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Author Topic: Do I really need UHF radio?  (Read 9105 times)

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Offline olddigger

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Do I really need UHF radio?
« on: June 29, 2013, 10:55:49 PM »
OK, down to the fine-tuning stage for a long trip from Perth, up north, across the top (well, bits of it, like Lorella Springs), maybe down the middle and back west again. Could be away 6 months or so.
Everything just about organised (he lied) and I've been thinking about getting UHF radio. I can see the advantage of being able to talk to others on the road etc., but is it really vital, or just a desireable/useful thing to have?
Not a question of money, but of practibility. Comments welcome.

Cheers, Tony
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Offline Teabag

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #1 on: June 29, 2013, 11:02:42 PM »
I personally wouldn't do a trip like your without one. It is a very hand tool. Listen to the truckies on things ahead, give them a courtesy call when your about to pass or let them pass, good for calling up other travellers and the possible safety benefit. They are also handy for recoveries in conjunction with hand held. For minimal outlay they are very handy. Also, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.....:-)
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Offline LeighC

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2013, 11:17:10 PM »
...along the same lines as Teabag, the amount of oversize loads you'll come across heading North out of Perth, the safety of being able to call up and ask when it's ok to come around will pay off on the first overtaking manoeuvre you do.  Even if its just to listen in on the truckies about road conditions, etc is worth it.  If you buddy up with someone on a side trip you'll also find it invaluable.
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Offline Brumbypt

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2013, 11:26:56 PM »
Yes u defenetly need one on that trip..
If u or other ppl cant afford one then a $100 hand held would do the job..

And if u can buy both a car and hand held then u can chat to ur wife when he goes shopping... Hahhaha ha.  I tried  it once and then nearly got it thrown at me when she go back in the car...

But if u go for a walk u can chat with ppl back in the car or if u get out to guide ya car through a puddle etc, its better i than yelling.

Also get 80 channel radios..
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Offline D4D

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2013, 06:52:54 AM »
Wouldn't leave home without one
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Offline muzza01

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2013, 07:53:00 AM »
They are priceless when traveling with others as you warn each other about conditions of the track, which turn or track to take plus the reasons others have suggested above. I have mine on all the time, even in the city.
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Offline Vk3bq

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Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2013, 08:07:34 AM »
All of the above. +++ you can ask coral and norm on ch18 (with the big sticker on the back of the Taj Mahal caravan where the free showers in the next town are) :)
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Offline harrys767

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2013, 08:30:32 AM »
Just grab a handheld. If you really need it they sell 5w handheld uhfs but having had a fixed UHF in every 4x4 up until now, and rarely needing it further than a few kms range, I just got a 2w from Dick Smith on special. Works great!
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Offline oldmate

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2013, 08:33:28 AM »
Yep as above. We always carry handheld and have vehicle mounted. Don't leave without both
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Offline 03hilux

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2013, 09:05:39 AM »
A big fat YES from me. A UHF is great for talking to truckies as you pass them or if they pass you. I always cruise with mine turned on. Its amazing how many police are watching the roads that you wouldn't normally see, and how many times you can avoid an accident site and take an alternate route around it.

With the trip you have mentioned above, I would also consider hiring a sat phone, as it may prove the most vital piece of equipment you will take. ( I do hope you have a trouble free trip)

It is best to find things to fill communication gaps on a long trip, as a mobile phone or UHF may be a waste of time in parts of the outback.
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Offline hargs

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2013, 09:29:29 AM »
Where can you hirer Sat phones.
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Offline Hairs

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2013, 09:41:22 AM »
Quote from: D4D on June 30, 2013, 06:52:54 AM
Wouldn't leave home without one
X2
 :cheers:
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Offline Steffo1

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2013, 09:54:20 AM »
We have onboard in both vehicles & 2 handhelds. The hand sets are mainly used for around the property but we find them handy for instructions when backing up to the camper, boat etc. No misinterpreted hand signals & a definite reduction in "debates"  ;D
My advice would be to get a set for your trip. Have a good one too!
Steve
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Offline jwb

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #13 on: June 30, 2013, 09:57:21 AM »
Quote from: hargs on June 30, 2013, 09:29:29 AM
Where can you hirer Sat phones.


google is your friend!

Satellite Phone Hire Sydney
Satellite Phone Hire Brisbane
Satellite Phone Hire Canberra
Satellite Phone Hire WA
Satellite Phone Hire Adelaide
Telstra Satellite Phone Hire
Rent a Sat Phone
Sat Phone Hire Melbourne

cheers
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Cheers

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Offline thommo19

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #14 on: June 30, 2013, 10:43:19 AM »
Once again you guys have helped me decide stuff .Which UHF is the better ?
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Offline Teabag

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #15 on: June 30, 2013, 10:48:41 AM »
Quote from: thommo19 on June 30, 2013, 10:43:19 AM
Once again you guys have helped me decide stuff .Which UHF is the better ?

Much depends on budget but I'm a big fan of ICOM gear. I have an ICOM 400PRO 80ch with all emergency services frequencies loaded ( those that aren't digital yet which is all up here) and can't fault......:-)
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Offline jwb

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2013, 11:06:08 AM »
Quote from: thommo19 on June 30, 2013, 10:43:19 AM
Once again you guys have helped me decide stuff .Which UHF is the better ?

and then the fight started ! :cheers:

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Cheers

Jwb

Offline thommo19

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2013, 11:09:10 AM »
I didn't realise it was a contentious question .
Thanks Teabag
Jeff
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Offline jwb

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #18 on: June 30, 2013, 11:14:17 AM »
Quote from: thommo19 on June 30, 2013, 11:09:10 AM
I didn't realise it was a contentious question .
Thanks Teabag
Jeff

Hello Jeff,

sorry, just stirring sh*te, sometimes when someone asks which is better, a or b, comments can get lets say interesting.

Please don't take offence at my comment

cheers

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Cheers

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Offline thommo19

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #19 on: June 30, 2013, 11:36:17 AM »
No offence at all ,everyone here is very helpful and informative .
Jeff
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Offline hargs

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #20 on: June 30, 2013, 12:36:41 PM »
Thanks Jwb
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Offline muzza01

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #21 on: June 30, 2013, 02:18:50 PM »
I reckon in order for quality:
1. ICOM
2.  GME
3. Uniden
4. the others.

In saying that I have a Uniden.  I have the UH500sxrm.  It comes with heaps of additional channels. Like Teabag I listen in to emergency services when I think there is a need or I get bored plus is has a LCD screen on the handheld mike with channel and volume buttons on the hand held mike.  It has a output speaker in the unit as well as the handheld which means it doesnt have to turned up loud.
It had the most features out of the 3 big names when I purchased a few years ago.  GME now has the same features on some of their models.  When I next buy a new UHF it will most likely be either the GME or the ICOM.
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Offline Steffo1

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #22 on: June 30, 2013, 02:48:46 PM »
I have Icom on board as I've been using them for work purposes for years & never had an issue. You get what you pay for.The handhelds are 2w Uniden as they're not required to transmit any distance.
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Offline jeeps

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #23 on: June 30, 2013, 06:08:27 PM »
I no longer have an in-car unit and i'm now using an Icom 41s 5 watt handheld. It does get a bit less range than a unit with an external antenna but the beauty of it is it's portability. I can put it in any car and when i want an extra handheld for whatever i've got one ;)  I've also got a little 0.5w uniden handheld and it works great for close range stuff.

I used to use an Icom 400pro and found it to be reliable.

cheers
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Offline briann532

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Re: Do I really need UHF radio?
« Reply #24 on: June 30, 2013, 06:16:35 PM »
I just bought my 3rd radio from this guy and his prices cannot be beaten.

Very helpful and great customer service.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/autoelecau/UHF-Radio-/_i.html?_fsub=2690852015&_sid=1026544065&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

LOTS cheaper than from a 4by or caravan store.
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