Hand held UHF's - anyone got a GME TX610

[LRHybrid100]

G'day Guys,

Thinking of getting a hand held UHF to use while out of the car - anyone use the GME TX610? Looks good for about $90 inc battery and charger.

THX in advance

LRH

[one_iota]

Hi LRH

(Not to insult your intelligence)

I've just checked out the specs at:

http://www.strathfield.com/ViewProduct.asp?ProdID=1246

It has 1 watt as opposed to my Uniden 0.5 watt so should have a greater range. Uniden have a hand held with selectable .5w / 1w.

I would look at the rechargable battery situation. If the batteries drain on the track then recharging rather than replacement will be required and this might involve 240v or an inverter not to mention time.

The Uniden uses aa batteries and after 4 years they are still on full charge 8O although on 1 watt more juice would be used. The VOX facility is a useful feature. I have this with my uniden with a head set (hands free).

GME has a good reputation but I've not been able to fault either of my Unidens (fixed and handheld) apart from slack installation :roll: .

[LRHybrid100]

cheers OI - I was going to also buy a 12v trickle charger.

The RR will also get a Uniden UH013 car based system - so really only to be used when outside the car and until the Uniden gets purchased!!!

LRH

[wardy1]

i have the uniden hand held as well as an in car set up..... whichever brand u choose i think its a great facility

[shaunp]

They are great. Dad has a GME something or other in his Disco. We just did a trip to Dubbo then east to the coast and back to Briso. I borrowed one of the ones you are looking at and used it car to car with dad, it worked all the time even when dad was a few km back in un even country. GME are also made here and have a longer warrenty.

[landy_man]

have used that unit.. we have a couple at work and they are great.. the VOX is a bit average.. but who cares..
I also own Uniden handhelds and they are also good.. but the CTCSS function on the GME unit is nice to have...
If i were buying handhelds again, I would buy the GME units...

[Michael2]

I've got a Uniden hand held UHF with 1W / 5W output, CCTSS, scan, group scan ......

The unit is h/duty & water proof. Apparently it was a US Marine radion and Uniden have released it here with UHF CB frequencies.

I've put a remote mic on it which is small enough to clip onto you shirt pocket, or rear vision mirror, or dash mat. They go for about $400, but it doubles up as an in-car radio and doesn't need any installation. On the RR I tuck it behind the instrument pod and on the SIII it goes in the o'head console.

I'd reckomend the greater versatility of a full 5W handheld with a hand mic.

[JohnE]

While it is nice to have a 'brand' name'
It depends on how far from the vehicle your going to go.
I didn't check the strathfield car radio link, but I bought two 'digitalk' uhf portables from them(they are a lot cheaper now even supercheap cheap sells them) 5km range and clear as a bell. I checked them here at my place down a gully and talking to the house and they were no problem even though they only pump out .5 w.
I tried them out west and the range was not bad, although you need the batteries fully charged all the time.

john

[Michael2]

On the last trip I did, we had a variety of hand helds, some cheapies (0.5W) up to mine (5W). They all worked equally well within a short range. We had enough for just about personal issue for everyone on the trip, which was great because communication was not limited vehicle to vehicle, but broadened person to person. (we already had a few in the group, then borrowed somemore from a mate who works for Uniden)***

The better versions will allow you to access repeaters, and are better when you get strung out over long distances or are in heavily wooded areas. For example, if a vehicle or a person scouts ahead of the pack, or on the highway if the group spreads out over a several km distance.

If you have Toyotas in the pack, you will notice they fall back in the rough stuff, then race ahead on the highway to "compensate." :wink:

Batteries in the cheapies won't last as long, but can be easily replaced with AA's, the more expensive one's need a charger, but will go for a couple of days of use.

Cheapies are great (buy them even cheaper at cash convertors) but the more expensive models will offer you all the features and power of a vehicle based unit with the security and portability of a hand held. This may work out cheaper in the long run. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

*** Footnote - I didn't want to distract from the subject, so I'll add it down here. I should see if Uniden have some factory returns (repaired units) that they want to off load cheaply. Maybe I could advertise them on the forum for anyone interested. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif 8) :idea:

[sclarke]

OK Quick note...

i have one and used it in the High country.
Worked great and went flat on day 2.

I brang the 240volt charger and could not find a powerpoint on a tree anywhere, so i plugged it into Ya Lawn....... ha hah ahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

OK.
Serious note. i had a inverter so i chaged it overnight.


Steve
Stupid, ****y and peaved off....

[2_door]

guys and gals,

I am toying with the idea of a hand held UHF instead of a car mounted system for the new RR and searched and found this old thread. It has some good info on it but is a few years old so I am wanting some info on the newer models discussed.

There are three types I am looking at

ICOM IC-41s
GME TX6200
Uniden UH078sx

all three appear to be full 5 watts with pretty much the same functions.

I want it for car to car comms over hilly terrain over a max distance of about 3 to 5 klm's.

If anyone has any of these models, could you post up your experiences and comments.

Any info appreciated b4 I shell out for one.

thanks

[mark2]

I have a TX610. There's not a lot to recommend about it.

Its cheaply made and the audio quality is poor. I dont find the controls particularly user friendly either. Having the GME brand on it doesnt necessarily mean its any good.

For the same money, I highly recommend this:

-- CB Radio (AUS / NZ ) - 409ShopVX-8R VX-3R VX-7R VX-170 KG-699E KG-669 KG-689 PX-777 PX-888 FT-897 FT-857 VX-177 VXA-300 KG-679 VEV-3238S V-1000 TG-UV FT-817ND FT-60R FT-897D FT-857D VX-7R VX-7RB VX-6R VX-3R FT-1802M FT-8800R VX-170 FT-8900R FT-280 (http://www.409shop.com/409shop_shopcat.php?&usercat=1865&parentid=1567)

They are 5 w and come with a Liion battery and charger, are rain proof and have many accessories available. I have own three of them and use them in daily professional use. I have bought many more for surveyors, traffic controllers etc. Cost is about AUD $100 delivered. The quality and performance is far superior to a TZ610, believe me. They are as good as a $500 handheld.


The price includes shipping which normally takes about 7-10 days.

I have bought many radios from these people and cant recommned them enough.

[2_door]

thanks for the link. they look okay. current exchange rate means $108 ozzie dollars (delivered) which seems bloody good if they are as good as a $500 uhf, maybe I should buy two? ;)

[101RRS]

These got an excellent write up in 4x4 mag late last year. These are 2w and you can also them in a twin back.

UNIDEN UH065SX SINGLE UNIT UHF RADIO+NEW+WTY+2 WATTS - eBay 2-Way Radios, 2-Way Radios, Walkie Talkies, Radio Equipment, Electronics. (end time 06-Feb-09 23:03:42 AEDST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/UNIDEN-UH065SX-SINGLE-UNIT-UHF-RADIO-NEW-WTY-2-WATTS_W0QQitemZ190282881093QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_E lectronics_Radio_Equipment?hash=item190282881093&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)

[Franz]

G'day Guys,

Thinking of getting a hand held UHF to use while out of the car - anyone use the GME TX610? Looks good for about $90 inc battery and charger.

THX in advance

LRH
I have one of them and it works well. You get a trickle charger with it and it comes with rechargable batteries.

Cheers,

Franz

[LR V8]

I've got a pair of the TX610's... picked them up second hand for $30 for the pair. They're alright for what they are.......

The speaker volume is questionable though... in a S2A on bar treads, you really, really, really need a plug in speaker or head phones :eek:

Pete

[mark2]

thanks for the link. they look okay. current exchange rate means $108 ozzie dollars (delivered) which seems bloody good if they are as good as a $500 uhf, maybe I should buy two? ;)

Buy only one to start with if you have reservations. Postage will cost you the same either way - as its included in the price.

[mark2]

I forgot to add - they also meet American MIL STD-810C/D/E - same tests the Panasonic Toughbook has to pass. Also have a diecast alloy chassis.

[Bushie]

I've got a pair of TX610s, and if anybody wants one, there should be one on the side of the track near Madigans camp 1 (at least that's where I think it is :().


Martyn

[d@rk51d3]

Sorry to dig up an old thread......................but.........:angel:


Seriously looking at one of these guys:

WOUXUN KG-UVD1P KG-UVD1 420-520 /136-174Mhz &Earpiece - eBay Transceivers, Ham Radio, Radio Equipment, Consumer Electronics. (end time 31-Dec-09 11:47:38 AEDST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200412619915&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
WOUXUN KG-UVD1P

Dual Band handheld.

•UHF 4 watts 420-520 Mhz (this range can vary (3 models available)- make sure you can get 477 for Aussie UHF)
•VHF 5 watts 136-174 Mhz

• Work Mode：U-V、U-V、V-V、U-U can be set freely
• SOS Function
• 1750Hz tone
• DTMF Encoding Function
• CTCSS/DCS Scan(Digital/Analog)
• Bright Flashlight Illumination
• Band Can Be Set Freely on The Same Channel VHF TX-UHF RX or UHF TX-VHF RX
• English Voice Guide
• Digital FM Radio
• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Selection(25khz/12.5khz)
• Priority Scan, Add Scanning Channel
• High/Low Power Selection
• Channel Name Edit and Display
• 50 Groups CTSS/105Groups DCS
• Multi Step Frequency:（5K/6.25K/10K/25K/50K/100K）
• Multi Scan
• VOX Transmission
• Transmit Overtime Voice Prompt
• Begin/End Transmitting BEEP Prompt
• Auto/Manual Keypad Lock
• Wire Clone, Programmable By Computer
• Stopwatch Function
• Low Voltage VOICE prompt
• Busy Channel Lockout


According to the Ham sites, these are up to Yaesu/Icom standards electronically, not too far short of them in build quality, and 1/4 the price.

Apparently a bit awkward to program in field, but the software is easy to use.

The other main gripe people have, is that the unit is not dual receive. ie, it won't accept a UHF and VHF signal at the same time. First transmission in, first served. Not going to be an issue for me, I think. I have enough trouble listening to one conversation................ just ask my wife.:D

[mark2]

Sorry to dig up an old thread......................but.........:angel:


Seriously looking at one of these guys:

WOUXUN KG-UVD1P KG-UVD1 420-520 /136-174Mhz &Earpiece - eBay Transceivers, Ham Radio, Radio Equipment, Consumer Electronics. (end time 31-Dec-09 11:47:38 AEDST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200412619915&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
WOUXUN KG-UVD1P

Dual Band handheld.

•UHF 4 watts 420-520 Mhz (this range can vary (3 models available)- make sure you can get 477 for Aussie UHF)
•VHF 5 watts 136-174 Mhz

• Work Mode：U-V、U-V、V-V、U-U can be set freely
• SOS Function
• 1750Hz tone
• DTMF Encoding Function
• CTCSS/DCS Scan(Digital/Analog)
• Bright Flashlight Illumination
• Band Can Be Set Freely on The Same Channel VHF TX-UHF RX or UHF TX-VHF RX
• English Voice Guide
• Digital FM Radio
• Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Selection(25khz/12.5khz)
• Priority Scan, Add Scanning Channel
• High/Low Power Selection
• Channel Name Edit and Display
• 50 Groups CTSS/105Groups DCS
• Multi Step Frequency:（5K/6.25K/10K/25K/50K/100K）
• Multi Scan
• VOX Transmission
• Transmit Overtime Voice Prompt
• Begin/End Transmitting BEEP Prompt
• Auto/Manual Keypad Lock
• Wire Clone, Programmable By Computer
• Stopwatch Function
• Low Voltage VOICE prompt
• Busy Channel Lockout


According to the Ham sites, these are up to Yaesu/Icom standards electronically, not too far short of them in build quality, and 1/4 the price.

Apparently a bit awkward to program in field, but the software is easy to use.

The other main gripe people have, is that the unit is not dual receive. ie, it won't accept a UHF and VHF signal at the same time. First transmission in, first served. Not going to be an issue for me, I think. I have enough trouble listening to one conversation................ just ask my wife.:D

You wont regret the purchase. Best to buy the programming cable (less than $10) and use the free software. I'd also recomend buying direct from 409Shopwww.409shop.com 409 ??? ??? KG-UVD1 VX-8R VX-3R VX-7R VX-170 KG-699E KG-669 KG-689 PX-777 PX-888 FT-897 FT-857 VX-177 VXA-300 KG-679 VEV-3288S V-1000 TG-UV FT-817ND FT-60R FT-897 FT-857 VX-7R VX-7RB VX-6R VX-3R FT-1802M FT-8800R VX (http://www.409shop.com/) - all their prices include postage and are generally better value than ebay.

[jimbo110]

I have that exact radio bought from 409 shop. I cannot rate it highly enough, It's a bloody great wee radio. Programming is dead easy with the programming cable, (very much worth the money) but make sure you get the series cable and not the USB one. The USB software is known to have "issues". I also bought the battery eliminator, to run direct from a cig lighter, (though it does come with a cig lighter cable for the charger stand), and a stubby antenna as well. The radio itself is the same size as the old Uniden UH040 0.5 Watt radio's, so not too big or too small. Very loud and clear audio as well.:D

[d@rk51d3]

Put in my order last night.

Grabbed the 1700mah battery, and the dual charger so I can charge both handset and spare at the same time.

I did order the USB cable, though. No serial ports on my rig, and the only problems I'd read about was that the software wouldn't run on Vista for some people......... which it does for me, since I downloaded it first, just to be safe.

Just hiding all the e-mail evidence now. :D

[d@rk51d3]

Well, got the radio from "409shop", and she is a ripper.:cool:

Transmit and receive is very clear, and signals are strong.
The only complaint was that my transmit volume was a little low. Probably just the inbuilt mic. A good remote mic should fix that.

Had a little trouble with the programming cable, but it was more of a manufacturing fault.

Programmed the 40 UHF CB channels, plus extras for the 9 repeaters (so UHF1 with same TX and RX freq, follwed by UHF1R with separate TX and RX freq on the one channel, then UHF2, UHF2R etc. )

Can program 9 FM radio stations too.

Put in some of the local Police VHF frequencies, though they probably aren't used anymore. Plus some CFS, SES and Ethnic VHF frequencies.

Anyone have some suggestions for other frequencies to slot in? Ive got about 80 spaces left. :D