GME Fixed Mount Radio Differences

There are really only 2 different types of fixed mount UHF radios that are used in vehicles.

Traditional UHF Radio

This is a speaker/microphone that goes to a black box via a curly chord and has a display and controls mounted on the front of it. It also has connections for the antenna, power, and earth. Much like a car radio head unit. You talk and listen on the speaker/mic and all the controls to change channels, adjust volumes and make tuning adjustments are on the control panel on the black box.

Controller/Speaker/Mic UHF Radio

On this set the speaker/mic has all the controls found on the black box on a traditional UHF radio mounted to it. The black box is literally that. A plain black box where the curly chord from the speaker/mic connects as well as the antenna, power, and earth.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Both Radios

Traditional UHF Radio 

Traditional UHF radios are usually better suited to older vehicles due to mounting space.

Advantages:

• Simple to use due to large controls.
• Intuitive control layout.
• Handheld is separate, making pressing wrong buttons less likely.

Disadvantages:

• Can be hard to mount or find a space for it on modern dashboards.

Controller/Speaker/Mic UHF Radio

More suitable for modern vehicles, these UHFs have the buttons mounted onto the front of the handheld component.

Advantages:

• Black box can be tucked away under the dash so only the Controller/Speaker/Mic is visible.
• All buttons are easy to access on the hand piece.

Disadvantages:

• Controller/Speaker/Mic can be a bit busy to use for some people.
• Possibility of hitting incorrect buttons as they're all on the hand piece.

To get a clearer idea of the two UHF radios, see the images below, which indicate the main differences between the two units.

Ultimately, both UHF radios perform similarly, so choosing which one you want to use will depend on personal choice and what will fit in your vehicle.