CB radio selection

[Ric]

I'm looking at purchasing a handheld CB for the upcoming Melbourne cruise.
I doubt a half watt unit would have enough range, so something between 1W to 3W.

What experience do people have?

I'm thinking about this 3W unit from Jaycar http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=DC1060 (I can get for $151)
For: 3W. Large built in antenna (better range) Standard SMA antenna connector, so you can also connect an external antenna.
Against: Custom NIMH battery pack, so you can't keep some spare AA's handy. "No name" brand.

or maybe a Uniden UH065SX ($189 from Dick Smith or Radio Parts)
For: 2W. Uses 3x standard AA batteries, and comes with a charging cradle
Against: Non detachable antenna. Have heard some nasty stories about reliability and servicing delays.


Or GME have some similar radios (TX670 $115 at RPG), but I think they are also non-detachable antennas.

Ideas?

[Deluded]

Trieu had this group buy thing before....

I think those units were decent.....

[Arith]

As D_Liberty stated, Trieu's gotten a lot of us (including himself) the Uniden UH065SX (can be found here for only $145 + shipping. That was last year, and so far it's survived numerous cruises and other non-car related outings.

Otherwise if you're feeling generous, Trieu's also gotten the 0.5w 4-pack from Uniden for family and friends, and uses them as spares on cruises for drivers who don't have anything.

[Ric]

(can be found here for only $145 + shipping.

That web page says "Free express delivery Australia wide"

Does the antenna detach? if yes, do you recognise what sort of connector it uses?

[Kevlar GT]

That's a good price given postage is free. I've shopped from www.ryda.com.au recently and they were close but had to add postage costs on.

[Ric]

Well I ordered a UH065SX on Monday, and it arrived yesterday.
I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone with it yet, just been listening to truckies swearing who are driving near my work

[Kevlar GT]

Well I ordered a UH065SX on Monday, and it arrived yesterday.
I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone with it yet, just been listening to truckies swearing who are driving near my work

Ha ha ha, I got stuck between a convoy of three trucks on my way to Qld and had a great time listening to the banter as I was driving. Never heard more dribble spoken in such a short time - even compared with the last liberty cruise.

[LibJam]

so recommendations? Also being on the cruise it'd be nice to throw a little banter and instructions for the "lost" ones

Will

[Ric]

I was very tempted by the GME TX650
You can get a package of two for $143
They're very compact (only 12mm thick), and tough (diecast aluminium body).
What counted against it for me were:

• Custom lithium ion battery, so you can't pop a spare set of AAs into it.
• Only 1W. Wasn't sure if this would have enough power in hilly country. I have no experience with using CB's on the road, so I don't really know what's needed.

($143 from Prestigecom.net.au in Perth, $179 from Altronics in Springvale, or $179 from Radio Parts in West Melbourne)

[XRC15T]

I had the the 5w 078 uniden for a few years now now, its a heavy duty unit with a extra battery and the breakout. You can also get a car charger (optional)

Excellent range for cruises, and road trips, and for the snows.
You will find the lower wattages will get u by in a tight cruise, but u'll loose contact when u hit freeways, get spaced out in traffic and especially when ur on the slopes. The higher wattage will reign all over the mountains, peak to base - the others just crackle. I've had experience with all the different ones from 0.5,1,1.5, 2, 3, 5 and nothing compares.
Breakout box should be a must, you don't have to grab in your pockets or drop it when ur bombing it down or faceplanting. (heaps have lost their radios)
I just put my radio in my camelback and have the breakout on the strap, easy to hear, easy to use with fat gloves.
Battery life can handle a Hi tx for 5-6 hours drive and a full day on the mountain before I need to change, (depends how much yapping I do of course)

I think I posted about cb's a while ago somewhere, definitely 5w ftw.
I would say a 3w would be the minimum, but of course it depends what u intend on using it for and budget.

...and yes you can tell i'm a snow freak.