Stuart Longland VK4MSL wrote:

However, being handhelds, makes them awkward for mobile use -- a
mobile rig would be better, one which combined HF as well would be
ideal.

You need to contact the local licensing authorities and see what is legal.
For example, in the US, what you ask would simply not be illegal, either for
27mHz CB or 464mHz (family radio, what you call UHF CB).

In other parts of the world things are more relaxed, many people use ham
rigs on CB with no problems.



Queries:
(1) Does anyone know of rigs that can do this out-of-the-box (like the
Wouxun handhelds)?

There are lots of them that will do the VHF up to 440 mHz (the top if the
70cm band in the US). I have no idea if they will go any higher, but isn't
the UHF CB band 446mHz there? It is here. (I think you said something, but I
trimmed that part of the post before I got here).


(2) I've heard of the "freeband" mod that's available for some radios
such as the Yaesu FT-897... what other radios can this be done on, and
what are the pros/cons of doing this?

Technicaly nothing at all. The radios are designed to transmit that range
and can do it. Some frequencies may be a problem due to the design of the
radio, but I don't think the ones you are worried about will be.

Note that ham radios do not transmit AM, they transmit double sideband reduce
carrier, i.e. both on USB and LSB at the same time when in AM mode. This usually
works ok on AM receivers, but it may not work on some cheap CB's. It pays to
ask anyone who is doing it if they have a problem.

Legally may be another issue. Having a transmitter that transmits outside
of the ham bands is illegal in some parts of the world, I have no idea of
what happens in OZ.

Also is it legal for your father to be driving around with a ham radio in
the car, and possible using it (although not on ham frequencies)?

Regards,
Stuart Longland VK4MSL


--
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New word I coined 12/13/09, "Sub-Wikipedia" adj, describing knowledge or
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