Installation of a UHF CB in a Tiguan

[Maverick]

@Maverick,
Thank you for the info. Do you know if the PX-888D is capable of sending and alerting on receipt of a 5-tone CCIR Selcall? This is one of the (minor) reasons I want to go for the Icom.

I can't see it in the specs for the PX-888 however they have a PX-333 (new model) that has it listed - http://www.pxdz.com/english/showpro.asp?id=2371

The PX-888 specs are here - http://www.pxdz.com/english/showpro.asp?id=2362

(the website shows the uhf models as finishing at 470MHz but they have a version D of each that goes to 480MHz for Australia)

Feature for px-333
5 tone selective call OPTION( CCIR，ZVEI EEV，EIA etc..)
Scrambler IC OPTION(Plug & unplug easy)
Select call and group call
Adjust the CTCSS by software.
Adjust the power by software.
50 CTCSS and 107 DCS
128 channels
Small and Compact Size: 98x53x30mm
Output power 4-5W/0.5W
Wide and Narrow band
Battery low power alert
Input frequency directly by keypad
Channel(MR) and frequency(VFO) mode switchable
Radio turn-off timer (1-15h)
Eight groups Scrambler built-in
Channel bank store
Battery save function
Busy channel lockout
DC voltage display
FM radio receiver built-in(display radio's frequency)
Backlight working time control
Keypad lock/PTT lock/All keys lock
Open message edit
Alpha-Numeric channel name
Repeater offset
Open password protection
End roger
Scan modes selectable
Time out timer
VOX/VOX delay/VOX sensitivity adjustable
VHF 136-174mhz/UHF 400-470mhz/465-520MHZ
Repeater tone 1750hz



The PX-888 doesn't allow direct frequency entry by keypad so you program it with the software and set up the channels. The PX-333 you program it via the keypad which I think is illegal in Australia as it can be set to transmit of all the frequencies. A minor point but still worth noting, I assume you can lock the setting of frequencies in the PX-333.

[lunar1]

Thanks for the app info guys.

Looks like we're on the same page now Mav & Lee.

As I suggested, why implement something when you can go hand-held... "walkie-talkie"

[Lee Ryman]

Good question. My preference for a installed setup is that in practise an externally-mounted antenna allows for higher gain and better reception, compared to a rubber-duckie operating within the confines of the metal body of the car. Handhelds are often a lot more limited in transmit power as well - you are at the mercy of discharge curve of the rechargeable battery. Its not going to be a problem if you are only communicating to a car a few hundred meters away, but for some of my applications I may want to go across town or confidently hit a repeater 50+km away. That and managing a mounted handset is arguably easier than using a handheld whilst your driving, and your not irradiating your skull with 5W every time you transmit.

I am still considering it, the Puxing's Maverick has linked are certainly good value, but my preference is for an installed unit. I am looking through Mav's suggestions and other radios in the Puxing range for something with selcall. They would be good for all other situations or when you need to lend it to a friend for convoys.

I'd be buggered to work out how the roof rails are mounted on. They almost look like they are sikaflex'ed on. The other option is a bracket mount though the gap between the bonnet and quarter-pannel - there is one bolt near the A pillar which may be of use.

[Maverick]

Good question. My preference for a installed setup is that in practise an externally-mounted antenna allows for higher gain and better reception, compared to a rubber-duckie operating within the confines of the metal body of the car. Handhelds are often a lot more limited in transmit power as well - you are at the mercy of discharge curve of the rechargeable battery. Its not going to be a problem if you are only communicating to a car a few hundred meters away, but for some of my applications I may want to go across town or confidently hit a repeater 50+km away. That and managing a mounted handset is arguably easier than using a handheld whilst your driving, and your not irradiating your skull with 5W every time you transmit.

The power side and antenna are good points, in my case I don't use it enough to consider a integrated solution but did look at that option. There are as I mentioned earlier antennas that you can mount on the rear windows and having a magnetic mount or similar could be an option for longer distance. The easiest place to run the antenna could be through the firewall and you could have a removable mount that sticks through the grill where you could mount an antenna.

You could also use the existing radio antenna mount by either buying one that allows two external antennas on the base or using the existing base for the uhf and using the rear windows for the radio reception. You get the benefits of it being mounted on the metal roof as well.

The battery life on the puxing is very good, you get a standard 1.2 amp li-ion and you can buy higher capacity ones that you can charge in the car for around $25. Also you can buy a device that replaces the battery and plugs into the accessory socket for around $25. The only drawback I find is you can't charge the battery when using it.

I don't use the handheld itself when driving, I use one of two speaker mics.

The speaker mic can attack the seatbelt or your shirt and it has a headphone jack as well.



The earbone style allows you to have your stereo on and you can talk without the music being transmitted. It works off vibrations from the bones your ear plus you can use your finger to activate the PTT so no need to take your hand off the steering wheel.

I am still considering it, the Puxing's Maverick has linked are certainly good value, but my preference is for an installed unit. I am looking through Mav's suggestions and other radios in the Puxing range for something with selcall. They would be good for all other situations or when you need to lend it to a friend for convoys.

Sounds like an integrated one would be a good way to go for you.

Check ebay out as there are some good bargains to be had on different models, just make sure they can do 400-480MHz as many only go to 470MHz.

This is the PX-888 from one of the reputable sellers on ebay that's 480MHz, if you look at his others items for sale there are some car mounted units in there. Some of them now have options for bluetooth mics instead of the regular type.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Puxing-PX-888-UH...ht_3547wt_1353

[Arctra]

...
You could also use the existing radio antenna mount by either buying one that allows two external antennas on the base or using the existing base for the uhf and using the rear windows for the radio reception. You get the benefits of it being mounted on the metal roof as well.
...

I'd rate this as your best option. Great "outside the sqaure" suggestion Mav. That way there's basically no damage to the Tig and you don't "lose" anything either.

[T&M]

I should clarify that the IC-440 mentioned is in fact a model where all the controls and display are on the handset. The radio can therefore be mounted anywhere out of the way, and is not really the issue. All you need is to run the handset lead to somewhere convenient on the dash. There is plenty of room under the driver/passenger seat.

Can anyone tell me if the plastic covers in the corners of the roof rails can be removed?

@coastie, I am still considering a handheld as you suggested.

I'm thinking about the GME model that is very similar. Antenae mount without a front b/bar would probably end up being via a "z" bracket near the passenger's side of the bonnet.

http://www.gme.net.au/

We already have a handheld unit, and although they are better than nothing, the reception/transmission is no comparison.