flyboy replied:

Marclau,

Range is dependant upon a lot of things...

UHF communications relies on "Line of Sight", i.e, any buildings, terrain, etc in the path between TX & RX will attenuate the signal.

5 Kilometres does not surprise me, assuming you are speaking about simplex communications and not duplex, i.e using one of the repeaters, which is designed to extend the range considerably.

Also be mindful that a handheld has an inefficient antenna, so yes, you are correct in saying that another antenna may help, but be aware that other things come into effect. For example, if you run a considerable length of standard RG58 type coax, the losses are quite considerable at UHF frequencies and it is quite possible that you could end up with considerably less than your 5 watts going into the antenna.

For a range of base station typem mobile and handheld antennas, have a look at www.rfi.com.au. They can also advise you on the different types of coax, mounting arrangements for base antenna's, etc.

Cheers

flyboy replied:

Doug,

I don't dispute what you are saying, however VHF and UHF signals do travel line of sight and the quality of the signal is effected by buildings, terrain, etc. On the open road, yes the distances you are talking about are no big deal, sometimes on VHF and UHF under freaky conditions communications up to a couple of 100's kilometres can be possible, but not common.

2 examples to clarify...Tree's effect the signal quality of a GPS, these frequencies are much higher than UHF so are more effected. Also, if you have a listen to your AM car radio at night, quite often you can hear interstate radio stations...this is because low frequencies rely on a layer of ionised particles above the earth called the ionosphere, which "refract" or bend radio signals, causing multiple "skips" of the radio signal. This is also why "Skip" is commonly available on 27Mhz CB radio, big difference between 27 Mhz and 470 Mhz when it comes to distance you can talk point to point, without a repeater.

Marclau replied:

So a change in antenna for my handheld may assist then?

Am I right in runninga a coaxial to an external base antenna do the trick then?

Or should I consider simply buying another CB radio as the home base or is my handheld 5 watt UH 075 Uniden good enough?

I would also like to add that at night time, with the handheld, I have managed to speak with people up to 25kms away and that is also remaining indoors with the handheld.........

Member - MUZBRY (VIC) replied:

Gday
After reading all that , i'll have to have a Bex and a lie down.............

Muzbry

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MUZBRY Member: My Profile

obee replied:

thank goodness UHF does not travel very well or I have to listen to all of the above all of the time.\\

Owen

MEMBER - Darian (SA) replied:

I'm just getting into the same boat - Icom 400 pro in the car and a GME 5 watter for walks away from the car - if I go for a solo stroll in the bush, I can comm with the lady of the expedition while she stays in camp - I got selcall and CTCSS setup betwen the units - hell - it might all work ! Have not really filed tested it to date, but I'd be happy with 5k - pure line of site would be better than that I guess - the stubby antenna on the HH must be a compromise - there is a longer antenna available for my HH but that somewhat defeats the prime purpose of being compact - the antenna would be up my nose or broken off (or broken off in my nose) soon enough :-).

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When I'm too old to travel the outback, I reckon I'll have everything just right ! The "house" ? - Main street, Windorah. Member: My Profile

Marclau replied:

This is great feedback and I like the idea of making the antena if I can. I reckon I need approx 5-6 meters to run it to outside and then I need advice on parts I reckon..........so any help would be appreciated.

cheers

Marclau replied:

Also of noted interested (and I am a newbie at all this, this late in life)
at night time I can easily reach others who are anywhere between 10-20kms away using my handheld only from inside my study.......

Marclau replied:

Thanks Mike...........I will certainly be looking into this but not right this minute.........
Unfortunately in and out of hospital with radiation treatment and the like........5 months down and still a little while to go........

As for the courses, a weekend is'nt to bad at all........:)

Any further details as to cost etc?

Marclau replied:

Thanks Mike for the warm and friendly welcome from yuo and the rest of the forums members.........

In fact, probably for the past 35 years I've had an interest in Ham and CB's but never got around to it.

Funny when things like health makes you quickly reassess life and then its all fast forward from there.

In the past fortnight, I've purchased a Degen DE1103 DIGITAL PLL AM FM LW SW SSB WORLD BAND RADIO RECEIVER and a DE31MS INDOOR ACTIVE LOOP ANTENNA FOR MEDIUM WAVE & SHORT WAVE and having lots of fun with that. Both recently purchased of eBay.

Add to that my new Uniden UH089SX CB and Uniden UH075 HH, which sits along side UH042 HH and a Bearcat 200 channel scanner.....
It's very quickly becoming very addictive and yes, I know my stuff is only amateurish, non the less I'm having heaps of fun staying up to early hours of the inght listening.

I'm down the Peninsula and unfortunately not local so if any forum members are on the air and I can reach you, call me up.

cheers
Marcel

Usually mates call me Dutchie, so if you hear me, say gidday...!!!!

Marclau replied:

Thanks Mike,

Just shot you an email.

You are correct as well in that I'm down the Mornington Peninsula...albeit not too far down....Langwarrin to be exact.....

:)

flyboy replied:

Marclau,

I second what Mike has said, if you have an interest in radio and electronics, make the effort when you can and try and get your Amateur Licence. Leave the chicken band (CB) to talk to other members in your travel party and don't expect anything more than short range communications.

I started off on CB many years ago and that sparked my interest in radio, eventually going on to get my Amateur Ticket and then working in the Communications Industry.

As mike has said, it is a lot easier now to get your license than it used to be.

Good Luck!!