KNOW THE CHANNELS
It’s important that in order to use your UHF
radio correctly, you know which channels
are used for specific purposes. For instance,
channels 5 and 35 are dedicated emergency
only channels, and should only be used
if you find yourself in need of emergency
assistance. 11 is the calling channel, while
10 is widely used by 4WD enthusiasts and
in national parks. Also knowing which
channels are used for duplex and repeater
transmissions is necessary.
CORRECT
INSTALLATION
Unless installed correctly, your UHF is
nothing but a chunk of metal and plastic
sitting in your dash. Ensure that you follow
detailed instructions when installing a
UHF, or have it installed by a professional.
A few things you need to consider are the
best place to mount your aerial, in-cab
practicality when it comes to mounting the
unit itself, and ensuring that the coaxial
cable that links the aerial to the receiver is
terminated correctly.3. MAINTAIN
YOUR GEAR
Ensure that you properly maintain both
the receiver and the aerial. One thing to
consider is removing the aerial “whip” for
everyday use, and attaching it only when
you’re planning to use it. Also, when you’re
preparing for a trip, ensure that you check the
functionality of your UHF, and that doing so
is high on your priority list. The last thing you
want is to get stuck in the bush with no phone
reception and a malfunctioning UHF radio.4. KNOW THE LAW
The Australian Communications and Media
Authority (ACMA) is the federal agency
responsible for policing the laws and regulations
that cover UHF use. It’s always a good idea
to know the laws before use, and you can get
in contact with the ACMA at http://www.acma.gov.
au. Hefty fi nes and penalties of up to fi ve years
imprisonment and $550,000 in fi nes could apply
for misuse of the emergency-only channels.5. DON’T YELL
It’s important that when you talk into your UHF
mic that you speak in a normal voice. Yelling
will result in your voice being distorted, which
will mean those on the other end of the radio
won’t understand a word you’re saying. Also,
when transmitting, make sure you pause briefl y
after you push the transmit button before you
begin to speak. This ensures that the beginning
of your transmission won’t get cut off.6. PTT FOR SAFETY
There are times while you’re driving that
you’re going to need both of your hands
firmly on the wheel. The last thing you
want to be doing while negotiating a
particularly difficult rock-crawl is to be
grabbing the UHF mic every few seconds
to communicate with your spotter.
Installing a voice activated mic or Push-
To-Talk button on the steering wheel will
make things easier, and safer for you.There’s no need to yell when you’re transmitting - just speak at
a normal conversational tone to ensure the best clarity