Grey Nomads on Channel 40

Eaglemax · Guru

RE: Grey Nomads on Channel 40

Eaglemax · Guru

Greg 1 wrote:
For many years I didn't have a cb and thought along the same lines as you Tony. We then did a lap with some friends and I fitted one purely to stay in contact with them as we travel a reasonable distance apart so other traffic can pass more easily. Now that I have experienced one, quite frankly I wish that I had fitted one earlier. Your assumptions that we don't see road works, over width vehicles or look in the mirrors are, quite frankly, offensive. The cb just simply gives you more warning of these things in front and just makes life a little easier with road trains. The pilots of the over width vehicles often call out the width of the load so that you can ascertain ahead of time whether you are going to need to get right off the road so you can look for a spot or just give him a bit more room. Thats long before you even see the pilot vehicle. Road works just give you extra time to be prepared to stop. Can you do without one? Yes of course you can, but don't knock it unless you have tried one. You may be pleasantly surprised like I was.

Hi Greg

Re: " Your assumptions that we don't see road works, over width vehicles or look in the mirrors are, quite frankly, offensive"

No need to over react. I didnt say that, I said clearly one doesnt need a CB for roadworks, overweight etc. I wasnt attacking anyone . But I am entitled to my views.

I also said "For those that want a CB and use them I'm happy for you."

But I dont swallow the mandatory safety device people are peddling. Handy yes, beneficial at times and so on. If anything the collective is pushing that I should have one, a piece of equipment no Govt body says I have to have one

Tony

tiger5 · Senior Member

Well at least every second was not F___K like you hear from truckies. It is one of the reasons I switch mine off un less We are out west where they some manners.

Plain Truth · Guru

Tony ,where you go you don't need one,your call. Where I go I need one my call,horses for courses.

Eaglemax · Guru

Plain Truth wrote:
Tony ,where you go you don't need one,your call. Where I go I need one my call,horses for courses.

Agreed.

Tony

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Road works in outback ?? We could listen in on the traffic control people for some time . We heard what they called each other . As we drove past wed say thanks Harry or whatever their name .. The look on their faces was hilarious!!
Who are you ?? Lol

Ger08 · Senior Member

Its been interesting reading all the posts. I dont think UHF radio should be mandatory but I find it extremely useful, as stated previously with wide loads, road works and semis. Recently we were heading towards Mt Magnet when we heard a call over the UHF that there had been a truck roll over and the road was closed and was going to be closed for several hours. We diverted to another town and along way alerted quite a few other travellers and truckies. It saved us and others many hours of waiting. I feel the frustrations of many when you call up Bob n Margaret and you dont get response. It beggars belief that they spend good money on a UHF set up and channel and name decals on the back of the van and cant be stuffed having it turned on. I had a situation on the weekend with a van been towed at 63kph in a 110 zone. Tried the names on the UHF - no response. Selfish inconsiderate tossers.

blaze · Guru

I have a uhf in all my vehicles, rarely turned on though as I have trouble listening to ****. I don't need it to make me a good driver, I do that by staying alert to my surroundings, even find music annoying, don't mind quiet talkback radio. Drive mostly with my window down so I am more aware of surroundings (often doesn't make a happy wife though). I also don't have fred channel 40 or what ever plastered over the backs of my vehicle. I do use it if I have a need. Also traveled with a hf radio and seen that more of a safety device than the unf
cheers
blaze

ps isn't it great that we are all different

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Find it safer on roads like Nulabour where a simi wants to turn off . Theyll notify you you say motorhome behind , Im turning off in klmr . Etc . Ok for passing or letting semi your just cruising no interest in passing etc . If you havnt got one ? Your not missing out on much . Some dont like talking on them ? Weve used them through GRN ( gov radio network ) emergency work when working with police, fire or ambulance. Unlike a phone . One can talk at a time .

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Wednesday 4th of September 2019 05:38:34 PM

denmonkey · Senior Member

don't have an issue with the OP. just a bit of fun.
remember when Aussies used to be able to take the piss out of each other and no one got upset ?
I'm thinking kingswood country days.

anyway getting to the point, I've got no issues with anyone having a bit of a chat on road channels.
I figure most of us are moving anyway, so any conversation isn't going to be lasting that long.
It often spends most of the time quiet anyway, so it's nice to hear some traffic now and then.
Even if it does , anyone trying to talk to you at close range is going to come through over the top of it, so there's no risks there of not getting that urgent message.
I don't like some of the language and carry on that goes with Cb these days and for that reason, it spends most of its time off.
I only turn it back on when the situation requires it.

Like others, I moved over to amateur radio to get the benefits of having a radio in the car without the sh!t that goes hand in hand with cb.
Pity really, it can be a great resource for many people and not just travelers, the like most things the few wreck it for the many.

cheers Brett

Tony LEE · Guru

Nothing has changed. A different Tony has a logically derived argument that radio communications can in fact be dangerous if some drivers act on the basis that since they have made a call on the radio, they can ignore basic driving skills such as keeping a proper lookout, driving defensively within their envelope of awareness and personal and vehicle capabilities. As for the notion that one vehicle can accept the responsibility of "allowing" a vehicle to overtake "when it is safe", that is about as silly as a professional driver aware of his vehicles performance allowing an unknown driver to give advice on a manoeuvre that is fully the responsibility of the overtaker while the overtaken merely has a legal and moral responsibility to not make things harder.

Nevd · Senior Member

Greg 1 wrote:
Also the humorous conversations you are party to can keep you entertained. Had one very memorable one at Gympie with tbe local village idiot and the truckies stirring him up. Whilst the language was very colourful to say the least it had my wife and I in stitches for about half an hour until we ran out of range.

Yes but it gets a bit wearing when it happens every time you drive through Gympie. I reckon someday someone will find him and shove the radio you know where.

Jamjar · Senior Member

Well, it made me chortle.

J.

Blues Man · Guru

After reading all the posts ,i wish i had a CB a few months back when driving past Prairie .

We were towing our suzie behind the MH when a police car with lights and sirens blaring pulled

us over .It took a while to get off the road (no where to park very steep verges)after parking

the cop told me that someone was trying to get in touch with me to tell me about my rim disintergrating

If we had drove a few more K the suzie would have been running on the wheel hub (ouch)

then that would've been a very expensive exercise .

-- Edited by Blues Man on Tuesday 10th of September 2019 07:38:00 AM

sandgrooper1 · Senior Member

So Bluesman,

Have you installed a UHF yet??

Personally I think their usefulness re potential road hazard information is something that makes them worthwhile.

Mine stays on while we travel.....you soon pass by those who may cause offence re colourful language.

AL

Blues Man · Guru

Hi sandgrooper1,

Still on the to do list.