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Re: UHF CB radios
Although I mentioned this elsewhere in the forum (just can't find it), last year I installed a GME TX4400, which at the time, was top of the line.
The only real difference with the TX3200 is that the 3200 is slimline, with some of the guys installing it in the glovebox. The 3200 does not have the extra 10 channels also, but both are the same power and would be my pick of the entire range.
My unit has 40 set channels and 10 programmable ones, allowing me to add the local SES, Police, Firies and Rangers - which is all handy in my line of work.
As shown in the pic below, I installed it in the vacant DIN spot above the ashtray (which I have since removed and added a battery monitor). As for the antenna, I mounted in the middle of my nudge bar, and adapted the bracket which allows me to totally remove my antenna so it doesn't get stolen. When not in use, my antenna sits in a protective sleave inside the engine bay, out of harms way.
   
Anything else I can help you with.
--- BRETT72 - X235
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29/Jan/2007, 9:51 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
Thanks for the detail there Jalal, but the techs are a bit above me (read a lot above me)
I basically only want the unit as a safety/security link when we go bush later in the year so I guess I'm more concerned with range etc. The phones are not gonna be much help in the areas off road.
I have my doubts that handhelds would cover any great distance.
Ya wanna sell the one in the garage ? What sort of range would you expect under normal conditions from that unit ?
Last edited by lancie49, 29/Jan/2007, 10:33 pm
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Lance.....X491
Gotta Pop-Top
Now I've got an EXy
2005 ST II White Auto.
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29/Jan/2007, 9:51 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
Sorry Lance, I have no idea about its maximum range, I didn't get to test it very much, but it did pick-up some Allien conversations while I was driving to work in Sydney LOL
I'm tossing between selling it or keeping it at the moment, so am not sure yet. I'm too lazy to remove the antenna cabling and bracket 
Last edited by jalalski, 29/Jan/2007, 10:27 pm
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29/Jan/2007, 10:26 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
Sorry Brett, I'm reading too fast and totally missed your reply earlier.
For general purpose stuff would I need those extra 10 channels out in the scrub.
Starting to think the 3200 may be the way to go. Good VfM.
I bet ya reckon I know nothin about CBs........ya got it.
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Lance.....X491
Gotta Pop-Top
Now I've got an EXy
2005 ST II White Auto.
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29/Jan/2007, 10:35 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
The 3200 and 4400 will give you the exact same range, with the extra 10 channels not really being required. As for the signal strength, the antenna plays the biggest part here. You can get three variance, 3db, 6db and 9db. The 3db will give a flatter, longer signal which is ideal for the deserts, but wont go over the mountains. The 9db won't travel as far, but is ideal in hilly conditions.
Some metal antennas have a sliding mechanism, which allows you to change from 3 to 6 to 9db on the run, depending on what the country is like around you.
As long as you stick with reputable names, GME and Garmin, you should be ok. Just make sure all your connections are spot-on and your cable is well insulated and does not run near any power or main current carrying cables.
I use a 6db, which is a good compromise and generally get between 5 and 20kms depending on atmospheric conditions. By using a local repeater, I can get 100 or so km's easily.
Most handhelds are really only for 'line of sight' communications, due to being 1Watt max. Most vehicle mounted units are 5Watt.
--- BRETT72 - X235
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29/Jan/2007, 11:33 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
Great imfo Brett, thanks for that.
I think the 3200 is lookin the goods for this little black duck so now I just have to keep my eyes open for the right deal.
Any reason I couldnt carry both 3db and 6db aerials, or is that a silly idea. Maybe one of those metal sliders would be a better alternative.
Off to do some more reading.
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Lance.....X491
Gotta Pop-Top
Now I've got an EXy
2005 ST II White Auto.
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29/Jan/2007, 11:58 pm
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Re: UHF CB radios
ICOM is also a well known UHF brand and is the name when it comes to tough, rouged & robust.
It's the only brand in handhelds that I've used that can cope with the daily torture of everyday surveying.
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30/Jan/2007, 12:25 am
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Re: UHF CB radios
I would personally use the black rubber 6db aerial as your run around one and consider carrying either a 3db or a 9db in the car. I have the GME 6db on the car and a GME 9db sits under the passenger side floor mat for use in the bush. There is no point going for the massive 2 meter white ones you commonly see on outback Utes, just the typical 1 meter or so, will surfice for your application.
As for powering the radio up, there are two schools of thought. Some tap into the cigarette lighter, meaning that it can never be accidentially left on. When the car is turned off, there is no power to the unit.
I have wired mine directly to an aux. engine mounted fuse box which runs off the battery. This gives me the ability to have comms without the car running. Just in case of an emergency (ie lost keys), it is better to have the ability to communicate. Although I can't find the site, someone tested an older GME unit left on and it didn't drain the battery overnight, as the current draw when in standby mode is minimal. Not that I intend to test or disprove this, I always carry a battery pack (just in case).
Make sure you get the best quality coax cable you can afford, as this is where the reception quality will be most affected. Let us know how you go.
--- BRETT72 - X235
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30/Jan/2007, 11:59 am
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Re: UHF CB radios
Will ya have a look at the date of Bretts last post..............
No matter, just an update, I ended up with a TX4400 and all seems fine so far. We will be doing a trip to Perth with our PopTop in October so we will give the GME a workout on the way.
I'll probably rip in a coupla qstns here and there before we leave regards the UHF, the first one being on channels.
I've got a list of what each channel is used for and their restrictions, but what channel is the generally accepted channel to cruise with.
The concensus I've found so far goes with ch10.
Any thoughts ppl ?
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Lance.....X491
Gotta Pop-Top
Now I've got an EXy
2005 ST II White Auto.
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19/Sep/2007, 12:40 am
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Re: UHF CB radios
quote:
lancie49 wrote:
Will ya have a look at the date of Bretts last post..............
Yeah, you were researching this purchase for 8 months now LOL
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19/Sep/2007, 1:01 pm
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