Handheld UHF Radios

[Glenn]

Handheld UHF radios who has them and do you use them?
We don't have a vehicle mounted UHF radio but I was thinking about getting two handheld radios to give a broader use while travelling around this big country.
Some of the possible uses are:
1. Wife can give directions/warnings while I am reversing into a site.
2. We can stay in contact while separated on foot or if the wife is driving the toad and I am in the MH e.g. boarding the Spirit of Tasmania.
3. If in convoy with other MHs we could communicate between vehicles.
4. Listen for road conditions and accidents that may be ahead.

If members believe the radios are a worthwhile piece of equipment what wattage radios should I consider? they range from 1 Watt up to 5 watt. I am guessing the less wattage the less range.

As always any advice given is appreciated.

Glenn

[dapope]

If I was going to buy a pair, I would go the 5w. We have a 2w one and its range is not the best, Ok for backing etc, and convoy but not much else.
The one in the MH is OK, but will be putting a newer one in as it does not scan the channels

[Craig]

I have a fixed unit in the MH and a 5W handheld GME. We use the handheld in the way that you have described. I would not consider anything under 3W units. As Martin has stated, anything under that and the performance is crap.

[norman]

We have hand helds 5w. Find them quite ok can talk the truckies past when they are faster than you are.

[BruceS]

When we bought our Civilian up in Gympie we borrowed a couple of 5w ones for travelling home. (Car & bus)
I found it a little difficult adjusting the squelch without adjusting the volume whilst travelling.
Also I found I had to hold it near my ear to hear properly. I liked the little squeal prior to transmission feature. Gave me time to turn off the CD or radio!!
Was good to tell each other if we were hungry or needed a pit stop.
Was also valuable going through the floodways ......... panic? Wendy didn't like it when I told her to wind her window down in case of quick escape needed!! Was ONLY 2 feet deep!!
Oh! We borrowed them of pro pig shooters............
Just have to remember others are listening in.........

[Dot]

We have a pr of cheapies especially for shopping trips, meet you here in 1 hr doesn't work he always gets lost and has to be talked through how to get to meeting place.. The one in the bus is a GME brand and only use it for listening to the truckies etc or for an emergency.. (Hear some funny stories on that little device)

[norman]

We have a pr of cheapies especially for shopping trips, meet you here in 1 hr doesn't work he always gets lost and has to be talked through how to get to meeting place.. The one in the bus is a GME brand and only use it for listening to the truckies etc or for an emergency.. (Hear some funny stories on that little device)

Hear a lot of rude words too...

[PandJ R away]

We have a fixed 5w unit in the Coaster which I find much easier and probably safer than a hand held. We also have a couple of cheap Aldi specials for backing up instructions etc and for personal communications such as when we can't find a parking space and I drop Pam off to pick up some shopping etc and we can easily arrange pickup etc. The littler units are more convenient -smaller with a range of about a footy field over open ground and easier to carry compared to our other handheld a 5w Icom which is a great radio with better coverage but is bigger and heavier. We also use Icom hand helds at the farm and find them robust and effective.

John

[Glenn]

It looks like Santa is going to bring Louise a couple of GME 5 watt handhelds for Xmas. Louise never seems to excited when she gets MH related presents. Thanks everyone for your feedback.

Glenn

[T1 Terry]

They just have funny way of hiding their emotions sometimes