2012 CB discussion

When I did my Across Australia trips, I ended up with both UHF and HF (27MHz). I don't know what is available in VHF unless you have a license. The problem with 27MHz is the quality is rubbish- and we only used it as a back up or when we ended up out of range of UHF- which was not often. HF was handy for skip- which did actually come in handy once- otherwise it was more for a bit of fun. The other problem is getting ground independent aerials for them. Maybe more is available than before. I ended up using twin 9 foot whips mounted front and rear with switch box between them.

But with satellite comms now available, the options available are far better. Things like PLB's and so on mean you can keep 2 ways just for general chat, and the PLB's for emergency.

I will be dropping by Subaxtreme on Tuesday to drop in my sump guard- will see what happens. he reckons they should not crack. Will keep you informed. But either way some protection is needed as i am sure you'd agree.

Gidday Rally

Rally said:

When I did my Across Australia trips, I ended up with both UHF and HF (27MHz). I don't know what is available in VHF unless you have a license. The problem with 27MHz is the quality is rubbish- and we only used it as a back up or when we ended up out of range of UHF- which was not often. HF was handy for skip- which did actually come in handy once- otherwise it was more for a bit of fun. The other problem is getting ground independent aerials for them. Maybe more is available than before. I ended up using twin 9 foot whips mounted front and rear with switch box between them.

But with satellite comms now available, the options available are far better. Things like PLB's and so on mean you can keep 2 ways just for general chat, and the PLB's for emergency.

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Thanks for all that mate.

A pair of decent UHF handsets, or a handset and one in-vehicle set, and a FindMeSpot of some description would seem to be the way to go then.

I will be dropping by Subaxtreme on Tuesday to drop in my sump guard- will see what happens. he reckons they should not crack. Will keep you informed. But either way some protection is needed as i am sure you'd agree.

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I look forward to what they have to say about all that. I will certainly hold off until then.

I reckon have an in-car one. Don't have to worry about flat batteries, and with an external aerial, far better range. GME have really small ones available now. A hand held is a good idea though.

G'day again Rally

Rally said:

I reckon have an in-car one. Don't have to worry about flat batteries, and with an external aerial, far better range. GME have really small ones available now. A hand held is a good idea though.

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I had a look at the GME range here:

In-car:
https://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-cb-radios/TX3100

Handhelds:
https://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-handhelds/TX655

What are the 'traps' to look out for with buying the cheaper in-car ones?

Handhelds?

I was thinking that maybe the 2-pack of handhelds here:
https://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-handhelds/TX670TP

Thinking that having an in-car unit plus 2 handhelds gives great flexibility if travelling with someone in another car; or needing to walk a track.

Your thoughts on all this?

Some say that the rugged construction is better suited to our conditions. I find that while the Unidens are fine, GME's are a bit better again. The cheap stuff? I've never used cheap in cars. The TX3100 is most likely the next in car one I buy. Only issue with the twin pack is that they are 1 watt. But if you already have the in car it comes down to cost vs benefit. I don't use hand helds myself, although I think there might be one lying around somewhere

G'day again mate

Rally said:

Some say that the rugged construction is better suited to our conditions. I find that while the Unidens are fine, GME's are a bit better again. The cheap stuff? I've never used cheap in cars.

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I never use "cheap" for anything either. However, I do look longest and hardest at the "cheapest and nastiest". IOW, decent quality at a reasonable price ...

The TX3100 is most likely the next in car one I buy.

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That's a pretty good recommendation in my books ... What sort of money are they?

Also, where to mount an external aerial on Roo2? Bonnet type?
The other problem in my car is the lack of "spare" dash space anywhere. Perhaps mount it behind the centre armrest? Problem with that is that it out of line of sight while driving. Another possibility is to replace the almost useless (IMO) sunglasses pockets near the windscreen. Take the larger of the two "pocket" unit out and fit a purpose made holder? Just had a look at this, and there is a central divider that may be able to be removed if necessary. Depends on whether the larger of the two "pocket" units can be removed without damaging anything??

Only issue with the twin pack is that they are 1 watt. But if you already have the in car it comes down to cost vs benefit. I don't use hand helds myself, although I think there might be one lying around somewhere

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Me too. However I was looking at these:
https://www.gme.net.au/products/radio-communications/uhf-477mhz-handhelds/TX670TP

These are 2/1 watt units.

IMO, anything under 1 watt is probably all but useless. But I freely admit that this opinion is almost solely based on prejudice rather than anything factual. I did use a borrowed 0.5W unit at Noojee, and it worked a bit, but not well enough that I would call it 'acceptable'.

I would expect the 2/1 W units would fall over the line WRT being useful at short range in "normal" conditions at the 1 W setting. It would surprise me if they were less than good in all conditions on their 2 W setting.

The other benefit of the TX670s is that they take standard AA NiMH, which I already have a car charger for. The next step up uses a proprietary LIon battery and do not appear to come with any sort of car charger.

I have a Uniden in-car UHF & find it to be very good
I also have a couple of hand helds, that I take with me when I go away.

The main reason for me also having the hand helds, is that they are a back up in case something happens to my in-car one :iconwink:

If there is ever the need for a vehicle recovery, the hand helds do come in very handy though I must say

That GME TX3100 in-car looks quite good. As it seems to be fairly small, you might be able to mount it in the sunglasses pocket, like you said. You may even be able to fit it in the ash tray next to the 12v ciggy outlet.

Getting back to hand helds, I wouldn't get anything thats less than 2 Watts.
You'll find their (distance) range is very limited & they'll chew through batteries like there's no tomorrow

Just my 2 cents worth

Regards
Mr Turbo

I'm using a GME TX3540.

Made in Australia, display changes colour to match instruments, controls all on mic for stealthy install. Unit mounts easily behind ash tray on the SG.

Very similar to the TX3340, I got mine from kulkyne 4x4 although both can be had with antenna packs for under $500 on eBay.

I recommend pairing it with a fibreglass whip.

They were over $300 I think- not sure. These things are really small though. Depending on model- in the centre dash bin or you could mount it in the centre console itself.

Gidday Mr T

mr turbo said:

I have a Uniden in-car UHF & find it to be very good
I also have a couple of hand helds, that I take with me when I go away.

The main reason for me also having the hand helds, is that they are a back up in case something happens to my in-car one :iconwink:

If there is ever the need for a vehicle recovery, the hand helds do come in very handy though I must say

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Same way I am thinking. Often, flexibility is more beneficial than brute force. I design computer systems the same way. Just as well IME.

That GME TX3100 in-car looks quite good. As it seems to be fairly small, you might be able to mount it in the sunglasses pocket, like you said. You may even be able to fit it in the ash tray next to the 12v ciggy outlet.

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I will have to do some measuring.

Getting back to hand helds, I wouldn't get anything thats less than 2 Watts.
You'll find their (distance) range is very limited & they'll chew through batteries like there's no tomorrow

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Hence the necessity for in-car charging. I also have a small bucket load of AA rechargeables.

Just my 2 cents worth

Regards
Mr Turbo

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Worth every cent of it, thanks mate.

G'day again mate

Rally said:

They were over $300 I think- not sure. These things are really small though. Depending on model- in the centre dash bin or you could mount it in the centre console itself.

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Thanks for that mate.

I will have to do some due diligence and lots of measuring.

Gidday ST

stilson said:

I'm using a GME TX3540.

Made in Australia, display changes colour to match instruments, controls all on mic for stealthy install. Unit mounts easily behind ash tray on the SG.

Very similar to the TX3340, I got mine from kulkyne 4x4 although both can be had with antenna packs for under $500 on eBay.

I recommend pairing it with a fibreglass whip.

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Sorry mate, I missed your post yesterday. After mowing the grass and doing the edges, I was knackered. It doesn't take very much, unfortunately.

Thanks for your thoughts/suggestions. It all helps when one knows as little as I do about these things.

You have that "Warthog" bumper ( :iconwink: :rotfl: )to mount your aerial on. What are us mere mortals supposed to do?

I was checking out the 8 dB gain one. I can see it coming - get the CB unit for next to nothing; spend a bloody fortune on the aerial, the mount, the base, the antenna wire ...

Have you got any piccies of the unit mounted? (or holding hands, if not ... :lol.
Where did you run power from?
Etc, etc.
Any and all tips appreciated.

Since my car is also my daily commute, I only mount the antenna when I'm going off-road, and a simple U-bolt threaded through some rubber tubing (to stop scratches) does the job. Only takes a few seconds to install. I'm not worried about vandalism or theft, because I take it off when I don't need it.

Gidday SJM

sjm said:

Since my car is also my daily commute, I only mount the antenna when I'm going off-road, and a simple U-bolt threaded through some rubber tubing (to stop scratches) does the job. Only takes a few seconds to install. I'm not worried about vandalism or theft, because I take it off when I don't need it.

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I don't have the same roof attachment bars as you do - no holes. Mine are solid.
However, I could do the same trick on my soon to arrive roof bars; or the roof basket.

Thanks for the suggestion and photo.

Ratbag said:

Gidday SJM



I don't have the same roof attachment bars as you do - no holes. Mine are solid.
However, I could do the same trick on my soon to arrive roof bars; or the roof basket.

Thanks for the suggestion and photo.

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Alot of the people with new'ish cars that are part of the Subaru 4wd club of WA do this. Have an attachmetn for their baskets (mainly roof racks though). It's a good idea if you don't use it often.

I how ever am prepared to drill holes in my car and I do use mine often. Mostly of the freeway at the moments when there a few cars (mates) driving. Its a great way of communication and the new 80 channel radio's are really clear and offer another 40channels.

I removed the gear lever leather boot panel and borrowed power from the cigarette lighter. I ran the aerial lead through a rubber boot up behind the brake and clutch pedals and around into the centre console behind the carpet and out the hole where the ashtray is. .
I Wired it up and slipped it through the ashtray hole and tilted it until it slotted in behind the kick panel beside the drivers left calf. I can hear it clearly but if it wasn't loud enough I'd have to drill holes in the kick plate.

The mic lead comes out of the ash tray and the mic sits in the ashtray as I haven't decided where to drill holes to mount it yet.

It's all sitting in my shed at the moment as the aerial is threaded through the bar I've removed and has the end soldered on but I'll throw up pics when I stick it back in.

Heaps of guys are running the little angle that bolts onto the top or your fender between the bonnet to mount the aerial. - be careful not to scratch the bonnet.

Fitting CB radio by ST

Thanks for that info ST

I can see there is a project there for the future for me.

In the short term, I am looking to making all my power sockets live at all times.

In Roo1 (and the Camry), I just jumpered the back of the existing fuse back to a continuous live point before the ignition switch.

It looks to be much harder to get at in Roo2 ...
AND I am not so good at grovelling under the dash as I was nearly 20 years ago either ...
I also have to be very much more careful of sharp bits ...
Wouldn't want to bleed all over that wheat gold carpet

stilson said:

tilted it until it slotted in behind the kick panel beside the drivers left calf.

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My GME sits in the same spot. I have the remote head version - the head is mounted in the ash tray slot. For the antenna I took the recommendation from here:

https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=761

I will buy another GME for 80 channel

Ratbag said:

Thanks for that info ST

I can see there is a project there for the future for me.

In the short term, I am looking to making all my power sockets live at all times.

In Roo1 (and the Camry), I just jumpered the back of the existing fuse back to a continuous live point before the ignition switch.

It looks to be much harder to get at in Roo2 ...
AND I am not so good at grovelling under the dash as I was nearly 20 years ago either ...
I also have to be very much more careful of sharp bits ...
Wouldn't want to bleed all over that wheat gold carpet

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If you wanna make just the rear outlet live follow my write-up, works the same on foresters, there is also a link for another write up on another forester forum telling you how to do it, its pretty easy.
https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?p=39656#post39656

i have one the new 80 channel UHF radio's that i scored for only $100! brand new worth $700 love it! i socred it though my father inlaw who works for a company that installs radios.
i also have it set up for max power