80 Channel UHF CB Launch

[blackvx Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close blackvx]

oh well since it can be done I think I'll get my ICOMM IC-400 PRO re-programmed.

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

here in sydney i rarely have it on as there are too many d...heads on there. so i only use it on rare trips away
cheers all

Same here.
Only want it to use it for car to car coms on rare occasions and trips.
80 channels is of no more use to me than 40.

Actually if your in the market, there are some great bargains on 40 channel radios at the moment.
Im looking at picking a bargain 40 channel radio any day now.

[Archer Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Archer]

From the ICOM website;

Icom UHF CB - Ready for the 80 Channel Network! 2011/06/01
As of the 27th of May 2011, the ACMA officially announced the introduction of the 12.5Khz UHF CB network.

What does this mean for those who use Citizen’s Band radios?

Essentially, all that has changed is how the channels are allocated within the current spectrum. Currently, there are 40 channels allocated, but as of today, this has risen to 80. The diagram to the right may help to explain how this has been achieved (click to enlarge). As you can see, the channel allocations have now been split into two, meaning there are now two channels where there was only one (the original 40 channels will remain in the same location, however).

How will this affect the use of Citizen’s Band radios?

In the short term, there will be very little interruption. Radios that are programmed to work on the 40 channel network will still be able to operate, and will also communicate with new 80 channel radios. 80 channel radios will also communicate effectively with older 40 channel radios. There may be a few small volume or interference-based issues between the two, but for the most part these are likely to be minimal.

http://www.icom-australia.com/news/images/71-1.jpg

Looking ahead, the ACMA will eventually phase out the old 40 channel radios. At present, it appears that these can still be used until June 30th 2017 (this will be reviewed again in 2016), meaning that an existing 40 channel radio may still be operated for several years.

Will all CB users have to purchase a new UHF CB if they wish to operate on the new 80 channel network?

Anyone who has purchased an Icom IC-400PRO or IC-41S will simply need to have their radio reprogrammed to work on the 80 channel network. The Icom IC-400PRO and IC-41S radios, unlike many other UHF CB radios are fully capable of operating on the new channel allocation, as they were, in essence, commercial radios that had been restricted to work on the 40 channel CB network. Icom’s commercial radios have been operating on 12.5KHz channel spacing for many years.

To upgrade your existing Icom IC-400PRO or IC-41S, simply contact your local Icom dealer, or use the dealer search page to find one in your area. For those who have another model of UHF CB, our new supplies of IC-400PRO and IC-41S radios have been pre-programmed to operate on the new 80 channel network. Once again, these can be found at your local Icom dealer.

When searching for serious communications, count on Icom. Icom is recognised world-wide as a reliable two-way radio brand name. Our radios can be found in over 80 countries around the world, and have a strong reputation for quality and reliability, as all Icom radios are manufactured in Japan to strict quality standards.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Yes, Icom have cleary said FU to 440 owners

[blackvx Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close blackvx]

Yes, Icom have cleary said FU to 440 owners

Perhaps thats because the 440 isnt fully programmable like the 400Pro

[Darren253* Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Darren253*]

Done today on my GME 3340. Simple and easy to follow.
Surprise surprise... Not a sign of anyone on channels 41-80! Maybe that's where they could move all of the city trash talk too...

[rayd Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rayd]

Email from Icom, Re 440:
Thanks for your query. Unfortunately, the IC-440 is not reconfigurable to meet the new 80 channel specification, which was written long after the IC-440 was designed and introduced. However, the 40 channel system system will remain in place for some years and the call and emergency channels along with the channel preferred by the various major CB interest groups such as campers and caravanners will permanently remain in the 40 channel area because so many radios are out there in the field which can only operate on this channel group. I am sure you will find the IC-440 will meet your needs for the foreseeable future. RegardsJohn.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

When the 80ch upgraded 440 is released I plan on taking my 40ch to Icom head office and having a robust conversation.

[blackvx Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close blackvx]

When the 80ch upgraded 440 is released I plan on taking my 40ch to Icom head office and having a robust conversation.

Good luck with that, if you knew the 80ch system was being introduced when you bought the 440 why didnt you check then if it was going to be reprogrammable?

I think people are over reacting, the 40 ch's will still work for a long time yet. It has a 12 mth warranty yet 40 ch system is still useable until at least 2017, think you might have more chance of it breaking down before 2017. If not then perhaps its time to upgrade anyway.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

if you knew the 80ch system was being introduced when you bought the 440 why didnt you check then if it was going to be reprogrammable?

I did and was told it was

[blackvx Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close blackvx]

I did and was told it was

ok well then fair enough I'd be pi33ed to if I was told it was before purchasing.

[Nema Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Nema]

Tonight I installed my new GME and found that people were using quite a few of the channels between 41-80. I was quite amazed.

[Way2go Member Find all posts View Profile Close Way2go]

Done today on my GME 3340. Simple and easy to follow.

Unfortunately, looking at the GME website, it seems my 3340 is just a bit too old to handle the upgrade - will have to check the serial number when I get home, but I don't hold out much hope.....

[dermie75 Member Find all posts View Profile Close dermie75]

80 Channel UHF CB Launch

Unfortunately, looking at the GME website, it seems my 3340 is just a bit too old to handle the upgrade - will have to check the serial number when I get home, but I don't hold out much hope.....

I tried updating my 3340 but it doesn't seem to have worked. Only bought the flippin thing in Jan this year. Does anyone know if there is a way to access the serial number from within the menu settings? Mines installed in behind the centre console floor well panel so don't really want to remove panels if I can help it. Cheers.

[Trekrider Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Trekrider]

I tried updating my 3340 but it doesn't seem to have worked. Only bought the flippin thing in Jan this year. Does anyone know if there is a way to access the serial number from within the menu settings? Mines installed in behind the centre console floor well panel so don't really want to remove panels if I can help it. Cheers.

I'm in the same position as you, purchased my 3340 in January and it's up behind the panels so can't see the S/N. I tried the upgrade and it didn't work. I emailed GME here in WA and they said:

"It is possible to upgrade your radio by sending it to our Service dept in
Sydney, the cost to do this is $75 inc GST plus freight and handling $24
plus GST.

If you decide to go ahead please bring/send your radio in to us at the
following address:

GME
Unit 1, 10-12 Harvard Way,
CANNING VALE,
WA 6155.

Tel: 08 9455 5744."

Not going to bother for now - I only use it in convoy and everyone else in our usual group only have 40 channel.