I am new at this. Why HAM over CB? Range?
Can you explain the private channel thing? HAM has private channels or just more, so it is less likely to be overheard?
And CB doesn't require a license anymore does it?
Ham radio is not private, but rather it is public. It is required by the FCC to have a license to operate a Ham radio on the Ham bands. The test is pretty easy, Marlin just passed it as well as his wife. Rubicon Trail Foundation has over the last several years helped more than 400 people get their ham thanks to Barb and John Arenz.
When you study for the test you realize that power does not equate to range. That is why a 200 watt booster hooked to a CB will not perform as good as 1.5 watts on the Ham bands. Yes, study just a little bit (check out
http://www.hamtestonline.com/) you can take practice tests and turn on and off the help. There are a ton of radio clubs out there and it is easy to find a testing place.
The reason CB is no good is two cans and a string are just as good.
KZ6RTF