Are Cb radio's Hands Free these days like Mobile Phones??????......... Or do you use them like old ? One hand off the wheel while controlling 5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Thought, As many more car / vans accidents / with deaths occuring on straight stretches of road without any explanation.
Hey Jim
Dougwe said
08:35 AM Jun 11, 2015
I have never heard of any Jim. I never hold the mike if being overtaken and only use on straight roads. After initial contact with a truck driver or similar I put the mike on the seat next to me for easier reach. Two hands on the wheel as much as possible. If is not safe to use the UHF I don't, I wait until I can.
Ozzie_Traveller said
08:38 AM Jun 11, 2015
G'day Jim
I get the impression that there is 2 agendas in your one question here
To my knowledge, 2-way radio activity is not 'hands-free' as it is so simple for the operator to use at the actual time of use
As such, all state rego authorities allow its use at any time 'that the driver can show a court of law that it was in fact safe to be using it'
[unlike phones that have multiple buttons all over the place that you are required to press etc etc]
As to your emotive suggestion re- "5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Though"
maybe if you are having issues with driving a pretty normal, everyday caravan / motorhome whilst a commercial vehicle driven by a professionally trained and licenced driver is overtaking you, then maybe it will need some thought by you as to your continued retention of your licence to drive a motor vehicle
After all, every day across Oz there are many thousands of us grey-haired-mob being overtaken by the professional driver mob and we all get along fine
Phil
Bruce and Bev said
08:44 AM Jun 11, 2015
police, ambulance and fire use hand held radios in high speed chases - often the cop is by himself and hes driving to the edge in a high speed situation and using his R/T at same time. As an ex-cop, I investigated several accidents with police cars where the hand piece cord wrapped itself around the steering wheel and the driver lost control as a result
Cruising Cruze said
09:07 AM Jun 11, 2015
Hi Jim
Many years ago I had all ready on my Gold-Wing a factory fitted push to talk button on my handle bars
I think there is a brand that has one supplied as well to mount on steering wheel like this
fully understand your caution and awareness of the need for safety.......... but ........ how do you change gears, change stations on the radio or switch it off, look up and adjust your rear vision mirror, pass something to your passenger, wind down a window, scratch your nose (or any other pertinent part of the anatomy), adjust the specs on your nose etc etc ..... without removing a hand from the steering wheel?
Yeah I know - you would ONLY do those things when there are no other vehicles anywhere near you - to maintain the safety margin.
But - go on ... humour me ... what if you were towing the van through a busy city street and you had to do one of those functions - can't wait for ever to change those gears
Conversations on CBs are very short duration - ask a question, listen to answer, perhaps ask another question .... quite possibly only 5 to 10 seconds each transmission.
So it is ... pick up handset and push button in same movement, speak for 10 seconds, place handset on lap, wait for answer, pick up handset from lap, speak for 10 seconds, replace handset. Seems very straightforward to me
Cheers - and happy communications - John
pomme said
09:25 AM Jun 11, 2015
There are VOX radio"s out there, not cheap but you get what you pay for.
( vox, :- voice - operated - radio )
Pomme.
brickies said
09:42 AM Jun 11, 2015
Rockylizard you are spot on , When I was in the Fire service the driver was not allowed to use the radio when driving
Hey Jim said
11:04 AM Jun 11, 2015
Ozzie_Traveller wrote:
G'day Jim
I get the impression that there is 2 agendas in your one question here
To my knowledge, 2-way radio activity is not 'hands-free' as it is so simple for the operator to use at the actual time of use As such, all state rego authorities allow its use at any time 'that the driver can show a court of law that it was in fact safe to be using it' [unlike phones that have multiple buttons all over the place that you are required to press etc etc]
As to your emotive suggestion re- "5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Though" maybe if you are having issues with driving a pretty normal, everyday caravan / motorhome whilst a commercial vehicle driven by a professionally trained and licenced driver is overtaking you, then maybe it will need some thought by you as to your continued retention of your licence to drive a motor vehicle
After all, every day across Oz there are many thousands of us grey-haired-mob being overtaken by the professional driver mob and we all get along fine
Phil
Good Morning Phil,
Good morning to everyone on this site.
My Name is Jim and my my wife is Eunice.
I opened a new fourm this morning Re: Are CB Radio's now hands free like Mobile phones.
I did not ask to be QUESTIONED.................... AS TO HAVING A SECOND EMOTIVE to this fourum.
Let me Just SAY ONE LAST THINK BEFORE WE LEAVE THE GREY NOMADS WEB SITE FOR GOOD. ......................PHIL.
MY Wife LOST her brother John, And I LOST my only Sister Margret, to a Professional driver at Macksville NSW . The Truck Driver Pleaded Guilty to the Accident and showed full remorse for his Actions, Talking to a another truck driver behind.
We adopted out two nieces as our own.
Phil if you would like to see some of the photo's of the site, I would be happy to send them to you.
By the way ....... I don't need any thought to the retention of my licence.........In all my 41 years of driving.......... I have never received a infringement.
I Don't and won't......... say or use words to describe you........................I'm more of a Man, Then you could ever be.
Happy & safe travels to you all.
JIM & EUNICE
pomme said
12:13 PM Jun 11, 2015
Jim & Eunice here is a voice operated radio that will operate as you wanted information about , these radio"s are out there hopefully this helps you on your travels .
Keep safe. " UHO44SX OM - Uniden Australia"
Pomme.
Dougwe said
12:43 PM Jun 11, 2015
Jim, don't leave mate. Remember the mouse is your friend. I use it a few times.
Bruce and Bev said
01:32 PM Jun 11, 2015
Jim. We feel for you and your family and the loss you have suffered and continue to suffer from.......deaths from motor accidents, particularly when they leave children behind, are such a tragic waste of life.
Having re-red his post, please don't think Phil was making a personal attack on you. Im very sure knowing him, that was not his intention at all.
The good and bad thing about posting subjects on web-sites like this, is that we all tend to wander "off topic" a bit and can sometimes completely change from the original post and other times get a bit heated.
None of us would like you to leave the Forum - you contribute some excellent posts and make good comments on others - you would be a loss to all here )
Cheers Bruce
Dougwe said
02:30 PM Jun 11, 2015
Jim, there is only one person that goes and that's KFC, ooops, sorry, KFT.
Ooops, I think I have gone nope,
more like this I think
Stick around mate.
iana said
03:13 PM Jun 11, 2015
Yes when I read Phil's reply, I thought it was a bit over the top. A case of engaging the keyboard before the brain. I do know when I'm in a bad mood I find it very easy to take it out on the keyboard. We all just need to be more sensitive and careful in what we write.
Jim if everyone keeps leaving there will only be Dougwe left, so lets give it another try eh!
done dreaming said
06:17 PM Jun 11, 2015
Good on you jim, i constantly here the rants of people bagging the grey nomads because of their lower speed and their safety conscius and defending the truckies.The amount of lives lost and families destroyed in this last long weekend should be a wake up call to the drivers who think they have to get somewhere 5 minutes faster and who think their actions of speed,talking on phones,cb included have no consequence.Don,t leave mate,we need people who are not brow beaten by the ignorance of a few.I think phil c even supported the rants of that idiot in the Sunday Mail who bagged caravanners.
The Phantom said
07:11 PM Jun 11, 2015
Sorry folks, but I do not detect any malice in Phil's post.
He has expressed his opinion to a question put forward by Jim. I fail to see where there is any malice in what Phil replied.
If Jim is super sensitive about his personal circumstance then that is his issue, not Phil's who is probably totally unaware of that situation.
Just another case of someone being a bit precious because they don't get the answers they want.
The Phantom
Santa said
08:02 AM Jun 12, 2015
The Phantom wrote:
Sorry folks, but I do not detect any malice in Phil's post.
He has expressed his opinion to a question put forward by Jim. I fail to see where there is any malice in what Phil replied.
If Jim is super sensitive about his personal circumstance then that is his issue, not Phil's who is probably totally unaware of that situation.
Just another case of someone being a bit precious because they don't get the answers they want.
The Phantom
Spot on Phantom, my feelings are pretty much the same as yours on this subject.
Jim is either a bit of a stirrer or he has some issues, most of his posts have been pretty emotive.
Ondabeach said
08:34 AM Jun 12, 2015
Hey Jim, just ignore the wanker trolls mate. There are a lot of good people here, and you got a couple of good answers from John and Pomme.
I quite like the wheel mounted push to talk button option myself.
brickies said
09:21 AM Jun 12, 2015
Steve everyone can express their point of view without getting called names
Ondabeach said
09:38 AM Jun 12, 2015
Big difference between expressing an opinion and going off topic to make a pointless snide remark.
And before Doug gets a chance... I'll slap yours and my own wrist...
This is an interesting topic to discuss. However, as always, there are different ways of looking at the issue. Healthy debates between people with different points of view is what helps make this forum so vibrant. However, I urge everyone again to respect other people’s positions, and to keep the tone of the discussions friendly and positive.
dogbox said
09:43 PM Jun 12, 2015
Ozzie_Traveller wrote:
G'day Jim
I get the impression that there is 2 agendas in your one question here
To my knowledge, 2-way radio activity is not 'hands-free' as it is so simple for the operator to use at the actual time of use As such, all state rego authorities allow its use at any time 'that the driver can show a court of law that it was in fact safe to be using it' [unlike phones that have multiple buttons all over the place that you are required to press etc etc]
As to your emotive suggestion re- "5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Though" maybe if you are having issues with driving a pretty normal, everyday caravan / motorhome whilst a commercial vehicle driven by a professionally trained and licenced driver is overtaking you, then maybe it will need some thought by you as to your continued retention of your licence to drive a motor vehicle
After all, every day across Oz there are many thousands of us grey-haired-mob being overtaken by the professional driver mob and we all get along fine
Phil
phil would you not be concerned if you were towing your caravan along some country road an a b double was over taking you an you could hear the driver talking on the cb
rockylizard said
09:46 PM Jun 12, 2015
dogbox wrote:
phil would you not be concerned if you were towing your caravan along some country road an a b double was over taking you an you could hear the driver talking on the cb
Gday...
short answer ..... no
Often when one is overtaking me, both he and I are exchanging a quick word.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 12th of June 2015 09:46:39 PM
Ontos45 said
10:22 AM Jun 13, 2015
I think there are a couple of points to remember here. Some of us have been using a CB for years and/or carrying/pulling heavy loads both in the cities and country whilst driving and talking. What we take for granted can be daunting for someone who hasn't.
Santa said
10:49 AM Jun 13, 2015
Ontos45 wrote:
I think there are a couple of points to remember here. Some of us have been using a CB for years and/or carrying/pulling heavy loads both in the cities and country whilst driving and talking. What we take for granted can be daunting for someone who hasn't.
Morning Ontos45,
And herein lies the rub, we, as experienced drivers have to share the road with people who find the task of towing a van or driving a MH daunting,
The question is, if these people find the task so challenging why are they even on the road? the very fact that they lack the necessary confidence and skills puts us all at risk.
Like John, my answer to the question posed by dogbox, is a decided no, not in the least.
dogbox wrote:
phil would you not be concerned if you were towing your caravan along some country road an a b double was over taking you an you could hear the driver talking on the cb
Ondabeach said
11:38 AM Jun 13, 2015
C'mon guys, your posts about who feels comfortable enough to use a CB whilst being overtaken by a semi are all completely way
Of course you're entitled to your opinions on that subject, but this isn't the place for it. Maybe one of you should start a new topic about that.
Just in case you've all forgotten... this topic is about the availability of hands free CB's.
The answer to that question is yes.
You can also buy microphones with VOX functionality to suit many existing CB's.
There are even adaptors available that can fit between the mic and radio for some units.
C'mon guys, your posts about who feels comfortable enough to use a CB whilst being overtaken by a semi are all completely way
Of course you're entitled to your opinions on that subject, but this isn't the place for it. Maybe one of you should start a new topic about that.
Just in case you've all forgotten... this topic is about the availability of hands free CB's.
The answer to that question is yes.
You can also buy microphones with VOX functionality to suit many existing CB's.
There are even adaptors available that can fit between the mic and radio for some units.
Why the heck would you want one? As far as "off topic" the very question begged for it to go the way it has.
Ondabeach said
01:52 PM Jun 13, 2015
Really??? You can't work out the purpose of a hands free radio?
And no, Jim wasn't 'begging for it to go this way', he was was asking a simple question, but mostly what he got was a lot of chest beating about what amazing drivers you all are... as well as being ridiculed for the way he worded his question
Roving-Dutchy said
02:36 PM Jun 13, 2015
When I read some of the above posts, I am reminded of the song.
"Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when I'm perfect in every way"
Cheers
David
jade46 said
02:40 PM Jun 13, 2015
As above ,You can buy VOX microphones, I have it fitted on a Digitech Radio.Work on a sensitivity setting so need to speak a bit louder to activate orelse it will transmit everything you say to the cheese and kisses.beware if you raise your voice to scream at some silly motorist it will transmit your comments
From there web page
"VOX (handsfree) Capable
Attach a compatible VOX headset for full hands free communication."
I think motorbike helmets can have this to talk to pillion?
Hi all,
Are Cb radio's Hands Free these days like Mobile Phones??????......... Or do you use them like old ? One hand off the wheel while controlling 5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Thought, As many more car / vans accidents / with deaths occuring on straight stretches of road without any explanation.
Hey Jim
I get the impression that there is 2 agendas in your one question here
To my knowledge, 2-way radio activity is not 'hands-free' as it is so simple for the operator to use at the actual time of use
As such, all state rego authorities allow its use at any time 'that the driver can show a court of law that it was in fact safe to be using it'
[unlike phones that have multiple buttons all over the place that you are required to press etc etc]
As to your emotive suggestion re- "5000 -6000kg of combined rig, while 60 ton over takes you. Scary Though"
maybe if you are having issues with driving a pretty normal, everyday caravan / motorhome whilst a commercial vehicle driven by a professionally trained and licenced driver is overtaking you, then maybe it will need some thought by you as to your continued retention of your licence to drive a motor vehicle
After all, every day across Oz there are many thousands of us grey-haired-mob being overtaken by the professional driver mob and we all get along fine
Phil
Hi Jim
Many years ago I had all ready on my Gold-Wing a factory fitted push to talk button on my handle bars
I think there is a brand that has one supplied as well to mount on steering wheel like this
https://www.gme.net.au/catalogue/discontinued/land/tx3510w.aspx
Cheers John
Gday...
Yeah I know
- you would ONLY do those things when there are no other vehicles anywhere near you - to maintain the safety margin.
But - go on ... humour me
... what if you were towing the van through a busy city street and you had to do one of those functions - can't wait for ever to change those gears 
Conversations on CBs are very short duration - ask a question, listen to answer, perhaps ask another question .... quite possibly only 5 to 10 seconds each transmission.
So it is ... pick up handset and push button in same movement, speak for 10 seconds, place handset on lap, wait for answer, pick up handset from lap, speak for 10 seconds, replace handset. Seems very straightforward to me
Cheers - and happy communications
- John
( vox, :- voice - operated - radio )
Pomme.
Good Morning Phil,
Good morning to everyone on this site.
My Name is Jim and my my wife is Eunice.
I opened a new fourm this morning Re: Are CB Radio's now hands free like Mobile phones.
I did not ask to be QUESTIONED.................... AS TO HAVING A SECOND EMOTIVE to this fourum.
Let me Just SAY ONE LAST THINK BEFORE WE LEAVE THE GREY NOMADS WEB SITE FOR GOOD. ......................PHIL.
MY Wife LOST her brother John, And I LOST my only Sister Margret, to a Professional driver at Macksville NSW . The Truck Driver Pleaded Guilty to the Accident and showed full remorse for his Actions, Talking to a another truck driver behind.
We adopted out two nieces as our own.
Phil if you would like to see some of the photo's of the site, I would be happy to send them to you.
By the way ....... I don't need any thought to the retention of my licence.........In all my 41 years of driving.......... I have never received a infringement.
I Don't and won't......... say or use words to describe you........................I'm more of a Man, Then you could ever be.
Happy & safe travels to you all.
JIM & EUNICE
Keep safe. " UHO44SX OM - Uniden Australia"
Pomme.
Having re-red his post, please don't think Phil was making a personal attack on you. Im very sure knowing him, that was not his intention at all.
The good and bad thing about posting subjects on web-sites like this, is that we all tend to wander "off topic" a bit and can sometimes completely change from the original post and other times get a bit heated.
None of us would like you to leave the Forum - you contribute some excellent posts and make good comments on others - you would be a loss to all here )
Cheers Bruce
Jim, there is only one person that goes
and that's KFC, ooops, sorry, KFT.
Ooops, I think I have gone
nope,
more like this I think
Stick around mate.
Jim if everyone keeps leaving there will only be Dougwe left, so lets give it another try eh!
Sorry folks, but I do not detect any malice in Phil's post.
He has expressed his opinion to a question put forward by Jim. I fail to see where there is any malice in what Phil replied.
If Jim is super sensitive about his personal circumstance then that is his issue, not Phil's who is probably totally unaware of that situation.
Just another case of someone being a bit precious because they don't get the answers they want.
The Phantom
Spot on Phantom, my feelings are pretty much the same as yours on this subject.
Jim is either a bit of a stirrer or he has some issues, most of his posts have been pretty emotive.
Hey Jim, just ignore the wanker trolls mate. There are a lot of good people here, and you got a couple of good answers from John and Pomme.
I quite like the wheel mounted push to talk button option myself.
Big difference between expressing an opinion and going off topic to make a pointless snide remark.
And before Doug gets a chance... I'll slap yours and my own wrist...

This is an interesting topic to discuss. However, as always, there are different ways of looking at the issue. Healthy debates between people with different points of view is what helps make this forum so vibrant. However, I urge everyone again to respect other people’s positions, and to keep the tone of the discussions friendly and positive.
Gday...
Often when one is overtaking me, both he and I are exchanging a quick word.
Cheers - John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Friday 12th of June 2015 09:46:39 PM
I think there are a couple of points to remember here. Some of us have been using a CB for years and/or carrying/pulling heavy loads both in the cities and country whilst driving and talking. What we take for granted can be daunting for someone who hasn't.
Morning Ontos45,
And herein lies the rub, we, as experienced drivers have to share the road with people who find the task of towing a van or driving a MH daunting,
That is to say they find the task, intimidating, formidable, disconcerting, unnerving, unsettling, dismaying, awesome, frightening,
phil would you not be concerned if you were towing your caravan along some country road an a b double was over taking you an you could hear the driver talking on the cb
C'mon guys, your posts about who feels comfortable enough to use a CB whilst being overtaken by a semi are all completely way
Of course you're entitled to your opinions on that subject, but this isn't the place for it. Maybe one of you should start a new topic about that.
Just in case you've all forgotten... this topic is about the availability of hands free CB's.
The answer to that question is yes.
You can also buy microphones with VOX functionality to suit many existing CB's.
There are even adaptors available that can fit between the mic and radio for some units.
Why the heck would you want one? As far as "off topic" the very question begged for it to go the way it has.
Really??? You can't work out the purpose of a hands free radio?
And no, Jim wasn't 'begging for it to go this way', he was was asking a simple question, but mostly what he got was a lot of chest beating about what amazing drivers you all are... as well as being ridiculed for the way he worded his question
"Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when I'm perfect in every way"
Cheers
David
From there web page
"VOX (handsfree) Capable
Attach a compatible VOX headset for full hands free communication."
I think motorbike helmets can have this to talk to pillion?
VOX =Voice Operated X=Transmission