For those wanting a radio for bike to bike stuff

Message

Aladinsaneuk · #1 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:38 pm

been chatting with a radio ham mate and he recommends :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Puxing-PX-777-VHF ... 286.c0.m14

these are a little naughty in the uk - ie, they can go over the pmr range limit and can use some other channels

BUT

when set to correct frequencies they will have a couple of miles range , and will be as good/better range wise than the top of the range kenwoods etc

http://www.transmission1.co.uk/index.ph ... le&sid=122 has a good review as well

nb, for those with starcom/autocom these will plug straight in using a kenwood lead

D-Rider · #2 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:54 pm

These are coming in to Aldi this Thursday (tomorrow).

Supposedly with a 6mile range !!

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_7603.htm

Two Way Radio
per set £24.99 *

Extra long range ‘walkie-talkies’ that allow you to communicate over distances of up to six miles. Perfect for taking on hikes and other outdoor adventures.

* Twin pack
* Rechargeable batteries (charging pod included)
* Up to 8 channel combinations
* Auto channel scan function
* Backlit display
* VOX technology – hands-free communications
* Adjustable volume control
* 5 × ringer tone options
* Key lock function
* Low battery indicator
* Vibrate function

..... and they vibrate

At present I'm using Scala Rider Q2 Bluetooth units that, amongst other things, do bike2bike over a range of up to 500 metres. I really like these.

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:55 pm

added info from the ham:

PMR has some problems when used as a bike radio - The power output is very low, and combined with the fact that the aerial is fixed to the radio, the range is usually pretty poor when the radio is stuffed under the seat or in a tank bag.
The radio below is a 70cm amateur unit, but can be programmed for the PMR band and has 10 times the power output, as well as the ability to take an external antenna and tested range on its own aerial is around 7 miles (about 7 times the standard PMR range) as it has a full 5 watt output. Obviously this means it doesn't conform to the PMR spec and is illegal, but unless you're daft enough to go messing around on the 70cm ham band it's not really going to be an issue. When it turns up I'll do some testing, but it should be miles ahead of the cheap PMR radios in terms of both quality and range. My Ham friend has one and tells me they work extremely well and are quite solidly built.

Aladinsaneuk · #4 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:00 pm

i have one of lidl's bike units that promised the same ....

6 miles my arse!

D-Rider · #5 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:18 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:i have one of lidl's bike units that promised the same ....

6 miles my arse!

Do you enjoy the vibrate function?

Fausto · #6 Post by **Fausto** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:26 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote: 6 miles my arse!

Erm...... the relevence please?

Aladinsaneuk · #7 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:39 pm

the range - was quoted as upto 6 miles

no chance - more like a mile in line of sight and less if in town

pmr in this country are crippled due to government legislation - both in terms of power permitted and use of external aerials

Viffer · #8 Post by **Viffer** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:21 pm

Which pocket would you keep it in