On Fri, 22 Aug 2003 22:50:00 +1200, Barry Lennox's reply included:
Is there a calling channel on the UHF sets that most people use?
Yes, I think there is, Check out DSE as they push the new UHF sets.

It's supposed to be Ch:11 - but (of course) you'll find most people end up chatting on that instead of changing
to another channel.

The OP also asked:
I am looking at buying either the Uniden UHO44 XR (2 watts) or the
Uniden UHO52 XR (5 watts). Are these good sets?

The UHO50 is cheaper than the 52, and the main difference seems to be the 52 has a VOX capability.
You might also check out the price of a spare battery for it/them - I've been quoted $145 for one!

The UHO50 might be found on speacial at Dick Smith's