UHF's?

Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:08

ThreadID: 87545 Views:3763 Replies:6 FollowUps:8

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UHF Radio

If you are considering a trip into Australia’s vast outback, then a UHF Radio is an important communications device to have. Besides the entertainment value, such as chatting with other travellers,

Litlbalt

We are looking at upgrading our UHF we were looking at the GME's not a particular one at the moment just started looking when a fair few mates recommended the Icom 208 just wondering is this one up with all the new channels? And what is the difference between this and the 400?

any other info would be great as I am trying to sneak this one in for Hubby's birthday or christmas and dont want to be asking him to many questions.

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Reply By: Member - Mark G Gulmarrad - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:14

Reply By: garrycol - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:15

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:15

That is not a CB radio - it is an amateur radio that puts out 55w and will need a licence to operate.

UHF CBs like the 400 are limited by law to 5w and has a generic licence so you do not need an individual licence tom operate.

I would go the 400 and make sure it has the new 80 channels programmed in.

Garry

AnswerID: 459835

Follow Up By: Litlbalt - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:23

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:23

Oh ok cool thanks something good to know. I like how they just recommend it and not tell me you would need a licence to operate it, good one boys.

FollowupID: 733453

Follow Up By: Dust-Devil - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:51

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 14:51

I was going to say something extremely profound re this post, however I would respectfully suggest that you go to the ICOM Aust site and find out for yourself what the difference is between the two radios you have mentioned.

DD

FollowupID: 733458

Follow Up By: garrycol - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 15:47

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 15:47

See this linkIcom 208

FollowupID: 733460

Follow Up By: Litlbalt - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:11

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:11

I have looked at the Icom site

What I see is two radios that are similarly priced

one that is an 80 Channel UHF CB , without a detachable face

the other is a dual UHF / VHF, with detachable face and handset controls. Is which is, off the shelf, in 5W non licence required configuration (enquired with Andrews Communications ) Is User programable, with the ability to program in 500 channels ( so can double as a scanner)

All of the brochures and instalation guides indicate it is also for in car use ( see Garrycol's link )

the 400 is basically on par with all the GME's , all of which I have heard good stuff about.To me it looks we get a whole lot more from the 208 and its been highly recommended by a mate who seems to know his stuff and all for the same price. so what am I missing ?

FollowupID: 733475

Follow Up By: garrycol - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:49

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:49

Look at the wattage of the 208 - it is 55W and is in the amateur radio section not the CB section. It requires a licence - if you meet the licence requirements then get it. The radios in the ICOM UHF CB section are all 5w or less and do not require an individual licence - it is this class of radio that most of us have in our cars - me, I have the old Icom 440.

If you are not sure of the importance of the above then I think you need to go to the Aust Communication Management Auth (ACMA) and ask them.

If you use a 208 without the appropriate licence you can be prosecuted if caught

Garry

FollowupID: 733481

Follow Up By: garrycol - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:57

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 19:57

While 15w and 5w are selectable - the fact that 50w (and 15w) is also selectable means that a licence is required. If the 15w and 50w functions can be permanently disabled to ACMAs satisfaction then sure - but why bother look at a 5w Icom, Uniden or GME radio.

Garry

FollowupID: 733482

Follow Up By: SteveL - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 21:04

Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 21:04

If you want a radio that is easy to use while on the move then I would give the 208 a miss.I owned one for a while (licensed amateur) and found it to be a PITA.I much prefer commercial type radios which are designed to be used while moving.
If on the other hand,you enjoy playing with lots of buttons and trying to figure out what they do, then this is the radio for you.

FollowupID: 733488

Follow Up By: olcoolone - Thursday, Jul 14, 2011 at 16:00

Thursday, Jul 14, 2011 at 16:00

Why is it someone always have to mention what's legal and what's not AND go into detail of why it's illegal?

Some things we do regarding 4x4 is illegal or is boarder line.

And Garry even is the Icom IC-208 can be set to run at 5 watts it is still ILLEGAL to use on the CBRS.

Plus it is illegal for people to give legal advise with out legal qualifications (though I would tell everyone... so I must be breaking the law to for giving legal advise on giving legal advise) LOL