On 4WD Trips, your CB radio is your best mate. Here’s a short, no-fuss guide to using UHF CB radios properly - written for non-technical users in our club.
UHF, VHF and HF – What’s the difference?
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UHF (Ultra High Frequency) - What most 4WDers use. Great for short-range convoy comms. Simple, reliable, and no licence needed.
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VHF (Very High Frequency) - Used more in marine and aviation. Not used in CB and generally not relevant for 4WDing.
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HF (High Frequency) - Used for long-distance comms, including remote outback travel. Most HF use in Australia requires a licence (e.g. Amateur Radio, RFDS networks). However, there is a form of unlicensed HF CB, also known as 27 MHz CB, which was popular in the past. It still exists, but most people now use UHF for its clearer audio and smaller gear.
What is CB?
CB stands for Citizens Band - it's a small part of the UHF radio spectrum that’s open to the public. You don’t need a licence to use it, and it’s perfect for convoy comms and general 4WD use. It sits within the broader UHF band that licensed Amateur Radio operators also use with more advanced gear and higher power. For most 4WDers, CB is simple, effective, and all you’ll ever need.
Which Channels to Use in Australia
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Ch 10 - Used by 4WDers and in national parks
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Ch 15 - Gold Coast 4WD Club default channel (unless otherwise instructed)
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Ch 18 - Campers and caravans (although most caravans seem to just lurk on Ch 40 in our experience)
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Ch 40 - Trucks and highway info
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Ch 5 & 35 - Emergency only (legally reserved)
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Ch 11 - Call channel only (don’t chat here)
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Ch 1–8 & 31–38 - Repeater channels. Don’t use unless you know how
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Avoid Ch 22, 23, 61–63 - reserved for data and future use
Here's a handy 1 page PDF guide on all the channels made by Kings. I suggest you print this off and put it in your glove box for reference.
What’s a Repeater?
A repeater boosts your signal over hills or longer distances. They’re rare, but handy if you know how to use them.
To use a repeater, you must enable Duplex mode – usually done by pressing a “Duplex" or "DUP” button. This tells your radio to transmit on one frequency and listen on another.
Normal CB use is called simplex, where you talk point-to-point on the same channel – that’s what you’ll use most of the time.
If you are using a repeater:
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Press the Duplex button (or set the channel to duplex)
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Pause for a second before speaking so the repeater has time to key up
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Leave short gaps between replies in case someone needs to break in
Unless you know a repeater is present and you’re set up to use it, stick to simplex and avoid repeater channels so others can use them properly.
Antenna Basics
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Short (low gain) - Good for hills and forests
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Long (high gain) - Better for flat, open country
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Medium - Good all-rounder
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Mount it high - Roof is best, but bullbar is common. Try to get the radiating part of the antenna above the vehicle body
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Some antennas have a removable top section known as a “Town and Country” setup = you can unscrew the top in built-up areas and put a stubby antenna on to reduce gain and avoid interference, then screw the larger one back on in the bush to maximise your range
Radio Features That Help
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Replay button - Some radios (GME definitely has this) can replay the last received message – very handy if you missed something
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Scan or dual watch - Listen to two channels at once (e.g. convoy + Ch 40)
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Squelch control - Adjusts background static so you're not hearing constant white noise
Basic Radio Etiquette
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Pick a clear channel - listen before you talk
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Be polite and brief - don’t hog the air
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Use names clearly - “Steve in the DMAX”, not just “Steve”
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Don’t swear - keep it family-friendly
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Acknowledge calls - say “copy that” or “received”
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One at a time - wait your turn to speak
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In a convoy, Tail End Charlie (last vehicle) should repeat instructions from the trip leader. This confirms the message and helps others who may have missed it
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If in doubt, ask - better than guessing
Looking After Your CB
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Check antenna and cables regularly - loose fittings = poor range
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Keep gear clean - dust and mud can cause problems
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Test it before trips - don’t wait until it fails
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Charge handhelds and carry spare batteries if you're using them
Need help?
If all this confuses you, don’t worry, every 4WD club has a radio nerd, and they’re often also licensed Amateur Radio operators. The Gold Coast 4WD Club has two, and they’re both called Steve! Say g’day to Steve Dalton (VK4DMZ) or Steve Eddey (VK4STE) if you have questions or want to learn more.