From AM to FM: The Evolution of CB Radio
Widely used by a broad population in the 1970s, CB radio conjures images of truckers trading highway intel, a few dedicated hobbyists with base stations, and plenty of other pop culture references like Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy, and the aptly-titled Citizen’s Band. The once popular band quietly faded away in the early 1980s, as mobile phones on shiny new cellular networks exploded onto the scene at that time. But guess what? Looks like the good ol’ chicken band is making a comeback, and with a modern twist that even the most skeptical ham should appreciate.
1977
Users then spanned a wide chunk of the population but truckers ruled the band with their jargon and 10 codes.
Sales of CB radios in the United States peaked in 1977 during the height of the CB radio craze with an estimated 20 to 25 percent of the cars and trucks on the road equipped with a citizens band radio. The typical user then was just about anyone, but truckers ruled the band. They addressed one another with friendly or sometimes downright rude “handles” and used a quirky lexicon of “10 codes” and other jargon readily embraced by the culture of the era. Fast forward to now, and while truckers still dominate the CB landscape, they’ve been joined by a diverse crowd of offroaders and overlanders, preppers, and even some tech-savvy millennials looking for a reliable way to stay connected off the grid.
Adding FM to CB Radio Drives New Sales
With the full blessing of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2023, FM became an authorized modulation scheme for CB radio in the US. This long overdue upgrade to the band has CB fans nodding with approval and newcomers taking notice of CB for the first time. It’s the most significant upgrade to Citizens Band since the band was expanded from 23 to 40 channels in 1977.
With clearer audio, less static, and a better overall user experience, FM is renewing interest in CB and is even driving new sales. It’s a long overdue technological upgrade that makes CB radio appealing to a whole new generation of users and is driving upgrades amongst longtime users of the band are buying new radios specifically for FM capability.
Citizens Band frequencies in the U.S. are largely influenced by international treaty and as such, we’re probably not going to see them expand anytime soon.
New Features are Delivering the Buyers for CB Radio
Additional modern features that enhance usability, performance, and safety are showing up in the new AM/FM models as well. Many newer CBs use SDR chips with extremely sensitive, accurate tuners coupled with powerful digital signal processing (DSP) of audio and radio frequency signals, which improves the audio clarity of both transmitted and received audio streams.
FM isn’t the only selling point
New Features Driving Sales of Citizen’s Band Radios
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity in a CB radio allows for hands-free operation, seamless integration with mobile devices, and enhanced communication convenience while driving.
Weather Alerts
Weather bands and alerts have become a common feature, providing real-time access to NOAA weather radio broadcasts and emergency warnings, giving them added utility when hiking, hunting, fishing, or camping.
Digital Signal Processing
Digital Signal Processing in a CB radio enhances audio clarity by reducing noise and interference, ensuring cleaner and more reliable communication.
New CB Radio Options From Cobra Add Nice Modern Features
Cobra has long been a leader in CB radio sales and consumer acceptance. In fact, the Cobra 29 LTD is one of the best-selling transceivers of all time. Now with the addition of FM and digital signal processing, Cobra is stepping up their game and showing the market some really nice new products with innovative features and improvements to sound quality that actually make a difference.
Compact, Remote Head Split Design
Compact, remote-head designs are gaining traction with the CB community and the new Cobra 75 All Road is there to meet the demand. The convenience of a full-power radio stowed out-of-way with a Blue-tooth-connected remote head is appealing to an increasing number of consumers for a number of reasons. First off, modern vehicles have been it increasingly difficult to properly and permanently mount a radio. Next, is the matter of security. If larceny is a concern, the Cobra 75 with it’s remote-mounted radio and USB-powered microphone/head unit should be of particular interest to you.
Cobra 75 All Road
From Cobra.com: The Cobra 75 All Road wireless CB radio propels CB communication into the 21st century. Enjoy Bluetooth® connectivity, Dual-Mode AM/FM, digital noise cancellation, and waterproof IP66 rating. Mount the transceiver anywhere and pair wirelessly with a stowable, USB-powered handset. The All Road is the only CB you’ll ever need for road trips, rock hopping, or overlanding.
Check out the Cobra 75 All Road at Cobra.com.