AM band CB Radios banned ?

[VladTepes]

Is it true that AM band CB's are being banned :?: (made illegal) from next year :?:

[Ace]

News to me. Anyone? Matt

[LandyAndy]

Hi Vlad
Havent heard that one.
The UHF 40ch are much more common than the old AM units.Had a AM CB in the Trytoo,I took it out as there was no users,I was to replace it with a UHF but it hasnt happened yet.
Andrew

[VladTepes]

I have a UHF but plenty of ppl in my club have AM sets so I was hoping to have some "ammo" to convince the buggers to upgrade :wink:

[LandyAndy]

Hi Vlad
The AM units can get really good "SKIP" especially at nite allowing you to transmit over long distances,that is their main benefit over the UHF set which is more "line of site" transmission unless you are running thru a repeater station which are more and more common these days.
Andrew

[DiscoTDI]

News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

[Redbak]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI
News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

Thats how it became legal in the first place .... They couldnt stop it .. 8O

Davo

[Ace]

Why would they be banned, radios hardly pose a safety risk. Mind you that would depend on the user, i suppose they would hurt if you threw them at someone. Matt

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by Redbak+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Redbak)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

Thats how it became legal in the first place .... They couldnt stop it .. 8O

Davo[/b][/quote]

mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[Ace]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoTDI)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by Redbak@
<!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

Thats how it became legal in the first place .... They couldnt stop it .. 8O

Davo

mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/b][/quote]

Not if you got some of redbaks invisible paint.......now where did i put that tin. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt

[Redbak]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoTDI)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by Redbak@
<!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

Thats how it became legal in the first place .... They couldnt stop it .. 8O

Davo

mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/b][/quote]

Not all AM antenna's were big in the 70's , base loaded stainless steel whips only about a metre long were common, for a reason.

Davo

[Ace]

Originally posted by Redbak+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Redbak)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by DiscoTDI+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoTDI)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Redbak@
<!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
News to me, I would like to know how they will police it 8O

Thats how it became legal in the first place .... They couldnt stop it .. 8O

Davo

mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/b][/quote]

Not all AM antenna's were big in the 70's , base loaded stainless steel whips only about a metre long were common, for a reason.

Davo[/b][/quote]

Stainless steel whips, now thats a scary thought. Matt

[DiscoTDI]

there goes the thread style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Ace]

Sorry i will behave now. I cant vouch for vlad though. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt

[Pedro_The_Swift]

you wont have to,,,
aparently the federal goverment does

go figure :roll:

[Ace]

Originally posted by Pedro_The_Swift
you wont have to,,,
aparently the federal goverment does

go figure :roll:

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[VladTepes]

Whats the body that is in charge of monitoring the use of radio spectrum in Aus ? Maybe they have a website ?

[Ace]

Originally posted by VladTepes
Whats the body that is in charge of monitoring the use of radio spectrum in Aus ? Maybe they have a website ?

Sorry vlad, cant help on that one. Matt

[harry]

8) don't worry vlad, the spectrum will appear as soom as someone [cleverer than me - and thats most] puts it up
and i always though cb was illegal if you didn't pay for a licence.
cb got popular here as we didn't need to build a radio to get a licence to talk on 27 meg [a lot of ham's got ****ty about that]
is was fun in the early days of cb

[VladTepes]

Only need a licence for HF, as far as vehicle comms are concerned.

[VladTepes]

Australian Communications Authority

http://internet.aca.gov.au/acainter

I can't find anything on there, but I read it somewhere.... :?

[Redbak]

In the early 70's before am cb was legal , there were supposedly only
three RI inspectors for the whole of Melbourne.
I didnt hear of anyone getting busted, though there were rumours.
After awhile they gave up and made it legal with a $30 licence.

Harry's right , it was fun in the early days ... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

The film Smokey and the Bandit has a lot to answer for ... 8O

Davo

[WeeGraeme]

Originally posted by VladTepes
Is it true that AM band CB's are being banned :?: (made illegal) from next year :?:

They were going to shut down the 27 mhz CB band (AM and SSB) in 1982, but it never happened. I think this is probably just one of those urban myth type stories.

[Dinty]

I've also heard this story and from my sources they seem to think it's genuine, I have license for mobil outpost radio and low band VHF and way back in the early 70's yeah there were not many R.I's in NSW either but they did have some reasonable success up here in the Hunter Valley at the time, and I have a couple of 27Meg sets that I personally will not be using because of the gains in technology that can pinpoint you only as I can't afford the fines (spend too much money restoring Landrovers) and as we all know it is going to be very hard to police if you are mobile all the time talking just another one of those control things issued by a disfunctional govt dept that couldn't find it's way out of a building in a fire emergency cheers

[DiscoTDI]

I can just see it now, you will be taken to prison because you get pulled over for an RBT and the cop looks in your window amd sees the AM CB, the radar detector and the scanner all going at once style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Ace]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI
I can just see it now, you will be taken to prison because you get pulled over for an RBT and the cop looks in your window amd sees the AM CB, the radar detector and the scanner all going at once style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Again a job for redbak's invisible paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt

[DiscoTDI]

and headphones :wink:

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by Ace+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ace)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
I can just see it now, you will be taken to prison because you get pulled over for an RBT and the cop looks in your window amd sees the AM CB, the radar detector and the scanner all going at once style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Again a job for redbak's invisible paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt[/b][/quote]

I'd rather have radar-absorbing paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by VladTepes+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VladTepes)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by Ace@
<!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
I can just see it now, you will be taken to prison because you get pulled over for an RBT and the cop looks in your window amd sees the AM CB, the radar detector and the scanner all going at once style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Again a job for redbak's invisible paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt

I'd rather have radar-absorbing paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/b][/quote]

You want a perentie then :wink:

[Ace]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoTDI)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by VladTepes+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VladTepes)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Ace@
<!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
I can just see it now, you will be taken to prison because you get pulled over for an RBT and the cop looks in your window amd sees the AM CB, the radar detector and the scanner all going at once style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

Again a job for redbak's invisible paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif Matt

I'd rather have radar-absorbing paint. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/b][/quote]

You want a perentie then :wink:[/b][/quote]

A stealth land rover, now an idea that is good. Matt

[VladTepes]

I only have good ideas..... :wink:

[Ace]

Originally posted by VladTepes
I only have good ideas..... :wink:

Sure you do. (sarcasm over load) Matt style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[p38arover]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI
mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want
range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Nah, I can't see why having an Ariel motorcycle on the front would indicate you have a CB in the 4WD. I assume it is the motorcycle to which you refer.

Ariel, the moon of Uranus, wouldn't fit - although you did say "big arsed". style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif


Ron

[VladTepes]

Mmmmm Ariel Red Hunter. Mmmmm (slobber, dribble)....

[p38arover]

Originally posted by VladTepes
Mmmmm Ariel Red Hunter. Mmmmm (slobber, dribble)....

Jeez! Next time I'll make sure Vlad's on holidays before mentioning Ariels again. He's getting quite emotional.

Ron

[Dinty]

I've got some of that paint unfortunatley it's going onto a 109Wksp L/r which would be lucky if it hits 100k down a bloody big hill (when it's restored that is) cheers

[VladTepes]

1. Wheredageddit :?:
2. Emmachisset :?:

[p38arover]

Originally posted by Dinty
I've got some of that paint unfortunatley it's going onto a 109Wksp L/r which would be lucky if it hits 100k down a bloody big hill (when it's restored that is) cheers

Why would you restore a hill - especially a bloody big one? Much cheaper to put a bigger motor in the Landy if you need the LR to be faster downhill. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Ron

[Moses]

To get back to the original thread, I still have a non SSB AM set. It keeps pretty quiet these days and will want to upgrade to a UHF one day. The Fourby mags still promote the idea of both UHF and SSB/AM 27MHz simply because the SSB/AM has significant advantages in getting long distance transmissions as a result of skip. It isn't impossible to pick up someone in NZ and communicate with them quite clearly if the weather conditions are right.

As an aside, if it is raining heavily in Miriam Vale at night, I can get Brisbane's 4BH (yes, some of us older folk like to listen to 4BH... :roll: ) on the car radio clear as a bell! How's that for skip! 5 kays either side of Miriam Vale, nothing at all.

[VladTepes]

So, given the number of ppl in the club that have AM CB's - I was considering if its worth getting one myself (to augment my UHF set).
The units in Cash Converters etc seem too expensive (how much shoiuld I be paying / what features do I need etc?) and then of course I'd need an aerial. (what type, how much ?)

Tips and suggestions welcome.

[Redbak]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The Fourby mags still promote the idea of both UHF and SSB/AM 27MHz simply because the SSB/AM has significant advantages in getting long distance transmissions as a result of skip[/b][/quote]

Moses , this simply doesnt ring true to what I understand "skip" to be.

Skip is very unpredictable to say the least. It usually only works one way,
someone may hear you but you carnt hear them. Weather conditions have to
be right, something to do with bounced radio waves of the Ionasphere.
I wouldnt say that was a benefit in keeping your AM set ?.
I managed to gain skip a few times, usually when parked close to our bay area, got Alice Springs and a few others North West Aussie, I could hear them , but they couldnt hear me .... :cry:

Davo

[p38arover]

I hope AM CB keeps going. Most of the DHs are on AM - we don't want 'em on UHF.

I've yet to set up my UHF CB to skip channel 1 in Sydney as it keeps stopping there during scans owing to the continual crap on that channel.

Ron

[Moses]

AM will hardly ever skip but SSB will. You are quite right in saying that often it will be one way communications, but I have had numerous 2 way chats on SSB. Only ever once between NZ and Aus but it did occur. In the good old days of Electronics Australia magazine, they used to publish the ionospheric predictions and sun spot predictions for the hams. Sun spots cause electromagnetic interference playing havoc with communication signals, especially at night when the layers combine into one.

I'm not going to explain all the technicalities on skip etc here. It was a segment of my electronics trades training during my time in the Navy.

Simply:

27MHz sets are Amplitude Modulated (AM), SSB or not.

UHF (400MHz) sets are Frequency Modulated (FM). Duplex or Simplex. Duplex for repeaters.

Skip happens better at night than the day.

Hams love skip because they can record contacts (QSL's) from all over the world. Ham clubs often have competitions as to who has the longest distance contact using the lowest power.

AM (incl. SSB) broadcasts lend themselves better to skip than FM.

SSB (single Side Band) is preferred as the transmitted power is in the signal rather than the carrier as is on AM.

Vlad, to answer your question, if you can afford a set with AM/SSB over just a pure AM set, you will be well served.

A 27Mhz whip is roughly 3x longer than a UHF whip. UHF is around 400MHz. There are all sorts of antennas available. Buy what suits your needs. Shorter ones will go into under cover car parks and garages without being damaged. I always liked my Laser antenna. I bought it at Waters Communications back a while now, when they were on Logan Road, Buranda (Brisbane) Don't know if they are still in operation. Olbis out at Rocklea have a decent range and good advice too. Longer antennas will give better range.

Personally, I will be stowing my AM only set and looking to change over to UHF because of the popularity of UHF. And yes, there are plenty of Richard Craniums on the UHF bands as well. Try listening to Brisbane CH7 repeater on some afternoons....

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by p38arover+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(p38arover)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-DiscoTDI
mind you the big arsed ariel on the front if you want
range any further than 3 feet might give them away style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Nah, I can't see why having an Ariel motorcycle on the front would indicate you have a CB in the 4WD. I assume it is the motorcycle to which you refer.

Ariel, the moon of Uranus, wouldn't fit - although you did say "big arsed". style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif


Ron[/b][/quote]


Yes P38a, I missed an e now do get the cane :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[Moses]

Vlad, on another angle, be careful with second hand sets. Most AM/SSB sets used to live in trucks and many sets have been modified with illegal frequencies and power outputs.

Good sets would be GME Electrophone, Uniden or Pearce-Simpson sets put out by Standard Communications. You would be looking at $300-$400 for a set, antenna mount (they are different to UHF mounts) and an antenna.

[p38arover]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI
Yes P38a, I missed an e now do get the cane :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Actually, you missed an "a" - you also had the "e" in the wrong place thus making a totally different word (ariel vs aerial)

Go to my office, you will be getting six of the best! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

All the best

Ron

[DiscoTDI]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1/1_4_126.gif

[DiscoTDI]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by Moses

Good sets would be GME Electrophone, Uniden or Pearce-Simpson sets put out by Standard Communications. You would be looking at $300-$400 for a set, antenna mount (they are different to UHF mounts) and an antenna.

8O Ouch :!: I was only thinking of getting one to chat with the guys in the club with AM only sets - mostly the series guys. But not at that price. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif


Originally posted by Moses
And yes, there are plenty of Richard Craniums on the UHF bands as well. Try listening to Brisbane CH7 repeater on some afternoons....

Or even ALL afternoons and many mornings.... :twisted:

[Ace]

Originally posted by VladTepes+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VladTepes)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Moses

Good sets would be GME Electrophone, Uniden or Pearce-Simpson sets put out by Standard Communications. You would be looking at $300-$400 for a set, antenna mount (they are different to UHF mounts) and an antenna.

8O Ouch :!: I was only thinking of getting one to chat with the guys in the club with AM only sets - mostly the series guys. But not at that price. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif


Originally posted by Moses
And yes, there are plenty of Richard Craniums on the UHF bands as well. Try listening to Brisbane CH7 repeater on some afternoons....

Or even ALL afternoons and many mornings.... :twisted:[/b][/quote]

I am always on UHF channel 14, and on occasions you get some rather weird conversations. I dont really think it matters what channel you are on there will always be dickheads. Matt

[VladTepes]

True. esp the ones just out to spoil everyone elses conversations.
At least you can ban them on web forums
the radio is another kettle of fish.

Mmmmmm Fish.

[DiscoTDI]

I must get another CB, I miss the inane chatter on the way to work 8)

[Ace]

Originally posted by VladTepes
True. esp the ones just out to spoil everyone elses conversations.
At least you can ban them on web forums
the radio is another kettle of fish.

Mmmmmm Fish.

It really annoys me when someone you dont know just buts in and adds their two cents worth when you are using the UHF etc. Its pretty rude really. Matt

[Ace]

What are the benefits of an AM set over a UHF? Is it just the distance/range? Matt

[Moses]

Originally posted by VladTepes+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(VladTepes)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Moses

Good sets would be GME Electrophone, Uniden or Pearce-Simpson sets put out by Standard Communications. You would be looking at $300-$400 for a set, antenna mount (they are different to UHF mounts) and an antenna.

8O Ouch :!: I was only thinking of getting one to chat with the guys in the club with AM only sets - mostly the series guys. But not at that price. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

[/b][/quote]


AM only sets can be had for under $100. SSB costs money! Check out the Dick Smith cattledog. They sell Uniden.

[Moses]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif And the swear filter thinks I'm being naughty, but I'm not!

[Ace]

Originally posted by Moses
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif And the swear filter thinks I'm being naughty, but I'm not!
You only posted that so you could say dick without appearing to be naughty. We know. Matt style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Outlaw]

Heya Vlad, when Camo and I eaded out with Harry to Condamine Gorge, we all picked up an AM from the local cash converters for around $30 each, then an aerial and cable from Supercheapfor about $25. A good cheap way to get up and running.

Personally though, a couple brands like Uniden have a dual UHF/AM CB can switch between the 2 bands. They start about $250. That's what i'll be looking as soon as i get a new beast style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[DiscoTDI]

I am going for the dual unit next time myself

[Ace]

I have a GME TX3200, is that a dual unit. I lost the destruction. Does anyone have one of these? If so can you tell me how to change between the bands if it can be done. Matt

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by Ace
I have a GME TX3200, is that a dual unit. I lost the destruction. Does anyone have one of these? If so can you tell me how to change between the bands if it can be done. Matt


have a look at their website, Im sure it will tell you 8)

[Ace]

Good idea, why didnt i think of that. Matt

[DiscoTDI]

because you didnt

[Ace]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI
because you didnt

Well i know that, but why? Matt

[Outlaw]

Ace, just did a quick search on your model and found this link for a manual (not sure if it is the instructions though as didn't download it) http://www.ozgear.com.au/scgi-bin/load.cgi...pdf/tx3200a.pdf (http://www.ozgear.com.au/scgi-bin/load.cgi?GME/pdf/tx3200a.pdf)

It is not a dual band though :cry:

[Ace]

Originally posted by Outlaw
Ace, just did a quick search on your model and found this link for a manual (not sure if it is the instructions though as didn't download it) http://www.ozgear.com.au/scgi-bin/load.cgi...pdf/tx3200a.pdf (http://www.ozgear.com.au/scgi-bin/load.cgi?GME/pdf/tx3200a.pdf)

It is not a dual band though :cry:

Thanks mate, thats all i needed to know. Matt

[DiscoTDI]

Do you need 2 aeriels for the am/uhf cb's :?:

[fernockulated]

:roll: wondering if this is just another of those furphy's that vlad puts up from time to time to increase his post points :roll: style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif 8)

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by fernockulated
:roll: wondering if this is just another of those furphy's that vlad puts up from time to time to increase his post points :roll: :lol: 8)

please explain :?

[fernockulated]

Originally posted by DiscoTDI+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DiscoTDI)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-fernockulated
:roll: wondering if this is just another of those furphy's that vlad puts up from time to time to increase his post points :roll: :lol: 8)

please explain :?[/b][/quote]

why?????


thought it was self explanitory!!! :roll: style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif 8) style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[hiline]

i think it is also

[VladTepes]

No I didn't post it as a furphy.

When I was shopping for my UHF I didn;t get the dual band sets (AM / UHF) coz everyone at the shops told me AM was "on the way out". Bastards. I should have got the dual system after all.

Outlaw - whats the difference between a standard AM ste and SSb set ?
The local captain cash has an AM set but they want over $100 for it :!: 8O No way, I say.

[Ace]

And there is another post. Damn he is good. Matt style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[p38arover]

Originally posted by VladTepes


Outlaw - whats the difference between a standard AM ste and SSb set ?

SSB is a more sophisticated version of AM (very simple view). An AM set when receiving SSB will sound like Donald Duck speech - pretty unintelligible.

Very simply, an AM set transmits all the power in a carrier frequency (the channel frequency) and two sidebands (frequencies displaced either side of the carrier frequency by the frequenc(y/ies) of the speech) which carry the speech info.

It turns out that one sideband is enough to carry all the speech info so SSB filters one of the sidebands out and transmits a Single SideBand. The carrier frequency is also redundant so they get rid of that, too.

The receiver reinserts the carrier and the audio comes out so that it's intelligible once more.

Why? All the power can be used to transmit just the sideband so it is more efficient than AM.

See also http://www.sgcworld.com/support/SGCwhatis.html

Ron
BOCP
Broadcast Operator's Certificate of Proficiency

[VladTepes]

Cool.

[p38arover]

I forgot to say that an SSB set can receive AM.

Ron

[DiscoTDI]

Originally posted by fernockulated+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fernockulated)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by DiscoTDI@
<!--QuoteBegin-fernockulated
:roll: wondering if this is just another of those furphy's that vlad puts up from time to time to increase his post points :roll: :lol: 8)

please explain :?

why?????


thought it was self explanitory!!! :roll: style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif 8) style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/b][/quote]

just a chance for a few more posts :wink: