UHF CB and antenna

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 07, 2006 at 23:21

ThreadID: 31531 Views:2102 Replies:7 FollowUps:3

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Member - Ray & (NSW)

Hi all

I would appreciate advice as we are New Chums. For the Big Trip later this year, I am getting a GME TX4400 477mhz UHF CB. Trip is Sydney-Broken Hill-Port Augusta-Uluru-Alice-Darwin-Broome-return to Alice via Tanami Track-Adelaide-Hay-Sydney.

For best performance in all locations, what type and length 477mhz antenna would be the best. Any help much appreciated.

All the best, Ray

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Reply By: Des Lexic - Tuesday, Mar 07, 2006 at 23:29

Tuesday, Mar 07, 2006 at 23:29

You could get an antenna like mine. You could get one from the same town that you bought the Paj from. :))))))
I notice that your not passing through here on either trip.

AnswerID: 159236

Reply By: Trekkie (Member - WA) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 00:15

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 00:15

Hi Ray
The GME web site has some good stuff on it

GME Site

AnswerID: 159244

Reply By: Mike Harding - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:05

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:05

The Dick Smith 4.5dB is pretty good - if they still do it?

Mike Harding

AnswerID: 159260

Reply By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:33

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:33

I travel with a lot of Trucks here and there and they mostly use a small antennae with a base load, base is chromed about 7" long and that has a small antennae on it , looks much like the phone type actually,Look for an antennae with a 4.5db gain. I use one and they seem to get out and recieve very well.It worKs like this...expensive radio/lousey antennae = poor performance or low cost radio/well installed antennae = good performance.now put the two goods together and you will enjoy what you have, I must add that your choice of radio was a good one, i have noticed that when you hear someone coming over with a distorted sound quality and always you have to get them to repeat it always seems to be a Uniden.I guess i will get negative replies on that but it's a fact, when i hear a bad radio i ask the user what brand and the answer is usually always Uniden.

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AnswerID: 159264

Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:38

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 07:38

try this web site

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-08.htm

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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 16:47

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 16:47

Doug,

Won't get involved in a brand X vs brand Y debate, but another common fault of people using their transmitter is holding the microphone too close to their mouth.

A few inches away and to one side usually delivers the clearest speech.

Bill

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FollowupID: 413907

Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (QLD) - Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 02:28

Thursday, Mar 09, 2006 at 02:28

I been using CBs and installing my own since before they were legal , I think about 1976 , so when I make a comment about a certain brand I speak from experience , not by what I hear from others, so do you think that during my travels that I did not ask the other user to hold the Mike here, there , try this or that , What i try to do when ppl ask a Question is to give an answer to the best of my knowledge from my past experiences , Radio and Maps has been my interests/hobbies since I left school...... Why are the little lights not flashing,????

I really don't mind If you nag at me , I always listen, and by doing that I also learn.

See Ya
Doug

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Reply By: Member - Willie , Epping .Syd. - Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 10:26

Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006 at 10:26

Ray / Jen ,

I am sure you want info on which transmits the best in certain terrain . I will leave that to the experts , but I have some advice on the physical side of the arguement .

I have a heavy stiff glass antenna with a spring at the bottom so it does not break if it hits an overhang .I am very happy with it .

Previously I had two antennae which I was most unhappy with :

- A long whippy glass one which was useless because at speed it bent back nearly to the horizontal and moved around constantly which was annoying in your line of sight .

- A wire one with a coil in the middle of the wire , which in one trip vibrated itself so much that the metal weakend at the bottom and it broke off twice .

Cheers ,

Willie .

AnswerID: 159284