Appendices: CB Radio
UHF Repeaters
Duplex mode operates only on Channels 1–8 and enables access to a repeater (relay) station if one exists for that particular channel within the range of your equipment. Your radio receives signals transmitted by a repeater on that channel, while it transmits signals to the repeater on a frequency 30 channels higher.
With duplex mode ON, select a channel (other than 5, the emergency channel) in the range 1–8. Briefly press and release the PTT (press-to-talk) button on the microphone without saying anything. If the “Busy” annunciator then appears in the display and you can hear the repeater “tail” (that “zhsssh” sound) through the speaker, you are within range of a repeater for that channel.
Etiquette
Here are the main points:–
- UHF 5 and 35 are for emergency use only (by law).
- UHF 11 is for establishing contact only (by law): you are then expected to move to another channel.
- Unseemly language is prohibited (by law), but many users overlook this!
- Don’t use duplex if simplex will do. (You don’t want to tie up a repeater for short-distance communication when they are really meant for long-distance work.)
- Don’t hog a channel. It’s a public resource, so mutual courtesies should be observed. If someone else says “Breaker”, try to finish up your conversation within (say) a minute, then say “Go, Breaker” to signal that the waiting person can now use the channel. They may have only a quick message to deliver and you can return to your previous contact if you wish.
- Don’t barge in on other people’s conversations. Listen on a channel for a minute or two before starting your own conversation in case you can’t hear one of the other parties who is already using the channel. If you hear nothing, it’s probably safe to start your own session. If others are already using the channel, wait for a natural break in their conversation and call “Breaker”. If they observe the courtesies mentioned in (5) above, all should be well.
This should be enough to get you started. If you observe these points, you won’t go too far wrong. You’ll also learn a lot(!) by listening to how other people conduct themselves on the radio.
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