29mhz Radios

SuidWes · Post by **SuidWes** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:40 pm

One of the best mods to date was installing a 29 mhz radio and I'm going to try and convince some of the WC members to go the same route....

The ability to communicate with the rest of your group on a trip or trail makes life safer, easier and a lot more interesting. From jokes to warning the group of a turtle crossing the track..... :)

Installing the radio is not that difficult and can be done in less than an hour.

Family Dog had some specials running for forum members last year, have a look at: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=429

Clearly Iâ€™m not a salesman but maybe FBD can take over from hereâ€¦â€¦ Group deal maybe

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:50 pm

Agreed Jaco. 8) Communication on a trail is very important, and does make the experience more enjoyable as well as safer. :) :)

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:30 pm

I am interested. Where is a reputable installer that knows their stuff in CT? Secondly what is the size of the unit(s) we are looking at?

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:33 pm

Installation is an easy-peasy diy-jobbie... quick-quick... for you chiep-chiep...

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:35 pm

What is the installers name? Thys and what is chiep chiep (sounds like one of Riaans chicks telling me to watch out)

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:38 pm

Eric, do get an antenna that wil enhance the signal or rather gain you some db

SuidWes · Post by **SuidWes** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:42 pm

I've got a KR88 Dragon but some of the other makes are smaller but more exspensive. Give Joe Bergh a call - 021 8721245 or 0825533255

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:44 pm

I do my own installation, but I wont do yours... you are full of perrywinkles

...

Try James at Procom for a price on installation.
021-9824546/9. His place is across the road from x4xTech.

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:51 pm

Thanks sal so maak. perrywinkles ne

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:56 pm

Niel wrote:perrywinkles ne

Ja hate-speech en violance word nie toegelaat nie.... nou gebruik ek maar kodewoordjies...

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 3:23 pm

PM my die actual meanings

Post by **Family_Dog** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:31 pm

Hi Guys,

The KR80 is small enough to fit in many places on the SFA Hiluxes, but newer Hiluxes tend to be not so radio friendly these days. However, you should find a suitable place somewhere, the radio is not very big.

Niel, the antennas for 29MHz are all standard quarter wave antennas, so there is no gain with them. In practice, for the purposes we wish to use them for - out on a trail, etc - you will not really require extended range and you should easily get 5 - 15Kms range between vehicles depending on terrain and atmospheric conditions.

We can certainly look at better pricing for a Group Purchase of at least 10 radios in one swoop. Probably not by very much, but enough to cover the Courier charges. The antenna prices are hideous, the Webb Antenna for 29MHz now approaching R500 alone. I am investigating another mobile antenna at about 40% lower price and is as good as the Zara Antenna.

Installation is a breeze:

* Select a suitable spot for mounting the radio inside the Cab and mount it using the bracket supplied.

* Route the red/black power cable (supplied with radio) through a grommet in the firewall and connect straight to battery, the red being fused (5A fuse rating) within a couple of inches from the Battery positive terminal.

* Select a suitable spot for the antenna. We are not being PC here, so any suitable space will do - on a bullbar is fine (but not ideal) or behind the door on the c-frame. I prefer the left-side door as there is less chance of the antenna snagging over-hanging branches. You could, of course, also mount it in the centre of the roof, but that might cause it to snag on garage doors, branches etc.

The antennas are pre-tuned for 29MHz so you will not really have to worry about trimming the antenna to length.

The radios have provision for an external speaker as well, which then cuts out the internal speaker, so don't worry about mounting inside the dash, which certainly looks neater as well.

Regarding Licencing, it can be done individually or collectively as a Group. Collectively, the members will save money on the Application Fees.

Refer the radio article for more detailed information regarding this.
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/radios/index.php

-F_D

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:23 pm

Thanks Eric, does these antennas have a magnetic "foot". I would like to remove the antenna when noy in use

Dadz Toy BFI · Post by **Dadz Toy BFI** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:45 pm

Niel

Did you get a 'special price'

What are we looking at for a DIY Installation

(Even a 'Simple Sparky' should be able to do the job right! :) )

Cheers man

Rich 8)

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:55 am

Niel wrote:Thanks Eric, does these antennas have a magnetic "foot". I would like to remove the antenna when noy in use

Niel,

There is a "Mag Base" available. I don't recommend them except for specific purposes, i.e. a temporary installation. The Mag Base clamps onto your bakkie on any magnetic surface and the antennna cable is then routed through an open window or elsewhere convenient. Although the Mag Base is unlikely to come off of a 4x4 unless being severely clobbered by branches etc, it has been known to come off when driving at speed, subsequently damaging the car bodywork.

Can't remember the exact price now, but in the vicinity of R300 (I'm still on holiday -

) but can check on Monday.

-F_D

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:01 am

Niel wrote:Thanks Eric, does these antennas have a magnetic "foot". I would like to remove the antenna when noy in use

If you use the magnetic base antenna even your 2yr old son can do the installation for you Niel!!

:B:

Ramkat · Post by **Ramkat** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:06 am

Family Dog had some specials running for forum members last year, have a look at: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=429

Eric, I am interrested, how much will it cost me for everything I need for a diy installation delivered in Kokstad?

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:41 am

Hi Jack,

While I still have stock of everything, the prices as listed here viewtopic.php?f=6&t=429 still apply. I was at work yesterday, there are still a few radios, but I will order new stock next week when I am back at work. Prices will probably be much the same for the new stock, unless the Suppliers have a price increase - unlikely but possible.

Let me know if I must sort one out for you.

-F_D

Ramkat · Post by **Ramkat** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:52 am

Let me know if I must sort one out for you.

I will probably take one, just want to do a bit of homework.

So it's R795 for the radio and R290 for the antenna etc plus courier costs, about R1165?

Knersus · Post by **Knersus** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:27 am

Eric it seems your holiday was good for you as you became a "bull dog" during this festive season. One question Eric don't you think we should try and convince the people to move over to VHF instead of 29mhz

Maybe we can get a Hi Lux frequency allowcated or we can join in on the Off Road Radio Association freq's. :!:

Well it is just a thought and please guys I do not say 29Mhz radio's is not the way to go, but VHF is just so much more a beter way of communicating. 8)

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:02 pm

Family_BullDog wrote:Can't remember the exact price now, but in the vicinity of R300 (I'm still on holiday - ) but can check on Monday

Please let me know once back at work thanks

Family_BullDog wrote:Although the Mag Base is unlikely to come off of a 4x4 unless being severely clobbered by branches etc, it has been known to come off when driving at speed, subsequently damaging the car bodywork

Will only use it for 4x4-ing.I want to remove it when on tar. But thanks for the advice. :D

Kaspaas wrote:If you use the magnetic base antenna even your 2yr old son can do the installation for you Niel!!

He is only 4.5 months old but I will rather let him do it than you ......

Eric I will take a Radio with the Mag Base antenna unless we arrange something for the Forum members as Eben suggested (below). Maybe rather something for the Hilux guys seperate from others (m2cw). How long will this take to setup (own frequency, I know the way ICASA opperate and it could be a loooooong process)

Knersus wrote:Eric don't you think we should try and convince the people to move over to VHF instead of 29mhz Maybe we can get a Hi Lux frequency allowcated or we can join in on the Off Road Radio Association freq's.

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:07 pm

Ramkat wrote:Let me know if I must sort one out for you.

I will probably take one, just want to do a bit of homework.

So it's R795 for the radio and R290 for the antenna etc plus courier costs, about R1165?

Jack yes, that is correct. I checked this morning at work quickly, I have two radios left, so they will go at those prices.

I will order more next week when we re-open, but the antennas might take a day or two to get sorted out, I am changing Antenna Manufacturers because of the price differences - R500 vs. R300. The cheaper one is just as good as the Zara one, but at 60% of the price. Supply & demand...

-F_D

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:14 pm

Knersus wrote:Eric it seems your holiday was good for you as you became a "bull dog" during this festive season. One question Eric don't you think we should try and convince the people to move over to VHF instead of 29mhz Maybe we can get a Hi Lux frequency allowcated or we can join in on the Off Road Radio Association freq's. :!:

Well it is just a thought and please guys I do not say 29Mhz radio's is not the way to go, but VHF is just so much more a beter way of communicating. 8)

Hi Eben,

VHF is always my preference too! We could apply for a frequency in the Forum's name, and it might (or might not) be the same as the ORRA or even the LCCSA frequencies, depending on ICASA. The advantage with 29MHz is that more people have this mode than the VHF/FM users, so it is far more widely-spread.

Roughly, FM radios cost about R1500-R1600, antenna costs the same, licence costs the same. Rule of thumb is that 29MHz AM provides for 5 - 15Km RF range, FM usually about 15 - 35Km, both depending upon terrain conditions.

Must admit I also only use VHF radio in my bakkies, no space for yet another radio!

-F_D

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:24 pm

Niel wrote:He is only 4.5 months old but I will rather let him do it than you ......

I told you Niel ...

Perrywinkles

...

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:26 pm

Kaspaas wrote:Perrywinkles ...

Ja

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:30 pm

En seekastaiings....

Knersus · Post by **Knersus** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 3:02 pm

Yes F.B.D im glad that I am not the only one that preferes VHF over 29Mhz. The way I see the LCCSA guys are operating seems to work well. The club hold the license and the members pay the club and the club pays ICASA the yearly fees. Ok it is obvious that they have their own freq but I would say that we should be able to communicate to the rest of the off road users as well on VHF should it be used. No use in having your own freq allowcated and you can not speak to anyone. Well this is surely something to chew on until you are back at work and maybe you can contact your ICASA connections and find out if it is possible to go onto the ORRA VHF freq via this forum

Well the 29 Mhz might be a bit cheaper but believe me for the difference in price you will safe yourself a lot of frustration on the air. I know the 29 Mhz radio's are mostly being used in the 4x4 industry and it will be difficult for a club or individual to spend money again onto another radio and antenna but I compare a 29Mhz radio to a 50cc motorbike and a VHF set to a 750cc

.

At the end of the day the important fact is that should you be traveling in convoy you should have some sort of communication between the vehicles.

O yes F.D there is always space for another radio in my Bakkie but I rather transmit my signal on a wet string before I install a 29Mhz radio

VHF and HF rules

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:50 pm

Hi sekere mense soos ek is te arm vir VHF. Hier rond is so min ounes wat enige radios het, ek sal maar net te bly wees as nog ouens UHF radios kry sodat ek actually met iemand kan praat.

Eric se 2.7 het 2x 2-way radios en 'n handheld ingehad toe ek noudiedag saam met hom gery het. Dit saam met sy FMpie vat alle moontlike spasie op so hy het regtig nie nog plek nie

Post by **Family_Dog** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:06 pm

BenHurBul wrote:Hi sekere mense soos ek is te arm vir VHF. Hier rond is so min ounes wat enige radios het, ek sal maar net te bly wees as nog ouens UHF radios kry sodat ek actually met iemand kan praat.

Eric se 2.7 het 2x 2-way radios en 'n handheld ingehad toe ek noudiedag saam met hom gery het. Dit saam met sy FMpie vat alle moontlike spasie op so hy het regtig nie nog plek nie

Maar... ek het nog 'n derde radio ook, een wat in die "Burg. B." frekwensie spektrum werk. Wat ek dan doen, is net om die kabel tussen die "face plates" (wat voor gemonteer is) en die radios (wat agter of onder die sitplek gemonteer is) ruil van die een radio na die ander. Dit wil se, ek diskonnek die "Trunking" radio (wat dwaasdeur die land kan praat) en konnek sy drade nou aan die ander 66-88MHz radio wat langs hom sit. Al wat ek dan nog moet doen is die antenna kabel oorsit, en die antenna whip uitskroef en vervang met 'n ander een.

Maak dit sin? Ek sukkel om sulke fancy tricks in Afrikaans te skryf en my spell-checker speel games met my

-F_D

NOTA: Haai Beenie, ek het amper jou hele post bo geruin want ek het "Edit" gedruk in plek van "Quote"... ek het die fout reggemaak

Knersus · Post by **Knersus** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:13 pm

Na al daardie radio's is daar mos nog plek is dit nie 8) Wel ek het in my bakkie"Brug B" Marnet Tait radio; Kenwood VHF vir amateur gebruik en speel(Luister na die speedcops ens), asook die Codan HF langafstand radio vir amateur en privaat gebruik. Ek kan met die Codan op 29Mhz uitsaai, al verskil is ek gaan 100watt na 'n ander 29Mhz uitsaai en dit kan veroorsaak dat jy my dalk gaan hoor en jou nie sal ontvang nie :o

SuidWes · Post by **SuidWes** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:08 am

I had to make the same decision a year ago, 29 or VHF.... I'm glad that I went with the 29 as most people use them and if you have a lot of groups doing a trail each group can use a different channel. :)

Niel, as jy nie kan besluit nie, kry altwee dan kan jy ons relay station wees

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:14 am

SuidWes wrote:Niel, as jy nie kan besluit nie, kry altwee dan kan jy ons relay station wees

We will get mixed signals...

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:12 am

Ek hoop jy praat van die regte signals en nie die ander soort nie

EK is op die straight and narrow jy weet

Wil nie iets koop en dan 3 of 4 maande later moet verander nie. Ek soek net daai een deng sir, maak seker jy doen jou huiswerk en dan besluit jy.

So Eric and others what are we going to do with the VHF vs 29mhz? I need to know before I buy.

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:23 am

Niel wrote:Ek hoop jy praat van die regte signals en nie die ander soort nie EK is op die straight and narrow jy weet

Straight : Ja, dit kan ek sien en glo...
Narrow : mmmm No Comment..

Signals : solank dit al die vywe is... :!:

:arrow:

Niel in die

jarre

wat ek nou al op die 4x4 circuit hier in die Kaap is het ek nog maar bitter min ouens raakgery wat VHF radios gebruik. Die oorgrote meerderheid is op 29's. That said, dit beteken nie VHF gaan nooit gebeur nie, maar almal sal nie binne die volgende 3-4 maande oorskakel nie.

My radio-kommunikasie behoeftes regverdig nie op hierdie staduim die ekstra uitgawe om VHF te gaan nie, en solank meeste mense nog 29's gebruik sal ek inhang daar.

Kom daardie dag eendag wat ek net met myself kan praat op die 29 dan sal ek oorskakel...

8)

Knersus · Post by **Knersus** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:40 pm

Kaspaas jy is heeltemal reg met jou stelling. As almal in jou groep /klub op 29 mhz is dan moet jy die besluit maak en daarby hou. Ek is darem bly om te hoor jy sal oorskakel as jy niemand het om mee te gesels nie

Niel die vraag is ook vir watter doel jy wil die radio gebruik. Ek glo 29Mhz is voldoende vir konvooi en algemene 4x4 gebruik maar dan moet jou konvooi lekker naby mekaar wees en nie te ver oor die bult wees nie want anders sal julle mekaar nie hoor nie. VHF maak die wereld soveel beter met verder reik afstande en beter modulasie klank sonder geraas

maar dit help nie jy is alleen in die groep met 'n VHF nie :!: Dus besluit wat jy wil doen en met wie jy wil praat dan koop jy daardie radio.

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:00 pm

Cool, ou SZ se dan is dit 29mhz

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:09 pm

Cool Niel, wanneer sit ons dit in?

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:10 pm

FD is eers Mandag oop so sal dit seker iewers in volghende week of daarna kry. Maar my laaitie gaan dit insit onthou jy die 4.5 maande eenetjie

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:23 pm

nee dis cool, laat hom dit maar insit, ek wil eintlik net kom kyk of ek nie dalk iets kan kom leer by hom nie!!

Mens is nooit te oud om te leer nie... en uit die mond van die suigeling en al daai dinge... 8) 8)

Gaan jy 'n mag-base antenna koepe

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:35 pm

Yip, laaik nie van gate in die body maak nie. Ek wil nie soos n blou bul ly eendag met n antenna aan elke kan as horings nie

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:36 pm

As ek weer 2, 4x4 het wil ek die setup so verander dat ek net die antenna and die radio uithaal en inpug ....en 123 alles klaar :D

ThysdJ · Post by **ThysdJ** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:50 pm

Dis die beste so. 8)

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:11 pm

Niel,

Yep, go for whatever the rest of the guys are using, 29MHz for your purposes is fine!

I have just taken delivery of 60 VHF/FM radio, while I was at work, I checked, we have two Dragon 29MHz radios in stock. I will order more next week. Sooo... the first two people to pay in their Christmas Bonuses will get the radios currently in stock :) Prices as in the sticky under Dragon 29MHz radios.

-F_D

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:21 pm

Niel wrote:As ek weer 2, 4x4 het wil ek die setup so verander dat ek net die antenna and die radio uithaal en inpug ....en 123 alles klaar :D

Dis wat ek ook wil doen

Niel · Post by **Niel** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:29 pm

Bennie, het Limey nie n Dragon ingehad met n body mount antenna nie? Ek hoop die radio werk reg, ek het nooit gekyk nie. Laaste wat ek radios gebruik het was in die army die A53 .......

Eric, I will pm you later.

BenHur · Post by **BenHur** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:47 pm

Hy skakel aan en het sttic ens op maar het nog nie saam met iemand anders geru wat ook een in het niE. Ek het nog nie regting aandag daaraan geskenk nie. Ek het wel nou 'n extra arial by Eric gekoop om op die Pajero te mount.

Castos · Post by **Castos** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:44 pm

Family_BullDog wrote:
I have just taken delivery of 60 VHF/FM radio, while I was at work,
-F_D

How much for the vhf ? Eric was is the price of a handheld vhf?

You can PM me the prices.

Boertjie · Post by **Boertjie** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:01 am

Ek is jammer ek is bietjie oningelig as dit kom by radios.
Ek verstaan nie die lisensies en die radios nie .
Hoe pas als...
Kan iemand dalk my op die regte spoor sit ?

Post by **Family_Dog** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:02 pm

Kyk hier:

http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/radios/index.php

en hier:

http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/shop/radios.php

Ons is besig om die Hlux Club te registreer by ORRA (Off Road Radio Association), d.w.s. dat binnekort hoef jy nie 'n lisensie deur ICASA te kry nie, jy sal dit dan deur ORRA kan kry as lid van die Hilux Club. Dit behoort volgende maand deur te wees. Ons sal in elkgeval vir almal laat weet as ons suksesvol is.

-F_D