Communication for Patrol4x4.co.za

[Saltman]

Hi Guys

What do you use for comms in the veld or when in convoy?

1. I still have a working 27 Mhz radio (old CB channels).
2. I also have a set of old 29 Mhz radios - use(d) it mainly for marine purposes.
3. I now use VHF in the Patrol on the LCCSA channel.

So the question begs, if a bunch of Patrol4x4 guys and their vehicles get together, what are we going to use?
Please respond to this thread indicating what your preferences are so that we can formulate a policy for the forum and be able to guide / assist new members if they wish to purchase comms equipment.

Here is my take: I am sooooo chuffed with VHF that I did a permanent installation in the Patrol. And here is why:
- quality of the sound! Far superior to any of the other bands.
- line of sight distance - I have recorded instances of clear comms over distances of 104 km (Luangwa to Lusaka), 109+ km (Posberg to top of Baineskloof)
- Pretty good comms with obstructions in the way - Klapmuts to Rawsonville over the Du Toitskloof mountains
- units are small and easily mounted.

Drawbacks:
- Cost. It is more expensive than 29 / 27 Mhz.
- Availability. Second hand units are not as easily to come by as the other frequencies
- power consumption. VHF uses up to 25W to transmit, compared to 5W for the others. (This is where the VHF advantage stems from).
- Licencing. You need to register a specific frequency with all the associated costs and problems or you need to tie up with an existing set-up.

So please respond so that we can work something out for the forum.

Thanks
Herbie

[Patrol4.8]

I have a Icom VHF radio in my Patrol, but as you know most people still use 27Mhz and 29Mhz.
VHF offers much better sound quality, but I have found the range to be around 15 km when we travel in Namibia.
My broyher in law's radio is quite old so I am not sure if that is the reason we are not getting the sort of range you are talking about. I have once talked to someone 45 km away, but I was on top of a mountain.

[G-MAN]

29Mhz Only cause I have one allready! Seven off my friends have the same radios, four are Patrol drivers. Ross also has the same, so there is a handfull of us allready. I'ts not expensive either, for those who need to buy a radio!

[Abri Hoffman]

Have been using VHF for the last 3 years and 29 before that. Will never return to 29. The sound quality and range of the VHF is so much better.

[Pieter du Toit]

29 MHZ Have got it in and found it good for the use amongst our 4x4 group - although I am the only Patrol owner. But have got it and happy with it - don't need to talk loonngg range.

VHF excellent but too many complications with licencing, frequency etc etc.

[ChristoSlang]

I went for VHF, mainly due to the improved technology. As there was no need for backward compatibility with the owners of existing radios, the VHF frequencies use FM, whereas the older HF frequencies are AM-based. Think of the difference in quality it made on your home radio - it's the same with the two-way!

The radios are only slightly more expensive, and in return you usually get better kit. Licensing is quick (about two weeks!), easy (send a fax, do a bank transfer) and cheap (about R100 the first year, much less to renew) via ORRA who issues licensing on behalf of ICASA.

[Vaatjie]

I have a GX300 27/29 MHz and are very happy. All the other 4x4ers that I go with have 27 or 29MHz and we can communicate with ease. If I buy a VHF I will not use it unless I go with you Saltman. I'll vote 29MHZ. The 4 wheel drive club of the Western Cape all so uses 29Mhz and travel alot with these guys. The best will be to have a VHF fitted as well.

[JohnBoyZA]

Great Topic

Once you've tasted VHF, you'll never go back! The reception and clarity are quite something. On Saturday I spoke to friends in Piketberg and one of my mates had just passed through the tunnel on the way to Worcester (just for a short while though), whilst I was washing my wagon at home (Big Bay).

1. You do however, have to convince all your mates to buy as well.
2. Frequency, there are a few presets - I operate on the LCCSA channel.
3. Cost = minor issue

Good summary Herbie. I'm sure FD will also comment here.

[Family_Dog]

Guys, I have been wanting to update the radio information topics I have previously done, but this is a good way to get me to do it ;)

I will shortly post the pros & cons of the various radios, 29MH AM as well as VHF/FM which should answer a few questions.

Regarding VHF Licensing - there are two ways of going about this:

1. Applying privately for your own VHF frequency,

or

2. Applying through an ORRA affiliated Club.

Applying privately is a costly affair and takes anything from 6 weeks to 3 months - possibly longer! Applying through ORRA (Off Road Radio Association) is preferable, but you are only able to do so through a Club that is affiliated to Othe AAWDCSA. Currently, this forum is not but this is only a matter of time and it will be.

The advantages of applying through ORRA are many:

* You should have your licence within a week of applying
* The cost are lower, because there is no ICASA application fee
* The ORRA VHF frequency is licenced for use country-wide within the borders of RSA and you are not therefore limited to the normal 50km radius from your place of residence.
* You will share the same VHF frequency with other ORRA members during trails and overlanding trips. This is an important safety consideration.
* The ORRA frequency is shared amongst other forums dedicated to other vehicle models, for example the Community Forum, the Hilux forum, etc. Again, this leads to safety in numbers should one experience vehicle or other problems when out on a trail or trip.

More later!


-F_D

[KOOS BEST]

So some want VHF and some 29mhz.
Give us a channel on both.
I personally use 29mhz , because I am a ski boater and the vast majority of 4x4 guys have them.
Koos