
This can be a real issue because some people use their CB like a form of security blanket, constantly talking with their convoy about every insignificant observation. After all, this isn’t ‘open mike’ night at a comedy club where you get to ramble to an unwitting audience.Ī Golden Rule of CB etiquette is to keep it short and to the point. Therefore, it’s important to observe some common courtesies. While CBs are convenient, it’s worth remembering they use open channels, so, anyone can be trying to use the same channel you are. The Channel Allocation table to the right shows which channels are available for recreational purposes. The repeater station on a nearby mountain retransmits your conversation onto another channel that can be received at a location beyond your visual range.Īlthough there may be restrictions on channel use, there’s still plenty of bandwidth open for general use. Think of areas that are so large - or with undulating country - where talk on one channel simply can’t be heard by the intended recipient. Other channels are reserved for repeater stations. If not, stay off channel.Ĭhannels 61–63 are reserved for future allocation.

So, if your CB is fitted with a GPS, this is the channel from which it will send geo-location information to another CB that’s coded with the same tech. The maximum penalty for the misuse can be up to two years prison or $165,000 fine.Ĭhannel 22 and 23 are reserved for telemetry and telecommand and can’t be used for voice. For example:Ĭhannels 5 and 35 are legislated for emergency use only and fines can be issued for their improper use. The reason is they’re reserved for specific uses. Under Commonwealth radiocommunications legislation, we’re generally not authorised to use certain channels. And if you’re struggling to get the distance you need, head for higher elevation. As radio waves work on a line of sight, you’ll generally get as much range as you can actually see. But you should expect around 5–25km range. These include the quality of the product, quality of installation, antenna choice, mount location, power output, terrain and even atmospheric conditions. The distance our CB conversations can travel is dependent on a many variables. And if that someone is you, then your CB may be the thing that gets you the assistance you need, as quick as you need it. On remote tracks, you’ll find roadside signs with recommended channels to monitor in the event someone’s bogged or in some other difficulty. Listen to Channel 40 and you can find out about road conditions from truckies using the same roads as you. More broadly, CB radios help you keep in touch with the world around you.

#CB RADIO LINGO LOCAL POLICE DRIVER#
If one of your companions leaves for a spot of bushwalking, the CB in their pocket and the CB in your rig create insurance against becoming lost or snake bite.Īnd a polite discussion over a short-wave radio sure beats volleys of barked directions between driver and travel partner when it comes time to reverse a rig into a tight space - it’s no wonder CBs are sometimes called marriage savers. For vehicle convoys, they’re a great way to keep in touch with fellow travellers while on the road. Whether we’re going remote or just taking off for a weekend, their utility is hard to fault.
#CB RADIO LINGO LOCAL POLICE HOW TO#
But do we know how to use them correctly?ĬB radios are a trusty companion when we head bush.

We all know CBs are an invaluable form of communication in the bush.
