Leslie A. Berry

Abstract: The combined effects of local interference, skywave ("skip") interference, and radio noise on Citizens Band radio range are calculated. If the ionosphere reflectivity is normal or above normal during the next solar cycle, and CB use does not decrease, the operational range of CB users in cities of under 100,000 will be less than half its present value during daylight hours of nonsummer days for 3 years at the peak of the cycle. CB'ers in metropolitan areas with more than a million residents will probably not be bothered much by skip interference.

Keywords: CB radio; electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); skywave interference; spectrum engineering

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results