Thread: UHF Radio Advice Please

I guess I could connect the UHF speaker outlet via cable to the auxiliary socket on my Pioneer head unit?

Not that I have the need but I might try that anyway.

The only problem is that I won't be able to listen to the CB and the radio at the same time.

The bluetooth idea is worthy.

Originally Posted by KarlB

Garrycol was talking about the aux speaker for his FC101 because it is quite loud so it would be interesting to know how it worked out. If we don't get a reply from him on the forum

Is here - you lucky peoples .

I actually bought a set of ear muffs for the 101 as I put up 1200km in the last week on freeways in the 101 and the noise was starting to get to me at 100kph average speed. Is tyre noise rather than engine noise. Unfortunately the ear muffs takes out the engine noise but not the tyre noise - need to try something different. Any way - back to the issue

The speaker on the Icom is actually loud enough to hear but where I have the microphone it is a bit far away so I have the aux speaker as well - just above my right ear.

What I find is that I hear a call via the aux speaker but with the microphone up close to your mouth when talking, the handset speaker (which is not mute with aux connected) is the best of the lot.

In the RRS no aux speaker is required and I would have thought that in any landie later than a series the aux speaker would not be required if the microphone is stored in close proximity to the user.

cheers

Garry

If you want reliable communications,especially over extremely rough corrugated road type conditions,then I would suggest that you give the collinear type antennas a miss.These type of antennas have a fibreglass cover (radome) and inside have a PCB,which I have seen on many occasions come apart,making the antenna good fr nothing apart from maybe a fishing rod.I would suggest that you will be better off with a flexible helical type whip antenna.And of course the communications guys won't try and sell these to you,because they are a lot cheaper than other type antennas.The collinear antennas are fine for use on the road or for weekend use.But for communications where your life can rely on it,you need something reliable.
And as far as radios go,the best chassis in a uhf cb is found in Icom radios,which are commercial quality.GMEs are reasonably well manufactured,but definately down a level and Uniden etc down another level.
Over 35 years of running CB and Amateur radios in 4wds have taught me to use the best,and that goes for feedlines and connectors as well as radios and antennas.Don't listen to what the salesman tries to sell you,buy what you NEED.

Wayne

I have just spoken to iCom to try and find out why the IC-440 is in short supply.

Of course they told me there was no issues and "it is most certainly still a current model". However, they also told me that they have developed a new model and it is going through final testing in Japan at the moment and that May / June should see the arrival of the IC-440 replacement. Apparently the same mic and layout but with "improvements" and 80 channels.

Given my timescales for needing a radio and listening to peoples comments re quality, Im going to wait as long as I can and try and hold out for the new iCom.

I took a new GME 34xx series to Cape York last year. It's mounted in the P38 on the B? pillar behind the driver's seat and the mike containing all controls is on an extension lead and clips onto the middle of the dash near the cubby space. The corrugations were horrendous ....almost needed dental work for chipped teeth. I also added an extension speaker salvaged from a 10 yr old Nokia car kit. The GME radio performed very well indeed.

Hi, I've just purchased a 208H, with the intention of having it modified to accept UHF CB channels. Problem: I am subsequently having difficulty finding a tech that can do same. Any suggestions? thanks

Originally Posted by jacknlach

Hi, I've just purchased a 208H, with the intention of having it modified to accept UHF CB channels. Problem: I am subsequently having difficulty finding a tech that can do same. Any suggestions? thanks

Now Im not at all techy in the world of UHF, but from the research Ive done so far, I think all the 80 channel units are being sold with 40 channels in operations, then when the rules & regs of the new 40 are released the units will be easily (software??) upgradable. At least thats what the Uniden people told me.

if above is right, no-one will be able to give you 80 channels yet. Have you spoken to iCom? They were most helpful when I did.

J

Originally Posted by jacknlach

Hi, I've just purchased a 208H, with the intention of having it modified to accept UHF CB channels. Problem: I am subsequently having difficulty finding a tech that can do same. Any suggestions? thanks

The 208h doesnt cover the cb bandwith and becuase it is 55 wat no lic tech will modify it for cb use

ICOM AUSTRALIA: Amateur