Kev

I think it was Dez that posed the question of handheld with headset...

Today I spotted a Uniden with a headset (don't know how much of a "bolt to your ear" job the headset is)

Anyway, it's a Uniden and the UH044 model switches between 0.5 and 2 watts (~$170) Headset (~$97) Car Charger (~$30?)

Comments from the masses plz

PS...

http://www.uniden.com.au/PDF/UH044.pdf

headset http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...uct/View/D2045 (yes - it does work with the 44, it's a newer model!)

and some really weird stuff I tripped over while looking for a picture of the headset (follow these picture links ...http://ccemc.921erc.gov.tw/chinese/9.../Hm050_jpg.htm

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

Sco and me got the Uniden 0.5 - 2 watt job via a mate from the ls1.com.au forum who is a Uniden dealer (Unicomm).

It is a very good idea to get the 2 watter for the extended range. You can pick up $80 units, but they are only .5W

I think they were only $120 ($125?) each. A lot of my LS1 mates use the Uniden units and they work well. I'm not on commision from Uniden :p

I tried a non-vox mike (borrowed) but it was not really very good. I have been on a cruise were one guy (I think it was the mate from Unicomm) and it sounded like it worked very well from my end.

A definate must for cruising!

Cheers,
Hymee.

(PS - I can see it now - Hymee comes to Sydaney with an overnight bag, 1/2 dozen grill kits, and a carton of Uniden radios )

DMRH

Seems like a fine Transciever to me. Has all the basics you want.

High power mode (2W) for just 3xAA batteries seems high so expect to go through a few of them.

Selectivity & sensativity & nothing special but will do the job. Has duplex capability which is standard practice for this type of TransRX too.

Only issue you would have to tackle is the price. Just dont expect miricles from it & if you try to use "duplex" expect pleny of competition to latch the repeater from other users too.

REgards

timbo

Am not sure the UH-044 includes VOX circuitry, so you may still be limited to PTT microphone control.

rpm_pwr

For those who don't know what the hell duplex mode is and what the hell DMRH is on about have a look here:
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Archive/758.asp

For a list of repeaters look here:
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Archive/758.asp

-pete

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

If you need info just call Andy at Unicomm on (07) 3251 3333.

He knows "Hymee" (not on his payroll - just helping you guys out)

Cheers,
Hymee.

Saru

Wow! People who seem to be in the know for these kind of things. Mind if I ask a question?

Ok - are the 0.5w ones totally useless for cruises or are they merely more limited? Obviously the 2w ones are superiour but are they twice as good? Basically I'm thinking group buy for REACT but I know nothing about this sort of technology and even the tiniest bit of knowledge helps when actually talking to a sales person.

Comments on the following please (ie what to expect, potential problems etc):
Scenario 1: 10 cars along hilly roads that are marked 100km/h. Every other car has a radio.

Scenario 2: 20 cars in convoy through the CBD and suburbs.

Scenario 3: 10 cars around the suburbs greatly dispersed (may not have line of sight to other cars).

Kev

Still investigating these handheld models myself, but 0.5 watt is going to be limited. Spread 10 cars out and car 10 probably won't be talking to car 1 very clearly.

... which is bad when they're trying to tell you they're stopping for petrol!

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

Kev would be on the money there. I have personally been on cruises where the fist car can't hear the rear car if the rear car is TX on 0.5W.

Go for the 2W model. And they do actually work. Very well in fact.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Saru

Thanks for the input Kev and Hymee

DMRH

In regards to the 0.5W over the 2W version being twice as good. Little did you know but you are 100% correct.

By using the inverse square rule, to double your range you must quadruple your power.

Thus a 2w TX gets twice the distance as a 0.5w TX

Scenario-1. The UHF factor will be against you in that one. Hills, AE inside the car (read Farady cage) a few KM between 1st & last. . UHF frequencies don't do well over hilly terrian as the wave propagation doesn't bend very well.

Scenario-2. The UHF will do well that way as building penetration is reasonably good. Depending on the building type that is.

Scenario-3. As above

For long distance simplex operation, a 27MHZ CB is better using the SSB mode compared to 476MHZ CB on FM.

Duplex mode comes into play there to overcome that but in the cities the limited repeater stations are always crowded & you will have a hard time latching them when required & determining who is who.

Can continue........ but as this is my field (Radio tech) I know I am already wafting on too techically for the average punter.

Dez

guys..

I read this thread, and I wanted to immeidatley realy to you all that this without a doubt has to go down as the singularly most fantastic thread I've seen since I joined RX8FOURM guys!

to be honest I was starting to spend less time here reading the old posts and reading more over seas posts. and I'm sure my own posts got more lame recently sorry.

but reading this thread, I wanted to let you guys know that [ thaks kev ] a topic I asked about some time ago has really really come through for me as I really really want to buy a couple of the best full duplex, transmit on vox, long distance radio's I could reasonably afford without blowing the gross domestic product figures.

thankyou all for revitalising my faith in our joint ability to publish good advice and info when it counts.

cheers,

++dez;

ps: and another great bit of advice on my new thread on Turbo Timers about the Boomerang 2002 alarm, ****, I'm going to get one installed immediately! that's two great threads in one day guys.. wow.. way to go!

takahashi

We have a cheapy CB radio that works well within a 1km of each other... wondering any good ones that is within reach of our budget really

But good to have more than 5 friends to have it.... the more the better otherwise no fun and most importantly is the front person to speak well and order the paceline to pass slow traffic ... safely

Kev

There's nothing better than hearing from a reliable leader that the road ahead is clear and windy for ~5km

Sounds like Dez would like a Uniden UH052XR - 5 watts and VOX ( I'm leaning towards one myself )

These are $399 at dick smith, plus $97 for the vox compatible headset (VM042) ... something called a P1683 for $20 does the carging fron the lighter socket.

The Uniden Uh013 is pretty cool too. The control panel is a remote - suits the RX8 as you could mount the unit in the boot and put the remote in the ashtray slot or console.

aarrgghhhhh - back to the pyramids

timbo

Yeah, that's the one I was leaning towards. Anyone discovered a good source -- perhaps a bundle with headset & charger -- because it is a *big* step up in price (>$400) on the UH044?

Or is VOX a less important feature (I can see that I will debate this one internally for some days :p )

Kev

VOX is very important if you want to talk and drive quickly...

I updated the prev posted - the car charge is cheap.

I'm certain we should be able to get them at least 15% cheaper than dick smiths rrp - more if we buy several...

timbo, dez, kev ... more ... ???

timbo

…but I talk slowly

Yep, I'd be in it. I'll make a call tomorrow to the Unicomm guy Hymee mentioned

Prestige Communications (http://www.prestigecom.net.au) have much better prices than DSE -- $350 for the 52XR, and some good bundle prices for the 044 … hmm, I told you I would start an internal debate

Kev

http://www.uniden.com.au/PDF/UH052XR.pdf

To those in the know ... because these are 5 watt, does that put them out of the "free" power range and bump them into a licence required category?

timbo

I think not but would defer to DRMH for a precise opinion as it is many years since I looked at the regs :o

Saru

DMRH - thanks! So, if I can get some more free info - is the 2W uniden (or similar) a worthy consideration for the scenarios I've described?

I'll also second Dez's sentiment that this is truly an informative thread.

DMRH

For the money you are talking l reckon the thing is good value.

The sensativity & selectivity is average as stated but you need to spend triple or more to get decent S&S. A higher power output just compensates for average reception.

Getting the 2W then using a cigi lighter adaptor is a great idea as the max'd out i/p voltage will ensure full TX power every time.

Although the 5W version for $400 seems excellent value. Again, nothing special on the S&S receiving capability but seems even better value for money.

VOX is not all its cracked up to be for the 1st timers as novice users tend to get frustrated with its characteristics. Sensativity up to have the best chance of transmitting the first syllable of the first word & you find your getting break-in when other noises around you trigger the mic.

Sensativity down to prevent the break-ins & your almost always going to lose that first syllable or word upon transmission.

We get by it by replying "Roger" each time to trigger the mic then talking from then on. The receiving end will always get "ger"... blah blah blah allowing the conversation to work properly.

Just dont expect amazing performance from them. An external AE will increase performance but who wants to mount one on there RX-8.? Your car is effectively whats called a "Faraday cage" meaning that despite the open windows the metal around it can be shaped to the correct wavelength (inadvertently) & prevent the signal from escaping properly



Don't worry about the 5W output, you wont need a license.

RX-8 FURY

Does anyone know if it is legal to use a hand held unit while driving in NSW.

If you use a mobile without a handsfree you loose 3 points in NSW, is it the same for hand held CB's

timbo

Based on my experience with the NSW Police, I'd give that a big yes :p

Kev

This one looks nice GME TX6200

http://www.gme.net.au/land/PDFs/TX6200.pdf

http://www.gme.net.au/support/Custom...als/tx6200.pdf

round the $400 mark...

Then the Icon 40s

http://www.ozgear.com.au/brochures/IC-40S.pdf

http://www.ozgear.com.au/Icom/CB/ic40saccprices1.jpg

http://www.ozgear.com.au/Icom/CB/ic40saccprices2.jpg

round the $420's when you shop hard

(I want to know what the bone vibrating headgear is???)

Kas

I've got the Uniden that was first mentioned. It cost me $99 and works great. Its all you need. You can easily hold it in the same hand and change gears also talk normaly in the car from there.

I've never changed the batteries and their still on full. I've used it alot!

Works great. Infact just organised a cruise with a few mates tonight and have all remembered each other to bring our radios.