A Look at GME's Handheld UHF Radios for Touring

You can use a handheld UHF radio when touring. Ideally GME recommend a fixed mount UHF radio as it offers a number of advantages over the handheld units. It does depend on your circumstances and what will suit you better. A handheld radio offers you the flexibility of getting out of the vehicle and moving around while still being able to communicate. Fixed mount radios are not as flexible though they have a greater range and don't need recharging. 

Disadvantages of Using a Handheld Uhf Radio

The issue is they do not work as well in vehicles as a fixed mount UHF radio. There are a number of reasons why this is.

• Transmit Power – Fixed UHF radios transmit at 5 watts. Handheld units can vary between 1 and 5 Watts so are not always as powerful.
• Antenna Size - Handheld UHF radios have small antenna's (Unity gain antenna) which also limit the range of the signal.
• Inside the vehicle – When on a handheld UHF radio, you will be transmitting from inside the vehicle which has a metal roof, glass windows and other obstructions that can hinder the signal. That is why antenna's (UHF & AM/FM aerials) are usually mounted on the outside of a vehicle to give better reception.

GME have a solution to help overcome some of the issues of using the handheld UHF Radio while touring. They offer a Car Accessory kit.

Car Accessory Kit for a Handheld UHF Radio

Part No. ACC6160CK.

This kit includes:

• A Magnetic Mount UHF Antenna, which can be temporarily placed on the vehicle roof while using the handheld UHF Radio. The cable from this antenna screws into your radio's antenna socket. Simply unscrew the radio's existing antenna to use the socket. This helps increase the range of the radio.
• A Charging Cradle, which can charge your UHF handheld radio while in the vehicle.
• A Magnetic Bollard that can be used to hold the radio. Replaces the belt clip on the back.
• Suitable for GME TX6150, TX6155, and TX6160 Handheld UHF Radios.

Summing up, when touring, if you want greater range without having to worry about recharging, use the fixed mount UHF radio. If flexibility and being in and out of the vehicle is important, use a handheld UHF radio and car accessory kit.