Radio Communications


There are several options when it comes to radio communications while travelling.
For inter vehicle communications, CC4WDC uses UHF CB.

UHF CB Radio


Also referred to as "UHF", UHF CB operates on the 477MHz band using FM modulation. There are 40 channels allocated in the band.

CC4WD Club Channels


Channel 10 UHF CB is the convoy channel.
Channel 15 UHF CB is the alternative convoy channel.
Emergency on UHF is 5 and 35. DO NOT USE THESE CHANNELS unless it is an emergency.

Radio Etiquette


As UHF CB is used in many rural towns and areas for business, emergency and farm communications, it is likely that when traveling from area to area you will find that your working channel is being used by someone else. Please respect other users and either use the channel sparingly, in conjunction with other users, or use another channel.

Channels Useage UHF CB


5 – Emergency channel (simplex and duplex)
35 – Reserved for emergency use, not to be used in simplex (repeater input)
11 – Calling channel – use to make contact then change to another channel
22/23 – Telemetry and telecomm and only (voice communication is not permitted) why you get noise
1/31 – Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 1 repeater
2/32 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 2 repeater
3/33 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 3 repeater
4/34 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 4 repeater
6/36 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 6 repeater
7/37 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 7 repeater
8/38 - Not to be used in simplex when in range of a Channel 8 repeater

Recommended Channels UHF CB


10 – Used by many 4WD clubs (also known as the outback channel)
12 – Recommended for use by 4WD clubs
18 – Recommended for caravanners (although it is often used by road gangs and farmers)
20 – Used by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA)
40 – Road channel – mainly used by trucks (the language can be ‘colourful’), but many 4WD'ers and caravanners monitor or use this channel when travelling on the highway.

9-10, 12-21, 24-30, 39-40

It is best to avoid channels 31-38 completely unless you are sure there isn’t any corresponding repeaters in range.

HF Network Radio


You need to be licensed by the ACMA for the frequencies you intend to use. You may join a Radio Network which carries inbuilt licensing for their own frequencies. You therefore do not need to have a specific license yourself, but are authorised to use the license of the network through your membership.
Two such networks are Australian National 4WD Radio Network Inc (VKS-737) and the HF Radio Club.
They also can provide access to the RFDS.

These radios can also be used to connect to the telephone network using networks such as Radtel, and VKS-737.

The two primary suppliers of suitable HF radios are Codan and Barrett.

In addition to this, by upgrading the radios etc, they can also be used for Email, Fax, Data and GPS tracking.

HF CB


Also known as "CB" or "27 Meg" radio. HF CB was the original CB band used, and is not used much now. When it was introduced to Australia, it was only 18 channels, but was extended to 40 channels to match the system used in the USA. Both AM and SSB modulation can be used. While HF CB can at times provide much greater distance for communications, (being HF), it is not reliable.

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