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Proposal: Amateur Radio

As mentioned in this answer, there is a discussion about if CB radios should be allowed. So, should they?

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The Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications (BIPT) makes a clear distinction between the citizen's band and PMR on one hand, and the amateur radio service on the other hand. All are grouped though under the common denominator of "private radio communications".

In view of this, I would certainly not ban CB questions (because CB is often a stepping stone towards amateur radio proper). However, neither would I actively promote this group as a CB outlet.

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    I really think this is a good idea. While we definitely should focus on the more usual definition of "Amateur Radio", I think we risk limit our potential audience if we get too elitist about it.
    – Mike
    Jun 14, 2013 at 2:14
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    Amateur operators are licensed, in the US and in virtually every other country. As such, some training and passing an exam is required. CB and MURS are unlicensed, GMRS is licensed without a test - these do NOT qualify as amateur radio since their usage is very narrow, and minimal (if any at all) equipment alterations are permitted.
    – RonJ
    Sep 11, 2013 at 12:54
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Technically yes it does fall within the realm of amateur radio, despite licenses not being required to possess and use citizen's band. I would say yes.

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    Not correct. Amateur radio is a recognised Service according the ITU regulations. CB is classified as ISM (Industrial, Science and Medical) which mean "noise" generated not generate to communicate.
    – ON6NL
    May 25, 2013 at 22:43
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I would imagine that this site would be for amateur radio enthusiasts of all kinds, including those that don't fall under the FCC's definition of an Amateur Radio Service.

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I think this will depend on what the general feel of this site turns into; if we discuss lots of technical issues such as radio design, homebrew, microwave, etc. then it will tend to exclude CB users. (Don't forget that their gear has to comply with regulatory standards and their modes and frequencies are limited.)

If we discuss antenna design, propagation and operating techniques, it may include them as they may be interested in this too.

I think they will read the site for useful nuggets, even if they are not actively encouraged to ask questions, and no, I don't think we should attempt to exclude them. Besides, many of us have dabbled with CB in the past, even if we try to pretend otherwise ;-)

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I would make two points for having CB discussions being OFF topic.

  1. The ham and CB communities, in my limited experience and in my humble opinion, are separate and distinct with disparate origins.

  2. In the U.S., all amateur radio licensees operate under the FCC's definition of "Amateur Radio Services," "Amateur Operator," etc. contained in Part 97, Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations. CB, and the other forms of Personal Radio Services, have different requirements under Part 95.

Amateur Radio is so heavily inculcated with the principles contained in Part 97 that to include CB would muddy the waters.

73,

AE3EE

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    All your points are correct, however I'm worried about how much activity we're going to have if we limit it to just "official" amateur radio. Also, this site will be international so what the FCC says doesn't necessarily go for much.
    – Seth
    Jun 5, 2013 at 16:01
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    Plus, the FCC is only from one country. Not everyone is from there.
    – scruss
    Jun 11, 2013 at 18:41
  • Other countries govern amateur radio themselves. No idea how CB is governed outside of the US.
    – Mark Allen
    Jun 13, 2013 at 19:47
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    By being inclusive of CB and other related services, we give everyone a place to learn more about our hobby and bridge into our world. If the attitude continues to be negative against anything that's not "pure" amateur radio, we are doing our hobby a disservice. We all came to the hobby in different ways and with different experiences and we should be respectful of that. The CB and Amateur Radio communities are different, but we have more in common than differences.
    – N5LNX
    Jun 24, 2013 at 20:27
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No, CB radio is off-topic, don't allow discussions about CB radio in an Amateur Radio forum.

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    I disagree. I see CB as a feeder hobby that may hopefully help to grow the ranks of hams. Including CB enthusiasts in discussion serves a number of purposes: 1. it breaks down the 'us and them' mentality. 2. it encourages good operating procedure across the spectrum. 3. it ensures that if and when a CB operator gets licensed that they will already have good procedure and knowledge.
    – gerryk
    Oct 1, 2013 at 10:08

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