Listening to Citizens’ Band (CB) radio on your shortwave receiver

React International coordinates emergency response via CB radio.

Did you know that you may be able to listen to CB radio on your shortwave receiver?

If you have a digital receiver that covers from 26.9-27.5 MHz, you can listen to CB frequencies in a matter of minutes. Below, I’ve posted a chart of all 40 CB “channels” and their associated frequencies.

Why listen to CB radio?

Find out what road conditions are like from local drivers by monitoring talk between truck drivers
Monitor Channel 9 (the emergency channel) and contact local authorities if you hear a distress call
During an emergency you could glean valuable information from the CB frequencies
Entertainment value: hey, it’s CB–you never know what you may hear.

In fact, note that CB listening isn’t for those who are easily offended by adult language. In the past, CB radioers were licensed by the FCC and tended to be (in my humble opinion) more courteous. Today, it’s a free-for-all, but you will still hear many regulars that are respectful and follow the “gentleman’s rules” of amateur radio. Simply tune to the frequency below and listen. Like broadcasters and some ham radio operators, CB is primarily an AM mode activity. Make sure your radio is set for AM (not SSB) listening.

Here is a list of all 40 CB channels and their associated frequencies:

CHANNEL	FREQUENCY	CHANNEL	FREQUENCY
1	26.965	21	27.215
2	26.975	22	27.225
3	26.985	23	27.255
4	27.005	24	27.235
5	27.015	25	27.245
6	27.025	26	27.265
7	27.035	27	27.275
8	27.055	28	27.285
9	27.065	29	27.295
10	27.075	30	27.305
11	27.085	31	27.315
12	27.105	32	27.325
13	27.115	33	27.335
14	27.125	34	27.345
15	27.135	35	27.355
16	27.155	36	27.365
17	27.165	37	27.375
18	27.175	38	27.385
19	27.185	39	27.395
20	27.205	40	27.405

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4 thoughts on “Listening to Citizens’ Band (CB) radio on your shortwave receiver”

Jon collins October 26, 2023 at 6:46 am

Not worth tuning in to 27 mhz on any radio no cbers what so ever, only heard one 3 months ago, Jon collins, birmingham uk

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Mike S March 13, 2021 at 7:43 am

I used to hear CB channels on my Lowe HF-150/Wellbrook loop combo, but absolutely nothing on any other receivers. and now even the Lowe doesn’t pick them up. Is the solar cycle just that bad right now?

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