WHAT RADIO?

[DawidT]

Guys, I think I need a two way radio...........or not.....???? Any advise please ! what should I get, handheld or built in, 29mhz or VHS? Will I need one or will it just look good and I can impress someone like me without a radio? Second hand or new and what about licensing? Where can I get one?

Please help me and shed some light on this topic

[Peter Connan]

My unpopular opinion: unless you are a member of a club whom you go out with frequantly and who communicate by radio, just leave it.

The licence-free jobs have such limited range they are just about worthless. I tried calling a frien on one once. We were in a traffic jam in Maputo and he was three cars ahead of me, but I could not rise him.

for iether 29meg or VHF you need a licence, and that is currently such a #$#%^%&upp that it is almost impossible. Plus it has just become terribly xpensive (although there has been an on-going battle for months now to make the authorities see reason). That license is also only valid in SA, and for our neighboring countries you need to buy licenses as well. And unless you have a "captive audience", you are unlikely to find somebody to talk to. If you must though, go VHS not 29Meg.

MY feeling: rather rent a sat phone...

[ricster]

What Peter says is somewhat true... but Put Grant, Wimpie and myself on a trip .... and that radio is a buzzin'. My wife also wasn't keen on the 2 way radio.... but now enjoys the chit-chat between vehicles.... with loads of witty comments and innuendos.

So if you plan to drive in convoy every now and again, I would recommend a VHS ( not 29.... old technology ) 2 way radio. This is a huge advantage when convoy overtaking as the lead car can give a clear indication of road conditions ahead. ( this for me is no 1 priority)

Hunt around for a second hand one ( dash mount ). I was lucky and picked up an ICOM VHS at a scrapyard for next to nothing. Just make sure that you tell them that if its "blocked" then you will bring it back.

To get a licence you need to belong to a club as far as I'm aware. Join the Nissan 4x4 Club ( R200 / year.... Even though you are in Witbank) or PM ChristoSlang. He is the Nissan 4x4 Club Radio Officer. He will be able to give you better advice and info. Getting the licence is waiting game as there were ............(I won't say it) people not doing there job properly at ORRA and hence the delays. But there is sunshine on the horizon....

I have found that you don't always use it, but when I don't have it, I miss it. I like my dash mount ( fitted in the space by the radio ), but sometimes a GOOD QUALITY handheld VHF would be even better..... or get both.....

[Jorrie]

Definate talk to Christoslang and to Familydog (Eric Skeen) on this forum.
In my opinion a handheld VHF will most probably suffice.

[ChristoSlang]

I agree - go VHF if you want a 2-way radio, or just leave it.

I bought my mobile VHF first and a hand-held VHF later. On long trips or weekends away, the dash radio is used more often. On the days we ride trails, the handheld sees a lot of action. If I had to do it again, I'd probably do the handheld first and the mobile later. Or stick with only the handheld, unless you want to chat to another bloke who's 25 km away.

ICASA changed the cost (it's cheaper now, for a change!) and the way they offer VHF licenses to ORRA, which should speed up the application process from now on

Using the radio (legally) in other countries is still a problem, but it is being looked at.

[AndrewA]

I agree VHF is the way to go. I have pruchased a second hand unit but have to go through the license hassels. So far i have not heard of anyone having issue using them out of SA but I think the time will come. The whole thing is pathectic, radio's are also being used less and less because of cell phones but the athourities are not seeing the light. I also have two handhelds and they are bing used more and more as they are conveinent and they can be used outside your car for guiding or going for walks.