UHF radio...

[jw2170]

Our HiLux is not fitted with any accessories at the moment, and I don't want to add too many..

So that we can contact members when we go on a trip/event, will a hand held radio be sufficient?

[BigRed]

I thought there may have been a flood of replies but no. I have a 5w (max legal watts) UHF Uniden wired in however we often travel with friends who have a 5w handheld. While the handheld has a slightly less range compared to the wired in unit, it does the job well. I would keep away from the cheaper lower powered ones.

[jw2170]

Thanks, John.

It looks like most people use Facebook rather that the forum,,,,,,,

I will look at a Uniden hand held,,,

[sparkiecol]

They are very heavy on the batteries, more batteries etc....
Obviously they don't have the benefit of being connected to the car battery.
When your in convoy mode with the mob of vehicles, just having them on for hours on the drive will probably mean flat batteries when you arrive at your destination.
Apart from that they serve a great purpose.
If your wanting to use the UHF regularly, the "in car" is the way to go. (Once a year don't bother)!

[CQuinn]

I use a handheld and used it successfully in convoy with the recent Gawler Rangers meet. also used in some previous tag alongs with group members. I don't have a problem with battery life and mine will last days but will depend on how much transmitting is involved. I bought a GME and it included a range of accessories including 12volt charger. I also have an external antennae option but don't generally use it. Many people with incar UHF also carry a mobile as backup and car to mobile comms and on the recent trip a number or members had issues with their in car install and used the hand held as a backup .

Craig Quinn

[CathiR]

That's what we plan on doing, Craig. Have had radio installed in car and will get hand held radios as well for mobile-to-car and mobile-to-mobile comms. Backup for car radio another advantage as well.

Cheers,

Cathi

[GEOFF.PAULINE]

Hi. Guys.

Although you don't want to fit a car mounted 2 way radio , you can now get them on e/bay were all the controls are on the mic / speaker unit. The actual unit can be hidden out of sight anywhere in the Car.

Cheers Geoff.

[robcaz]

We have an older 40 channel Uniden UH075 UHF handheld radio with 5watt output. We find it suitable for convoy & general use http://www.uniden.com.au/RESOURCES_MAIN/pdfs/UH075.pdf

The battery is mounted into the back of the unit.

The charging cradle fits the whole UHF & can be plugged into 12volt or 240volt at the end of the day.

The latest 80 channel model is the Uniden UH078

A reference of UHF channels can be found in tech tips http://www.campertrailers.org/uhf.htm

[Ern_Reeders]

GME make a plug n play model for vehicles that doesn't require permanent fixing or wiring.

https://www.gme.net.au/catalogue/fixed- ... WmVXYc_5Ds

[SocialGeoff]

Mines hard wired into the ute....doesn't take up that much room as the modern ones are a lot smaller:)