no license is required to purchase a transceiver, only to actually transmit. CB in the US is just the 10 meter band basically;

if you want to listen to international shortwave broadcast, you need something that covers 3 to 30 MHz, roughly.

I own an Icom IC-725 myself.

you will have to have a license to transmit in the low/short-wave frequencies with any significant power.

most transceivers do not plug right into the wall; they take 12v so they can be used off a car battery or something similar. if you plan to listen only, a small 12v power supply capable of an amp or two will be enuf.



the antenna is what matters if you're trying to listen to international shortwave broadcasts.



see also hamradiooutlet.com or google "short wave receivers" or "HF transceivers" or "ARRL"

Answer 3

Shortwave transmit farther and antennas can be small but in most cases require license to operate, and it cost big depending on frequency and most important power (too big and it can be considered dangerous for human)



CB - no license, small area, big antennas (660mm, 1.2m, etc) that have to be calibrated (by reflected wave), big emmitors and receptors.



Go with shortwave if you have license or it's not required depending on the country.

Answer 4

Shortwave radio can transmit a longer distance

Answer 5

Check your local licencing requirements. I am guessing from the 110 volts that you may be in USA in which case it is CB, anything else other than

"flea power" requires a licence.