Portable UHF

[stevo68]

Hey All,

Look that using words like UHF, hey hey, whose gettin inta tha lingo :wink: . Before I go whole kit and kaboodle as I am assuming there are benefits to a fully installed UHF radio in the vehicle, in the interim can anyone suggest a good portable one. I found the one I used of drivesafes ( thanks again mate) was pretty good, and name/brand of that one would be great and any others. Im prepared to spend a reasonable amount of $$ if it is going to do the job properly. Also any pro's/cons over portable versus installed as well would be good as I am assuming some of you have used both before,

Regards

Stevo

[Captain_Rightfoot]

There are 5w units now that in theory should be as good as a normally installed version. However our experience suggests that once distances get bigger they don't work as well as a normal unit. I presume this is because of the aerial. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[FenianEel]

Steveo,

I have Oregon Scientific handhelds (they'll go for 3 days without charge) and a GME TX4000 in the Disco.
There are several posts about both on here. You can usually pick up good quality handhelds (a pair) around the $100 mark or under.
It is good to have both, particularly if you're going to go on a few trips. Handhelds are like mobiles, useful, functional, but you'd never rely on one in an emergency, they don't have range (usually 3-5k's line of sight - tops), and don't like objects between things. (Not that UHF's are livesavers anyway).
Handhelds are great and have so many uses. Great for standing out of vehicle directing another over obstacle, being in contact away from vehicle, or for camping/outing with children., etc. For those things they are excellent.
They're OK for comms in convoy on trips, or shorter distance coms (with not many trees,hills,buildings in the road), but in car is ideal. If all you've got is handheld, Make sure you get one that's in car rechargeable and has voice activation..
Check out WOW and places like that for good deals, they have plenty of margin to crunch.
http://www.mapsdownunder.com.au/mapshop/images/items/OREGRAD100.jpg

[stevo68]

Thanks for the info, FenianEel, where or what is WOW, so I can go and check it out. Some good other purposes for it too, never thought of getting 2 and one for kids, even at home, we have 8 acres with lots of surrounding bush where my youngsters like to go and explore. If one of them ever had a trouble and had one then at least could let me know ( im assuming within range of course)

Regards

Stevo

[FenianEel]

WOW are just a big electrical retailer, like H/Norman sort of thing, any of those places should have them, or good comm stores. A lot of th ARB/Opp Lock/TJM 4WD type stores will have them as well.

Cheers

[MickG]

Hey Stevo68

As FenianEel said, hand helds are great for directing outside the car etc and for camping. I am actually looking for a hand held as well for this very reason, but will get one as powerful as I can. Try the link below for some prices and info - also has some GPS stuff etc.

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/default.asp

I have a GME Electrophone TX3200 in cab and it is great - don't have to worry about charging and with a decent arial it is the way to go if in convoy or out with a big group. If you can afford it I would suggest both in cab and hand held to cover all your bases. Also speak to Steinzy, he has a pretty serious hand held which is very good.

I have found recently on some of our trips that that the hand helds are not as clear to listen to on my in cab and sometimes get lost altogether when it is hilly - unless you have a powerful one like Steinzy's. So in conclusion and to stop be rabbiting on, in cabs are generally far clearer but hand helds are great when you get out of the car but still need to keep in touch with the convoy or kids at camp!!

Aye, Mick

[stevo68]

Thanks Mick and all again, will something like this a) do the trick and https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ pretty good for what I require as a newbie??

Uniden UH075 UHF 5 watt Handheld UHFCB
The UH075 is a compact 5 Watt UHF radio featuring rugged waterproof construction to operate in the most intense environments. The UH075 is an ultra compact unit consisting of 40 License Free Channels, CTCSS, Long life Super Switch and many more features. Designed in Japan to offer outstanding performance in virtually all conditions and situations. The UH075 has a range of up to 12km and with its Range Extender (Duplex) Capability the unit can achieve even further range depending on the location of your local repeater station and topographical conditions. This radio is for those people wanting a powerful waterproof UHF radio so you can be sure to stay in touch. 5 Watt Maximum TX Output Power



Waterproof / Dustproof

Select high or low RF output power

Repeater/Duplex Capability

VOX Hands Free Capable

CTCSS Function

Backlit Keypad and LCD Display

Auto Battery Save

Open Scan

Group Scan

Priority channel (priority watch).

Battery Level Indicator

Busy Channel Lockout Function

Roger Beep

Keypad Lock

Rubber Grips / Seal and built-in Headset Jack

Includes Belt Clip

1 X Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery

1 X Desktop Charge Cradle

1 X AC Adaptor

Accessories can be found under the UHF CB Accessories Menu

What's in the Box?
1 x UH075 Handheld
1 x Lithium Ion Battery
1 x 240volt Charger




Our Price: $365.00 (Including GST)

[MickG]

I'd be pretty happy with that Stevo!!

[weeds]

i think a mate of mine has just brought 2 x 5W handheld off ebay, had to come from america, they have some extra chanels onto top of the standard 40, all for less than $300 i think, will find out a bit more

[stevo68]

Hey all, thanks for the feedback, I have purchased the unit that i menti.oned in the thread plus an incar charger. Cb in the car "rubber ducky" anyone https://www.aulro.com/afvb/.

Regards

Stevo

[Outlaw]

Sounds like a nice unit Stevo, i'll have a look next week and see how it goes... can you plug in an external antenna?

Personally i like handhelds more from the convenience and for when i swap vehicles. And Steinzy's is quite good... would just like the option of plugging into a car mounted antenna as well.

As for those ones you had last weekend, Drivesafe actually sells those so give him a buzz if you want a couple for around the property and as spares in the car when the kids are with you https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[stevo68]

Thanks Outlaw, didnt know that when I see him next or if he reads this ( he being Drivesafe, hello) will find out what the cost is for a spare one/ideally cheaper one as that with car in charger was close on $400. Dont know about external antenna, will look into it.

Regards

Stevo

[FenianEel]

Stevo,

Ebay have good bargains (yeah heard that b4 :oops: ) on UHF's. As long as you do the homework and take your time.

I got this GME TX4000 for $200 https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ , with aerial! Practically brand new, original receipts included. (Also got a TJM B'Bar Winch bracket for $15!!!!)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/