Australian 80 channel UHF cb radios, ACMA approval 2011.

[dragon]

This is a new listing of the 80 Channel uhf CB radios, ACMA approved, no license required.

The older and more popular 40 channel UHF CB radios, are still compatable with the first 40 channels of the new 80 channel band.
Arguably, the narrower channel bandwiths on the new 80 channel radios may degrade the audio quality slightly.

I remember reading about the new 80 channel band over 18 months ago, as far as i know, the new uhf band has been approved since early 2011.
Eventually there will be more repeater channels over the next three years, frequencies have been allocated for these. Existing repeater channels will remain the same as far as i know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UHF_CB

Note the original 40 channel frequencies and allocations will remain the same at this point.

But,

It is proposed that equipment using 25 kHz spacing (40 channel equipment) be phased out by 2017. The ACMA plan to review this policy in 2016.

[SSG Nasty]

Very nice, CBs seem to be a viable option should comm links go down.

[Te Hopo]

Hmm I have seen the first 80 channel UHFs hitting the market here just the other day as Kiwibowhunter was asking my advice on UHF based comms.

But I found this interesting:

Other similar personal radio services used in other countries do not share the same band plan, power output, channels etc. as UHF CB. It is usually illegal to use these systems in Australia and New Zealand because they will interfere with other licensed services. Care must be taken with radios imported from overseas to ensure they comply with local regulations.

Now these units are cheap ones imported from China and I have not heard of any issues yet.
I reckon I'll be sticking to my Motorolas and Unidens instead, at least they're a known quantity and set up for NZ.

[RIDING OLD SKOOL]

in a doomsday situation how long would the repeater stations work if cut off from mains power?

[dragon]

Virtually, not at all. Most share towers and the equipment room or hut on a common grid power source with other non cb systems.
Only a handfull may have solar and other backup power if the UHF CB repeater is sharing a common power source with the emergency service gear in the same room, maybe.

But having said that, the UHF CB is the most common short range comms band used by people, vehicles, base stations (power source??) and handhelds, to listen or talk in the immediate area without repeaters.

[Gelandangan]

I found that in the bush here most farmers are using UHF to communicate.
Often they are assigned a channel so they could call each other directly.
Thats the beauty of short range radios.

[Aboody]

When i purchased my radio i didnt even blink at the face that it was an 80ch i got it coz of its programmable features.

Manny nights had nothing else to listen to and it provides loads of entertainment listening to VKR. Especially where i live