Thread: HANDHELD Communication

A good handheld will give you more versatility.

Check the threads with the Wouxun radios.
You'll get about 140 programmable channels, UHF and VHF, FM radio, LED torch, you can connect the vehicles UHF antenna and a PTT handset for use in vehicle, then attach the "rubber ducky" for handheld use.

240v / 12v charging cradle.

Spares are/were cheap. a few bucks gets you a spare antenna, battery, dual charging dock, hand mic.............

Only real drawback is it's not waterproof......... but hasn't been a problem for me....... yet.

One of the shortcomings with a handheld when used in a convoy situation is finding the darn thing when someone calls you.
I'd suggest that if you go with a handheld, get or make some sort of mount for it to use when in the vehicle.

Originally Posted by d@rk51d3

A good handheld will give you more versatility.
Check the threads with the Wouxun radios.
You'll get about 140 programmable channels, UHF and VHF, FM radio, LED torch, you can connect the vehicles UHF antenna and a PTT handset for use in vehicle, then attach the "rubber ducky" for handheld use.
240v / 12v charging cradle.
Spares are/were cheap. a few bucks gets you a spare antenna, battery, dual charging dock, hand mic.............
Only real drawback is it's not waterproof…...... but hasn't been a problem for me....... yet.

Had a quick read & it looks like you have to downLoad stuff to get it to work well that counts me out, That's too hard for this NFI internet type.
+ i'd like to support one of our last Aussie made Products like GME

Mate I have been looking at the exact same dilemma. What do you mainly want it for? Distance seems to be the only main difference and as you said that is down to the antenna. If you want to use it in a group or convoy sitch then I wold go handheld, you can get out and use it to guide ya mates through. If your going solo out whoop whoop I would go fixed.

That said I would love to here from others as my mind is not made up yet.

Fixed with a cheap .5 or 1watt handheld for guiding/winching

Originally Posted by weeds

Fixed with a cheap .5 or 1watt handheld for guiding/winching

Thanks for replying but you haven't explained why or answered these two

Q:What is the Difference between using a 5W HandHeld Vs a 5W FixedMounted unit?(i'm gonna guess & say due to Antenna the distance)
Q:What are the Pro & Cons of a 5W"HandHeld" (talk me out of them)

Hand held cons: Less range due to antenna, batteries (you have to keep them charged), best with a remote mic in the car.

Pros: portable, cheap, installation not required

I have both. That way I have the convenience of fixed unit when travelling, I can lend the hand held to people I'm travelling with if they don't have a radio, I can use the handheld to talk to the fixed unit when in a recovery situation.

I'm tempted to buy another portable so when everyone is away from the car comms can still occur.

The Wouxon is great value, once it is set-up you will never need to fiddle with it again. Set-up is easy once you download the frequency chart.

I have had a $80 FDC 5 watt handheld for 5 years and it matches and surpasses most brand names. Also has the advantage the aerial can be unscrewed and an external aerial connected where performance to a similar normal 5w radios. External speaker mics are available (quality not so good) and the battery can be replaced with a plug in power supply. With the standard battery, standby time is about 3 days.

I have an Icom fixed radio in on vehicle but use the handheld with the basic aerial in my other vehicles.

Loved the radio so much I bought a second 80 channel version a few months back and reprogrammed the old one to 80 channel.

Garry