40ch UHF changes

[crackacoldie]

For those of us with 40ch UHF radios there are some changes afoot. The bandwidth has been narrowed to 12.5khz from 25khz, to allow for the increase to 80ch. This has resulted in the need for the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to adjust the bandwidths on the repeater network.

Retailers are allowed to sell 40 channel radios for 18 months from the change date, September 2011. While users are allowed to use the 40 channel radios for 6 years from the same date, meaning we only have a few years left to change over.

For me, I think I will put the old radio on gumtree, so I can get some money back, then upgrade early.

For more information www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/400-mhz-changes-benefit-uhf-cb-radio-users

 

[Capt. Gadget]

The One I bought about 3 years ago was 80 channel "ready" but that one went with the PK sill debating whether I will fit one in the new Ranger or just go with the hand held

 

[Bushman]

The original one in my PJ was 40 ch but it crapped itself last year, repair was quoted at $200+ so just put new 80 ch in

 

[cruza driver]

As @Capt. Gadget mentioned some can be upgraded to an 80ch.

Tonight I'll post up a way to do it if I can still find it

 

[straydingo]

It depends on the model;
Uniden 'NB' models can be done by the user - a few button pushes to reprogram.
http://www.uniden.com.au/australia/cs_77_channel_acma.asp
Most of GMEs upgradables can be done by user, a few by dealer for no cost.
http://www.gme.net.au/news/2011/05/31/80-channel-upgrade-instructions/32
ICOMs (1 or 2 models only) are dealer upgrades

and I think thats it. All others (Oricom etc) are non upgradable (but stand to be corrected)