uhf replacement and selections
Submitted: Thursday, Jan 29, 2004 at 17:48
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tdcockers
hi all
i was recently given (free of charge, would you believe) a perfectly working gme tx4000. 3 days later, i did a real temporary install job on a mates 4wd for a trip to fraser in convoy.
unfortunately, the job was so temporary that an unfamiliar user reversed the polarity and as there was no fuses, destroyed the set (i was quoted $220 to repair it). Note to self - never to temporary wiring jobs :'(
anyways, i have caught the bug, and am likely to get a new set when i get the cash. from reading here, it seems uniden is not an option, so i am looking at the gme line again, having loved the first set i had.
what is the difference between the tx3200 and the tx4400, other than price? the 4400 obviously has more features, but the only feature i am really interested in is range. can anyone say how they compare? i am looking for a DIN mount unit or kit, so both these units can do it.
also, i am thinking i will get the benelec 3/6.5db 'explorer' antenna, prestige has them for $85, and dick smith has them for $100. is this worthwhile? i have seen a number of 4wds using them since i started looking at them. i am putting it on an old camry
sedan, so it won't be doing any harsh work, unless the entire sunshine coast floods...
anyway, i knew nothing about uhfs 2 weeks ago, until i got given this set, so any help is much appreciated.
cheerio, tim c
Reply By: jeff-wa - Thursday, Jan 29, 2004 at 18:35
Thursday, Jan 29, 2004 at 18:35
I'm just wiping the tears out of my eyes in respect for the poor old GME...
Anyhow in buying another unit the range is not going to change a heck of alot between unit, more the clarity and features. They are all 5 watts. (except for a few more expensive models) but 5 watts is all your legally alowed to use. More of the range will be to do with the cable you choose, the length of the cable, the arial and location, location, location!
The only tip is, make sure your arial's base is as high as is practial. I have just got rid of my 6db Aliminium Spring base Dipole Arial that was bolted to the bullbar and am now using a little GME 2.5db on my roof, around town I get better reception in and out of repeaters as they are all on the highest building and
hill around. It's not all about power with UHF!
Rule of thumb.
- Higher the DB the further you will transmit in a straight line. (flat highway)
- Lower DB means less choppy when driving and better in hilly or city areas. ie sand dunes etc.
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