DH and I were away for a few days last week and noticed a lot of 'vans with UHF signs on their vans. Says to Dh we should get one 'cos everybody else has one and that's good enough for me. But he resists, - so - YOU tell him why we need one, might listen to someone else's opinions... (but maybe not) thanks, Jay-Jay
We have a UHF, it's a tiny thing and can fit in our ashtray. It has 80 channels and is brilliant. The reason we have one:
Les: he's a truck driver and wouldn't be without one, as he can contact other truckers and tell them when or if he wants to pass them or they pass you. You can get information from any one else who has one. It's a godsend.
Me: I have broken down in the car, I had no mobile with me and I spoke to a truckie, who rang the RAA for me. With out him I'd be stuck on the side of the road, alone about 5km from town. I wouldn't be without one either.
We also have a small 80 ch unit. I simply removes the ashtray and fitted it to a piece of aluminium plate that slid into the slot for the ashtray, no car modifications needed. You may not use it a lot but it is very handy to have when on the road. As Grams said it works when the phone doesn't and it is handy to communicate with other drivers on the road, especially when overtaking or being overtaken.
Have a read of some of Cruising Granny's posts. She works as a wide-load pilot all over Australia and recommends that we all have a UHF radio, and keep it on channel 40. But not in cities! Ours is a Uniden, and we've had no probs with it over 8 years.
Go a long way to beat ICom and they can be mounted under the seat , all the controls in the handset. GME also do one the same. Passed a couple of vans in convey today busy talking to each other but nothing on the van for followers to make direct contact to let them know we wanted to pass or get over or go from 40KPH to at least 80 KPH in the 110 zones If installing one make sure you can be Identified from behind.
How does one ID a particular truck from behind if you need to converse with the driver
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How does one ID a particular truck from behind if you need to converse with the driver
Look for an identifying feature eg, company name, trailer configuration, rego, or just direction of travel.
Remember, uhf transmissions do not go very far, you can't guarantee more than 5km on the road although you may get much more.
A good start it something like "copy westbound Ipec B-double?" if you are coming up behind a truck.
If you see one in your mirror approaching you from behind.."copy westbound behind the Paramount caravan?"
Truck drivers are pretty good at judging who is talking to THEM by the strength & volume of the transmission but some specifics help to avoid misunderstanding the call.
Cheers Neil (ex truck driver)
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
I bought a $50 UHF from China Baofeng and programmed the 80 channels into it along and also use it as a scanner for the Rural Fire Service frequencies.
It's the UH7750NB. We paid about $129 for it on special, I can't remember where. You take the ashtray out and it fits in perfectly. It's really small compared to the old bulky ones.
Forgot to add its a Uniden one.
-- Edited by Grams on Wednesday 22nd of May 2013 12:41:07 PM
I have a GME fitted and it's great. Funny thing though, I haven't had any other CV travellers call me up and if I call any of them they just don't reply. Trucks on the other had, I have had both ways and always had positive chats or comments. Great to have 'in case'.
I actually used mine only yesterday a lot to let trucks coming up from behind that I would move to the left and slow down so they can pass and get on with their day, always got a "thanks mate" in return and the occasional chat as well.
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DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I have a GME fitted and it's great. Funny thing though, I haven't had any other CV travellers call me up and if I call any of them they just don't reply. Trucks on the other had, I have had both ways and always had positive chats or comments. Great to have 'in case'.
I actually used mine only yesterday a lot to let trucks coming up from behind that I would move to the left and slow down so they can pass and get on with their day, always got a "thanks mate" in return and the occasional chat as well.
G'Day Doug, like you I've found CH18 a total waste of time.
We've had a few replies if we call 'em up on channel 40. You can change to 18 if you want a long chat, but nobody has ever answered on that channel when we tried to call them.
I actually scan about 8 different channels then freeze frame if need be, that way I usually know what is around and going on.
I was a bit disappointed yesterday though as some road works were using channel 5. I mentioned it to the lolly pop man and he just told me to go ..................., not a nice man at all.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
It's the UH7750NB. We paid about $129 for it on special, I can't remember where. You take the ashtray out and it fits in perfectly. It's really small compared to the old bulky ones.
Forgot to add its a Uniden one.
-- Edited by Grams on Wednesday 22nd of May 2013 12:41:07 PM
Many thanks for the reply it is much appreciated. I will look around now that I know the brand. Thanks again.
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If I don't get there today, I'll get there tomorrow or the day after.
John & Irona..........Rockingham Western Australia
thanks, Jay-Jay
