Handheld UHF Radio

Just my opinion, Icom number one, GME number two, anything else number three,,

Have a look here. Don't know 'em, etcetera.

Ebay.

Model FDC... 5 watt hand held, rainproof, not waterproof.
Range 400-490 mhz... but check that ..( USA range is different, be carefull)
Price ....I got 4 for $320 delivered.
Manually programable ( easy ) or pat extra for CD & cable for computer
And they work real good too !
Cheers
Bucky

Hi Jocelyn, I had two Digitalk H/Helds made in china & were very good for the price (under $100) & surprisingly good range 5-8Km. My wife bought me two GME H/Helds which have their own charging dock. They are excellent with numerous features,very slim & sit in the top pocket nicely where the Digitalk are very bulky IMO. The GME also come with a lanyard so the radio is around your neck (saves it falling out of top pocket of shirt if you don;t do button up) It all depends on your budget but I would think Icom (expensive), or GME are the best & if you want least expensive & Chinese made radios try Evil Bay.

Hi Jocelyn,

The difference between a 5 watt and 3 watt uhf hand held is negligible, (1.8db) of course there will many that will disagree. ( I hope they dont disagree with the maths)

Go for value for money. After some research I found a GME TX 680 (3 watt) was an excellent performer and very good value. I live in a foot hill suburb in Adelaide and can work Trucks 25'kms+ away. On flat ground about 5k is about it.

Not including the antenna the radio is 10cm X 6 cm and width of about 3cm. Lose it in your pocket.

Hope this helps

I bought a cheap chinese (Puxing) 5W unit 3 years ago which the guy sent pre-programed with all 40 chanels and a s@#t load of others as well. It is fully programable for simplex or duplex and hasnt missed a beat with heavy use over 3 years. I even plug it into the car arial and its range is fantastic so its horses for courses I think its much of a muchness.

Jocelyn

You have asked for the best. Best I know of is the Icom 41s. It is a well made 5 watt unit. It is available locally at many dealers.

I do not have one. Came very close to getting one when my GME6200 handheld was being repaired last year. The GME is a similar unit to the Icom. While the repairs were being done I was shown the inner workings of both. The Icom very favourably impressed me. As it happened the GME was repairable and I put the money into an Icom in vehicle unit with which I have been very pleased.

I use my GME with the optional longer antenna. This makes it a very versatile unit with excellent range. Still if it was to fail again I would get the Icom 41s to replace it.

Flynnie

ThisLINK will get you to the FDC radios. They sell on ebay on a regular basis.
Can't remember the sellers name but you will find them herehttp://www.ebay.com.hk
if that helps.
regards