Other public bands aside from CB radio.
Citizens Band Radio as we know it is a radio band for the citizens, for public use. However, the traditional 27MHz band is not the only available band for public use. CB Radio does have long range and various channels, but may not be suited for certain applications.
Tandy (or Radio Shack) & Dick Smith both sell radio equipment in the 55MHz region and shorter range 27MHz FM walkie-talkies. They both give similiar range of 400 to 500 metres (1/4 mile approx.) They all operate on single 9V batteries.
The 55MHz band is FM only. Here is a list of different transeivers desinged to operate in these bands.
- 1 channel (55.050MHz) hand held with telescopic aerial (Tandy/Radio Shack TRC 501)
- 1 channel 55MHz headset version with voice activation (Tandy/Radio Shack TRC 506).
- 5 channel 55MHz headset also with voice activation (Tandy/Radio Shack TRC 502).
- 1 Channel 27MHZ hand held. (Radio Shack TRC-92)
- 3 channel 55MHz hand held . (Dick Smith CAT D-1097, far left).
- 1 channel 55MHz hand held (Dick Smith CAT D-1095), left.
- Headset available for above two at extra cost.
- 1 channel 27MHz hand held. (Dick Smith CAT D-1090)
There is another allocated frequency up higher in the VHF part of the spectrum being 163MHz. This frequency in FM mode is allocated for uses such as 4WD clubs and privately organised events etc. It's not really intended as CB Radio. It isn't in either 40 channel allocation so there will not be traffic on it, and it is VHF having different signal characterists than either HF or UHF CB.
Updated on Saturday, April 27, 2002