UHF Handheld Receiver/Transmitter

Paul,

Prestige Communications is a good place to buy from and I can personally recommend them.
Competitive prices and prompt delivery.

As for an inverter, go for a 300 watt one, which will cover most situations requiring inverter power.

Some of the lower powered handhelds actually use AA batteries.
I have a 2 watt handheld as a second unit which uses AA's. You can use anything from standard AA's through to Alkaline batteries, or even rechargable AA's which use a small charger that plugs directly into the vehicle's 12 volt supply. No need for an inverter here.

The higher powered handhelds however use an internal battery that requires it's own specific charger and therefore you will also need an inverter to run it. None that I am aware of come with the option of a 12 volt charger.

Check out the various brands on offer, then look at the features that are most acceptable to you and make your final choice.
Any of the "brand name" units, (GME, Uniden, Icom) will give good service.

Bill.

The GME TX6100 is not just another one of the many compact units currently on the market today. GME have spent a considerable amount of time engineering the TX6100 to fulfil the needs of our users and meet the performance expectations that GME products are renown for.

TX6100 - 5 Watt Handheld UHF Radio

Paul,

Have a look here

http://www.going4wd.com/

All the details for G&C Communications and a brief interview about the one Doug mentioned.

I've been on a day trip with the bloke and he knows his stuff.

Jim.

Hi Paul

The UH065SX - available in a twin pack for under $250 remains the best value for money handheld in my opinon.
This twin pack includes the very useful speaker mics and earpieces which make then very useful for placing in a mobile phone holder on a car dash and using as a second radio.

Its feature set and user interface , power up to 2w , AA cells and general quality make it a winner.

While they come with a mains charger and rechargeable batteries , most of those that have taken up this recomendation
don't use these but just use standard AA's and replace them due to the long life.

Range is the combination of sensitivity and power along with an antenna that can be clear of obstructions like a hand.

Other units such as the UH 078 and variations will deliver a bit more range but at about 3 times the price.

At $150 you can afford to buy two of these .... from Jaycar.

It is only a 3w max unit ( as sold ) but the external ( car ) antennae fitting solves that shortcoming.

...............>

3 Watt 38 Channel UHF CB Radio with Scrambler & CTCSS

This feature rich transceiver boasts a host of functions and will have a wide appeal in personal, sporting, and business activities. The radio has a maximum output of 3 watts which can be reduced to 1W and prolong battery life when the higher power is not required. All 38 legal channels are utilised as well as CTCSS sub channel calling, automatic muting, and four level scrambling which allows private communications on what is normally a public broadcast. The transceiver is supplied with a high gain (168mm) antenna that is attached via a standard SMA connector. This enables the transceiver to be installed with an external antenna to boost the transmission range even further. Other features include dual-watch, VOX, and a built-in stop watch. The transceiver is supplied with a 1,200mAh rechargeable battery pack and mains adaptor. Optional accessories include a hands-free headset with throat mic (DC1039), Motorbike headset (DC1037), 12VDC Car Charger (DC-1036), and VOX Headset (DC-1032).

Thanks to all who provided responses. Much appreciated.

I think I will go with Robin's suggestion at the moment as I'm only looking at a unit mainly for hiking at present however, will look at upgrading nearer to when I decide to head off on the big trip and install something in the car.

Cheers and again, thank you for all the information.

PS: I was particularly impressed with Doug's communicator but I was a little concerned that the metallic tin might rust a little if used near the sea too often and.........I couldn't see where you fit the lid to prevent water getting into the unit. :-)))

NEVER GET A UNIDEN. I have 2 x 5 watt hand held radios. I had a problem with them, took them to UNIDEN and I havent got them fixed yet, that was over 2 months ago, it takes over 10 minutes to get through to them over the phone, then they always transfer you and say they will call you back and they never do. I just went to department of fair trading, hopefully they will resolve the issue, UNIDEN are a nightmare to deal with.

Get an ICOM or Motorola.

My workplace bought 6 uniden handheld radios (uho65sx), all 6 of the radio's are now faulty after 5 months use, uniden radio's will break if used constantly over extended periods, and they are about the same price as quality products, uniden are made in china, icom and motorola are made in japan. WOULD YOU BUY A CHINESE CAR?