Does anyone have an opinion on a UHF radio and I think more importantly, the antenna.
I am a total novice when it comes to these things but I believe most would consider them an excellent investment when out and about
Thank you
Brian
-- Edited by BrianF on Friday 3rd of March 2017 01:40:14 PM
OutbackMK said
03:40 PM Mar 3, 2017
If you want to install it in the car any 5 watt with a 6DB antenna would be the obvious choice. Some models have remote heads (the microphone has the main controls on it so the main unit sits under the dash or in an overhead console)
I saw another in a mag recently that was mounted on a rubber suction cap much like a phone and plugged into the cig lighter socket. (these are able to be connected to a external antenna or internal)
The other option is a a hand held that allows an external antenna attachment. (if you are only expecting to communicate over less than a few KM these will be fine with their built in aerials)
I have a ORICOM-UHF300-MICRO-UHF-RADIO-80-CH about $130 in the car now and also an old 40 channel Icom and Uniden hand-helds these are useful when directing van and 4WD manoeuvring or monitoring other channels when in a convoy.
Antenna brands such as GME are well respected and if you intend going off-road make sure it has a spring loaded base.
Brian
teago said
05:14 PM Mar 3, 2017
What do you expect from your radio ?
Rgds Teago
Yuglamron said
06:42 PM Mar 3, 2017
I don't want to Hijack your post but be aware if you are buying or intend to buy a UHF.
The Australian Communications Authority have withdrawn the forced change from the older 40 channel to 80 channel units that was to have been introduced in June. The 40 channel jobs are adequate and don't need to be changed.
Apparently they did not even consult the Trucking Industry consultant, or others on their panel of experts. They have backtracked and cancelled the forced changeover.
I had been looking at buying a new one myself ( Only because of the forced change) and was amazed at the sudden increase in prices of the new 80 channel units. They may just drop back in price now they are no longer forced on people by the ACA.
BrianF said
05:14 PM Mar 4, 2017
Teago I've never had/used one so don't know what to expect...
-- Edited by BrianF on Saturday 4th of March 2017 05:14:52 PM
Mike Harding said
07:01 PM Mar 4, 2017
Hi Brian
>I've never had/used one so don't know what to expect...
UHF CB is a low power (5W max) and generally low range means of radio voice communication. It uses FM modulation to produce good audio quality and operates around 477MHz. It does not require a licence or any form of training to use however only "Type Approved" radios may be used to transmit on CB frequencies.
CB, typically, is used for car-to-car and car to base communications. It has a maximum range of around 50km in excellent conditions to 1km or less in poor conditions (eg the Victorian High Country).
UHF signals are "line of sight" signals and operate in exactly the same way as the beam from a torch ie. if you can see your target then you can illuminate it. And if you cannot see it you can't.
Certain ranges of lower frequency radio signals bounce off the ionosphere and can be heard around the planet but UHF signals pass through the ionosphere and travel into space - so have a care what you say lest some martian hears you swearing at another driver in 500 light years :)
The CB frequency range is split into 80 channels which are referred to (unsurprisingly) as channels 1 to 80. Channels 1 to 8 and 31 to 38 are "repeater channels". A "repeater" is a special type of radio which receives a signal on one channel and retransmits it on another channel. The advantage of this is that if a repeater is positioned on a high point, a hill perhaps, you and another station who are (say) each 10km distant from the repeater and could not communicate directly because of obstructions (other hills?) are each able to "hit" the repeater and using its retransmit ability able to communicate with one-another. In ideal conditions repeaters may be able to extend UHF CB range up to 100km or more.
Channel 5 is designated as an emergency channel but, in reality, that means little; there is no guarantee anyone is listening to it and no certainty you will be able to hit a channel 5 repeater.
In the major cities UHF CB is abused by a large number of people whose sole purpose in life it seems it to abuse others using as much foul and obscene language as their little brains can muster. I suggest you switch the radio off in the cities.
In the country UHF CB is used much more sensibly by the rural community and truck drivers and is a valuable asset to all. Channel 40 is, almost Australia wide, used by trucks and channel 18 often used by caravanners. If you get into grief and cannot raise channel 5 try the above two channels.
Radios: almost anything will do, get something simple. GME and Uniden are good brands - probably buy the cheapest one they sell but make sure it has a scan facility.
Antennas: almost anything will do. The concept of "gain" for a vertical antenna is both a misnomer and extraordinarily complex and won't make much difference to a vehicle mounted unit anyway. Probably buy the cheapest. However as you're clearly not technical I do suggest you get the radio/antenna fitted by someone who does it for a living.
---- One thing which it is very important all bush users of UHF CB understand: it *is not* a means of emergency communication and should *never* be relied upon to provide communications in the event of an emergency.
And that, of course, applies to mobile phones as well. ----
If you want, pretty much, guaranteed comms anywhere in Australia then sat phone and/or HF radio is the solution.
I can't think of anything else to say other than... stop messing around with these tinker toys and get a proper radio :)
http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/
MH
Baz421 said
10:54 PM Mar 4, 2017
Mike Harding wrote:
Hi Brian
>I've never had/used one so don't know what to expect...
UHF CB is a low power (5W max) and generally low range means of radio voice communication. It uses FM modulation to produce good audio quality and operates around 477MHz. It does not require a licence or any form of training to use however only "Type Approved" radios may be used to transmit on CB frequencies.
CB, typically, is used for car-to-car and car to base communications. It has a maximum range of around 50km in excellent conditions to 1km or less in poor conditions (eg the Victorian High Country).
UHF signals are "line of sight" signals and operate in exactly the same way as the beam from a torch ie. if you can see your target then you can illuminate it. And if you cannot see it you can't.
Certain ranges of lower frequency radio signals bounce off the ionosphere and can be heard around the planet but UHF signals pass through the ionosphere and travel into space - so have a care what you say lest some martian hears you swearing at another driver in 500 light years :)
The CB frequency range is split into 80 channels which are referred to (unsurprisingly) as channels 1 to 80. Channels 1 to 8 and 31 to 38 are "repeater channels". A "repeater" is a special type of radio which receives a signal on one channel and retransmits it on another channel. The advantage of this is that if a repeater is positioned on a high point, a hill perhaps, you and another station who are (say) each 10km distant from the repeater and could not communicate directly because of obstructions (other hills?) are each able to "hit" the repeater and using its retransmit ability able to communicate with one-another. In ideal conditions repeaters may be able to extend UHF CB range up to 100km or more.
Channel 5 is designated as an emergency channel but, in reality, that means little; there is no guarantee anyone is listening to it and no certainty you will be able to hit a channel 5 repeater.
In the major cities UHF CB is abused by a large number of people whose sole purpose in life it seems it to abuse others using as much foul and obscene language as their little brains can muster. I suggest you switch the radio off in the cities.
In the country UHF CB is used much more sensibly by the rural community and truck drivers and is a valuable asset to all. Channel 40 is, almost Australia wide, used by trucks and channel 18 often used by caravanners. If you get into grief and cannot raise channel 5 try the above two channels.
Radios: almost anything will do, get something simple. GME and Uniden are good brands - probably buy the cheapest one they sell but make sure it has a scan facility.
Antennas: almost anything will do. The concept of "gain" for a vertical antenna is both a misnomer and extraordinarily complex and won't make much difference to a vehicle mounted unit anyway. Probably buy the cheapest. However as you're clearly not technical I do suggest you get the radio/antenna fitted by someone who does it for a living.
---- One thing which it is very important all bush users of UHF CB understand: it *is not* a means of emergency communication and should *never* be relied upon to provide communications in the event of an emergency.
And that, of course, applies to mobile phones as well. ----
If you want, pretty much, guaranteed comms anywhere in Australia then sat phone and/or HF radio is the solution.
I can't think of anything else to say other than... stop messing around with these tinker toys and get a proper radio :)
http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/
MH
Excellent post Mike.
macka17 said
11:09 AM Mar 6, 2017
Icom. Standard Horizon if you want good.
Uniden or GME if you want reliable everyday usable units.
I use Icom\STD for marine.
and Uniden. with a GME 6 meg ? antenna.
But also carry a 6in stumpy antenna for in city\metro areas.
Reason being.
Different reception beam to long range ones. cone rather than flat.
for tall buildings.= less range but better reception.
And a 40 channel. or my 12 ch Hand held will do fine.
But I recommend not the cheap chinese ones.
You DO want a radio that works when you try it.
cheaper units tend to have more dry joints in them.
Poorer quality QC.
My H\H Uniden 12ch is over 30 yrs old and I still use it when going walkabout from base.
And talking to Di when setting up.
Still good for around 5 to 6km on flat.
A good quality tuned antenna WILL give longer clearer reception
than a cheap unit in anything other than float open ground.
Certain models with the CB affectionado's have better reputations.
check on the forums.Same as radios themselves.
My Icom Marine hand held. Is working with complete clarity.
Looooong after the GME and Unidens have given up the ghost.
and my STD Horizon, built in.
Was one of the first with AIS link, yrs ago.
JeffRae said
11:57 AM Mar 6, 2017
Always used GME radios, both 40 channel & 80 channel with no problems
macka17 said
07:46 PM Mar 6, 2017
Jeff.
It's only when you use them at extreme range or inclement weather.
That you realise the reasoning for the better quality ones,
and why commercial people pay the extra for such.
GME and UNIDEN. are good enuff for 90% of signals.
But if you put Uniden.GME. STD Hor, and ICOM. beside each other.
at extreme ranges. Or in uneven country.
You'll see what I mean.
We use a mix on Canoe regatta's from all over Qland.
Had 5 different makes in my "escort boat" one regatta in Airlie
coupla seasons back.
The difference was really noticeable,
trying to carry on identifications and times with base.
the latter two were killing it.
Others fine at closer ranges.
Depends what a person wants.
C00P said
11:31 PM Mar 6, 2017
The most convenient place to mount your antenna is on the bull bar where you can see it (and avoid knocking it off with a tree branch) and easily arrange the wiring to your transciever.
However, to get the best range, it should be mounted on the roof.
Most common use is to talk to others on the road- either in convoy if you are travelling with a group, or to talk to truckers or other caravanners who might want to overtake, or have useful information about the road ahead.
In either of these cases, the required range is relatively short, so the location of the antenna is not important. (Mine is on the bull bar).
Cheers
Coop
BrianF said
03:30 PM Mar 7, 2017
Thank You very much everyone for this in-depth information. I look forward to speaking to you all on Ch18 or 40 in the not so distant future
Greetings All,
Does anyone have an opinion on a UHF radio and I think more importantly, the antenna.
I am a total novice when it comes to these things but I believe most would consider them an excellent investment when out and about
Thank you
Brian
-- Edited by BrianF on Friday 3rd of March 2017 01:40:14 PM
I saw another in a mag recently that was mounted on a rubber suction cap much like a phone and plugged into the cig lighter socket. (these are able to be connected to a external antenna or internal)
The other option is a a hand held that allows an external antenna attachment. (if you are only expecting to communicate over less than a few KM these will be fine with their built in aerials)
I have a ORICOM-UHF300-MICRO-UHF-RADIO-80-CH about $130 in the car now and also an old 40 channel Icom and Uniden hand-helds these are useful when directing van and 4WD manoeuvring or monitoring other channels when in a convoy.
Antenna brands such as GME are well respected and if you intend going off-road make sure it has a spring loaded base.
Brian
Rgds Teago
I don't want to Hijack your post but be aware if you are buying or intend to buy a UHF.
The Australian Communications Authority have withdrawn the forced change from the older 40 channel to 80 channel units that was to have been introduced in June. The 40 channel jobs are adequate and don't need to be changed.
Apparently they did not even consult the Trucking Industry consultant, or others on their panel of experts. They have backtracked and cancelled the forced changeover.
I had been looking at buying a new one myself ( Only because of the forced change) and was amazed at the sudden increase in prices of the new 80 channel units. They may just drop back in price now they are no longer forced on people by the ACA.
Teago I've never had/used one so don't know what to expect...
-- Edited by BrianF on Saturday 4th of March 2017 05:14:52 PM
Hi Brian
>I've never had/used one so don't know what to expect...
UHF CB is a low power (5W max) and generally low range means of radio
voice communication. It uses FM modulation to produce good audio
quality and operates around 477MHz. It does not require a licence or
any form of training to use however only "Type Approved" radios may
be used to transmit on CB frequencies.
CB, typically, is used for car-to-car and car to base communications.
It has a maximum range of around 50km in excellent conditions to 1km
or less in poor conditions (eg the Victorian High Country).
UHF signals are "line of sight" signals and operate in exactly the
same way as the beam from a torch ie. if you can see your target then
you can illuminate it. And if you cannot see it you can't.
Certain ranges of lower frequency radio signals bounce off the
ionosphere and can be heard around the planet but UHF signals pass
through the ionosphere and travel into space - so have a care what
you say lest some martian hears you swearing at another driver in 500
light years :)
The CB frequency range is split into 80 channels which are referred
to (unsurprisingly) as channels 1 to 80. Channels 1 to 8 and 31 to 38
are "repeater channels". A "repeater" is a special type of radio
which receives a signal on one channel and retransmits it on another
channel. The advantage of this is that if a repeater is positioned on
a high point, a hill perhaps, you and another station who are (say)
each 10km distant from the repeater and could not communicate
directly because of obstructions (other hills?) are each able to
"hit" the repeater and using its retransmit ability able to
communicate with one-another. In ideal conditions repeaters may be
able to extend UHF CB range up to 100km or more.
Channel 5 is designated as an emergency channel but, in reality, that
means little; there is no guarantee anyone is listening to it and no
certainty you will be able to hit a channel 5 repeater.
In the major cities UHF CB is abused by a large number of people
whose sole purpose in life it seems it to abuse others using as much
foul and obscene language as their little brains can muster. I
suggest you switch the radio off in the cities.
In the country UHF CB is used much more sensibly by the rural
community and truck drivers and is a valuable asset to all. Channel
40 is, almost Australia wide, used by trucks and channel 18 often
used by caravanners. If you get into grief and cannot raise channel 5
try the above two channels.
Radios: almost anything will do, get something simple. GME and Uniden
are good brands - probably buy the cheapest one they sell but make sure
it has a scan facility.
Antennas: almost anything will do. The concept of "gain" for a
vertical antenna is both a misnomer and extraordinarily complex and
won't make much difference to a vehicle mounted unit anyway. Probably buy
the cheapest. However as you're clearly not technical I do suggest
you get the radio/antenna fitted by someone who does it for a living.
----
One thing which it is very important all bush users of UHF CB
understand: it *is not* a means of emergency communication and should
*never* be relied upon to provide communications in the event of an
emergency.
And that, of course, applies to mobile phones as well.
----
If you want, pretty much, guaranteed comms anywhere in Australia then
sat phone and/or HF radio is the solution.
I can't think of anything else to say other than... stop messing
around with these tinker toys and get a proper radio :)
http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/
MH
Excellent post Mike.
Uniden or GME if you want reliable everyday usable units.
I use Icom\STD for marine.
and Uniden. with a GME 6 meg ? antenna.
But also carry a 6in stumpy antenna for in city\metro areas.
Reason being.
Different reception beam to long range ones. cone rather than flat.
for tall buildings.= less range but better reception.
And a 40 channel. or my 12 ch Hand held will do fine.
But I recommend not the cheap chinese ones.
You DO want a radio that works when you try it.
cheaper units tend to have more dry joints in them.
Poorer quality QC.
My H\H Uniden 12ch is over 30 yrs old and I still use it when going walkabout from base.
And talking to Di when setting up.
Still good for around 5 to 6km on flat.
A good quality tuned antenna WILL give longer clearer reception
than a cheap unit in anything other than float open ground.
Certain models with the CB affectionado's have better reputations.
check on the forums.Same as radios themselves.
My Icom Marine hand held. Is working with complete clarity.
Looooong after the GME and Unidens have given up the ghost.
and my STD Horizon, built in.
Was one of the first with AIS link, yrs ago.
It's only when you use them at extreme range or inclement weather.
That you realise the reasoning for the better quality ones,
and why commercial people pay the extra for such.
GME and UNIDEN. are good enuff for 90% of signals.
But if you put Uniden.GME. STD Hor, and ICOM. beside each other.
at extreme ranges. Or in uneven country.
You'll see what I mean.
We use a mix on Canoe regatta's from all over Qland.
Had 5 different makes in my "escort boat" one regatta in Airlie
coupla seasons back.
The difference was really noticeable,
trying to carry on identifications and times with base.
the latter two were killing it.
Others fine at closer ranges.
Depends what a person wants.
However, to get the best range, it should be mounted on the roof.
Most common use is to talk to others on the road- either in convoy if you are travelling with a group, or to talk to truckers or other caravanners who might want to overtake, or have useful information about the road ahead.
In either of these cases, the required range is relatively short, so the location of the antenna is not important. (Mine is on the bull bar).
Cheers
Coop