What's New

Major changes to UHF CB frequencies, bandwidth and AM CB frequencies Effective 

2 June  2011

 

 

AS/NZS 4365:2011

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
 
  
 
HF & UHF CB Radio as we know is changing, the NZ MED & Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) announced proposed changes  from January 2011 becoming effective 2June 2011 across NZ & Australia.
 
Increasing the number of allocated channels from 40 to 80 is a great step forward for all UHF CB operators.
 
 
Some of the proposed changes include:
 
  • The frequency allocation extended upwards by 6.25 kHz to accommodate an additional 12.5 kHz channel
  •  All simplex voice channels will transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth
  • Repeater channels will transition to 12.5 kHz bandwidth, to create space for additional repeater channels to be added in stage two of the changes
  • Licensing rules for repeaters will be relaxed
 
 
 
These changes are the start of much needed changes to UHF CB Radio and we will keep you up to date with all the details at they come to hand

 

 

 
What do the changes mean for your radio?
 
Unfortunately most radios are not upgradeable to include the new channels, which means that to access them you will need to by a new unit
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 UHF CB

  • Will my old UHF CB still work?

 

Yes. BUT read the rest of the FAQ below

 

  • Will my old UHF CB interfere with new channels?

 

It is possible that you will interfere with new channels but you would have to be close to another radio to create the problem.

 
  •  Can I talk to someone on a new CB with my old one?

 

Yes as long as you are using the first 40 CH of new spectrum else no.

 
  • Will I notice anything different talking between new & old UHF CB radios?

 

Yes. Talking from new to old , the new radio will seem quieter and may require volume turned up. Old to new will result in distortion sometimes if person on older radio talking to loud.

 

 

 HF CB ( am/ssb radios)

Will my old HF CB radio still work when the changes take place?
 
Yes, You existing HF CB radio will still work read the rest of the FAQ below.
 
Will my old HF CB radio interfere with other channels?
 
No as the new HF frequencies are completely different to old ones in use since 1970's and now aligned with Australian 27MHz
 
Can I talk to someone on a new HF CB radio with my old UHF CB radio?
 

No

 

Can i use the existing aerial installation with new HF radio?
 
Yes, however as your aerial is tuned for 26MHz, it will be very bad to your radio and reception will not be good.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use of CB & two way radios while driving

 

Changes to the Land Transport Rules in late 2009 now make it an offence to operate mobile phones in a moving vehicle but how does this relate to CB's & two way radios both portable & fixed. Read below for the actual legal interpretations direct from government website.

 

Basically it is NOT an offence to operate a CB or two way radio however if it causes an incident due to distraction, you may still be prosecuted similar to adjusting your vehicle radio causing an incident. Just use common sense while operating.


 

Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (SR 2004/427) (as at 11 December 2009)

 

Clause 1.6 Interpretation

 

mobile phone

  • (a) includes a portable electronic device whose functions include being a telephone:

  • (b) does not include a CB radio:

  • (c) does not include any other kind of two-way radio:

  • (d) does not include an earpiece or mouthpiece that is connected, physically or otherwise, to a mobile phone to allow a driver to use the phone without holding or manipulating it

 

Clause 7.3  Ban on use of mobile phones while driving

 

  • (1) A driver must not, while driving a vehicle,—

    • (a) use a mobile phone to make, receive, or terminate a telephone call; or

    • (b) use a mobile phone to create, send, or read a text message; or

    • (c) use a mobile phone to create, send, or read an email; or

    • (d) use a mobile phone to create, send, or view a video message; or

    • (e) use a mobile phone to communicate in a way similar to a way described in any of paragraphs (b) to (d); or

    • (f) use a mobile phone in a way other than a way described in any of paragraphs (a) to (e).

    (1A) Subclause (1) is overridden by subclauses (2) to (7).

    (2) An enforcement officer may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone to make, receive, or terminate a telephone call if the officer is making, receiving, or terminating the call in the execution of the officer's duty.

    (3) A driver may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone if—

    • (a) the driver is using the phone to make a 111 or *555 call; and

    • (b) it is unsafe or impracticable for the driver to stop and park the vehicle to make the call.

    (4) A driver may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone to make, receive, or terminate a telephone call if the phone does not require the driver to hold or manipulate it to make, receive, or terminate the call.

    (5) [Revoked]

    (6) A driver may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone to make, receive, or terminate a telephone call if the vehicle has stopped for a reason other than the normal starting and stopping of vehicles in a flow of traffic.

    (7) A driver may, while driving a vehicle, use a mobile phone in a way described in subclause (1)(a) or (f), if both the following apply:

    • (a) the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle; and

    • (b) if the driver manipulates or looks at the phone, he or she does so infrequently and briefly.

    Clause 7.3A: inserted, on 1 November 2009, by clause 23 of the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 (SR 2009/253).

    Clause 7.3A(1): substituted, on 11 December 2009, by clause 6(1) of the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2009 (SR 2009/345).

    Clause 7.3A(1A): inserted, on 11 December 2009, by clause 6(1) of the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2009 (SR 2009/345).

    Clause 7.3A(5): revoked, on 11 December 2009, by clause 6(2) of the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2009 (SR 2009/345).

    Clause 7.3A(7): added, on 11 December 2009, by clause 6(3) of the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2009 (SR 2009/345).

 

 

 

 

 

Related links

 

 

 

 

Authorised Dealers Versus Parallel Importers.

Important Note:
(Re: Kenwood, Vertex Standard, Standard Horizon and Yaesu Radio Products)

 

 

 

Overview.

 

This page has not been received well by the many Australian & New Zealand parallel importers. In fact, the discussion on parallel importing has flared to the point where reasonable discussion has disappeared to be replaced by abusive and haranguing emails and content on various web sites. These emails and web sites have begun to take the form of verbal abuse with threats of legal action.

Why? The simple fact of the matter is that the details on this page are 100% truthful. The details revealed here are not what the parallel importers want you to be aware of.

I.e. they are NOT factory authorised dealers. Warranties look promising when they are offering a 12 month or 3 year warranty, due to their advertising methods you may be lead into the belief that they are actually authorised dealers, this is simply misleading. You, the customer, are being duped into making a purchase that is not backed or covered by a factory warranty.

This page in no way tries to undermine any company listed below, everybody has their place in the Australian & New Zealand retail market, what this page does show is the difference between different retail company's and whether they are part of the Factory Authorised Dealer Network in Australia or not, this page is solely designed as a reference point, and to make you the customer, aware that any radio purchased from a non authorised dealer is actually at best second-hand.

 

What is an Authorised Dealer?

 

An authorised dealer is a company who has official approval to purchase and sell product from a supplier on their behalf, with the sole intent to represent that company in the retail market, and to offer backup support for that product if and when the need arises.

 

What is a Parallel Importer?

 

A parallel importer sources product from sources other than the originating supplier of the brand name product i.e. retail outlets or other sources overseas and then imports them against the local agent and authorised retail outlet.

 

The Debate, Is It New Or Second-hand?

Authorised Dealer. (New Product)

 

The Authorised dealer is not the original owner of any products he or she purchases, as part of the dealer network and authorised to sell on behalf of the originating company, ownership only passes onto the first buyer, that being you, the customer, so it is new when you walk into any authorised retail outlet to make a purchase.

 

The Parallel Importer. (second-hand dealer/product)

 

The Parallel Importer is normally the first owner of any gear, as they are not part of the authorised dealer network, when you purchase your transceiver from them then you are the 2nd Owner, and in some cases the third owner, as the Parallel importer has already purchased the product from the Authorized agent or a second-hand source overseas, hence the item becomes second-hand or third-hand in some instances when sold to you, the customer. This is also the case if the parallel importer sources product from an authorised dealer in Australia or New Zealand, the product still becomes second-hand once they have purchased it as they are the first owner, if on sold to you then the item is second-hand.

 

The Great Retail Price Debate.

 

Firstly, and most important, pricing in Australia & New Zealand will always be more expensive as compared to most other places in the world, why you might ask, it all comes down to product turnover, as a general rule the more you buy and sell the cheaper the product becomes.

Australia & New Zealand doesn't have that luxury as compared to the rest of the world, look at the Amateur Operator population in Australia compared to anywhere else, we have as many Amateurs in Australia as there are in California in the U.S. and that is only one of many states in the U.S. Look at Japan, 1 Million plus Amateur Operators, this makes our 18,000 or so amateur Operators look Insignificant when it comes to buying power and pricing, i haven't even mentioned Europe.

Many competitors will try and tell you that pricing has parity around the world, that is just not true, prices are different all around the world for the same items for all the reasons mentioned above, Australia is not sheltered when it comes to this point, look at New Zealand, more expensive than Australia, why, not enough Amateurs Operators and turnover so buying power suffers with more expensive prices, as the local importers have high buy prices.

Customers in Australia & New Zealand have been buying second and third-hand equipment sold as new from many places, for many years, and you may not have even realized this, this equipment is sold with many quirky terms to fool you into thinking that what you are buying is new, this is not the case, some of these terms used by the parallel importers to fool you are, (new) of course, unopened, unused and brand new, this is a misnomer and this one simple fact needs to be bought to your attention, any Vertex Standard, Standard Horizon or Yaesu product purchased anywhere other than a authorised dealer is technically second-hand.

The simply fact is, if an authorised agent sells a radio at a similar price to the non authorised retailer, then the non authorised retailer is selling extremely expensive second-hand goods as compared to the current second-hand market.

 

Warranties For, And Against.

 

The Authorised Dealer

The authorised dealer or agent has the sole support of the company's they represent; this has many benefits, apart from the factory backed warranty on offer, the dealer or agent is also privy to Service Bulletins and upgrades or technical updates, original parts and also a full workshop solely designed for that purpose, not to mention the years of experience dealing with the product and the ability to repair the product in timely fashion. Warranties are transferred to the new owner if your product is on sold within the warranty period.

The Parallel Importer. (second-hand dealer)

In all fairness there are some very good technicians around the market place, but you must stop and consider the parallel import is not privy to any of the above, they cannot supply a 3 year factory backed warranty, and are totally reliant on someone else fixing the product they sell, the back yard repairer is also not privy to the items mentioned above that the agent is, although the parallel importer will try and convince you they have good technicians to repair your product, it is just not the same as the authorised agent.

Other Useful Information.

The difference between Signal's Radio related products and most other suppliers listed below is that Signal's, like many other authorised dealers in Australia & New Zealand, are part of the Authorised dealer network for the following brands, Icom, Kenwood, Vertex Standard, Standard Horizon or Yaesu, nearly all others mentioned on this page import from overseas in some form, or at least have advertised that fact in some form, and their radio related products are not covered by Factory Warranty or service.

Non Factory Authorised Dealers.

The Following retailers are not part of the Factory Authorised Icom, Kenwood, Vertex Standard, Standard Horizon or Yaesu Dealer network, (Although They May Offer Some Form of Back Yard Warranty, Generally Their Own, and not Factory Authorised Warranty).

Andrews Communications (N.S.W.)
Radio Exchange-VK4AJJ (QLD) Ex VK3AJJ Radios.net.au god knows what next weeks name will be.
Pos Nav (S.A.)

Com-Centre Communication Equipment (N.Z.)

Seekers Radio Communications (N.Z.)

Feature Tech (N.Z.)

 

In Closing.

 

When it comes to purchasing new equipment, you should ask your local retailer, are you a part of the Factory Authorised Dealer Network. Like any new purchase, you would expect full warranty and not be misled with the promise of warranty's that may or may not exist, or warranty that you have to pay extra $$$$ for.

Don't let the Parallel Importers try and fool you that Factory Warranty isn't important, it is, in fact there are very well known cases of those who have bought non authorised product (imported) only to find out that they have come unstuck when the unit has had a problem, don't become one of those casualties, research the product your about to buy, make an informed decision about what best suits you, and your needs.

E.&O.E.

My thanks go to Strictly ham Pty Ltd in Melbourne for the use and preparation of this page.

 

 

Distress Radio Beacons – out with the old and in with the new



Published: 14.07.2009 RSM Website



Distress radio beacons, also known as emergency beacons, are tracking transmitters which aid in the detection and location of boats, aircraft, and people in distress.
 

They are radio beacons that interface with Cospas-Sarsat, the international satellite system for search and rescue (SAR).  Until February this year, this system has operated on frequencies both in VHF (121.5 and 243 MHz) and UHF (406 MHz) bands.

 

The International Cospas-Sarsat System has ceased satellite processing of 121.5 and 243 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009.  All beacon owners and users should replace their 121.5/243 MHz beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible.  This affects all maritime beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal beacons (PLBs). 

 

Disposal of old distress radio beacons should be undertaken with care so they do not activate accidentally. Make sure the batteries are removed from the units before you discard them. 

 

121.5/243 MHz is used by the aviation industry and any beacons heard by pilots have to be reported to the Rescue Coordination Centre.  Since 1 February this year Radio Spectrum Management has been involved in a number of callouts to locate discarded distress radio beacons that have activated themselves in rubbish landfills.  This would not have happened had the batteries been removed from the discarded beacons.

 

In summary, upgrade to the more accurate 406 MHz distress radio beacon service but discard your old 121.5/243 MHz beacons with the batteries removed to eliminate the possibility of accidental activation.

 

In an emergency, call Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ):

 

  • 0508 472 269

  • 0508 4RCCNZ

If you accidentally set off your beacon call:

 

  • 0508 472 269 or

  • +64 4 577 8030

For non-urgent enquiries and to update beacon registration information, call RCCNZ:

 

  • 0800 406 111 or

  • 0508 406 111 or

  • +64 4 577 8033

 

 

Related links

 

 

 

  Call us on 09 4159159 or Contact us here.