Beyond Extreme Chat Forum
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Author: Andy Wilson (---.bb.sky.com)
Date: 05-11-09 20:09
Hi, Can anyone tell me if this looks like a decent enough radio? I'm looking for something as cheap as poss but still good enough to do the job. Sadly, I know nothing about these things.
Thanks for the help.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WEIERWEI-V-1000-VHF-portable-radio-2M-FREE-earpiece_W0QQitemZ110430647973QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_ConsumerElectronics_SpecialistRadioEquipment_SM?hash=item19b62df6a5
(WEIERWEI V-1000 VHF portable radio 2M + FREE earpiece on ebay if that link doesn't work)
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Author: Richard (213.146.159.---)
Date: 06-11-09 13:44
Looks tempting here, but there's always the question of how good it is. The Yaesu VX-170 is not much more expensive and looks very good. It is rugged and waterproof. I use other Yaesu radios and have been pleased with them.
I assume you have an amateur radio licence. You'll need one to use either of these radios legally. They're easy enough to get hold of. See http://www.rsgb.org/getlicence/ for info. Everyone using these frequencies must have one, but once you have one if you want to do more with radio you can do so.
If you don't have a licence or just want radio for short range communications, for example when out biking together, look at CB or PMR446 radios. We have a pair of Motorola Talkabout which are now quite old. Mine has withstood being dropped off a recumbent cycle at speed and towed along a short way by the earpiece cable and still works. It's not something you _should_ do to a radio of course. If you try it yours may break. Still, I am pleased with them.
These radios tend to be small, rugged and cheap. The Talkabout has a battery pack, but can be run off standard rechargeable or alkaline batteries if needed, a definite advantage if out for longer than the supplied pack will last. Range is far less than an amateur radio, and of course depends on terrain. It is still good for groups out together.
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Author: Richard (213.146.159.---)
Date: 06-11-09 14:08
This looks like the modern version of the PMR446 radios I have. Amazon don't sell new ones, so I guess even these are now old-hat.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-Talkabout-T4502-Two-way-8-channel/dp/B0006SQ8N4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257515797&sr=1-2
Other radios on Amazon look interesting. The Motorola TLKR looks more robust "For extreme sports enthusiasts".
More expensive T5 (£55)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B000XJ5UN0/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Cheaper T3 (£20)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-TLKR-Radio-Twin-Pack/dp/B000WP77WW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257515797&sr=1-1
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Author: Andrew Donnison (---.in-addr.fast.co.uk)
Date: 06-11-09 15:05
Please remember a 2M radio is best for our sport. Not legal but widely used. a PMR radio wont be much use to as we will mostly be on the 2M Band.
Thanks
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Author: Guy (Ginge) (---.gsaltd.com)
Date: 06-11-09 16:19
I have a Puxing 2m radio for sale if you fancy that? it may seve you a few pounds to spend with Mark at a later date?
I've used it on several flying holidays including one to Spain with Mark - worked fine. I think its a PX888.. but I'll check and I have the manual somewhere too.
I have to agree with Leefek that the Alinco's sold by Mark are excellent, very reliable and the battery life is better. The Puxing's last for about 5 hours though.
Give me a call if interested
Guy (Ginge) 07966229963
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Author: daveb (92.28.220.---)
Date: 07-11-09 09:02
Re Radio Licences
I think probably less than 1% of PG & HG pilots who use 2m radios have bothered to obtain a licence. At frequencies (usually range 143-144) and power (up to 5 watts) we use we don't SEEM to conflict with other users and I believe the 'authorities' would find it impossible to enforce the strict letter of the law. If problems did arise I think their only option would be to allocate specific license-free frequencies for our use.
I bought a cheap(ish) Linton radio. It is small & quite solid, easy to use - but some of the connections are not compatible with a lot of the normal accessories (headsets/aerials/etc.) usually stocked by the UK retailers. I haven't yet sussed out battery life and I don't think it has the option to use a substitute dry-cell battery pack instead of the rechargeable unit.
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Author: Stephen Taylor (---.brnt.adsl.virginmedia.com)
Date: 07-11-09 09:31
I use a Puxing PX 777 which I bought on e-bay direct from the Hong Kong for about £40, I've not had any problems with it all, it seems to give a clear signal. The only drawbck is that getting a usuable PTT set up can be difficult.
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Author: chris degge (---.cable.ubr02.telf.blueyonder.co.uk)
Date: 07-11-09 10:17
If you measure the socket sizes and need one I have a couple of spares if they fit.
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Author: MikeR (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
Date: 30-07-10 09:29
Sorry to raise an old Issue, But I am looking to get a radio for the one I lost.
The prices vary from £30.00 - £140.00 but a common thread is "The modifications".
Looking at the para forum I found http://www.mods.dk/ which lists lots of mods. In the HAM shop the man said The Alinco is easy to mod as its a push button Job, not cutting out resistors.
But what does "the mod" do and is it necessary?
I was looking at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WEIERWEI-V-1000-FM-2-way-radio-VHF-2M-FREE-earpiece-/170466869505?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_SpecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item27b09e0101 as it had VOX and I understand this means no PTT.
or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Puxing-PX-888-D-VHF-136-174MHZ-Earpiece-Car-cable-/180440783827?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_SpecialistRadioEquipment_SM&hash=item2a031bdbd3
They seem to be the same device.
So will they be ok or what "MOD" would I need to do to them.
Thanks.........
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Author: daveb (---.opaltelecom.net)
Date: 30-07-10 10:58
I think the 'mod' you're referring to may just be removing the frequency range restriction. It's been quite easy to do on all the radios I've used - just pushing buttons in sequence (but you need to know which!). Make sure it comes with these instructions.
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