Do we need a UHF radio for the Cape

What do you say to the oncoming trucks CJ?

Allan
If it is a gravel road I say to them that I will pull over out of their way so they can pass without having to go onto the verge and spray more rocks.

I also ask if they know of other trucks coming this way. Out there they are quite helpful

I find it strange that you ask this Allan, I would have thougnt that you of all people do the same thing?

CJ

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Well CJ, I don't seem to have a lot of success communicating with trucks. They often don't answer or they are somewhat dismissal and terse.

When I see an oncoming truck on a narrow road I slow and pull off to the shoulder. The truck thunders past and that's it. No negotiations. No pain for either.

With an overtaking truck I advise that I will pull off at the first opportunity. But then they sit behind so close that I cannot decelerate to safely pull off. Very frustrating.

Nevertheless, I respect truckies and try to be as accommodating as possible.

Same here Allan. And that includes trucks from the opposite direction and the rare one that is overtaking me. They aren't usually the fastest vehicles and we pretty much travel about the same speed, or a bit more.

Anyway it's a lot quicker and easier to understand, if you simply just move left and slow down or even stop if there isn't anyone on your tail. Any idiot would understand your motives. You don't need to "engage" or have a "dialogue" with them. They aren't necessarily a part of today's 24/7 Borge mob who have to discuss everything and generate a new protocol before proceeding.

Just darn-well-do-it and leave them alone. I used to drive interstate part time on the weekends to make a little extra and it was a pain answering every car that came along. That was in the days of HF CB and I bet it's the same today with UHF CB. Just a wave as they pass is sufficient.

Phil

Same here never talked to one yet just pull over early when you see that dust bowl roaring along the track put the left indicator on till he passes.

Be careful of using the indicators. The traditional one back years ago was a hand signal, then when indicators were fitted to cars and trucks, it was the right hand indicator with two blinks ONLY to say you can overtake.

These days with all the "Johnny come lately's" from Europe, the do gooders and know alls who used the left hand one "back in the old country", it has been stuffed up by them trying to change it to the left hand one. I will use the right hand one as I have for year both privately and professionally. But I am aware of the issue.

I am talking about the traditions since 1950 when I was Dad started showing my brother and I about driving. Yes at 5 years old. Dad always spoke told us about as we he drove, explaining things while we were young.

So just be wary that it may not be a signal to overtake.

No. Batts puts on the left indicator to show he is pulling over to the left. Good stuff Batts as you have communicated exactly what your intensions are.

I have no problems with a call on the radio saying what someones intensions are and as for calls to me like, I have a broken windscreen could you back it down, I am pulling over and giving you the road or bridge, Keep it up on the top big fella I am giving you the road.

All this communicates what the drivers intensions are and most truck drivers are thankful of this. Yes some don't answer and yes some are don't care but many do and will just say thanks.

I talked to two doubles yesterday on my way west with the wobbly on the way back and kept it simple.
First one, K104 do you want to come around as I will back off when you are out there. No I will have a go at the top of the hill. Ok, I will lift my speed to the top so you can have a good go. Top of hill, he gets out there and I ease. Me, jobs done and Him, Thanks.

Number 2. K200 I am going to drop off into the truck bay, as I do I get thanks for that.

I didn't have to identify myself as they could tell by the signal it was from just in front of them. People might be amazed what many remote and semi remote truck operators will pass on to you, that is if simple words are exchanged by radio.

My point exactly!

"Batts puts on the left indicator to show he is pulling over to the left" doesn't mean it's safe to overtake.

Just be careful.

Phil

GME do a "Plug and Play" model that can be swapped from vehicle to vehicle for around $250,

I personally use GME - Aussie Company - never had an issue. But given the price of these now they are pretty similar in price.

If you do a google search for GME UHF Radios - it will give you a pretty comprehensive list - there is also a link to google shopping which gives some prices which are a pretty good guide.

Cheers

Anthony

G'day Johno,

I would be looking at a quality unit, try and get it bundled with an antenna if you can. What type of unit is dependant on where you want to locate it. Some are DIN sized to fit in the dash, others have all the controls on the mic, so the box can be mounted elsewhere in the car. If you remote mount it, make sure that you can hear the speaker, and don't skimp on the antenna, as having a good antenna is paramount.

My own personal preference is for Icom, closely followed by GME. The GME TX3600 does crop up secondhand on Ebay from time to time, can be programmed for 80ch UHF CB, and the transmit power is limited to 5w.

Dependant on your location, there would be quite a few suppliers that could supply and install your radio, but I would stick to somebody that specialises in radio to fit it.

Have a good look around and let suppliers know what you want it to do, then they are in a better position to advise you on which direction to go.

HTH

Thanks PHIL. can see the logic. I might investigate the cost and take it from there john

Check prices at Prestige Communications from Perth.

Usually competitive and their service/delivery is second to none.

Bob

Thanks Bob

A big +1 for Prestige Communications, really good prices and fast postage. I ordered stuff at 2PM and had it at my door by 3pm the following day.

The thrill of multiple breakdowns on the Cape says it all ,,,,, if you had used some of your $$ on vehicle preparations / maintenance rather than 3 UHF to dribble into ??

You know nothing about my truck, state of preparedness or even what period of time and circumstances were involved.
Appreciate your informed comment though.