UHF CB Australia is funded by the generous donations from our supporters, Show your support and donate safely using PayPal and help keep these vital services going
 

 
Keep up to date with all the latest
news and updates on
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
What Is UHF CB ?

UHF CB is an abbreviation for Ultra High Frequency Citizen Band Radio, UHF CB Radio is freely available to all Australians UHF CB does not require a license or registration to use. 

 

Who is UHF CB Australia ?

UHF CB Australia is a Not For Profit, information & advisory service for all operators of UHF CB radio in Australia. For the first time UHF CB operators are able to find all the information one might need on UHF CB Radio, As well as have all their questions answered or on air issues investigated free of charge by a panel of experts.

 

 How many channels are there in UHF CB ?

There are 40 channels available to operators of UHF CB Radio, Some channels have specific uses to find out what channels are allocated to click here.

 

Do I need a call sign ?

Call signs are not issued to individual users. However, it is recommended that operators use some form of identification when transmitting.

 

How much power can I use to Transmit ?

UHF CB Radio operators are limited to a maximum of 5 watts of power. The attachment of any external devices, such as linear amplifiers, to CB radio equipment, for the purpose of increasing the power output of the transmitter, is not permitted. This type of operation is a breach of the licence conditions.

 

What is a Repeater ?

A repeater is a tool used by UHF CB Radio operators to communicate over larger distances. Repeaters are often placed in high locations like tall buildings, hills or mountains. They receive a transmission on one channel (Repeater Input) and then simultaneously rebroadcast it over a wider area via the repeater output frequency. With the use of a repeater an operator can extend there range from 3 – 7 Km to over 100 K.

 

Who pays for the repeaters ?

Repeaters are owned and payed for by private individuals as well as groups and organizations like UHF CB Australia. Repeaters are individually licensed through the Australian Communications & Media Authority. Although there are costs involved with owning repeaters, there are no costs involved for UHF CB operators to use repeater services.

 
What are the Emergency Channels ?
On UHF CB Radio emergency channels are repeater channel 5 and repeater input channel 35
To access emergency repeaters:
  1. Ensure the Duplex (DUP) button is depressed (On)
  2. Hold the Push To Talk button (PTT) before beginning transmission
  3. Begin transmission with "This is (Name/Callsign) Calling for any Emergency Monitors"
  4. Release PTT and wait 30 seconds 
  5. If no reply after 30 seconds try again
  6. If still no reply try and make contact with other UHF CB operators on other repeaters 
 
Who monitors Emergency Channels and are they manned 24/7 ?
 Emergency channels are monitored by volunteers and volunteer groups. Although these volunteers work extremely hard to provide  the best service possible, it is not possible for these groups to provide guaranteed 24/7 monitoring
 

You have a repeater listed as Online but I can’t hear it ?

Sometimes repeater owners will switch off their repeaters for a number of reasons. It is extremely difficult to keep track of all repeaters across the country without the assistance of Repeater owners and operators. If you know the updated status of a repeater or know/are a repeater owner you can assist us by sending the details here.

 

Someone keeps telling me that this is their channel and I have to move, It that correct ?

No single person or organization has the rights to use any channel exclusively, Where possible try to accommodate other users needs and insure you are using the selected channel correctly i.e. You are not transmitting on Emergency, Telemetry or Repeater Inputs  

 

Someone is being abusive on the radio what can I do ?

UHF CB Australia provides a preliminary investigation service for complaints and disputes on UHF CB Radio.  If you are the target of on air abuse, fill out the online form here. Provide as much detail as possible.

 

How long will it take to resolve ?

Some cases take longer than others to resolve. More serious cases may need to be escalated which ads additional time. Once UHF CB Australia has completed a preliminary investigation, the case and all information is passed on to the authorities. Once the case is handed to the authorities UHF CB Australia has no control over how it is handled or a time frame that a resolution will be reached.

 
 
Who is responsible for laying charges against people who break the laws of UHF CB Radio ?
The Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) is the government body responsible for governing all radio frequencies. Any person or persons found to be breaking the laws of UHF CB Radio, leave themselves open to fines and even jail time. The ACMA have inspectors that investigate and prosecute offenders.
 
 
What is antenna gain?
 
The gain of an antenna is a measure of the improvement in transmitted or received signal strength when its performance is measured against the theoretical standard isotropic radiator, whose radiation pattern represents a perfect sphere. Gain can only be achieved by focusing the radiation pattern in the direction in which it is needed by the addition of more radiating elements and/or directors and reflectors (such as in the case of yagis).
 
 
 
Do you still have unanswered questions?
 
Fill out your details below, along with your questions and one of our panel of experts will be happy to help.
 
  
Your Name**:
Email**:
Location**:
Subject:
Question**:
 
(** Required Fields)