Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM & 29M

Discuss all kind of nice gadgets and two way radios here.
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Family_Dog
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Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM & 29M

Post by Family_Dog »

In response to many Member' enquiries, we have compiled an article on two-way radios in the Member's articles section of this forum. For reference, here are the details:

A series of articles on Two-Way Radios, together with the Pros & Cons of different modes, can be found here:
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/radios/index.php

Then, an abbreviated specification list together with photos, is available here:
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php


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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM &

Post by Family_Dog »

The list of current two-Way Radios has been updated with newer models and updated antenna info, thanks Pieter!

Two Way Radios


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White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM &

Post by Traveler »

I'll buy as following for portable, Kenwood TK2306 and mounted the Kirisun PT8000
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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM &

Post by george »

Thanks Eric.
The shorter Zara 60 antenna looks much better and i can drive in the garage without hitting the roof :thumbup: :thumbup:
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.-Saint Augustine"
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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM &

Post by Family_Dog »

George, in theory the Zara130 would give better coverage while it was tuned to the original ORRA frequency, but bad coverage when used with the newly acquired ORRA frequency. So to remedy this, we now 'trim' the antenna for a midpoint frequency of around 157.000MHz. But this is then out of spec of both frequencies, so the final choice now is to use a quarter-wave antenna as you have done. This has a wider bandwidth than the 5/8 antenna, looks neater, does not catch anywhere, and is more efficient than a mis-tuned 5/8 antenna.

Be interesting to hear how your coverage is affected.


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White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
Bull Dog: 1987 4Y-EFI 2.2 DC 4x4
Pra Dog: 1998 Prado VX 3.4
Hound Dog: 2000 2.7i SC 4x4


One Staffie, One Jack Russell, One Ring Neck Screecher, 17 Fish of questionable heritage


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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM &

Post by george »

Be interesting to hear how your coverage is affected.
I still need to test it.
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.-Saint Augustine"
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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM & 29M

Post by Family_Dog »

In Lieu with other major two-way radio manufacturers, Kenwood is also phasing out the older Analog radios in favour of the modern Digital DMR radios.

DMR - Digital Migration Radios - are capable of both Analog as well as Digital modes of operation, with Digital mode offering extended clarity over the same extended distance when compared to an Analog radio. This immediately becomes noticeable when operating two DMR radios in a fringe-reception area and the voice clarity remains crystal clear whilst the radios are still in operational area of one another, compared to Analog radios that would be scratchy and difficult to understand when used in the same operating conditions.

Digital radios have many features and enhancements compared to Analog radios but these do not really come into play for our purposes of 4x4 VHF communication.

So we have two entry level DMR radios from Kenwood, the first being the TK-D240E DMR VHF Portable radio, the second being the new TK-M740E Mobile (i.e. vehicle-mounted) radio. Kenwood have really done their homework here and currently these DMR products are being offered at typical pricing of Analog products, making them very attractive to users.

These radios are already listed in our 4x4 price list, please PM me if you require a copy. Please remember to include your email address


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Kenwood TK-D240.jpg
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Kenwood TK-D240.jpg
(18.16 KiB) Not downloaded yet
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White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
Bull Dog: 1987 4Y-EFI 2.2 DC 4x4
Pra Dog: 1998 Prado VX 3.4
Hound Dog: 2000 2.7i SC 4x4


One Staffie, One Jack Russell, One Ring Neck Screecher, 17 Fish of questionable heritage


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Family_Dog
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Location: Klerksdorp, NW
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Re: Features of currently available Two-Way Radios, VHF/FM & 29M

Post by Family_Dog »

Kenwood TK-D740E DMR Mobile Radio reloaded. The Portable radio simply remains as a thumbnail, cannot load a proper pic.

-F_D
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Kenwood TK-D740E DMR Mobile Radio.jpg
Kenwood TK-D740E DMR Mobile Radio.jpg (27.95 KiB) Viewed 30115 times
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White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
Bull Dog: 1987 4Y-EFI 2.2 DC 4x4
Pra Dog: 1998 Prado VX 3.4
Hound Dog: 2000 2.7i SC 4x4


One Staffie, One Jack Russell, One Ring Neck Screecher, 17 Fish of questionable heritage


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