| For the most part, Dx-ing is the greatest attraction to the 11-Meter operator. Having communications or a QSO with another station in some far away corner of the globe, is for many, a way of life! It was this attraction in the 1970's which helped fill the ranks of the Radio Amateur fraternity. I wonder how many Amateurs once spent their time chasing DX on 11-Meters? Like Amateur Radio, most 11-Meter operators take their hobby seriously and make sure they are not going to cause interference to anyone else. If they operate out of band, they should be well aware of the consequence and risk they take. Here you will see that it is possible under the present conditions, to work DX on the Citizen Band. Those who wish to venture away from the channels, at least, do so with consideration. Make sure that you know all about the frequencies you are using. Remember also, there is no such thing as a Free-band! Below you will find a list of frequencies used by the emergency services here in Australia .... Please keep well away from these. There may be other frequencies here and elsewhere in the world that I am not aware of, so be sure to check locally before you operate. It may be ok to use FM on this part of the band in Europe, but SSB is a different matter, and could cause interference under certain conditions. (see Australian Maritime Freq. below) The Australian 27MHz CB covers 40 channels, from 26.965MHz to 27.405MHz. The official SSB calling channel is 16 lsb, and the AM Call channel is 11. Channel 9 is used for emergencies. With the excellent propagation these days, it is common to hear many international stations working on various parts of this band. Channel 27 is used by South Africa, Ch34 usb is for Bali Is., Many of the islands of Micronesia and the North Pacific area use Ch33 and Ch36 for calling. On Ch37 and Ch38, it is very seldom we do not hear Hawaii and Stateside working DX. One of the most sought after places is Rotuma Island near Fiji, and this is often heard on Ch36 usb. Be polite and patient when working these stations as many only speak a little English and can be slow in coming back to you. NEW ZEALAND CB RADIO Like the Australian CB, the New Zealand CB radio also has 40 channels. These cover the lower end of 11 Meters, starting at 26.330 MHz to 26.770MHz, with channels 25 to 40 for ssb use only. 26.720 lsb is used for ssb calling, and channel 15 (26.500MHz) being the emergency channel. ELEVEN METER FREEBAND RADIO What is often called "Freeband Radio", is the illegal transmissions outside of the legal CB channels. For anyone who is interested in communicating with others throughout the world, this is a great attraction, but be warned. If you do operate there, at least take into consideration the emergency frequencies used by Maritime stations and others on this part of 11 Meters. To DX on these frequencies, it is best to follow the same procedure as on the CB channels. Listen before you operate. Knowing the frequency where the groups and DX stations operate is essential to the DX'er. That rare exotic station will very seldom show up on the International calling frequency! By all means, put out the occassional short call, but spend more time listening throughout the band. The International Call frequency is 27.555 usb, and the old calling frequency of 27.560 usb is another good one. The European Call frequency is 26,285 usb. However, there are many group meeting frequencies, such as, 27.515 lsb used by the PIG (Peace International Group) whose members cover much of the Pacific area. Radio Communications in the Pacific Region Throughout the Pacific, HF radio still plays an important part in communications. Even in these days of satellite phone service, computers and the internet. Most of the communications carried on in this vast area is on the high frequency bands. On the main islands radio is used for general purposes, as not all will have a reliable phone service. Amateur radio is widely used. In Guam and the other U.S. territories and possessions in the Pacific there are over 1000 licensed amateurs, and countless more who operate on other frequencies. Ham operators play an important role in providing emergency communications during times of disaster or medical emergencies. There are several voluntary organizations, such as HSVOAD (Hawaii State Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster) who run emergency tests using volunteer amateur radio operators and CB stations. Natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, hurricanes or typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. are common. For a rapid response to these situations, communications is critical. In the Kiribatti Island group there are thousands of CB radio operators, and many of these operate within the official 27 MHz Citizen Band, usually between Channel 30 and 38 usb. Many also operate on the 11 Meter Freeband, keeping in contact with friends and relations in New Zealand and Australia. (see DX-PACIFIC section on this site) Australian Maritime Frequencies [ 27.680 MHz to 27.980 MHz ] 27.680 Ship to ship/ ship to shore Calling and working 27.720 Professional fishing. Calling and working/ ship to ship and ship to shore 27.820 as above 27.860 DISTRESS, safety and calling 27.880 as above 27.900 Calling and working ship to shore 27.910 as above 27.960 Calling and working ship to ship 27.980 Rescue organisations such as, Surf Rescue Ship to ship/ship to shore |
| Unfortunately, be it CB or Amateur, there are a number of irresponsible people who operate on the air. Be sure you are not one of them. Please show good example by operating in a responsible way. |
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| The Australian Citizen Band Radio and the 11-Meter Band in the South Pacific. |
| Photo: Christian 30DX401 |