UHF Radio

Ultra High Frequency Citizen Band Radio (UHF CB) is a free service in Australia and does not require a license or registration to use. They do have a limited range and often no one is listening.

Many rural properties have a UHF CB radio permanently on so if you are in distress scan the channels to see if anyone is listening. Channel 10 to 20 are most common.

Channels 1 through 8 are duplex or repeater channels. Each channel has a corresponding channel of 31 to 38 that is required for the CB to function. If you use these, the signal will be amplified if you are in range of a repeater, so it is best to avoid these unless you need to communicate with someone outside of your normal range. The extended 80 Channel CBs also have repeater channels 41 to 48 along with the corresponding channels 71 to 78

A map of UHF Repeaters

Channel 5 & 35

Emergency use only. Monitored by volunteers and scanning other channels may be more effective in locating other UHF users in an emergency if away from a repeater.

Channel 11

General calling channel to find other users. Once contact is made, switch to another channel.

Channels 22 & 23

Data channels for signalling and telemetry, no voice is allowed.

Channel 10

4WD Drivers. Convoy, Clubs & National Parks (by courteous agreement).

Channel 40

Traditionally used by highway vehicles and trucks.

Channel 29

Traditionally used as a road channel, i.e. on major highways.

Channel 18

Mostly caravans and campers (by courteous agreement).

Channels 9, 12-17, 19-21, 24-30, 39, 49-60, 64-70, & 79-80

General use channels for conversations

Channels 1-8 (31-38) & 41-48 (71-78)

Repeater or duplex channels, avoid unless you are out of range.

Channels 61 to 63

Unallocated and will likely be used for data.