CB RADIO: Is sideband worth the extra cost?

NatCom Rewind: SSB mode offers 80 more citizens band channels

Chuck Gysi | N2DUP

and

Roger Dumont Jr.

Jul 28, 2024

∙ Paid

Editor’s note: NatCom Rewind is a regular feature showcasing articles from past issues of the magazine that still have relevance today. This NatCom Rewind feature from the January | February 2015 issue of National Communications Magazine originally was written by Chuck Gysi | N2DUP | editor and publisher, and has been updated by NatCom columnist Roger Dumont Jr.

With all the talk about FM CB these days, we can’t lose sight of the fact that we still have the option of using single sideband on citizens band channels. SSB typically offers additional range, but what makes it worthwhile for you to spend the extra bucks to purchase a radio that offers SSB – or SSB and FM – in addition to AM channels.

The President George FCC is a new CB radio that offers not only AM and FM, but SSB for LSB and USB communications. Technically, you get 160 channels with all those modes across 40 channels. | Photo courtesy of President Electronics

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A guest post by

Roger Dumont Jr.

I love talking on CB radio as well as other license-free radio services. I have been writing about CB radio for National Communications Magazine for several years.