Ham radios and CB radios have some differences, including power output, range, and licensing requirements:

Power output

CB radios usually operate at 4 watts, but some SSB-equipped radios operate at 12 watts. Ham radios have a higher power output, ranging from 5 watts for handhelds to 25 watts for mobiles, and can go up to 1500 watts.

Licensing

CB radios don't require a license to operate, but ham radios do. To operate a ham radio, you need to pass a test and get a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

There are other differences, such as the fact that ham radios have access to a greater number of frequencies.

We recommend that you check out our CB and Ham radios below and find the right radio for your needs.

President Electronics offers handheld CB radios. These are smaller than mobile CB radios that are usually installed inside vehicles. Handheld CB radios can be powered by batteries or battery packs, and often come with a belt clip and other functional accessories for easy transportation.

Handheld Transceivers

• A mobile CB radio is a transceiver designed to be installed in a vehicle, usually in a car or in a truck. It is usually powered by the electric energy of the vehicle. These radios can be easily installed and dismantled.
• On the other hand, a base station CB radio is designed to be used as a fixed station at home or in a building with a specific antenna (fixed antenna). They are usually powered by a standard electrical outlet and can be connected to external speakers for better sound quality.

However, it is possible to replace a fixed base station by a mobile CB radio with a stabilized power supply and a suitable antenna.

There are many dealers and distributors that offer President Electronics brand products. You can purchase our products from the stores specializing in radio communication equipment, automobile and heavy vehicles parts, electronics, or on the internet. To locate your local CB shop, click on the "Where Can I Buy" below.

To choose the right radio for your needs, you would need to first understand what you are going to use your radio for. All CB radios and Ham radios have a different set of features. They vary based on power input/output, range, dimensions, weight, etc.

Once you have decided whether you need a portable, mobile, ham or fixed station transceiver, you would then need to go through the list of features these devices offer and select the ones you would need.

If not done so already, check out our CB TECH and our CB TALK sections, notably the section that explains the key CB features we offer.

CB Tech Section

To help you select the right equipment, please use the Quick and Advanced filters (CB radios only) or the Comparator Tool (CB and Ham radios).

President CB Radios

Alternatively, you may contact us or find a CB shop that can help you select the right transceiver for you.

This depends on the type of your installation: mobile (in a vehicle), fixed (in a building). There are different models of pre-adjusted and adjustable antennas, with several types of mounts: magnetic, drilling, gutter, trunk, etc.

For optimal efficiency in transmission and reception of your President CB radio, we recommend you associate it with a PRESIDENT antenna, specially designed for better performance and durability over time.

You can check out our Antenna tech section for more information.

We recommend that you contact us or your local dealer, should you have any questions about antennas.

There are several types of accessories commonly used with a CB radio, such as:

• Antennas: 2 types of CB antennas, each with its own differences in range, gain and type of installation. The most common antennas are mobile (or vehicle) antennas and fixed antennas for buildings.

  Our Antennas

• Microphones: some microphones have additional functions, UP and DOWN channel change buttons, ambient noise filtering (Micro NRC) and hands-free capability.

  Our Microphones

• Other accessories: Cables, brackets and other accessories are used to install CB radios in vehicles. We recommend contacting a CB shop for complementary accessories as needed.

  Our Accessories

President Electronics has been a recognized leader in the radio communications industry since 1978. Please click here for more information on the President brand and its history.

All of Presidents' CB radios are FCC and IC certified.

We offer market leading technical features. Check out our selection of key technical features, and use the filter or the comparator tool to browse our product selection. 

We offer a "2+3 years" industry-leading warranty. Please click here for more information.

If you need help, we offer US-based live phone support during our business hours M-F 9-5 ET. Call us at 239-302-3100. You can also contact us.

We also offer product-specific educational videos , documentation and other technical resources.

Frequency Table

All channels 1 to 40 can be used for communication in the US and Canada.

Channel 9 is used specifically for emergencies and should be left free of communication, unless you have an emergency to report.

Channel 19 is used for information on road traffic.

All the other channels can be used to communicate freely with another party, provided you follow all the rules and regulations. Please click here for more information.

All communications should be kept to less than 5 minutes, and be respectful at all times. Browse the CB TALK section for more tips.

There are usually dedicated channels on CB radios for emergency situations. These channels are often clearly marked on the radio and can, most of the time, be activated by pressing a specific button.

The most common emergency channel is channel 9. It is important not to use this channel for ordinary conversations other than emergency communications.

Channel 19 can also be used in particular by truck drivers to provide traffic information relating to safety.

Here are some examples of how to mount a magnetic or mobile fixed CB antenna on your vehicle:

• On the roof: The best place to mount the antenna is in the center of the vehicle's roof. This location allows the antenna to benefit a maximum height and to cover a large reception area.
• Other possible areas: you can also mount your antenna on the trunk, or the hood of your vehicle, especially if you have chosen a mobile antenna. This allows the antenna to benefit from a relatively high height while remaining easily accessible.

Find more technical information on how to mount your antenna:

Please follow the manufacturer's instructions for a correct and safe antenna installation.

There is no need for a permit or license for CB radio use in the US or Canada.  For other countries, we recommend you check out the local regulations. You can also check out our EU Website for more information.

Please note it is important to respect all the rules and regulations in your country. Check out the CB Laws in the US under the CB Talk section for more information.

Yes, in most countries including the US and Canada, it is necessary to have a license to use a ham radio.

A ham radio allows radio amateurs to transmit voice, data and images messages on different frequency bands.

The maximum output power of CB radios is 4 watts in AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation) and 12 watts PEP in SSB (Single Side Band) and the frequency band for CB radios extends from 26,965 to 27,405 MHz.

For more information on the US market, check out the CB TECH and the CB TALK sections, as well as the FCC Website.

Warranty Information

Contact

Sales & Customer Support
239-302-3100

Group President Electronics
1007 Collier Center Way
Naples, FL 34110
USA

To extend the lifespan of your CB or ham radio, it is important to maintain it regularly:

• Use it carefully and avoid dropping it.
• Use compatible accessories to avoid damaging connectors or antennas.
• Clean the unit regularly using soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
• Avoid using aggressive cleaning products that could damage the surface of the unit or its electronic components.
• Use your CB radio in appropriate climatic conditions and protect it from extreme temperatures, humidity and water.
• Store it in a dry and ventilated place, away from dust and direct sunlight.
• Use it with a stable power supply, to avoid over-voltages and voltage drops that can damage electronic components.
• Regularly check your installation by a qualified technician to make sure it works properly and to detect any potential problems.

It is important to note that these tips are general and may vary depending on the model of your CB or ham radio. It is therefore best to consult the user manual for instructions specific to your unit.

Registering your product ensures warranty coverage, streamlines any future customer support, and keeps you informed about important updates and notifications.

Please use the link below to create your President account, which you can access at any time.

You will have up to 30 days from the date of purchase to register your President products through this account.

See our General Warranty Conditions for more information on our warranty conditions.

If you are a professional interested in partnering with us, please complete the Seller Registration Form to initiate the registration process. Upon approval, you will gain access to the President Authorized Seller Info Portal for additional product information, dealer support, and other relevant documentation.

Call us 239-302-3100. We are available M-F 9-5 ET.

Fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.