VHF Consideration

[Pieter du Toit]

Hi All,

After an extremely nice outing on Friday at AD I am now considering having a VHF radio installed - of all the vehicles there it was only me and Ross who had 29mhz radios - everybody else had vhf radios. Ok my final decision will be pending total cost - thus the reason for my post.

I know FD made quite a comprehensive post some time ago about the different radios - but if not mistaken he is in Klerksdorp. Unfortunately I did not follow it religously as I did not have any interest in VHF and already have a 29 mhz radio - and quite honestly very very good comms. I stay in Welgemoed (very high up) and have spoken to guys in Wynberg and Mitchells Plain on my radio - cant exactly remember what channel it was on. I have one of the GMX 300 radios and all my channels are open - or seems to be. Anycase I am going off my own topic.

I am looking for somebody in CT that can assist me in this regard, namely (a) what make & model to buy and where to buy from (I do not require top of the range equipment), (b) where and by whom to have the installation done (proffesionally) and finally (c) all costs involved. The VHF unit I saw in John's car on Friday was very nice and flat and fairly small - I don't like big bulky things (like the 29 mhz Dragon for instance).

Any input / advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Family_Dog]

Hi Pieter,

The write-up I did may be found here.

The popular VHF Radios are, in no particular order, as follows:

Kenwood TK7102, 4-Channel capable

KENWOOD TK7102 VHF Radio

TK7102.jpg (44.58 KiB) Viewed 5832 times

Kenwood TK7100, 64-channel capable

KENWOOD TK7100 VHF Radio

TK7100-8100.jpg (51.65 KiB) Viewed 5832 times

Kirisun PT8000, 8-channel capable

KIRISUN PT8000 VHF Radio

PT8000.jpg (38.85 KiB) Viewed 5832 times

Vertex VX2100, 8-channel capable.

VERTEX VX2100 VHF Radio

vx2100.jpg (49.93 KiB) Viewed 5832 times

All these radios are of a like size and feature a front-mounted loudspeaker. Normally, the TK7102 is adequate for VHF comms, unless you wish to include other VHF frequencies such as the ORRA and (for example) the Land Cruiser Club if you have the required licences. The 64-channel TK7100 is really only useful if you also partake in the ORRU activities, where they prefer having various EMS frequencies programmed into the radio as well.

Then the choice of Antenna: You can either fit a rooftop quarter-wave antenna (my preference) which must be mounted reasonably close to the centre of your cab roof, and is only some 400mm in length, or you can make use of the 5/8 whip antenna (± 900mm long) for bullbar, fender or (B or C) pillar mount. If you select this type of antenna, pillar mount is by far the best spot as the other two mount options tend to be directional and your operating range suffers.

Why an 8-channel radio? I normally program the radios as follows:

Channel 1: - ORRA (No Tone)
Channel 2: - ORRA (with Tone 1)
Channel 3: - ORRA (with Tone 2)

The other channels I leave clear, but if you wanted, for eg. the LCCSA frequencies as well (with the required permission), then this would be programmed in as follows:

Channel 4: - LCCSA (No Tone)
Channel 5: - LCCSA (with Tone)

Then there is talk of ORRA providing a second VHF frequency. Should this happen, it will take care of the remaining three channels as well.

If you would like pricing (we currently have a special on the Kirisun radios, but we do discount all radios for 4x4 forum members (i.e. non-profitable use), then PM me and I will oblige.


You will find more details of the various radios etc here.


-F_D

[Pieter du Toit]

Hi FD,

Thanks for the info - I am sending you a pm.

[JohnBoyZA]

Hallo Pieter

Pity F_D is not closer to 'home', he certainly knows his stuff. Pieter I had mine installed by Joe Bergh in Paarl.
J&B Electronics 021 872 1245

[Herrie]

ORRA has 2 frequensies already.

Also check the latest Leisure Wheels for radios!

[Pieter du Toit]

Thanks Guys much appreciated.

[Pieter du Toit]

Thanks John ek het reggekom by Joe

[Pieter du Toit]

Hi F_D

Thanks for all your trouble as well - and the brochures and info you past onto me. Like John said pity your are not closer to "home" - but Joe's prices is also very reasonable on the Kirisum Radios.

I am going to get everything from one supplier - sorry I could not give the business to you

[Family_Dog]

Hi Pieter,

Absolutely no problem, Joe gives good service!


-F_D

[Saltman]

Hi Pieter

Welcome to the VHF club!

Most of us have the LCCSA licence as the main frequency.
I also use it for marine purposes.

I still have 27 & 29 for other clubs, but VHF is just streets, or in this case miles ahead

Will talk to you on the road soon