GPS and CB Radio

Allara · Senior Member

GPS and CB Radio

Bucko · Senior Member

Hi Allara,

Everyone is different, I personally don't have a GPS and have been around australia a few times and tend to collect the local maps from the tourists centres, more detail and local knowledge, I have always had a UHF radio in the vehicle and have found them a must have item, brands available are numerous, I've used Uniden and GME, my current one is the GME and has been very reliable over the last 5 years, check on the net for prices, I personally wouldn't buy one on Ebay but that's just me, old school, I prefer to deal with someone direct, warranty is easier that way as well.
Most grey nomads use channel 18 or 20, the genal hailing channel is 40.

Buck.

Hylda&Jon · Guru

Hi Allara! We couldn't do without our GPS, Hylda gets car sick if she looks down at a map so it is doubly important having a voice warning us when a turn is coming up then telling us when its in front of us & even telling us the actual street name. We are in the Canberra area now & we drive to all the sites without looking at a map...its so comforting. You should never rely on them compleatly, if in doubt use maps & common sense also as they can lead you wrong at times, like 'turn left into a paddock' or some such weird instruction.

Also they tell you if you're speeding, I know people who say they never speed but I think everyone at times miss speed signs or drift above accidently. Also we set ours to tell us where ATM's are, also public toilets, shops like Woolies or Aldi, service stations, Info places, Tourist landmarks & many other places of interest.

As to the brand! We have a TomTom which I would recommend but some swear by Garmin or Navman, these are the leading 3. When I bought mine 2 years ago I read scathing reports about the lack of after sales service on the Navman so I went with the Tomtom though there is little between them otherwise. Thats my opinion anyway but if you search forums you will find many threads on the subject often plugging many other brands.

I don't know about the others but you can update the roadmaps for free on a TomTom for the first year & it costs a bit over $100 a time after that I think. W havn't bothered with ours yet.

Cheers
Jon
Jon

-- Edited by Hylda&Jon on Wednesday 5th of May 2010 06:01:14 PM

jimricho · Guru

Re the CB radio, The popular CB radios these days are the UHF types and many GNs have these. As mentioned above the "default" channel for GNs is Ch 18. The truckies channel is Ch 40 and many GNs monitor this channel too. The other CB radio band is around 27 mhz but I think this is being less used these days. Sometimes the 27 mhz band is referred to as CB and the UHF units as UHF, to distinguish them but technically both bands are CB ("Citizen's Band"). CB (including UHF) is not suitable as a primary means of emergency communication in remote areas except over short distances but still very useful for vehicle to vehicle use. For more info check http://www.uhfcb.com/UHF--Channel-Infomation.php

I have a GME unit that I've owned for 10 years and I'm quite happy with it. It is a basic unit and there is no advantage in going "up-market" unless you have a special need to do so. More expensive units don't offer any better performance only more "features" (that you probably won't use). Uniden and Icom are other brands and to best of my knowledge these are all good units too. When budgeting for the purchase of a UHF don't forget to take into account installation and antenna costs. A good quality antenna is a must both in regard to its performance and its physical robustness.

Like Bucko, my spirit of adventure doesn't extend to buying radios or GPS on Ebay. Follow-up service and/or advice could be important.

ballast2 · Guru

G'day Allara. i personally prefer to buy what i can see but where you get yours is up to you. i recommend that you do not travel without a GPS or UHF cb. i have a garmin nuvi called Gertie and she helps all the time. i could not travel though most large cities with out her.on the open road she also helps to find poi's and with Gertie i was able to download the camps 5 info. i understand this can also be done with other units. re the UHF they are usefull on the road to talk to others. the most important use in the territory is to talk to bloody big road trains that you know that they are there and will get out of their way as soon as it is safe.believe me that they appreciate this as they travel quite fast and take time to slow and then speed up again.
Cheers Jack.

jimricho · Guru

I have a Garmin Nuvi 765 GPS and also have the Camps 5 POIs loaded. I have also created my own POI files including a list (incomplete) of caravan parks. Like ballast2 I have found it very useful but don't throw away your maps as GPSs can sometimes lead one astray.

Garmin offer a 60 day free update service following the purchase. I have also purchased a lifetime update package. I also have Garmin "Mapsource" software on my computer, loaded with the maps downloaded with the update package.

-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 6th of May 2010 08:26:03 AM

Allara · Senior Member

Thank you everyone for your, much appreciated, help.

I will go looking, NOT ON EBAY, for a Garmin Nuvi 765 or a TomTom GPS.

Also for a GME, Uniden or Icom UHF CB radio with a good antenna.

( I will then be looking for help in how to make them work!)

I have Camps 4, but what is a POI?

Cheers
Allara

PeterD · Guru

POI = point of interest. These are the points that may interest you on future trips. You will Need Camps 5 as an index unless you can still get the old Camps 4 file. I do not know whether you type in the name of the place or the site number into your navigator and the correct co-ordinates come up for you to proceed to.

jimricho · Guru

My apologies Mervena for not being more specific about what a POI is, Thanks PeterD. The term "Point of Interest" is interchangeable with "Waypoint" or "Mark" in case you come across these terms too.

Best of luck as there is a bewildering range of GPSs available, all with various features.

The Camps 5 poi files are available for a number of GPS types and models...go to http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/index.php?page=6 for more info

PS: The Camps POIs are accessed through the menu and the closest ones are displayed (both name and number) at the top of the list although this may vary according to the GPS brand and model.

-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 7th of May 2010 06:29:27 PM

Allara · Senior Member

Hi again,

I spent nearly all day in town finding out about cb's and gps's.

I went to Harvey Norman and managed to confuse the guy no end. I told him about the camps 5 poi being able to be put onto the GPS and he told me it couldn't be done, that I was wrong and it was probably for a walk around GPS. So I asked him to get me onto the web, and I showed him both Techies Corner and the Camps 5 site. One up for the blonde!!

Anyway he had a TomTom GO750 for $399, a Nuvi 765 for $449, a Nuvi 265 for $199 and a Navigon 1300 on special for $98. Apparently the TomTom is also equiped with Bluetooth. I told him I would go home and ask my friends what is best, value for money.

Went to the 'Battery Factory' and he also went crook on me because "you do not want a CB, you want a UHF", I said tomaters, tomatos. He was a nice guy, once he sorted me out on my terminology. He suggested the GME which comes with an aerial, fitted for around $500. It was also the only brand he had.

So over to you my friends. What do you think.

Cheers
Allara confuse

Adventurer · Member

Hi Allara

Yesterday I bought a Garmin nuvi 1260 from Officeworks for $219.00 (cheaper than Dick Smith). It is also equipped with Bluetooth.

Good luck!

jimricho · Guru

Allara wrote:

Hi again,

I spent nearly all day in town finding out about cb's and gps's.

I went to Harvey Norman and managed to confuse the guy no end. I told him about the camps 5 poi being able to be put onto the GPS and he told me it couldn't be done, that I was wrong and it was probably for a walk around GPS. So I asked him to get me onto the web, and I showed him both Techies Corner and the Camps 5 site. One up for the blonde!!

Anyway he had a TomTom GO750 for $399, a Nuvi 765 for $449, a Nuvi 265 for $199 and a Navigon 1300 on special for $98. Apparently the TomTom is also equiped with Bluetooth. I told him I would go home and ask my friends what is best, value for money.

Went to the 'Battery Factory' and he also went crook on me because "you do not want a CB, you want a UHF", I said tomaters, tomatos. He was a nice guy, once he sorted me out on my terminology. He suggested the GME which comes with an aerial, fitted for around $500. It was also the only brand he had.

So over to you my friends. What do you think.

Cheers
Allara

Hi Allara,

CB or UHF, don't worry about the semantics, just talk UHF as that's what you're looking for. Nothing wrong with GME, just sus out his knowledge of the technicalities. The price seems ok if it includes installation.

It may be worth checking out a professional two-way radio installer. Some of the suppliers/installers of commercial two-way radios also do CB (including UHF). I'd be surprised if a city the size of Goulburn didn't have a specialist two way installation outfit.

Re the Harvey Norman kid, if he told you that, walk out of the shop and go elsewhere. I purchased my GPS recently from GPSOZ in Sydney by phone and email as a result of a similar experience although I subsequently ran into a guy at JB Hi Fi (Kotara) who had a good working knowledge of GPS. GPSOZ supply some of their units pre-loaded with School Zone, Speed Camera, and Red Light Camera locations at no extra charge. Check http://www.gpsoz.com.au/ for more info

Regarding the brands he mentioned either the TomTom or the Garmin Nuvi would be a safe choice but I would suggest you phone Camps A W before making your final selection of a GPS as they will be able to tell you whether their POI file can be loaded onto it. They will also "walk you through" how to load and use the file once you've made your purchase.

Jim

PS: To get the most out of your GPS you will find yourself on a bit of a learning curve, good luck.

-- Edited by jimricho on Sunday 9th of May 2010 07:47:38 AM

PeterD · Guru

The fact that they argued that you did not want a CB but it is a UHF you want is the first clue that they don't have a clue.

Jim said "It may be worth checking out a professional two-way radio installer. Some of the suppliers/installers of commercial two-way radios also do CB (including UHF). I'd be surprised if a city the size of Goulburn didn't have a specialist two way installation outfit." When I was in the industry the only 2-way radio techs in Goulburn worked for the NSW police. How often do you get down to Canberra? It might pay you to contact Watts Communications in Fyshwick.

-- Edited by PeterD on Monday 10th of May 2010 07:50:44 PM

Allara · Senior Member

I looked up the gpsoz site and their cost for the Nuvi 1260 was $239. They have a big range of GPS, but no TomTom and I got lost in the updates, I'm not sure if these are an optional extra or if they are free.

I will check out Watts Communication and see what they have on offer.

There is very little help in Goulburn on communication matters. They have Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, Retravision and The Battery Factory.

Will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you everyone,
Allara

jimricho · Guru

Allara wrote:

I looked up the gpsoz site and their cost for the Nuvi 1260 was $239. They have a big range of GPS, but no TomTom and I got lost in the updates, I'm not sure if these are an optional extra or if they are free.

I will check out Watts Communication and see what they have on offer.

There is very little help in Goulburn on communication matters. They have Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, Retravision and The Battery Factory.

Will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you everyone,
Allara

With those options you have little choice but to go further afield than Goulburn.

As mentioned above, Garmin offer a 60 day free maps update service following the purchase. This covers you if you purchase a unit that doesn't have the latest maps loaded, possible if there has been an update since the unit was manufactured and obviously applies only to new units. I feel sure that other brands would offer a similar service.

In the case of the Garmin, a lifetime update can be purchased on-line and these are directly downloaded into the GPS from the internet. The GPS comes with a USB cable to connect to your computer and hence to the internet. All major brands offer an update service which you have to pay for following the initial offer.

Jim

milo · Senior Member

Allara, love your dogs, i have a 12 year old border collie too!!
any way , with these poi's, how do i add them to my iphone tom tom application?

Allara · Senior Member

Hi Milo

Jim and Peter will know the answers regarding POI's.

I just picked up my new Mazda BT50 this week and am taking it to have a GME - UHF fitted tomorrow!!!! Spoke to my local RFS Brigade and they use the GME, I should be getting a discount because I am a member as well.

My dogs love the 'truck', won't be long before I'm 'on the road'.

Still sorting out GPS, looks like Garmin is the pick of the bunch, still haven't gotten to Watts yet.

Cheers
Allara

jimricho · Guru

Hi Allara,

Great to see things are all falling into place for you. You won't be disappointed with the GME. Also good idea to bookmark that site I mentioned earlier in the thread as it will give you a "handle" on the various channels and some general info on CB usage. Also no doubt some of your colleagues in the RFS may be able to give you a bit of a tutorial on its usage.

Likewise the GPS when you get it, you'll find yourself on a steep learning curve with that one! Particularly if you want to get the best out of it. Be patient and play with it to explore its capabilities. Regardless of the brand of GPS they can all lead one astray on the odd occasion so it's still best to "do your homework" when planning to venture into unknown territory and not rely solely on it, that said it is still a very useful device. Let me know if you get the Garmin as I have some extra POI files that I'm putting together.

If you purchase the Camps5 POIs they will "walk you through" how to load them into your GPS. It's only $20 and you phone them (07 5449 1476) and they email the file to you. Don't do this until you've purchased the GPS as they need to know the type.

Jim

PS: Sorry Jason (Milo) I'm not familiar with the Tomtom or the Iphone so I can't help

-- Edited by jimricho on Tuesday 18th of May 2010 07:09:45 AM

Allara · Senior Member

Hi Jim,
Have my new GME installed and am trying to figure out the controls. The fellow at Battery Factory showed me how to turn it on and change channels. I have been listening to it on the way to Sydney, boy some of those truckers have a foul mouth!
There is a button called a squelch, I can't figure out what that is for, the instruction book is not that 'user friendly'. I have been out fencing all day and am really tired tonight. Will chase up GPS next week or the one after.
Cheers
Allara

PeterD · Guru

The squelch feature quietens the receiver when no signal is being received. When you press the squelch button it switches the squelch feature off and the receiver is not silenced between transmissions, or in other words you will hear noise from the receiver when there is no signal being received. When you are receiving week signals and they are being clipped or breaking, you can switch the squelch off and may be able to hear all of the message coming in.

Allara · Senior Member

Thank you Peter
Squelch, sounds like something that happens to frogs, or is that splat? I haven't pressed the squelch buton yet so I will try it, now I know what it does. I don't like pressing buttons, until I know, in case I break something.
Thanks again
Allara smile

jimricho · Guru

Hi Allara,

You're up early this morning! I guess that's life on the farm.

Yes squelch is a strange term. It's one of the techie pieces of jargon we use to confuse the masses. wink

Peter has explained it quite well and for all practical purposes you don't need to worry about it, (except as Peter has explained). If the squelch circuit inside the set were not there, there would be a noisy annoying hashy sound coming from the radio all the time. I do use the squelch button when I first switch the radio on to check it is working and to set the volume control. Press it in, turn the volume control so that the "hashy noise" is fairly loud, then press it again to turn off the noise (before it turns you off).

Re Channel 40 truckies channel, I've heard and used just about every word in their vocabulary but I get sick of it too. I mainly only use ch40 when I wish to talk to a truckie that's (say) following me and wishes to overtake. Monitor (techie talk for "listen to") ch 18 instead as that's the caravanners (that's us) channel.

Another button on the radio is the "primary" button (marked PRI or PRIM)....Use this to return straight to Ch 40 without having to use the channel knob. You can reset this to return to any other channel if you wish. Say for example ch 18. Select ch 18 using the channel knob.....press and hold the PRI button until it beeps. You have now reset the primary channel to 18 and the channel will now return to 18 each time you press it.

Jim

(edit..why can't I get it right the first time confuse

)

-- Edited by jimricho on Monday 24th of May 2010 07:04:05 AM

jimricho · Guru

Another piece of advice to first-time two-way radio users is to remember that it is not a telephone and only one person at a time can talk on the channel. Messages should be short and unambiguous. Listen first to ensure there is not already "traffic" on the channel. Wait till the person you are communicating with has finished their transmission before pressing the button and replying. If you "jump in" before they've finished they won't hear you until they have finished their transmission.

Also remember that anyone listening in on the channel can hear what you're saying and that there is no privacy whatsoever.

More jargon...

"Do you copy" "have you got a copy" "do you read".... are carryovers from the old days of telegraphy and morse code when messages were copied down on paper by operators and passed on to the relevent person and they mean "can you hear and understand me".

Use the phrase "Say Again" if you wish a message to be repeated as it is clearer than "pardon" "what" etc etc.

"Wilco" is the official word meaning "I'll carry out your request" (or similar) but it doesn't seem to be used much on CB radio, the older expression "Roger" seems to be more common and means the same thing. This is a carryover from "days of yore" when "Roger" was the phonetic for "R" meaning I guess "right". ("Romeo" is the current phonetic for "R")

-- Edited by jimricho on Monday 24th of May 2010 07:33:10 AM

Allara · Senior Member

hi jim
i'm always up at sparrows... waiting for sunup to get things done. Am totally worn out at the moment, running up to Sydney to clean out my mums house and then back here to do farm stuff. Would be so nice to have some help, never mind..life wasn't ment...etc.
Back to tech stuff. Had a play with the squelch button, I think that was the one I was pressing, while driving, haven't had a talk on it yet, bit intimidated by truckies and haven't spotted any GN's. If I want to find one, what do you say? Something like "any GN's out there?", on ch 18, of course. Not had time to look at GPS yet, it's second on my 'to do' list.
Catch you later
Cheers
Allara

jimricho · Guru

Many Caravanners and RVers put a sign on the rear of their rigs with their name(s) (or callsign) and "Ch18" (or 40 if applicable), you've probably seen them. I haven't bothered to do this. I don't worry about ch40 unless I wish to contact a truckie on my tail to let him know I'm aware of his presence and that he probably wishes to pass. Sometimes when I'm following another van or RV I'll give a call and have a yarn if the traffic is light. I don't do this on busy highways as we are too busy with the traffic.

If travelling in convoy or tag-along the radio is really useful for keeping in contact with others in the convoy.

You can buy letters for a sign at your local hardware or marine shop.

Other "GN forumites" may have other suggestions.

PeterD · Guru

When you call a van, identify who you are calling. Unless they know someone is addressing them they probably won't answer. For identification use something like "Jayco van travelling north on the Hume, do you read" - you are more likely to get an answer this way.

Dunmowin · Guru

Allara, hope all is goin well with your UHF etc.

Something to remember (my insurance company gave the the jolt this week)

Dont forget to let them (insurance company) know of any add ons to your tug - in our case, long range fuel tank, step, uhf & antenna, super duper cd radio, wiring for brakes etc came to a total of $7K.

If in the unlikely event that you total your vehicle, or it is stolen, unless you have specified the extras, they will only pay you the cost of the standard vehicle

Allara · Senior Member

Thanks Dunmowin
Hadn't thought of that. I should have because my previous truck was stolen and I got nothing from the Insurance Co. for the stuff in the vehicle.
I lost heaps of stuff including, my fencing gear, binocculars, hands free phone thingy, road atlas etc.
The truck had the electric brakes, tow bar, bull bar etc. etc...
My new Mazda BT50 is nearly three weeks old! I really love it.
Cheers

Dunmowin · Guru

BT50 are pretty new to us, don't see many on the road up here. What is the towing capacity?

Allara · Senior Member

Remi's New Truck.jpg The towing capacity is 3T, it has a 3L turbo diesel. I have just done 3000km and, so far, it's been great and fairly cheap to run. Haven't towed the van yet as I need to go to Condobolin to pick it up. This photo before the radio fitted, need to build the dog boxes for the back... in my spare time smile