I went with a remote head unit (gme tx3420) simply because I know at all times where the unit is, where the controls and display are going to be. Where as with a controls on the mic unit the mic (and all the controls/display) could be anywhere in the cabin, especially in rough terrain, and the front of the unit often not facing the right way. Having the remote head unit means that I can simply wrap the mic around the stubby lever or have it hanging over my leg while still being able to glance down at the settings on the remote head.
I think that the controls on a remote head could be easier to use as well as you'll have knobs for changing channel and adjusting volume, compared to finding the right buttons amongst the clutter on a mic unit. I'm sure someone with more experience using a mic control unit could say for sure. I have read reports somewhere that the ICOM mic control unit is more user friendly than the GME one due to its larger size.
White 2008 Prado GX D4D Auto w/ Option Pack 2 + a few additions...
It is completely personal preference. I went with the GME TX3420 (i think thats it) remote face, with channel up/down onthe mic. I wanted the 2 buttons on the hand piece for quick easy channel changes, and still have the dial controls on the remote face. The all-in-one handpiece is pretty nifty, just not what I want.
2000 Toyota Prado GXL- Gone, but not forgotten...
'92 Landcruiser HDJ80 4"lift 33's
'91 Surf LN130 coil sas, 4.8s, 35s
'12 Jayco Eagle Outback
I've had a Uniden remote head UH-013 for some years & cannot fault it. The head unit is quite compact & even with the main unit under the dash there's plenty of volume.
Having said that, when I bought it years ago the remote handpiece jobbies were not around but I'd probably go remote head again if I had to.
Check out my post detailing my install to see where everything fits in my Prado. (sorry not sure how to link a post in here)
I would go with the remote head mailny for reliability, its amazing how many times a mike gets dropped on the floor on on to the console, the mikes can take the abuse but can the remote hand pieces, but then again the remote hand pieces look pretty trick
2007 D4D auto, Tunit Power Module, Scan GaugeII, Bilsteins & lovels HD, raised 50mm front & 60mm rear, 10,000lb Tmax winch, 7/16th Amsteelblue synthetic 23,000lb winch cable, TiTan HD winch solenoid pack, Outback draws with fridge slide & 50 litre Waeco, Ryno roof rack & Alloy Cage & extra set of Rhino HD Roof bars x 3, TJM type 15 steel Bullbar powder coated silver, Dual battery setup with custom tray, Bosch Navigator spots with 55w HID kit, Sand Grabber mats, Toyota Tow Bar, Sensor Touch Electric Brakes, Cooper ST 265/70/17 tyres, Uniden remote head UHF radio, Modified Milford Cargo Barrier, Extra power points in the back run with 10mm wire for fridge & inverter, Anderson plugs with 10mm wire front & back for the camper & compresor conections. 7 inch in dash JVC DVD player with bluetooth & Ipod adaptor, 39DB Stebel High Power TM80/2 Magnum Electric Horns. JL Audio 300/4, 300/2 power amps, Pioneer TS-C160R front splits & TS-D161S rear speakers & 12" Pioneer sub
Still need to fit some heavy duty engine & transmision gaurds, snorkel. 9inch headrest monitors
I have a GME TX3440 (I think that's the number) - controls on the handpiece. The unit is installed under the centre console, so is invisible from the cabin. The handpiece is installed just in front of the hazard lights. The advantage for me was that I didn't have to find a spot to locate the unit which was accessible to the driver, and if changing the controls they are all available on the handpiece which I can bring closer to my 58yo eyes.
Mal
White 2005 GXL, Sovereign bull-bar, towbar, cargo barrier
I went for a controls-on-mike unit because of the ease of installation and ability to easily hide the unit from dishonest eyes looking into the car. It installed inside the glovebox slot in a couple of hours once I discovered how to take it all apart on PP. Still have to mount the handpiece. I like that with the handpiece disconnected, there is no sign of the UHF other than the aerial outside.
I've got the 3440 too and love it. There is a concern about relability ($$$ to replace no doubt) but I'm yet to drop it. What I find great about it is when it's on scan and stops, checking what channel it's stopped on or seeing what signal level it's getting is like a mirror check, a quick and simple movement of the eyes. I also operate it without looking at any of the buttons which you would have to do with a remote head/normal unit. Having it hidden is probably not a huge deterrent as you've probably got an aerial giving that away. I have mine tucked away under the dash an find with the radio on in the car I need it on full to hear it, am thinking of adding a seperate speaker.
I think it all comes down to personal choice. Initially I was looking at getting the tx 3420 because I preferred the slightly bigger screen and dials but then when I thought about it, I figured I would prefer the remote mic as then I would only have 1 thing to operate, as opposed to having the mic and remote mount. Also, depending on where I was going to mount it, I wasn't sure how the remote mount fixing would hold up with the weight of the cord and mic hanging off it.
[size=2][color=#00BF40][b]2003 120 GXL V6 auto[/b]. GME TX3440 and AE4703, Mickey Thompson ATZ 4 rib LT265/70R17 plus roadies, Ausguard cargo barrier, BD bash plate, OME lift with Sport shocks. And hopefully more to come, slowly slowly...[/color][/size]
i had the UH400-sx installed, i like it because the actual unit is hidden away and the ease of operation using the handpiece makes it a lot better, i recommend it
OK. I have the ICOM 440 and love it. The radio itself sits velcroed to the carpet under the passenger seat. Very easy to lift up but will never dislodge without human intervention. I have the mic in its holder directly next to the auto shifter on the centre console. It is very easy to look at, easy to grasp and I have had no issues with the mic flying through the cabin. I have a good holder that hangs on very well.
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