What to look for in a UHF?

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

I'm looking at getting a UHF unit installed into my car, problem is, I have no idea what to look for.
It'll be for occasional use, but I'd prefer to get a decent unit with a decent aerial. So what should I be looking for in features, brands etc?

I've got a spare DIN pocket too so I'll most likely be getting a DIN sized unit, or just a smaller one with one of those DIN adaptor plates.

Thanks guys

(did a search but didn't find much info)

[speedcomm Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close speedcomm]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index....roducts_id=679

This would fit really neatly in your DIN hole. 6db antenna for the bullbar or front guard. Australian built, fitted standard to almost all highway trucks from factory in roof console or dashes.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

I'd probably go a Uniden or similar just for the looks, that unit would look very average sitting in my dash!

are they pretty much all the same standard and feature wise?

and what's the go with antenna's, any preferences?

I've been looking at the Uniden UH500SX-RM (comes with bonus handheld) and then the RFI Explorist 3 & 6.5db GI 4WD Antenna Package. Are they compatible? Good choices?

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

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

I'd probably go a Uniden or similar just for the looks,

This could start a war , but I have a GME and I can always tell if someone is transmitting on a Uniden, it sounds like they are down the bottom of a well. IMHO Unidens sound muffled when compared to GME's.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

hmm fair enough.

Something to think about. I want a unit that looks good (or reasonable) in my dash. The GME is a grey colour which won't really tie in with what I've got. Or is that just the pictures telling lies and the unit is actually black?

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

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

The GME is a grey colour which won't really tie in with what I've got. Or is that just the pictures telling lies and the unit is actually black?

My 3220 is definately black in colour but I see what you mean about the model displayed in the Prestige link being grey. However, if you look elsewhere on their site the same model is shown as black. Might pay to have a look in the flesh.

I have an RFI ground plane independant antenna mounted on the bull bar, its a compromise but works well. Its also robust and flexible so wont fall apart when the going gets tough, unlike my earlier Uniden antenna. I think this is the antenna I have (CD900).

http://www.rfi.com.au/downloads/wire...7MHz/CD900.pdf

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

torjan - yeh you're probably right about the LCD microphone, now that I think about it, it's not really necessary
the aerial will be mounted on my bullbar (front left), that's a definite. I'll be looking at a compromise between flat and hilly, which is why the RFI pack looks appealing to me.

rainman - ahh yes it does look black in other pics, guess I'll have to check it out a bit closer as I'm happy to spend a little extra to get the GME. the antenna in the packages look like they're just the cheapest ones thrown in.


however, I'd save $100 going for the Uniden (non-LCD mike) as opposed to the GME

[speedcomm Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close speedcomm]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

I'd probably go a Uniden or similar just for the looks, that unit would look very average sitting in my dash!

are they pretty much all the same standard and feature wise?

and what's the go with antenna's, any preferences?

I've been looking at the Uniden UH500SX-RM (comes with bonus handheld) and then the RFI Explorist 3 & 6.5db GI 4WD Antenna Package. Are they compatible? Good choices?

Look average in your dash ??? what do you mean ??? have you actually had a look at one in the skin and had a look at the Uniden side by side, I didnt think so

Another thought to keep in mind is the GME is designed and built in Australia ( Sydney ), the Uniden is built in Malaysia, it is always nice to keep our dollars in Aus if we have a choice I reakon.

The GME is not a basic unit, it has Scan, CTCSS, Sellcall and extra recieve channels form the front panel, also has a mic socket on the rear and a bung for the front in case you want to have the mic mounted elsewhere instead of coming out the front of the radio.

[xlr8_87 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close xlr8_87]

Re: What to look for in a UHF?

speedcomm - that was only going off the first picture I saw of it, which made it look like it was a medium grey colour.

Anyway, I've ordered myself the GME TX4400 (with bonus handheld) and the RFI antenna pack. Ordered off Prestige so hopefully should have it early next week!