Communications from Melb to Alice?

We had the UHF and an external aerial for the mobiles. We could pick up a few bars of reception on the mobiles going through towns, but almost nothing in between.
The UHF might transmit a maximum of 25km on the flat terrain on that trip. We use it more for letting the 8 and 9 year old roam further, or for communicating on short trips between car and van as they both have a UHF.

One of the only times it was used on our trip up to central was when a truck driver notified us irritably that we were transmitting for five seconds every few minites and he was rather upset about hearing the badly sung nursery rhymes.

Graham,

Unless you intend travelling with others, there isn't much point in having UHF if travelling on the bitumen. It's useful if you are going off the main roads and may need to contact passers by for assistance. One couple with kids we met were horrified by the suggestion that they would expose the kids to the sort of language that's too common on UHF.

If you do get a UHF set, be aware that there are big changes coming in the next year or two. The number of channels is to be doubled by reducing their channel spacing. I understand that at this stage only the current GME radios can be reprogrammed to suit. (I strongly suspect that any change may take a very long time to actually happen. )

Cheers

John

Having a UHF radio is useful on any type of road. I never travel without one. We recently did the same trip and further and I had my UHF on all the time just monitoring Ch 40. The only time I engaged anyone was to assist them in getting by me and my caravan. It was also very useful when large wide loads, accompanied by pilot vehicles were in the area. They sometimes contacted me to let me know what was coming up behind or towards me and advised what I should do. At other times they just put out a general message to say where they were and how wide they were so I'd be aware.

I find the range of the CB to be no better that 10 km and at times it barely copes with 3km, depending on terrain.

WBS

Some good info above, no mention of repeaters.

Much of the station country is covered by repeaters which are accessed by putting the channels 1-8 into duplex mode.

Once you do this the radio transmits on channel 1, receives on 31. 2/32 etc. Repeaters give a significant increase in range and are particularly useful if you are in trouble and you can access one.

You'll get Next G coverage in places like Marla, Glendambo, Erldunda etc. and obviously Woomera & Coober Pedy without an external antenna but regardless of antenna you won't get it between towns.

UHF is a good idea. Sometimes even just for asking the road train behind if they want to go round, then doing it as a coordinated thing when they are ready if you are sitting on 90-95. They pull out, you drop of to 80, they pull in, missus is happy.

Beats being tailgated by a truck that needs a long time to go round you at 100kmh and doesn't want to drop back to have to wind up again.

Dave

Get a 2nd hand one Get out of the city and put it on Ch 40 and keep the kids OFF it.

As above it is handy to talk to truckies when they want to pass.

They should be used as a communication device for essential things , not for kids to play with.

Nothing worse than being tailgated by roadtrain that you cant talk to.

They will thank you if you tell them you see them and lets know when you want to pass and we didnt notice much bad language in the outback.

One pointer Dont sit on 95kph in front of one as he cant get going fast enough to pass you.

We travelled at no more than 90 and when a truck passed, waited till the WHOLE RIG got out side us and then just backed off.

It was also appreciated if we flicked our lights when his tail passed us as its hard to judge from 53m away.

I believe some states have banned this. Why I wouldnt know as its universally done.

To say not to have one is rather foolish as there is nothing worse than coming up on someone with no radio, no mirrors no brains and holding everyone up in their own little world.

Cheers

I cant stand monitoring channel 40. Why is everything F this and F that. Not necessary.

So its normally turned off unless travelling with someone or the club outings, and if I come across someone stopped. But sometimes in the bush and in remote places I will turn it on to channel 18 and leave it there.

Phil

Hi,

Excellent UHF radios are GME. If you intend to keep your UHF radio for more than 5 years ring GME office in your state (not a dealer they will probably not know or recommend one that is not upgradeable) to find out which of their current radios is upgradeable to Narrow band use.

This will save you buying a new radio when the new narrow band channels are available ie CB band will have increased from 40 to 80 channels.

The opportunity to communicate with (or just listen to) other road users can be useful at times - road workers, truckies etc. - if you happen to break down, you might get to the next roadhouse too on UHF (if out of mobile phone range)..... I have one in the car while towing - wouldn't be without it. Effective range depends on terrain and the hardware in use by both users in a session, but 30-40km is often common across flat ground - if a repeater in the region is employed, you should get a whole lot further. As for choices, suggest you make sure you get the latest model with the latest channel compliance, in the price range you can afford - while there are several good brands to choose from (I have 3 makes) GME is an example of a very safe purchase re quality and reliability. To get an idea of models and prices in any brand, web sites like Prestige Communications in WA can provide a guide.
Touring the Stuart Hwy is great - I love it every time I go up there :-o).

Thanks everyone for comments, maybe I will just go with a couple of good quality handhelds instead of fitting in the car, not sure yet.