UHF Handheld Radios

Mike,

Check the following review :

http://www.dansdata.com/digitalk.htm

There isn't much between the TX6000 and the IC40S, except that the TX6000 has selcall and can be extensively damaged if dropped the wrong way. I've never used a IC40S but I've been told they are more robust (which is believable as Icom supply military radios).

I personally use the TX6000 because I need selcall and it's a very good radio. I can trip a repeater that's 70km away when switched to 5 watts. Try that on a Uniden.

I am looking at them as well, a bloke I talked to was an ex-CO of an army signal squadron and he said ICOMs are un breakable.
Tim

Another thing to remember - the 3km range quoted by the makers of the cheap units is only achievable when there is nothing to interfere (eg trees, buildings, etc). Even 5 watt car mounted units can have their range serverely limited in heavily forested areas, so if you want a good range in all conditions then go for a quality unit.

Just remember the cheap ones have an output of 500mw or half a watt compared with 5 watts of car nounted and the top range of hand helds. I have a GME TX 4400, definitely made in Australia (Bob why suggest otherwise because you couldn't possibly have any evidence) and a great unit! The cheapies are great for short distance communications and are really in the "walkie-talkie" category.

Thanks for all the help, I noticed that ICOM's are 4 watts and the GME TX6000 is 5 watts, will that make a big difference to my output and receiving range?Thanks Mike.

mike - 4 wd monthly did a good comparison between hand held and car mounted uhf's in the july 2001 edition. Its a interesting read. The GME TX6000 and the ICom IC40s were the best hand helds in the comparison. Their figures on the open range and forest test showed they are basically even on their performance.

I have 2 Icom IC40S and have had them for 3 years.
They are an exceptional radio.
When I bought I first tried Unidenand they simply were not a match on the Icoms for distance. I have no problem transmiting to repeaters at 40 to 60 kms distance if the line of site is there.
The case is very robust being carbon fibre. I have dropped on rocks and no problems.
They do have selcall and I think also they are at 5 watts selectable to 1 watt.
The fast charger has a 12 volt INPUT so to charge in the car simply fix a 12 V plug into the fast charger and let it do the automatic fast charge.

Sean

We've been using Electrophone products for over 15 years, and Icom for around 3 years. The Icom 40S is a great radio, very robust and we'v had no problems, ie servicing, new batteries, in that time. HOWEVER, THE iCOM can't "hear" as well as the TX6000, this is in mustering situations on both bikes and horses. The TX6000 has choice of 3 aerials, which Icom doesn't, so you can tailor the reception you want, or need. The Tx6000 does like, or need regular visits to see tech., but this is often after swimming, or hitting the ground at high velocity, attached to chest of the user, when he/she falls off motorbike/horse.

I'd go for the GME product, they ARE made in Oz.
The TX6000 can be set up in a vehicle, with cradle, 12v charger, and TNC adaptor to suit the aerial co-ax.