Handheld UHF vs vehicle mounted

[Dixie1987 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dixie1987]

Hey guys,

Just tossing up on what my choices are with UHFs for my new 150 Gxl.

Pretty much just want some pros and cons of installing a vehicle mounted UHF vs just buyin a handheld.

Obviously u will have a lot better range from a vehicle mounted unit but I'm tryin to stay away from drilling any holes in my dash and keeping everything as standard looking as I can. For the amount of time I will probably use my UHF I can't really see the benefits in installing a vehicle mounted unit unless there is something I'm missing ??

Comments please?

[Peterpilot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Peterpilot]

Again, pretty obvious but a handheld unit can be used away from the vehicle. It is however limited by available battery power and as you mentioned, range may be an issue. I generally like to have both available, but having said that I also managed a Simpson Desert crossing with only a hand held unit for vehicle to vehicle comms after my vehicle's UHF radio failed. The only issue was that if the distance was more than 1-1.5 km, then I was out of contact with the rest of the convoy. Also, a hand held won't have the power to "talk over" another station.

[Hazza Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hazza]

Dixie,

If you research the forum you will certainly find many a 150 with an in car installation completed in such a way that all can be removed and restored to factory without any damage to the interior.

To answer your question, I have opted for the hand held unit being the Uniden UH076SX-NB that come with a hand held mic and speaker combo. I have installed an external aerial and run the cable to an accessible area of the cab. I then installed a fitting on the end of the cable that fits on the hand held unit by simply removing the small aerial and attaching the cable. This then gives me the best of both worlds.

If money was no option I would have both.

Hazza

[Hazza Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hazza]

Peter you must type faster than me lol

Hazza

[Geoffury Find all posts View Profile Close Geoffury]

Dixie,

It comes down to price you want to pay, and what you'll be doing when you use the UHF.

Have a look thru some of the rig build ups. One to look at is Hutch's, all you can see is an rj45 connection next to the traction control button. So you plug the remote mic in when you want to use the UHF.

I notice your in Hamersley as well, I'll hopefully have my UHF set up the same as Hutch's by the weekend. PM me if you want to have a look.

[ptnlinda Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptnlinda]

There's no need to drill any holes. Mine is attached with double sided tape to the console and the cradle for the mic attached with double sided tape to the dash. Done it this way for years and they never fall off.

[fido666 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close fido666]

I have an Icom IC440 mounted in the 150 with the mike connector mounted on the side of the centre console down near the driver's left knee. The only problem I have found with this positioning so far is the curly cord for the mike has to be stretched quite a bit when in use. The base unit itself well I have no idea where that's been hidden; I'm still searching LOL (it was put in my the previous owner). I also don't have a mount for the mike to hang on, it just sits in the little bucket in the center console for now.

The good part with the way it's been installed is you can just put the mike away in the glovebox when it's not in use; the only giveaway to a CB install is the aerial on the bullbar.

[Dixie1987 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dixie1987]

I think I'm gonna go the way of a handheld with an external aerial on the car giving me the best of both worlds! Thanks for the info guys!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I would get both, enables you to talk to your spotter when in intereting situations.

[whiteman Member Find all posts View Profile Close whiteman]

I've got an ICOM IC-41W handheld. Works well. Can be charged internally. It sits in the centre console when in use and pickup is good without the long range of an in car but very acceptable for my needs. Rugged little thing and waterproof.

[gumboot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close gumboot]

Another vote for the ICOM IC-41W. Fantastic little handheld. I get great range out of it, 5watt, fully waterproof and best built handheld I have used. I keep it in a stubby cooler in the centre console out on the tracks. Fits like a glove and still hear it fine.
Cheers
Robert

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

ICOM are great units,

But have a look at the latest Supercheap catelog ; http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...01#Description

ORICOM 5W vehicle mount and 2 X hand units for $189.... plus free delivery.