Posted: 4/26/2007 7:30:44 AM EDT
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How many people use regular CB vs SSB? Do CBs have to be one or the other or can you switch between regular and SSB at the flip of a switch in some models? Using anything other than SSB seems pointless unless you cant communiate with regular CB users and if most people use regular CB then a SSB is kind of useless isnt it? Can you guys help enlighten me? Also can you use either side band on SSB? If so how do you know what other people are using (uuper or lower side band)? |
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"Regular" CBs transmit and receive AM. Most CBs are AM-only. SSB is another mode of transmission (modes include AM, FM, and SSB). Unless your CB supports SSB you will not be able to transmit or receive it. CBs that support SSB generally also do AM. An advantage of SSB is that the legal power limit is 12W vs. 4W for AM CB, so you can get more range, if the person you're talking to also has a SSB-capable CB. |
True, SSB focuses the power into one "sideband" and transmits only the modulation. The SSB rig on the recieving end re-generates the "carrier" and mixes the generated carrier to the incoming SSB signal for detection. AM uses 3 "carriers", an UPPER modulation carrier, a LOWER modulation carrier, and a signal carrier(been a long time so excuse the terminology) AM wastes the power by having to generate 3 signals where SSB only has to produce 1. MOST people use LSB for CB. Range is increased on SSB, but you must be communicating with another SSB radio. SSB can be tricky to tune in (especially if your "clarifier" is locked, meaning it will not alter your transmitting frequency.) Especially true if your trying to talk to many people at the same time. 
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