Hold off buying a UHF

[bitdist]

Quote:The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is notifying stakeholders on the final outcomes of the review of the 400 MHz band and seeking public comment on proposed implementation plans for the radiofrequency spectrum in the range 403–520 MHz (the 400 MHz band). The The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band consultation paper outlines a number of final decisions for the future use of the band and proposed implementation plans.

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312108 (http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312108)

In a nutshell, the CB spectrum will be increased by halving the bandwidth of each frequency.

This means that there will be 80* UHF channels for public (non commercial) use, this is a good thing.

Assuming that the recommendations are adopted, these frequencies will be 'made available' from January 2011, and in 5 years all users will have to have transitioned.

[Hymie]

Does this mean there will be twice as many idiots on them?

[ADMIRAL]

Hi BITDIST,

Are you aware of current models which can already take advantage of the expansion in available channels ?

I thought the ICOM 440 complied for instance ?

[miky]

Sounds too good to be true and of course it is!
There are so many 40ch units in use and people are not going to buy a new unit, so there will be heaps of 40ch units in use for many, many years to come.

The "new" freq. slot into (in between) the existing freq. These new freq. will suffer interference from people using adjacent (existing) freq.
The new rigs will not have that problem. But as said, who is going to rush out and get a new rig?

[miky]

Hi BITDIST,

I thought the ICOM 440 complied for instance ?

Just fired up the software to check my thoughts are correct. Although you can easily have 80ch with some to spare, you can only have the 40ch existing CB freq. that will Tx.
Any others you put in are Rx only.

I think many people would like to have "other" freq. as Tx/Rx but as far as I know it is not possible.

Of course if you have a 400pro... ;)

[Slunnie]

Just fired up the software to check my thoughts are correct. Although you can easily have 80ch with some to spare, you can only have the 40ch existing CB freq. that will Tx.
Any others you put in are Rx only.

I think many people would like to have "other" freq. as Tx/Rx but as far as I know it is not possible.

Of course if you have a 400pro... ;)
Can this be altered by the shops? I would have thought that you could transmit if legal so that they would be set up for private frequencies.

[weeds]

Does this mean there will be twice as many idiots on them?

what he said........

[miky]

Not that I know of - in fact I am sure they cannot. Certainly the software will not let you.

I currently use the 400pro so I can have cb and commercial freq. in the same unit.

There are other radios like gme which can be programmed to what ever you want. TX3800 range for example.

[bitdist]

Hi BITDIST,

Are you aware of current models which can already take advantage of the expansion in available channels ?

I thought the ICOM 440 complied for instance ?

I thought the Icom ones can be reprogrammed to take advantage of the new chanells, but I am not really sure

[bitdist]

Sounds too good to be true and of course it is!
There are so many 40ch units in use and people are not going to buy a new unit, so there will be heaps of 40ch units in use for many, many years to come.

The "new" freq. slot into (in between) the existing freq. These new freq. will suffer interference from people using adjacent (existing) freq.
The new rigs will not have that problem. But as said, who is going to rush out and get a new rig?

Yes there will be lots of interference for a while, but hopefully....eventually.... it shold mean a bit more choice out in the bush to get a "private" channel for the group. There are not really that many channels to pick from now

[waynep]

The channels are going from 25KHz bandwidth to 12.5KHZ bandwidth.
The same thing happened in the commercial UHF bands some years ago.

This basically means the receiver IF filtering has to "cut off" at 12.5KHz instead of 25KHz and the transmit deviation ( modulation ) has to be reduced to 2.5KHz instead of 5KHz. There are also other factors that come into the type approval.

If you're buying a new set, make sure it is type approved for 12.5KHz and capable of being re-programmed for the 12.5KHZ channels, when the time comes. I'd be getting a written assurance to this effect from the shop.

Your existing unit, if newish, may be able to be reprogrammed for 12.5KHz bandwidth. You'd need to look at the spec sheet and the programming software to be sure.
Older sets are nearly impossible to convert because of the fixed crystal filters in the receivers.

I can't see how ACMA would be allowing 25KHz sets to continue operating as they would be "splattering" over users on the new 12.5KHz channels.

[land864]

A few years back , my old boss told me that his son's UHF ( UHF Only? ) had a facility for RX only of RFS/CFA/Police bands:confused:
Did I dream that :)
What if it had UHF and VHF capability.

[one_iota]

Both GME and Icom have models that can be programmed to receive out side the CB band:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/communications-car-audio-electronics/103940-icom-uhf-450-520-mhz.html

[gmeddy]

me and a mate just got ourselves a TX3100 each.
hope they dont go and stuff up the frequencies too soon...

[JDNSW]

..........
I can't see how ACMA would be allowing 25KHz sets to continue operating as they would be "splattering" over users on the new 12.5KHz channels.

I can't see how they can possibly stop them. A slight possibility they may reduce the numbers of them in the metropolitan areas, but considering the total lack of success in any other controls on the use of them I would not hold my breath. Besides which, ACMA has much more important things to do, like controlling what you can see on the internet.

John

[Shonky]

So what models of CB are compatible with the new 12kHz spacing?

I have heard that some of the offerings from Icom can be reprogrammed to the new range, but what others are out there?

[miky]

I have heard that some of the offerings from Icom can be reprogrammed to the new range, but what others are out there?

GME TX3600 TX3800 etc.

I am sure most of the commercial ones would be OK.

[buddha D2]

UHF CB Australia - News - Repeater Locations - History - Sales & More (http://www.uhfcb.com.au/)

Info on 80 channels and upgradable units here.

[CraigE]

A few years back , my old boss told me that his son's UHF ( UHF Only? ) had a facility for RX only of RFS/CFA/Police bands:confused:
Did I dream that :)
What if it had UHF and VHF capability.
TAIT actually make a dual band UHF/VHF for emergency services. We had them in our emergency vehicles so we could communicate with FESA, Police and St John. They can also have all public frequencies.

[sclarke]

OMG i'm going to hold off on the new rig i just bought..... this means more channels..... WOW

bit like the 18 then 21 then 40 channel AM rigs back when i was a wee tacker...

Blah.... if you need a rig in your truck, then get one.... big deal.. upgrade in 5 years time....

mine never last 5 years.... a quick drink, or dust or mud, cures the life span...

[ADMIRAL]

Correct me if I'm wrong ( Sure it will follow ), but unless all your mates get a compatible radio and the 80 channels programmed, you won't be able to talk to them.
I don't see much of a practical advantage to the majority of us users.