Recommendation for basic in-car UHF

[steveG]

My ancient Uniden 40ch UHF has died so I'm looking for a recommendation on a solid 80ch replacement.

Don't need a remote head unit, or controls on the mic - just a well priced, simple, reliable radio that works well. I'm sure I won't use 90% of the functions on any modern radio. Its going in the County so needs to cope with dust and vibration :angel:
If possible, I'd prefer something with easily adjustable squelch - ideally on a knob rather than up/down on buttons as I found that feature very useful on my old radio.

Any particular recommendations for current brands/models?

Steve

[lokka]

Icom is the way to go :)

[33chinacars]

Yep Icon or Electophone

[steveG]

Thanks guys.
Had to make a decision and order something last week as I've got a event on at the end of the month, so have a GME TX3100 radio and antenna on its way.
Hopefully it will do the job.

Steve

[Gerokent]

G'day Steve, I have just fitted a TX3100, it seems to work fine. I didn't expect it to be so small though, it's about the size of two cigarette packs (but smaller)
Hope it lasts for a while.

[steveG]

G'day Steve, I have just fitted a TX3100, it seems to work fine. I didn't expect it to be so small though, it's about the size of two cigarette packs (but smaller)
Hope it lasts for a while.

Courier just dropped mine off a few minutes ago, and you're right - they ARE small !!
Mind you, my old one was the size of my school lunchbox when I was a kid so anything was going to be smaller than that.

Steve

[lokka]

Steve the 3100 is not the best but it will do I class them as deaf radio the RX on them is ok and they work but its a bit like comparing TDI's to 4BD1T's

In my opinion Icom is just like Isuzu just about bomb proof and runs rings around the rest :D

[steveG]

Steve the 3100 is not the best but it will do I class them as deaf radio the RX on them is ok and they work but its a bit like comparing TDI's to 4BD1T's

In my opinion Icom is just like Isuzu just about bomb proof and runs rings around the rest :D

I feel sad now - mainly because I drove the 300tdi 130 to work today so can relate all too well to that comment.

Will get it installed this weekend and see how it goes. If it's really like a 300tdi then it may well end up back on eBay in a few weeks :wasntme:

Steve

[Reads90]

I had the same problem and I have bought a Uniden UH720SX UHF Hand Held


Has 80 channels and scan and works for up to 10ks. Which when off roading and on the road is all I need.

I use it in my work car all the time and take it from car to car.

Loud and can hear it fine when off roading in a 300 TDI.

But best of all it was $125 at JB hifi with car garage remote mic , ear piece desk top charger and other stuff.

Here is the one I have

http://m.officeworks.com.au/img/c/gw_320/ttl_30d/quality_100/1url_media.officeworks.com.au/ims_docs/52/52A0C81EE95ACFB0E10080000AF11387.JPG


After using this for the last 6 months I am serious wondering if I need a car mounted radio.

[wizard1963]

Got to agree with all the guys saying Icom. Best bit of kit out there built to mil. Specs great heat sink superb unit. I've had GME &Uniden not a patch on the Icom. As for send/receive distances, this is Ariel / cable quality related. You get what you pay for. I run 2 different ones around town is a 6db benelic on big bush trips it's a 9db white stick costs a bit but we'll worth the effort when in the sticks.

[lokka]

Got to agree with all the guys saying Icom. Best bit of kit out there built to mil. Specs great heat sink superb unit. I've had GME &Uniden not a patch on the Icom. As for send/receive distances, this is Ariel / cable quality related. You get what you pay for. I run 2 different ones around town is a 6db benelic on big bush trips it's a 9db white stick costs a bit but we'll worth the effort when in the sticks.

Yes the aerial and the coax play a big part even more so aerial position

Elevated feed aerials work better IMHO than the big fiberglass posts as they have less wind resistance and don't flop around as much

I also have found that for coastal and hilly areas around here the 3db whip which is only 6in long works the best on my elevated feed I also have 6db aerial I carry for when I head out west over the range and I carry a 9db for trips away and they all screw onto the elevated feed out on the front bar

[wizard1963]

Yes the aerial and the coax play a big part even more so aerial position

Elevated feed aerials work better IMHO than the big fiberglass posts as they have less wind resistance and don't flop around as much

I also have found that for coastal and hilly areas around here the 3db whip which is only 6in long works the best on my elevated feed I also have 6db aerial I carry for when I head out west over the range and I carry a 9db for trips away and they all screw onto the elevated feed out on the front bar

Back in the day of the ssb cb radio I had mine mounted on a roof rack bar middle of the roof best reception ever. Of course it was tuned as well. I ran a little rubber gutter mount for local and a big whip for distance work. Those were the days. I know a truckie says he still runs an AM radio for when he wants to chat to other drivers, stops the dick heads coming in over the top all the time. 1 does get ****ed off with all the crap on UHF. Still have my old Dick Stick for ssb cost a fortune in the old days, not worth a cent now.