UHF CB for an Idiot

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  captobvious on 17/12/2015 - 22:27

  That will do the job sufficiently. If its only for shits and giggles

  • 

    gryphn on 17/12/2015 - 22:29

    What would I need to go to so its slightly less of shits and giggles ?
    There is a serious side to this as well.

    I dont mind spending $ as long as its well spent.

    Also thank you for you response :)

    • 

      captobvious on 17/12/2015 - 22:39

      What you have there will do the job, The nullabor is flat so a higer db antenna might be handier like 6.5 80ch is sufficient for listening in to other channels and communicating with your mates.

      You could spalsh out for more wattage and more channels but it would br a waste unless you go bush constantly or live out there.

      • 

        gryphn on 17/12/2015 - 22:43

        Coolio :)

        Thought that 5w was legal max?

        Will grab this tomorrow and an antenna with better gain.

      • 

        captobvious on 17/12/2015 - 23:25

        Its an at your own risk thing. Some radios have a switch that lets you change the setting.

        You may want to find out what channels are on a repeater around the area too. Could help you in an emergency

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  Cheeper on 18/12/2015 - 05:35

  Better antenna would be advisable for the outback. The location of the antenna on the vehicle also has an effect on its efficiency also.
  I would suggest also asking on a 4wd forum??

  • 

    battler on 18/12/2015 - 07:57

    +1

    agree, it's mostly about the antenna, and placement of.
    grab that unit and pick up an antenna and some advice on placement from a specialty communications shop - it could mean the difference between 5km and 10km range.

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  ChrisLevo on 18/12/2015 - 10:02

  http://tropinet.com/uhf-repeaters/ is a searchable list of UHF CB repeaters in Oz.

  http://www.prestigecom.net.au/uhf-cb-antennas/gme-uhf-cb-ant… have better antennas, and are in Perth.

  There are only 80 UHF CB channels, so the other chap must be referring to 27MHz - which is not what you want for your trip.

  Antenna placement is crucial, so visiting a specialist is an excellent idea.

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  cvas on 18/12/2015 - 10:58

  I got an Oricom unit. It is the UHF 300. So far it has gone pretty good however I was having trouble with static. The warranty department is very good (phone you back quickly etc) and allowed me to return the radio. Anyway they sent me a new one and it turned out my old crappy antenna was the problem. But yeah its good to know the support is there if you need it

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  grog on 18/12/2015 - 11:27

  +1

  See that little letter {i} on the 3dbi antenna bit?

  That letter i means "isotropic" which means in "free space" which is not attainable on earth.

  So what we have to do is deduct around 2.4 db to get any meaningful gain as compared to a full size half wave dipole.

  So the antenna is claimed to have around 0.6db gain over a full size half wave dipole at the same frequency.

  Translation:: If you see the letter "I" on any gain claimed for an antenna , deduct around 2.4 from the claimed figure to get a real world general idea of the possible true gain if any.

  That antenna supplied is not a half wave dipole, it will need a good ground plane made of metal, such as the roof, roo bar etc.

  If you see for example 3dbd with a "d" at the end that means in reference to a half wave dipole and is more meaningful.

  Any company that puts the letter "I" on the end is trying to impress with higher number to make more sales.