Combined Radio

The best radio for combined amateur/cb is the dualband Icom-208H. The broadband performance is outstanding while still retaining its integrity. This radio can be purchased new with wideband mod already done :)

Agree with Mad Dog - I was going to buy a 208H until I decided to get the lot in one box with the Yaesu and as I have a Uniden UHF CB I could live with two radios given that I hardly ever use CB anyway.

Mike Harding

The IC-208H is my weapon of choice for everyday use. Covers 2m and 70cm, and when modded covers UHF CB.

If I want to play HF then the 706mkIIG is slipped in to compliment it.

Both are fairly easy to mod for out of band TX

>we are gearing up to take a group on a
north/south simpson crossing

Yeah, can one do that north/south

>Ray What are the model radios that you use

I have the IC208H, a remote head radio. The main unit is tucked up behind the dash with the tiny head stuck to the dash with double sided tape, purchased new about 2 years ago, no problems with it.

HF is an Alinco dx70th, remote head on the console between the two front seats with the main box under the drivers seat. I have to remove the main unit before attempting any deep water crossings but it's only a one minute job. Purchased second hand from ebay a coupla years ago with an auto tuner, has had a bashing around in the ute but just keeps on rocking...so far.

Also have a GME TX4400 in the overhead console, a couple of cheap digitalk handhelds in the glovebox that are suprisingly good and the best amateur dualband handheld ever made the Yaesu FT51R, I'll take that to the grave with me, and oh yeah an FM900 on 2m for APRS. I also use the Alinco for HF aprs when outta range of vhf/uhf repeaters. I think that about covers the ute comms.

Robin, my 8528 eprom has a most of the 80M, 40M, 30M and 100kHz of 20M programmed in 5kHz steps so broad tuning is just done by the channel up down buttons. Finer tuning is done using the fast or slow up / down buttons. With the option A eprom, this allows TX on any legitimate frequency in the amateur band. Outside of the amateur bands, the fast / slow up & down buttons just alter the RX frequency.
The 8528 is a much bigger unit than the Icom 706Mk2G and doesn't come with DSP , notch filters etc but the mute / squelch is absolutely brilliant!
A disadvantage with the 706 is the current consumption (1.8 to 2 amps - Icom specs)on RX. It gets quite hot on RX and the fan will run so not the sort of thing to leave on all day at camp with fridges running etc. Must put a meter onto the 8528 to see what that draws! (Should have recorded this when I first put it in)
As an aside, the FT1500M draws (if i remember correctly) about 80mA when turned off!
When / where are you going Robin? We are doing the WAA line in July / August.

I think the Icom 702 Mk2G covers the UHF CB band?

Mike Harding

706 Mk2G

Mike, my Icom 706Mk2g cuts out at 470.000mHz - no good for UHF CB.

You're correct. It was the 208H I was thinking about, not the 706.

you been bush or just laying low ?

Bush :)

When are you going to get aprs in your vehicle ?
Make it easy for me to find you when you get lost :)

Site Link

I’m never lost. Occasionally, and for short periods, I may be mildly geographically embarrassed however the concept of an ex. Kiwi rescuing an ex. Pom in the Australian bush is an amusing one – just remember though… I don’t share my sheep! :)

I’ll have a look at the APRS link later, I have heard of it but know nothing about it. How do you get comms from a remote area? 2m/70cm to a sat or HF?

Mike Harding

If you're never lost you aint trying hard enough but these modern nav toys sure make it hard,

APRS in remote areas is catered for by HF, there is a dedicated 30m APRS freq with two or three gateways around Aust, quite often I get gated by ZL. The other option is sat, there is an aprs repeater aboard the ISS which is very easy to get a signal through. It's a bit of fun but has a pratical use with the kids and mum at home being able to look up exactly where dad is on the web.

I have same radio (Icom) and love it but I would have put the Icom on the bottom so the mic cord does not hang down over the audio unit.

Great pics though!

Cheers
Muddy