Review: Onix UHF CB - Aldi $99 special

[DBT]

I purchased one of these last week, almost in frustration, after visiting 3 stores in search of the 12v air compressor. (I found a compressor at the 4th store).

For $99, I was prepared to suffer some quality reduction, just so I could get a basic rig into the Perentie for group outings. As I have an FFR soft top, I wasn't sure how I was going to secure a $300+ CB radio in there. This one makes me slightly less paranoid.

Aaaaanyway, I installed it yesterday, along with a 4.5dB antenna I had lying around. After a few minutes testing it out, I'm pleasantly surprised.

Firstly the annoying bits:

1. Mic feels cheap. PTT feels very cheap. No travel in the button, just a click.
2. Controls are not very user friendly. Most functions require many presses of the menu button to access. Very few dedicated buttons for common functions.
3. Push button channel selector, not rotary dial. Maybe not a negative, but I definitely prefer a dial.

Now the positives:

1. Price
2. Speaker is LOUD. Essential in an Isuzu Landy.
3. Range of functions. This rig has pretty much every software feature I have seen on a UHF CB. And then some. Open scan, group scan ... It can even do a DCS scan. (Essential on this rig, as the DCS code numbers don't match Uniden code numbers. But the codes are there). It even has a stopwatch! Let me know if you find a use for this on a radio.
4. Price
5. While by no means is this a remote head unit, it does have channel buttons on the mic (yes, they feel cheap).

I have mounted it on the bulkhead, slightly behind the driver's seat. 3 reasons for this:
1. Get the speaker as close to my ear as possible (Isuzu. Soft top. Say no more).
2. Security. Out of clear sight from the side windows (yes, the antenna gives it away. But what can you do?)
3. Antenna cable too short to go any further (antenna mounted on rear sugar scoop. I don't have the forward mounts)

Hope this review is helpful. I'll post some pictures soon, if anyone's interested.

Dave.

[The Beast]

yes some pictures would be great please. i'm looking for ideas on where/how to install a uhf in mine

[Outlaw]

Any chance of an update on your radio. Been thinking the same, soft top ffr isn't a secure vehicle and don't want to use a handheld.

Any idea if compatible with other handsets to upgrade that part?

[DBT]

Sorry for the delay folks. Here's some photos attached.

Re compatibility, Its a standard 80 channel UHF CB radio, so works with any other brand. The mis-match I mention above relates only to DCS codes.

If you wish to use Digital Coded Squelch, this radio can run a DCS scan on your active channel to find the right code, while someone else is transmitting on another radio. The DCS codes on this radio are listed in a different order to Uniden hand helds that have DCS feature is all.

[Outlaw]

I grabbed one of these a few weeks ago night before i left for fraser. Tried installing in the morning but wasn't having any luck. Tried again on the island blowing about 10 fuses in all. Think ended being a faulty radio (first issue i've had with an aldi product)... shame i've lost the receipt (also first one i've lost)

[DBT]

How on earth* did you manage to blow 10 fuses with one accessory??

That's quite an achievement, even with a faulty device.




* No pun intended. Maybe.

[Outlaw]

Tapping into power in different places mistakingly thinking my issue was the wiring and cable. Took a while to click it must be the actual radio

[synthium]

Iv just picked one up for 50 in the aldi clearance sale. My gme blew the circuit for transmitting and this is cheaper than a repair.