cb radio

redrain · Member

cb radio

KFT · Guru

Hi Paul, welcome to the forum.

I would say any of the well known brands like Icom GME, Uniden. I went for one that has the controls in the handpiece so I could hide the base unit under the seat and out of the way.

Frank

redrain · Member

thanks

Radar · Guru

redrain wrote:
any recommendations
thanks
paul

Uniden, GME, no particular reason both been faultless. Uniden now 30 plus years old, GME is older, was purchased early 1980 ties sometime.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Paul, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I am a GME user and have been for a decade now. I have had it in three vehicles and still going strong.

I must admit I prefer the Cougar SSB radio I had many moons back now. I had it 'Tweaked' and could slide in-between frequencies. I didn't say that though biggrin

It's not to be though, as UHF took over, also many moons back now cry

Mmm, I better be careful or I will end up like this and that's not like me at all, no way disbelief smile

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

I bought one of these for the OKA a little while back to replace an ancient GME unit.
All the controls are on the hand piece and the rest is behind the dash.
I like it a lot.
Not necessarily from this supplier.
www.ebay.com.au/p/15020126779
Any 5W GME or Uniden will be fine provided the antennae is mounted in an appropriate position.
Cheers,
Peter

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Hi Paul,
I've only had Uniden in my last three cars. Only problem was a dry joint on the mike cable in one. Oricom is ok too (I use their portables).

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

There is a GME 80chn set for sale in the "Items For Sale" section

Greg 1 · Guru

I have an Oricom with the controls in the hand piece. Oricom is an Australian company so like to keep my dollars here as much as possible. I have found it an excellent unit with good range and clarity.

outlaw40 · Guru

I have an Icom IC-440 unit with the controls on the mike . its been in the last 3 vehicles and has performed without a hitch . i have used both gme and uniden in trucks over the years and i in my opinion the Icom performs better than any of them .

Hylife · Guru

Jaycar 5 watt handheld. Same power and range as any in dash unit.

RRP $189 but sometimes on special down to $150

DC1068-5w-uhf-handheld-transceivergaller

https://www.jaycar.com.au/5w-uhf-handheld-transceiver/p/DC1068

Stretch60 · Senior Member

I make it a point to buy AUSTRALIAN made, GME are the only aussie made radios. I have one in each car, the one with controls and speaker in handset. Also able to upgrade software via bluetooth and phone app.

Mariner30 · Senior Member

Drove trucks for 30 yrs, Always used GME or Phillips, Never had problems with them Have GME and Icom VHF's in our boats, only real difference is the higher price for Icom

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Hylife wrote:
Jaycar 5 watt handheld. Same power and range as any in dash unit.
RRP $189 but sometimes on special down to $150
https://www.jaycar.com.au/5w-uhf-handheld-transceiver/p/DC1068

Not the same range unless it is fitted with an exterior mounted antennae the same as the installed unit, which is quite doable.

Cheers,

Peter

msg · Guru

I have a GME with handsfree facility and its really good. Just press the button attached on the steering wheel and speak. No need to fumble around for the handset and eyes stay on the road.

markf · Senior Member

We have an Icom of indeterminate vintage in the car and use a Yaesu VX7 as a handheld. The little Yaesu is probably not legal as it's intended for amateur radio but it programmed up nicely. Never had any problems with either of them.

Most of the known brands will serve you well, I reckon. Yo just need to do a bit of research and work out what features you want and go for the model that has them.

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Peter, My life,
Yes an outside aerial often has a 3-6dB gain, giving better distance.

Using a higher powered (5W) transceiver could be not so good for the brain, eyes. Perhaps the other Peter (the former retired radio tech) can suggest if this could be an issue(?)

woofta and precious · Senior Member

Simple answer is, any brand 5W handheld, clip on to cup holder or somewhere on dash, turn on, put on channel 40, turn volume up or down as required, and charge as necessary (or plug in to cig socket)

shanem · Veteran Member

Hey guys, are these just for the bush or for going along the nullabor to WA, which I hear is difficult for communicating back to family in the East? Shane.

PetenSue · Veteran Member

Shane, I think you might be a little confused. UHF cbs are for use anywhere. But they are only any good for short distance communication. If you want to go remote maybe consider a sat phone. A uhf wont help you talk to your family back east while travelling the Nullarbor. Regards Pete

Greg 1 · Guru

CB radio will not give you comms over any great distance. We have had 25 to 30 k's with ours at best with a 5 watt set. The Nullabor is ok for much of it if you are on Telstra. There is a bit of a black hole on the South Australian side and odd spots in WA, but you can get out around most of the roadhouses. Optus is hopeless. If you want better, then a Sat phone is the best bet, either buy or hire for your trip. They are pretty expensive. The Nullabor has lots of traffic on it, so you are not alone out there and the longest distance between roadhouses is just under 200ks

shanem · Veteran Member

thanks PetenSue & Greg
yes, got my wires crossed. will check Telstra and Roadhouse distances/stays. Might consider a satphone if budget allows.