UHF CB Radios

[Whizz]

Gentlemen, I have been thinking that my next farkle will be the addition of a UHF CB Radio to the STead, however I have just read that the ACMA, in another grab for cash, has changed the channel separation to 12.5KHz from the 25KHz that it used to be. This leads me to ask the assembled audience whether there is a 'recommended' CB system that most members swear by, I am thinking in terms of something with a separate remote control and P-to-T button, antenna (whip on the back?) and obviously programmable for the new 80 channels. Any thoughts all you communicators?

Cheers

Whizz
 

[Brock]

Have a look here

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=06ucb9bu42t61f03r4flcki7l0

I have been thinking about one of these

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=390

Its smallish, weather proof and Dale can make up an adapter lead so that the Mic can be patched into the intercom (or is that the intercom can be patched into the mic socket)

[Whizz]

Looks good mate, but my concern with this unit is that it is not a true Tx/Rx - 80 channel unit. According to the spec in the brochure it says it is 40 channel Tx/Rx at 25Khz spacing and a further 40 channels Rx only at 12.5Khz spacing. This means that, now that the new 12.5Khz spacing is in effect, this unit only allows you to talk on half of the new frequencies. I do like the waterproof side of the design and the size etc look good, and as long as it can be connected to both Tx and Rx through the helmet it might be a nice unit, just a bit worried about the new channel spacing. What do you think?

Cheers
Whizz
 

[Brock]

The brochure is not up to date, its still saying 40 ch not 80 (actually 77, some are locked out for some reason). This (and all 80ch) radio is fully compatible with existing 40chsets. the extra 40 channels have been squeezed in between the existing channels

[Whizz]

Hhhmm. Worth a good look then.

Cheers mate

Whizz
 

[tj189]

I have one up for sale if you are interested.  pm with an offer 

[DaleMcLean]

  Got the email whizz 

Basics of UHF now are
(as Brock says) 77 channel, they say 80 but 22 and 23 are reserved for telemetry (cow cockies turning on/off pupms and stuff), 5 and 35 reserved for emergency use, the rest basically open slather.
The "extra" 40 channels are spaced between the original 40 so 1 - 40 are still the same frequency but 41-80 start at "1 1/2" if you like and go up.
No real concern for users to know BUT 1 -40 on the "old ones" will still talk to 1 - 40 on the "new ones"  .

The TX4600 Brock linked to is not ideal for bikes even though it looks the goods, too many have had water ingress  even thogh they are supposed to be "Economical Waterproof Design (IP55)." needs to IP 65 or better to be in the weather.

GME and Uniden are like Ford and Holden, do the job and good quality. Icom is more along the BMW/Merc, built a bit better and costs more. (left out bike referances to not offend anyone  )

I can mate any UHF (or 2 way radio for that matter) into a StarCom1 or our BikeComm, BUT i gave up supporting the opposition some time back, so anyone with "another intercom" will have to fend for themselves  .

My recommendation is the Uniden UH-076 or 078 handheld with RAM mount or the Undien "car type" ones as they give better tansmit clarity than the GME car type ones (yeah yeah I know the TX3100 is on my site as an addition and the Uniden isnt (YET)). And the GME TX680 or TX6100 come in close behind the UH-076.

Hope that helps out without confusing too many

[Brock]

If some one hadnt relieved me of my Icom IC40 ( the first Icom UHF handheld) I would use that, but as modern handhelds dont transmit while connected to external power I am keeping away from them. (unless there is one that does work on external power...) I thought the 4600 would have been near perfect, but if it leaks then no go.

I have been using UHF since it started, and still have the Philips FM320 ( and workshop manual) also have the work shop manual for the IC40

[alans1100]

I haven't a CB since the old 27 meg days when I had a 40 channel AM/sideband set. About 1978/9. UHF was a new thing back then with a few negatives compared to 27meg. (line of sight and no skip)

[Whizz]

The main reason for me wanting to put one on the machine is for the times when I'm out with a group. Bluetooth is good...as far as it goes, but many Bluetooth headsets are not compatible with headsets made by other manufacturers so you can't pair your Scala with a Senna for instance, and mobile phone calls cost money, only work to one other person and only work where you have phone coverage. CB is the obvious answer, it provides coverage wherever you are with however many people you are with all at no call cost. It has the added bonus of being able to contact others outside your group, truckers, grey nomads, locals etc. So best of both worlds as far as I can see.

Cheers
Whizz
 

[Brock]

My thoughts as well, also sometimes includes remote area coppers as well

[Streak]

So question, are there units that will work through Bluetooth as well?

[DaleMcLean]

We (and Autocom) have a Bluetooth Wire3 module that will plug into the system and send BT to any BT headset
BUT it is a mono connection and music is SH1T. and it ties the headset to JUST the system. So it depends on your priorities, needs and what you already have.
the other way is our BikeComm (http://www.dmme.com.au/BikerCom.htm) which is an entire Bluetooth system and ready for UHF  :)

[harieg]

The main reason for me wanting to put one on the machine is for the times when I'm out with a group. Bluetooth is good...as far as it goes, but many Bluetooth headsets are not compatible with headsets made by other manufacturers so you can't pair your Scala with a Senna for instance, and mobile phone calls cost money, only work to one other person and only work where you have phone coverage. CB is the obvious answer, it provides coverage wherever you are with however many people you are with all at no call cost. It has the added bonus of being able to contact others outside your group, truckers, grey nomads, locals etc. So best of both worlds as far as I can see.

Cheers
Whizz
 

LOL    SENA is one "N"

[Whizz]

Well pardon me I'm sure!!

[Diesel]

Well Harry is 2 r's and a "y"!!!!                    

Looks like the grammar police are patrolling!       

I'm interested to hear the outcome of this thread Whizz, as I feel the same way - atm I have to divert waaaay too much attention from riding to talk on the radio - and I don't want to fork $900 for a 'complete' solution just yet.

Looked into the SeNa, and Tackleberry told me about this little bluetooth 'hub' item here (look for Tack's post)......

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=335.msg2849#msg2849

[Whizz]

Well, a progress check for me is that I bought a Starcom1 Advance from ebay yesterday for $180 complete with all the bits, I have been in touch with Dale and he's going to help me out by supplying the wiring stuff although I'll install the thing myself, and I also bought a TX4600 UHF unit from TJ and I'll have that by the end of this week as well. I also found an old thread which included a design for an antenna mount under the top box, which I will also incorporate. SO it looks like I'll be pulling the ST apart over the weekend to see just how much I can get done in 2 days.

Will keep you posted!! Wish me LUCK!!

Cheers
Whizz
 

[Brock]

I will be interested to see how the TX 4600 goes, and may take a chance on one. The 1100 screen should shelter it from most weather, especially when travelling. A simple cover of vinyl should protect it when parked (and from prying eyes as well)

[Whizz]

Those were my thoughts exactly, I might even make a perspex cover to shroud the set with a lip over the front to stop any torrential rain and see how it survives. I have one of our metal-bashers making up the antenna bracket for me and he is also going to make the dashboard for me as soon as I can come up with a design for him. Anyone got any designs for a dashboard for a 1300??? Whilst I have the tupperware off I am also going to install Shiney's version of the power-sockets just because. I do like the fuses with the fly-leads, a dammed good idea and one that makes connecting to power SSSOOO much easier!!

Cheers

Whizz
 

[Brock]

The ST1100 dash shelf, might be able to be used as a guide for the 1300. I dont know of one already out there

[Diesel]

Here's a cool triple ram mount for the 13...

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/album.php?albumid=409&attachmentid=72490

Cheers, Diesel

[saaz]

I (and quite a few others) have been using the GME 3420 which has a remote head from the main CB unit (the 3520 replaces it with an 80 channel unit, and later 3420s were able to be converted to 80 channel - which I don't have of course).  Remote head is up on the shelf out of the weather, and the main unit is in the tail.  I made up an interface lead to one of those other comm systems (the one that is also owned by starcom now...)  The newer unit has the option of routing the mic cord from the back of the head unit, so it will look neater.

I used to use a uniden 76sx, but did not use the CB as much as having to set it up all the time was a hassle, and keeping it charged another bother.

[harieg]

COME on "D" keep to the POST
Brock you are NOT keeping control of these Monkeys

EVERYONE knows Harie    is ONLY    ONE "R" NO "Y"
come on "D" play fair
OR
I will keep posting BAD diesel jokes

non stop






every time I put 95 in GoldieSt, I get this image into my Helmet

[Brock]

Brock you are NOT keeping control of these Monkeys

harieg for criticising Diesel (a senior Mod) and myself ( a Big Stick wielding Mod) You are sentenced to the sin bin for 2 hrs starting from the time of the offence. Therefore you are not to communicate until 1800 EST..