UHF radio

[BIG RAY]

I need to buy a new UHF. Has anybody got good/bad stories about brands etc. Any recommendations/ suggestions would be great, built in scanner would be great. Don't need top of range only mid price range. My son has a Uniden 40 channel in his Patrol and seems quite happy with it but would appreciate all your feedback.

[patch697]

I also have a Uniden in mine & quite like it but the GME is the one that most ppl sort after.

[Maxhead]

Yep, I've got a GME TX3420 remote head unit and have been more than happy with it.
I think you can't go wrong with GME and ICOM.

Also if you are looking around make sure the unit has 12.5khz channel spacing as the new 80 channel system is coming in the near future.

http://www.uhfcb.com.au/UHF-CB-Changes.php

[NissanGQ4.2]

Ive had for many years the GME TX3400 remote head unit (now superseded with the TX3420 ) this unit has never let me down Only downside it had, was only 10 extra programmable channels, and until very recently if i wanted to change the frequency on those extra channels, I had to take it to my local GME dealer

[RustyNails]

I have a GME (old one so not remote head) and it is great now I have the antenna sorted.
ICOM are great with a tonne of features but is probably more than the average hack needs.

Paul

[Finly Owner]

Uniden, GME, and Phillips are all very reliable. Type of unit depends on specific user needs. Remote heads are very handy for easy use while driving. Make sure the unit is at least mid range price as it should put up with offroad bumps etc. Cheaper end of range are light duty chasis & body. Ask your dealer for one with built in scanner.

One piece of advice I will give you speak tpo someone who knows CBs & UHFs when shopping for one, not just a floor salesman who reads the box.

Dick smith used to be a good place to buy them and you could trust it's own brand once. But I wouldn't go near the store to buy one now. AUTOBARN seem to have staff who know certain areas in the store and sort of train in what they are selling in that area. So I will go there for info.

If you know what you want EBAY does have some good deals on sets @ times. It does help to know RRP when looking though.

All sets need a good aerial. So decide what you need with that too. I personally find the stainless aerial 3 stage(9db from memory) works well. Bends under trees etc and get good transceive and receive.

I am not up to speed with particular models, as my Uniden works very well & I am happy with it.

Best of luck with your purchase Ray

[Maxcom]

Hi Big Ray

Most UHF are much of a muchness. The important thing is to have a good (read Excellent) antenna system. The higher the gain, the better the antenna and the better the overall performance. Also use high grade antenna cable especially if you have along run.

[Finly Owner]

Ray
Maxcom is correct with the aerials and gain. But take from a person who can tune "cans" in "radios", solder joints and other fittings can differ signifigantly in some brands and models of radios. Go for a sturdy looking, reliable brand. Pearce-simpson are mostly crap CB's but very rarely they made a worthwile model that was sought after.

Umm yes I did a lot of playing and learning about citizen band radios inc. AM/SSB/UHF years ago.
I was interested in them and got sick of so called technicians stuffing up the frequency on my sets. So I did some reading and hands on learning. Got involved with some respected old timers(ex lic holders) and listened to their recommendations.

So I can only offer what I do know and damn know, I have room to expand my knowledge in this area still, especially when it comes to what's available today. So Maxcom maybe on the ball with it's much of a muchness these days.

[lambo]

I also have a GME (without the remote head) and it is great. A mate has a newer GME (with remote head) and its not quite so user freindly.

[Maxhead]

I would have to agree with Plasnart
Here's similar pics you were talking about:
radiation_hill.jpg
radiation_patterns.jpg