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In-Vehicle UHF


CB and UHF Communication

CB (Citizens Band) Radio

Provides short-range radio communication.  There is currently no license required to operate.   There are two types HF 27 MHz and UHF 477 MHz.  The MHz (megahertz) refers to the radio frequency on which the equipment operates.

First introduced in 1970, the government initially allocated 18 channels and an annual fee was payable to obtain a license.  In 1982 the band was extended to 40 channels, and in 1994 the government abolished CB license fees.

When having a conversation always remember CB radio communication is not private.  Also, CB is not like a telephone in that only one person can speak at a time.
 

For communication in ‘Outback’ Australia it is recommended you buy or hire a satellite telephone or HF transceiver.  See HF Radio article

AM (27MHz) equipment is rarely used these days as it only provided a small range (approx 1- 3 kilometers) and speech was difficult to understand.  Vehicle noise was also a problem. 

A UHF (FM) CB radio provides a clearer communication with less interference from such things as power lines or atmospheric noise.   It uses the 40 channels between 476.425 to 477.400 MHz . 

The UHF CB came of age with the introduction of repeater stations that retransmit signals received on one channel onto another channel.  Channels 1- 8 are designated as repeater output channels with channels 31 to 38 the corresponding designated repeater input channels.  For example, a repeater that transmits on Channel 1 will always receive on Channel 31.

Modern transceivers can scan the 40 channels and they lock in on a channel when a signal is heard.  UHF communication is often termed ‘line of sight’ communication as good communication is available where there are no obstructions such as hills between yourself and say another vehicle with whom you are communicating.  UHF has a range, in good conditions, of about 20-30 kilometers.  When in areas where repeater stations are installed this range can improve the range up to about 300 kms.

Some brand names of radio transceivers are GME Electrophone, Uniden and Icom.

         


 

Related Articles:

Communication
When considering the type of communication system you need it is important to understand all the options available to you including their capabilities and limitations.

HF Radio
Information on HF Radios, their use in the ouback for emergencies and how they can link to the landline and mobile telephone networks.

Hand Held / Portable UHF CB
Hand held communications can be useful for caravanners to assist in parking their rigs.  They are also useful for camping, trekking, fishing and sporting events. 

Public Telephones and Phone Cards
Is it safe and practical to use public telephones or phone cards whilst travelling?

Internet Cafés & Wireless Internet via Laptops
What is available to travellers on the road to provide internet access and email communication.  Contains information on all options.

Mobile Phone Connection
Choosing the right mobile is important to enable you to "stay in touch" whilst travelling.  CDMA, 3G, Next G?  Which is the best one?

Satellite Phones
Do you need a one?  How do they work? Can you hire a Satellite phones?  Are Satellite phones expensive?

Distress Beacons and EPIRBS
What is an EPIRB?  When do you need to carry an EPIRB? 

Also see:

Best Tow Vehicle
Different Types of Caravans
Hitches, Anti-Sway Bars & Chains
Fifth Wheelers
Caravan Reversing

 
 

Australian UHF CB Radio Channel Information

Recommended Channels:

10 – Used by many 4WD clubs (also known as the outback channel)
12 – Recommended for use by 4WD clubs
18 – Recommended for caravanners (although it is often used by road gangs and farmers)
20 – Used by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA)
40 – Road channel – mainly used by trucks (the language can be ‘colorful’), but many 4WD'ers and caravanners monitor or use this channel when traveling on the highway.

 



Legal Channels:

5 –  Emergency channel (simplex and duplex)
35 – Reserved for emergency use, not to be used in simplex (repeater input)
11 – Calling channel – use to make contact then change to another channel
22/23 – Telemetry and telecomm and only (voice communication is not permitted)
1/31 – Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 1 repeater
2/32 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 2 repeater
3/33 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 3 repeater
4/34 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 4 repeater
6/36 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 6 repeater
7/37 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 7 repeater
8/38 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 8 repeater
 

For simplex communications try to use one of these channels:

9-10, 12-21, 24-30, 39-40

It is best to avoid channels 31-38 completely unless you are sure there isn’t any corresponding repeaters in range.

A simple Google search can be done to locate other web sites that have a comprehensive Australian UHF CB Repeater List.  Further information is also available from the Australian Communication and Media Authority.

Aerials

Care should be taken in selecting an aerial to suit your purpose as the aerial (or antenna) used will influence the transmitting and reception range and the same may be said for its location on the vehicle.  Larger aerials provide better range and are superior for long distance communications.

There is also a ‘vibration factor’, which can fatigue the antenna, for vehicles with diesel engines as well as road surfaces that needs to be taken into consideration when selecting an antenna.  The fiberglass whip aerial on a medium or heavy duty spring may best suit 4WD diesel engine vehicles and outback travelling.

The aerial should be mounted as high as possible so one mounted say to the roof of the vehicle would provide the best range in comparison to one mounted on the front bull bar as the reception from the rear (behind the vehicle) can be impeded by the vehicle body itself.  However, due to the size of most aerials they are generally located on the wheel arch or bull bar of a vehicle.  Aerials are then connected to the transceiver by coaxial cable.

To ensure equipment is working try calling a ‘radio check please’ on Channel 40.

 


Bull Bar Mount - Wrap Around

Angle Mounting - Roof Rack or Side Mounting

Gutter Mount

Z Bracket - Designed for Bonnet Mounting

 

Other articles that may interest you -

Communication (Terms and Lingo) - HF Radio - Hand Held / Portable UHF CB

Public Telephones and Phone Cards - Internet Cafés & Wireless Internet via Laptops

Mobile Phone Connection - Satellite Phones - Distress Beacons and EPIRBS

 

 


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