UHF Radio Bundles

[sam_d]

I've just been looking at the different UHF Radio bundles on offer at Prestige Comms (http://www.prestigecom.net.au/default.asp?category=UHF+CB+Radios&subcat=Value+Bundle+Packs) since I need the whole kit and kaboodle to set up in my car and I am wondering if anyone has any opinions on the bundles they offer.

I am mainly looking at:

Uniden UH012sx 4WD 6db GI Antenna Package;
Uniden UH088sx 4wd 6db GI Antenna Package; or
Uniden UH095SX Value Bundle Antenna Pack

The last one on the list is there because it also has built in AM functionality. Is it worth having AM these days? Is it still used much or at all?

And I notice that some of the antennas are pre-tuned. Is it generally the case that UHF antenna are pre-tuned or do you still need to manually tune others and generally get busy with a SWR meter?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

you dont need to tune in UHF,,
I dont think I'd bother with AM,, but it
depends what your friends have;)

[sam_d]

you dont need to tune in UHF,,
I dont think I'd bother with AM,, but it
depends what your friends have;)

I have no friends :(

AM does seem to be a bit obsolete these days so I was just wondering. Years ago in the UK when I had an AM CB and it was quite popular but I'm guessing with t'internet and more modern technology AM is no longer what it was.

Oh well, that's saved me a good $80 or so. To be spent on beer :)

[kaa45]

I bought the GPS105 package and found it simple to install and functions as expected. Radio is fine for car to car comms and the GPS gives me the basic functions I want.

I still like to read maps myself, not have a tiny screen giving directions or an electronic voice telling me where to go.(get enough of that from the back seat drivers)

But then I'm just old fashioned. If you want AM you can pick up SSB cb's for next to nothing on ebay

Danny

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Come on Sam,,
You own a Landrover
Its a Discovery,
and its a V8.

you have at least one more friend than you think,,
:D:p;)

[waynep]

Did you go to the manufacturer's website and look at the specs for each one ? compare scanning capabilities etc, extra non CB channels, and if you know what to look for selectivity, SINAD ratings etc. ( SINAD rates the receiver's ability to pick up weaker signals, basically )
Also maybe look at another online supplier like Andrews communications to compare prices. www.andrewscom.com.au (http://www.andrewscom.com.au)
If you can afford to go the bit extra for one with the seperable front control panel (015) you may find it gives you more flexibility in installation. It allows you to put the main radio under a seat or somewhere out of the way and just mount the head where you want it.
The one with the GPS is I think quite a basic GPS just gives position and "go to" but doesn't have snail trails etc and definitely no mapping. ( I may be wrong ). But you can send your position to someone else who has the same model radio. ( limited usefulness ). You need to also install an extra external GPs antenna because the radio doesn't have it's own (it would not normally be mounted where it can see the satellites ). Better if you want a GPS to get a dedicated one with good mapping etc.
Not sure if AM CB is of much use anymore.

[isuzu110]

I bought this package from Prestige in 2005

Uniden UH088sx 4wd 6db GI Antenna Package;

Have got 16k range from it as measured between two GPS waypoints. Line of sight.

Happy with that.

[sam_d]

Come on Sam,,
You own a Landrover
Its a Discovery,
and its a V8.

you have at least one more friend than you think,,
:D:p;)

It's one of those temperamental, high maintenance friends though :)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

oh! a deisel owner,,
say no more.
:p

[sam_d]

I'm not fussed about having GPS particulary. I have a Navman F20 which tells me my co-ordinates in Easting and Northings (well, Southings) and once I am moving the compass on that tells me which way I am going.

[nzoliver]

Aloha from NZ all!

Where have we all put our radios then? Got snaps?:)

[WildOne]

oh! a deisel owner,,
say no more.
:p

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr;)

[D3Jon]

I recently bought a UH089SX bundle from Prestige Comms. The 89SX (like the 12SX) is one of the smaller units and therefore less obtrusive in the cab. The 89SX is the newer model and the guy at Prestige said it was better than the 12SX and it's only $10 more expensive. I'm very happy with it.

Now, the antenna I got in the bundle from Prestige wasn't up to much to be honest, and the base spring broke off it before I even installed it. As I live in Perth I dropped around to see them and the guy I spoke to didn't seem too surprised that the antenna broke. They exchange it for a better one and I paid the cost difference. I seem to remember that the antenna they bundle has a value of about $50, so I put another $50 to that and got a much more substantial antenna.

I would recommend you talk to them about antenna upgrades before you purchase.

Jon