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

  1. Mike S

    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?

    Reply

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