Ham radios are considered the most versatile when it comes to crossing over into other radio types. But you should know that some of the things that you get to see about this on the internet is technically not legal, because sometimes, you will be modifying some equipment or using it in ways that are not legally allowed.
Read: Best Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio
Either through hardware or through software, ham radios can be modified so they can access the CB (which stands for Citizen’s Band), FRS/GMRS, and the MURS frequencies. This is illegal because a ham radio might broadcast with more power than is allowed by the FCC on lower power frequencies like CB or FRS. Although ham can touch most or all of the other radio types, it is practically impossible for you to go the other way. You just cannot make an FRS talk to CB.
The Ease of Learning and Use
This is where ham is a letdown. All other radio types are made with an ease of use feature. CB and FRS radios are the easiest radios for you to get started on; it’s as easy as: taking one off the shelf, make your communication partners dial in to channel 3, and you are good and ready to go! The barrier of entry for these radio types is low, and you do not even need to get a license.
When we compare the pro and cons for each radio, most of the users of the ham radio, and survival experts believe that the pros of the ham radio far outweigh that of the others. Since the government has made it practically for anyone to use the license-free bands, this would require the manufacturer to weaken the equipment so that users will not go ahead and abuse the airwaves or broadcast in places or ways that they are not meant to.
Take this for example; a lot of the turnkey radios are prohibited by the government from having detachable antennas, and CB radio radios cannot get an upgrade without one having to break the law, etc.
CB, FRS, and MURS are free from any kind of licensing, although, GMRS does, but you do not need to take any test.
Ham radios on the other hand require some license and a test, and this includes study time that can take up to 2 – 3 days. And the more advanced Ham radio licensing you go for, the more studying you would need to do.
Learning to use the radio is harder with Ham radios that with the others; but when you need a radio with a wide range of frequencies, you definitely would pay the cost of getting that access.