GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #15 | Page 22

RV FEATURE QUICK TIPS 1. Never rely on a hand-held UHF radio for emergency communications. These little 5W units are great for communications in a tag-along tour, keeping in touch with the kids around the caravan park, or listening to directions from your spotter as you reverse. But they’re unlikely to give more than a couple of kilometres of line-of-sight communications. Your signal is certainly unlikely to be received on the other side of the horizon, the theoretical limit of your broadcast range. 2. Altitude is everything. To achieve maximum broadcasting efficiency, a UHF antenna should always be mounted vertically – an antenna’s broadcast is more or less flat – and as high as possible. The roof of the vehicle is ideal. If the antenna is on the bull bar, the vehicle can become a ‘shadow’ that will inhibit its ability to broadcast in all directions. You can also optimise your signal by heading to higher ground – even a hand-held UHF radio’s range will increase the higher you go. 3. Channels 5 and 35 aren’t the only legally restricted channels. Channel 11 is a ‘call channel’ to be used for initiating calls only. Users must quickly organise another channel once contact has been established. Channels 22 and 23 are for data transmission only. No voices are allowed. Channels 61, 62 and 63 are reserved by the Australian government for future use and are not to be used. 4. Finally, watch the profanity while using a UHF radio. Remember: you never know when little ears are listening and I’m sure you’d hate to be the reason why little Johnny’s first words were an expletive. – Max Taylor NORTHERN RV SERVICES ACCREDITED SAFE SERVICE MEMBER GET READY FOR EASTER SPECIALS * 26 POINT SERVICE CHECK * SUPPLY & INSTALL PACKAGES Grey water tanks, Fresh water tanks, Solar panels, Air Conditioners, Instant hot water systems, External Showers, Water filter kits, Gas & diesel heaters CALL JAMES FOR A BOOKING Visit our website to view our vast range of accessories and spare parts. OR phone our friendly staff for advice. DIY CARAVAN DISASTERS Northern RV Services the caravan and free camping specialists. 17A Cooper Street, Campbellfield VIC 3061 Phone: 1300 893 813 Email: [email protected] www.northernrv.com.au