Member - Nigel replied:

Out of the two cheap Unidens, the one with the longer antenna is the better option. Those radios are fine for their purpose as long as you are happy to accept their limitations (eg cross channel interference when in close proximity to a more powerful radio on another channel). The range is not only limited by the lack of power, but also by the antenna. The 3km range is only applicable when there is nothing between the two radios and they can see each other. Also the speaker in them is not the loudest and if using it in a noisy 4WD then it may need to be held close to your ear to be able to hear anyone. They seem to be quite robust and for the price, there really isn't anything that comes close.

I wouldn't recommend the dearer unidens as there are much better brands that have upmarket handhelds, but that's a different price bracket.

cobra replied:

I use the Uniden UH040xr as a backup and for use away from the car and find it very handy with no problems. Although the book says a range of 3k in flat country, I have been able to get 15-20k in flat areas. I seem to consistently get up to 10k without using a repeater in all areas although there is some breakup at times. As a cheap option, I would recommend it. The 37 model is cheaper, has less features and defaults to channel 5 each time it is turned on.
Cheers

Leroy replied:

John,

I have the Uniden UH040XR and a mate has the cheaper one with the shorter antena. I'm very happy with the performance. I've used them both and they seem to perfom the same. The UH040XR has 2 sockets on the top so you can plug in an external mike which I use in the car and only costs an extra $10 when you purchase the radio but only when on sale (usually $40) and a charger. The sales seem to come up frequently at bleep Smith Electronics.

Leigh

John replied:

Thank you Nigel, Cobra and Leroy - I understand the limitations of the radio and it sounds as though it's the best option - though I've just seen a new model on bleep Smith's site which also has CTSS and is about $30 dearer so it might be worth a look too. Thanks again

John replied:

Thanks again all for your advice and insights. I bought the UHO40XR from Dick Smith on sale with the extra speaker/mike for $10. iCHOSE IT OVER THE CHEAPER ONE (oops caps lock) mainly because it takes AA as opposed to AAA. I use AArechargable for a number of things. Seems to perform well. I can reach a repeater about 19.5km from here (so says my GPS) and through it spoke to a friend about 30km away so it has exceeded my expectations - I didn't expect to be able to get a repeater if it was more then 3km away.