Thought I would just drop a line on the Uniden UH7760NB remote speaker MIC UHF cb transceiver. I purchased this radio a couple of months ago on ebay after reading a recommendation from Wombat. It has taken me a few weeks to finally fit it, only took about 11/2 hours but I don't like to rush these things,anyway thank you Wombat it was a good deal, they were great to deal with and I grabbed it at a bargain price, so that was good.
Regards,
David
Frogs on the pad at Charleville
Plodnalong said
04:05 AM Sep 14, 2012
Hi David, I've had a UHF radio for months now and never said a word but just left it tuned in to channel 40. Today as I was heading downhill for Dawson River rest area with a road train up my bum. I just said "old caravan in front of big truck, I'm turning off to the right here" and he hung back as I crossed over to let him pass and said thanks. Makes me think that if we have these radios then we should tell the truckies that we know they are there and will let them pass as soon as we can. I felt safer for it. By the way are you all tuned to channel 40 for the trucks or is there another one for caravans? Andy
Kaid said
04:13 AM Sep 14, 2012
Frog53 wrote:
Thought I would just drop a line on the Uniden UH7760NB remote speaker MIC UHF cb transceiver. I purchased this radio a couple of months ago on ebay after reading a recommendation from Wombat. It has taken me a few weeks to finally fit it, only took about 11/2 hours but I don't like to rush these things,anyway thank you Wombat it was a good deal, they were great to deal with and I grabbed it at a bargain price, so that was good.
Regards,
David
Frogs on the pad at Charleville
Got one too on Wombats recommendation.(Thanks Wombat, also a few months ago). Good deal on ebay.
Ordered Wed 12/9/12 arrived Thurs. Getting fitted on Fri.
Is there any protocol we need to know???????
Happywanderer said
04:14 AM Sep 14, 2012
I'm tune into 40 with mine. Very handy to know whats ahead, wide loads, road works, etc. I have only spoken into mine once, like you to warn the truck behind me I would pull over as soon as I could find a spot. He was most grateful and acknowledged me with a thanks as he passed.
Plodnalong said
04:37 AM Sep 14, 2012
Please someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think these things are pretty short range and if you can see the truck or other van then they are the ones you are talking to. I'm going to be experimenting with mine a bit tomorrrow with Yeoeleven at Dawson River to see if his works. I think the protocol is just press the button to speak and let go of it to listen. Saying "Rodger" is optional. Andy
Happywanderer said
04:40 AM Sep 14, 2012
I think the distance could be a bit more than that. I was going into town the other day, someone came on talking from a truck. i knew someone was in the vicinity, was a little while before they came into view. Yes, press the button to talk, don't to listen.
Dougwe said
04:56 AM Sep 14, 2012
Hey guys, don't praise wombat too much, his head won't fit through the front door of his hole and before you say anything wombat, the back door is smaller mate.
deadlyprincess said
06:35 AM Sep 14, 2012
Hi I have had my UHF for many a moon (old 29 meg CB'er). Ch 40 is used for Highway use across aus and 29 in NSW inland (same thing only different), Many Rv's also use ch 18 to get away from the language etc use on 40.
kiwijims said
09:51 AM Sep 14, 2012
I think some people may be surprised just how far a radio signal can travel.
I've had C.B. Radios in my vehicles and on Home base ( as the saying goes ) Since Adam was a cowboy.
I remember some years back when mobile near the Ocean on the N.Z. West Coast, I put out a call to any C.B.er
for a conversation, Well, Who should come back but a Trucker in America, on the interstate in North Carolina,
The reception, although only lasting about 10min, was crystal clear and I could actually hear the sound of the motor in his truck,
it took some time for the trucker to realise exactly where I was.
When he did, you could hear the excitement in his voice.
Just shows how far a radio signal can travel, I have always said.....
It does'nt matter where you are, if you get into bother and require Help,
put out a call ( ch 40) the best option, as many truckers now use Satellite phones,
someone somewhere will hear you, you may not hear them so, when calling for urgent help.....
1/ say what type of trouble you are in, ( Repeat )
2/ Say what kind of assistance you require, Ambulance, Police, Fire brigade. ( Repeat )
3/ give an exact idea of you location, Grid map reference, G.P.S. Reading will help. ( Repeat )
Just my two Bobs worth.
kiwijims
Big Gorilla said
01:18 PM Sep 14, 2012
You can depend on 5 km range usually, but depending on weather conditions, this can be a lot more. There are some channels that relay. Read your Manual to determine which ones they are. I have a sign on the rear of my RV stating "UHF 40"
UHF Channel Information
Not all Channels on CB are for everyday use, some have very specific roles and using them may interfere with other legitimate users of the band. Following is a list of UHF CB Channels and their uses
UHF CB Radio does not require users to be licensed, but users are limited to a maximum 5 watts power
The Australian Government has legislated that channels 5 & 35 on the UHF CB Band are reserved for emergency use only Channels: Channels 1 to 8 (and 31 to 38) are for repeaters. (these are sometimes called DUPLEX use) Each repeater needs a pair of channels to work. When on channel 1 repeater, channel 31 is also used up, 2 uses 32 and 3 uses 33 etc. Avoid channels 31 to 38 for general use. If you are within range of a repeater, your voice could exceed 10,000sq km coverage and that repeater, could be made unusable without your knowledge. For general travelling use, we suggest the Repeater (REP) or Duplex (DUP) function be programmed permanently ON at all times on channels 1 to 8. Please avoid transmitting on all the above channels unless you choose to access a repeater. Calling channel 11 (allocated in law) This channel is used to call another user who may be listening on the call channel (such as a friend). After contact you must move to another channel. Most country operators sit on other general use channels. Scanning all channels is more useful to find these other operators. Channels 22 & 23 are signalling and telemetry channels only. No voice is allowed. Channel 40 is used by highway vehicles and trucks. (firmly established by tradition) Channel 18 is used by caravans and campers. (by courteous agreement) Channel 10 is for 4WDrivers which is becoming more popular and is recommended officially in national parks. (by courteous agreement) Channel 5 is for emergency repeaters (allocated in law) (For locations please ask for a repeater list) For other regions, scanning all channels is a far more effective way of locating other UHF users in an emergency. General use channels are therefore 9 12 17 19 to 21 24 to 30 and 39.
_wombat_ said
03:09 PM Sep 14, 2012
Frog & Kaid, some great info for you here from BG and you also have the 80 channel units, I'll have to get one of those soon, just have to work on Mrs W
Dougwe, I hate saying this but you are right my back hole is smaller than the front one, how did you know?
Wanderlust said
05:27 PM Sep 14, 2012
Some changes were made to UHF CB last year. e.g CB is now 80 Channel
Yes, that is right, current models are 80 channels. My UHF unit has done a few miles, like me !! but works well. You'll note some channels are repeaters for long distance. You'll also note Channel 18 is for Caravans, RVs etc. I stay on Channel 40, but if anyone wants to talk to me, I suggest 18 or another vacant channel. A thought just occured to me. It's against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. I wonder if that applies to UHF Radio !!!!! Any police or ex-police on the Forum who could shed some light on that point. Hope I haven't opened a can of worms here !!
Dougwe said
06:02 PM Sep 14, 2012
G'day BG. This was discussed a while back. A friend of mine got booked for talking on the CB, the police said he had hold of the mike not the steering wheel, they said there is no difference between the CB mike and a mobile phone to them. My friend tried to get out of it but no way, I can't remember the cost etc now but it was the same as if talking on a mobile phone. He wasn't a happy camper at all.
It will be interesting what other's have to say.
_wombat_ said
06:21 PM Sep 14, 2012
Dougwe wrote:
G'day BG. This was discussed a while back. A friend of mine got booked for talking on the CB, the police said he had hold of the mike not the steering wheel, they said there is no difference between the CB mike and a mobile phone to them. My friend tried to get out of it but no way, I can't remember the cost etc now but it was the same as if talking on a mobile phone. He wasn't a happy camper at all.
It will be interesting what other's have to say.
I cannot see why it is any diffrent to a mob phone, BUT are the police going to chase all of those truckies and book them? if yes then I feel sorry for people like CG who need radio contact for escorting big loads.
Wanderlust said
06:58 PM Sep 14, 2012
Australian Road Rules : Rule 300 says in part: "mobile phone" does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio.
Queensland Dept Transport says
Using mobile phones while driving
Driving with a mobile phone in the driver's hand is illegal, even when you are stopped at traffic lights. This includes making and receiving calls. A driver may use a mobile phone if the phone is not in his or her hand and is attached to a hands-free kit, in a cradle or using wireless headset technology.
"Two-way radios and citizens band (CB) radios are permitted."
Personally, I don't think there is a problem.
Andy
_wombat_ said
07:09 PM Sep 14, 2012
Wanderlust wrote:
Australian Road Rules : Rule 300 says in part: "mobile phone" does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio.
Queensland Dept Transport says
Using mobile phones while driving
Driving with a mobile phone in the driver's hand is illegal, even when you are stopped at traffic lights. This includes making and receiving calls. A driver may use a mobile phone if the phone is not in his or her hand and is attached to a hands-free kit, in a cradle or using wireless headset technology.
"Two-way radios and citizens band (CB) radios are permitted."
Personally, I don't think there is a problem.
Andy
Hi Andy, would this apply to Australia wide?
you quote the Queensland Dept Transport, that is only the reason I asked.
wouldn't it be great if the laws were all the same in Australia?
KFT said
11:24 PM Sep 14, 2012
neilnruth wrote:
That's exactly my point - mobile phones and Cb radios are so different - you don't have to dial numbers etc with a CB so why should they be banned?
they aren't banned-use of a cb or any other two way radio is specifically permitted by law. In nSW rule 300 grants permission to use a two way radio.
talk to truckies by calling them up eg, white kenworth behind the xyz caravan let me know when you want to go around and I will back off for you.
or- white kenworth behind xyz caravan I see you behind me and will try to get you around when I can.
easy
A hand held uhf may not have the range of a built in radio but should be ok for up to 3-4 km so it will work ok for traffic you can see behind or oncoming. the usual problem is that of battery endurance some only have 3-4 hours before needing a recharge depending on transmit time used.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 14th of September 2012 11:27:15 PM
Wanderlust said
02:37 AM Sep 15, 2012
Wombat, in my initial searches I only found reference to Qld.
I have now found a section on the NSW RTA site that says "NSW has incorporated the Australian Road Rules and our local rules into a single set of NSW road rules."
I take this to mean what was in my original post.
It appears that Victoria does it the same - according to their site.
Having looked at the other states and their Road Transport sites - it appears to me that they are all the same. Each state has it's own variations to some of the laws in the ARR but there is little or no mention of CBs other than what the ARR says.
It would make a good argument with a police officer if you get pulled over - mind you he will have the last word !
Andy
_wombat_ said
02:56 AM Sep 15, 2012
Andy thanks for that info.
In regards to the police having the last word, if your conversation with the policeman is recorded and you can prove he was in the wrong that would be a different matter.
neilnruth said
03:28 AM Sep 15, 2012
Is the difference between mobile phone and CB because you don't dial numbers on CB I wonder?
KFT said
04:15 AM Sep 15, 2012
G'day everyone
with a Two way radio all you need to do is pick up the microphone/handpiece and press the "talk" button to operate it. very different to a mobile phone operation.
The NSW adaptation of the Aus road rules says:
300 Use of mobile phones by drivers (except holders of learner or provisional P1 licences)
(1) The driver of a vehicle (except an emergency vehicle or police vehicle) must not use a mobile phone that the driver is holding in his or her hand while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note. Emergency vehicle, park and police vehicle are defined in the Dictionary. (11) Subrule (1) does not apply to the driver of a vehicle who is the holder of a learner licence or provisional P1 licence. Note 1. Learner licence is defined in the Act, and provisional P1 licence is defined in the Dictionary. Note 2. Rule 3001 places restrictions on the use of mobile phones, whether or not held in the hand, by the holder of a learner licence or provisional P1 licence. Note 3. This subrule is an additional NSW subrule. There is no corresponding subrule in rule 300 of the Australian Road Rules. (2) In this rule: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio.
use, in relation to a mobile phone, includes the following:
(a) holding the phone to, or near, the ear (whether or not engaged in a phone call), (b) writing, sending or reading a text message on the phone, (c) turning the phone on or off, (d) operating any other function of the phone.
That seems pretty clear to me
frank
deadlyprincess said
04:33 AM Sep 15, 2012
At a recenr inservice with Qld Transport person, this question og UHF radio V's Mobile issue was raised and they stated that the reason for UHF being allowed wasd more to do with thew facrt that most UHF radio conversationd were 30-50 seconds, and did not require the operator to remove eyes from the road to operate. Also in any Qld gov employees were challenged they would take up the case. Havn't heard of any so don't know validity.
neilnruth said
04:41 AM Sep 15, 2012
That's exactly my point - mobile phones and Cb radios are so different - you don't have to dial numbers etc with a CB so why should they be banned?
Cruising Granny said
04:43 AM Sep 15, 2012
So have I been talking to a brick wall all these years? I have been begging and pleading for all GN's to tune to Ch 40 since a long time ago. I've also been asking you all to communicate with truckies, and to LISTEN to what is going on around you, especially when it comes to negotiating wide loads. It's not a new invention. It's a vital piece of equipment on the road, even in the cities among the idiots and bad language. It could save your life or save you a heck of a lot of time, even speeding fines IF you are speeding. Many travellers claiming to be on Ch 18 or 20 are rarely tuned in to anything I have found. Ch 20 is used by CMCA members. My Uniden UHF has a little "rubber duckie" antenna mounted on my smart bar. Around town I have 5 - 10 km range, but I have had 100 km range as I approach Port Wakefield from the Hummock Ranges to the north. Some of that depends on the antenna on the other receiver/transmitter. I've also been a certificated radio operator with emergency services for more than 40 years, on and off. I have seen a disappointing result of the remote microphone/speaker. The quality was shocking, so I hope you have better performance. It was very difficult to hear the other driver, and he had some trouble hearing me. I also have a GME hand-held 80 channel UHF, which also has a collar clip mike/speaker, for hands-free, but I prefer the reception on the actual radio. I have blue tooth in my car so the phone operation is also hands-free. Phone calls take a little more time and concentration as we listen carefully to the caller or "callee", but radio is exchanging short phrases of one or a few more words, and we keep control by the microphone button. With the phone we cannot control the caller's conversation. In both situations, keep it short.
neilnruth said
04:45 AM Sep 15, 2012
CG - is bluetooth in the car still allowable for using your monile phone? An item on ACA last night about the new super duper police cars seemed to say they could catch people using mobile phones VERY easily. My daughter is hoping it doesn't include bluetooth use.
jetj said
05:31 AM Sep 15, 2012
Are the hand held UHF radios as effective as the installed ones? I want to get one but don't really want to have to get it installed.
milo said
05:34 AM Sep 15, 2012
so how do you talk to truckies?
Plendo said
07:11 AM Sep 15, 2012
_wombat_ wrote:
Frog & Kaid, some great info for you here from BG and you also have the 80 channel units, I'll have to get one of those soon, just have to work on Mrs W
Dougwe, I hate saying this but you are right my back hole is smaller than the front one, how did you know?
Wombat, I think you have the UH7760NB, and it is a simplw process to convert it from 40 channels to 80 channels, it just needs to be unlocked. Set the unit on channel 39, and power it off, now hold the "Scan" and "Sqelch" at the same time and turn the unit back on, you now have an 80 channel unit.
_wombat_ said
03:40 PM Sep 15, 2012
Plendo wrote:
_wombat_ wrote:
Frog & Kaid, some great info for you here from BG and you also have the 80 channel units, I'll have to get one of those soon, just have to work on Mrs W
Dougwe, I hate saying this but you are right my back hole is smaller than the front one, how did you know?
Wombat, I think you have the UH7760NB, and it is a simplw process to convert it from 40 channels to 80 channels, it just needs to be unlocked. Set the unit on channel 39, and power it off, now hold the "Scan" and "Sqelch" at the same time and turn the unit back on, you now have an 80 channel unit.
wow, maybe I won't have to work on Mrs W, I'll check this out later today, not really sure which unit I have I know it's a UHF, will have to have a look at it, back later.
Thought I would just drop a line on the Uniden UH7760NB remote speaker MIC UHF cb transceiver. I purchased this radio a couple of months ago on ebay after reading a recommendation from Wombat. It has taken me a few weeks to finally fit it, only took about 11/2 hours but I don't like to rush these things,anyway thank you Wombat it was a good deal, they were great to deal with and I grabbed it at a bargain price, so that was good.
Regards,
David
Frogs on the pad at Charleville
I've had a UHF radio for months now and never said a word but just left it tuned in to channel 40. Today as I was heading downhill for Dawson River rest area with a road train up my bum. I just said "old caravan in front of big truck, I'm turning off to the right here" and he hung back as I crossed over to let him pass and said thanks. Makes me think that if we have these radios then we should tell the truckies that we know they are there and will let them pass as soon as we can. I felt safer for it.
By the way are you all tuned to channel 40 for the trucks or is there another one for caravans?
Andy
Got one too on Wombats recommendation.(Thanks Wombat, also a few months ago). Good deal on ebay.
Ordered Wed 12/9/12 arrived Thurs. Getting fitted on Fri.
Is there any protocol we need to know???????
I have only spoken into mine once, like you to warn the truck behind me I would pull over as soon as I could find a spot. He was most grateful and acknowledged me with a thanks as he passed.
I think the protocol is just press the button to speak and let go of it to listen. Saying "Rodger" is optional.
Andy
Yes, press the button to talk, don't to listen.
Hey guys, don't praise wombat too much, his head won't fit through the front door of his hole and before you say anything wombat, the back door is smaller mate.
I think some people may be surprised just how far a radio signal can travel.
I've had C.B. Radios in my vehicles and on Home base ( as the saying goes ) Since Adam was a cowboy.
I remember some years back when mobile near the Ocean on the N.Z. West Coast, I put out a call to any C.B.er
for a conversation, Well, Who should come back but a Trucker in America, on the interstate in North Carolina,
The reception, although only lasting about 10min, was crystal clear and I could actually hear the sound of the motor in his truck,
it took some time for the trucker to realise exactly where I was.
When he did, you could hear the excitement in his voice.
Just shows how far a radio signal can travel, I have always said.....
It does'nt matter where you are, if you get into bother and require Help,
put out a call ( ch 40) the best option, as many truckers now use Satellite phones,
someone somewhere will hear you, you may not hear them so, when calling for urgent help.....
1/ say what type of trouble you are in, ( Repeat )
2/ Say what kind of assistance you require, Ambulance, Police, Fire brigade. ( Repeat )
3/ give an exact idea of you location, Grid map reference, G.P.S. Reading will help. ( Repeat )
Just my two Bobs worth.
kiwijims
UHF Channel Information
Not all Channels on CB are for everyday use, some have very specific roles and using them may interfere with other legitimate users of the band. Following is a list of UHF CB Channels and their uses
UHF CB Radio does not require users to be licensed, but users are limited to a maximum 5 watts power
Channel: Frequency: Use:
Channel 1 476.425 Repeater Output
Channel 2 476.450 Repeater Output
Channel 3 476.475 Repeater Output
Channel 4 476.500 Repeater Output
Channel 5 476.525 Repeater Output (Emergency use only)
Channel 6 476.550 Repeater Output
Channel 7 476.575 Repeater Output
Channel 8 476.600 Repeater Output
Channel 9 476.625 Simplex
Channel 10 476.650 Simplex 4WD Drivers - Convoy, Clubs & National Parks
Channel 11 476.675 Simplex Call Channel
Channel 12 476.700 Simplex
Channel 13 476.725 Simplex
Channel 14 476.750 Simplex
Channel 15 476.775 Simplex
Channel 16 476.800 Simplex
Channel 17 476.825 Simplex
Channel 18 476.850 Simplex Caravan & Campers Convoy Channel
Channel 19 476.875 Simplex
Channel 20 476.900 Simplex
Channel 21 476.925 Simplex
Channel 22 476.950 Simplex Data Only (No Voice - No Packet)
Channel 23 476.975 Simplex Data Only (No Voice - No Packet)
Channel 24 477.000 Simplex
Channel 25 477.025 Simplex
Channel 26 477.050 Simplex
Channel 27 477.075 Simplex
Channel 28 477.100 Simplex
Channel 29 477.125 Simplex Pacific Hwy (NSW) & Bruce Hwy (Qld) Road Channel
Channel 30 477.150 Simplex UHF CB Broadcasts
Channel 31 477.175 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 32 477.200 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 33 477.225 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 34 477.250 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 35 477.275 Simplex Repeater Input (Emergency Use Only)
Channel 36 477.300 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 37 477.325 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 38 477.350 Simplex Repeater Input
Channel 39 477.375 Simplex
Channel 40 477.400 Simplex Highway Channel
The Australian Government has legislated that channels 5 & 35 on the UHF CB Band are reserved for emergency use only
Channels:
Channels 1 to 8 (and 31 to 38) are for repeaters. (these are sometimes called DUPLEX use)
Each repeater needs a pair of channels to work. When on channel 1 repeater, channel 31 is also used up, 2 uses 32 and 3 uses 33 etc.
Avoid channels 31 to 38 for general use. If you are within range of a repeater, your voice could exceed 10,000sq km coverage and that repeater, could be made unusable without your knowledge. For general travelling use, we suggest the Repeater (REP) or Duplex (DUP) function be programmed permanently ON at all times on channels 1 to 8. Please avoid transmitting on all the above channels unless you choose to access a repeater.
Calling channel 11 (allocated in law)
This channel is used to call another user who may be listening on the call channel (such as a friend). After contact you must move to another channel. Most country operators sit on other general use channels. Scanning all channels is more useful to find these other operators.
Channels 22 & 23 are signalling and telemetry channels only. No voice is allowed.
Channel 40 is used by highway vehicles and trucks. (firmly established by tradition)
Channel 18 is used by caravans and campers. (by courteous agreement)
Channel 10 is for 4WDrivers which is becoming more popular and is recommended officially in national parks. (by courteous agreement)
Channel 5 is for emergency repeaters (allocated in law) (For locations please ask for a repeater list) For other regions, scanning all channels is a far more effective way of locating other UHF users in an emergency.
General use channels are therefore 9 12 17 19 to 21 24 to 30 and 39.
Frog & Kaid, some great info for you here from BG and you also have the 80 channel units, I'll have to get one of those soon, just have to work on Mrs W
Dougwe, I hate saying this but you are right my back hole is smaller than the front one, how did you know?
Some changes were made to UHF CB last year. e.g CB is now 80 Channel
These links may be of use to anyone interested.
http://www.uhfcb.com.au/80-Channel-UHF-Information.php
http://www.uhfcb.com.au/UHF-CB-Changes.php
Yes, that is right, current models are 80 channels. My UHF unit has done a few miles, like me !! but works well. You'll note some channels are repeaters for long distance. You'll also note Channel 18 is for Caravans, RVs etc. I stay on Channel 40, but if anyone wants to talk to me, I suggest 18 or another vacant channel. A thought just occured to me. It's against the law to use a mobile phone while driving. I wonder if that applies to UHF Radio !!!!! Any police or ex-police on the Forum who could shed some light on that point. Hope I haven't opened a can of worms here !!
G'day BG. This was discussed a while back. A friend of mine got booked for talking on the CB, the police said he had hold of the mike not the steering wheel, they said there is no difference between the CB mike and a mobile phone to them. My friend tried to get out of it but no way, I can't remember the cost etc now but it was the same as if talking on a mobile phone. He wasn't a happy camper at all.
It will be interesting what other's have to say.
I cannot see why it is any diffrent to a mob phone, BUT are the police going to chase all of those truckies and book them? if yes then I feel sorry for people like CG who need radio contact for escorting big loads.
Australian Road Rules : Rule 300 says in part: "mobile phone" does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio.
Queensland Dept Transport says
Using mobile phones while driving
Driving with a mobile phone in the driver's hand is illegal, even when you are stopped at traffic lights. This includes making and receiving calls. A driver may use a mobile phone if the phone is not in his or her hand and is attached to a hands-free kit, in a cradle or using wireless headset technology.
"Two-way radios and citizens band (CB) radios are permitted."
Personally, I don't think there is a problem.
Andy
Hi Andy, would this apply to Australia wide?
you quote the Queensland Dept Transport, that is only the reason I asked.
wouldn't it be great if the laws were all the same in Australia?
they aren't banned-use of a cb or any other two way radio is specifically permitted by law. In nSW rule 300 grants permission to use a two way radio.
talk to truckies by calling them up eg, white kenworth behind the xyz caravan let me know when you want to go around and I will back off for you.
or- white kenworth behind xyz caravan I see you behind me and will try to get you around when I can.
easy
A hand held uhf may not have the range of a built in radio but should be ok for up to 3-4 km so it will work ok for traffic you can see behind or oncoming. the usual problem is that of battery endurance some only have 3-4 hours before needing a recharge depending on transmit time used.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Friday 14th of September 2012 11:27:15 PM
Wombat, in my initial searches I only found reference to Qld.
I have now found a section on the NSW RTA site that says "NSW has incorporated the Australian Road Rules and our local rules into a single set of NSW road rules."
I take this to mean what was in my original post.
It appears that Victoria does it the same - according to their site.
Having looked at the other states and their Road Transport sites - it appears to me that they are all the same. Each state has it's own variations to some of the laws in the ARR but there is little or no mention of CBs other than what the ARR says.
It would make a good argument with a police officer if you get pulled over - mind you he will have the last word !
Andy
Andy thanks for that info.
In regards to the police having the last word, if your conversation with the policeman is recorded and you can prove he was in the wrong that would be a different matter.
with a Two way radio all you need to do is pick up the microphone/handpiece and press the "talk" button to operate it. very different to a mobile phone operation.
The NSW adaptation of the Aus road rules says:
300 Use of mobile phones by drivers (except holders of learner or provisional P1 licences)
(1) The driver of a vehicle (except an emergency vehicle or police vehicle) must not use a mobile phone that the driver is holding in his or her hand while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note. Emergency vehicle, park and police vehicle are defined in the Dictionary.
(11) Subrule (1) does not apply to the driver of a vehicle who is the holder of a learner licence or provisional P1 licence.
Note 1. Learner licence is defined in the Act, and provisional P1 licence is defined in the Dictionary.
Note 2. Rule 3001 places restrictions on the use of mobile phones, whether or not held in the hand, by the holder of a learner licence or provisional P1 licence.
Note 3. This subrule is an additional NSW subrule. There is no corresponding subrule in rule 300 of the Australian Road Rules.
(2) In this rule:
mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio.
use, in relation to a mobile phone, includes the following:
(a) holding the phone to, or near, the ear (whether or not engaged in a phone call),
(b) writing, sending or reading a text message on the phone,
(c) turning the phone on or off,
(d) operating any other function of the phone.
That seems pretty clear to me
frank
I have been begging and pleading for all GN's to tune to Ch 40 since a long time ago. I've also been asking you all to communicate with truckies, and to LISTEN to what is going on around you, especially when it comes to negotiating wide loads.
It's not a new invention. It's a vital piece of equipment on the road, even in the cities among the idiots and bad language. It could save your life or save you a heck of a lot of time, even speeding fines IF you are speeding.
Many travellers claiming to be on Ch 18 or 20 are rarely tuned in to anything I have found. Ch 20 is used by CMCA members.
My Uniden UHF has a little "rubber duckie" antenna mounted on my smart bar. Around town I have 5 - 10 km range, but I have had 100 km range as I approach Port Wakefield from the Hummock Ranges to the north. Some of that depends on the antenna on the other receiver/transmitter.
I've also been a certificated radio operator with emergency services for more than 40 years, on and off.
I have seen a disappointing result of the remote microphone/speaker. The quality was shocking, so I hope you have better performance. It was very difficult to hear the other driver, and he had some trouble hearing me.
I also have a GME hand-held 80 channel UHF, which also has a collar clip mike/speaker, for hands-free, but I prefer the reception on the actual radio.
I have blue tooth in my car so the phone operation is also hands-free. Phone calls take a little more time and concentration as we listen carefully to the caller or "callee", but radio is exchanging short phrases of one or a few more words, and we keep control by the microphone button. With the phone we cannot control the caller's conversation. In both situations, keep it short.
Are the hand held UHF radios as effective as the installed ones? I want to get one but don't really want to have to get it installed.
Wombat, I think you have the UH7760NB, and it is a simplw process to convert it from 40 channels to 80 channels, it just needs to be unlocked. Set the unit on channel 39, and power it off, now hold the "Scan" and "Sqelch" at the same time and turn the unit back on, you now have an 80 channel unit.
wow, maybe I won't have to work on Mrs W, I'll check this out later today, not really sure which unit I have I know it's a UHF, will have to have a look at it, back later.