UHF does not replace Triple Zero. If your phone has any coverage, call 000 first.
The channels that matter
- 5 and 35: emergencies only, by law
- 11: call channel. Make contact, then move to another channel.
- 40: highway channel, used by trucks and road users Australia wide
- 18: caravans and campers
- 10: 4WD clubs, convoys and national parks
- 29: Pacific Highway road channel (NSW and Queensland)
- 22 and 23: data only, no voice
- 61 to 63: reserved, not in use
- 1 to 8 and 41 to 48: repeater channels. 31 to 38 and 71 to 78 are repeater inputs, so don't talk there.
Calling for help
- Try the phone first.
- Go to channel 5 with duplex on. No answer? Turn duplex off and try again.
- Still nothing? Try channel 40, then scan for a channel with people talking.
- Say who you are, where you are, what's wrong, how many people and what help you need.
- Listen, then repeat every few minutes.
Radio words
- Over: I've finished talking and want a reply.
- Out: I've finished and don't need a reply.
- Copy or Roger: I heard and understood.
- Say again: please repeat that.
For Australian UHF CB radios. Check acma.gov.au for the current rules.