Hilux 4x4 Forum

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


-F_D

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

Two Way Radios


-F_D

I'll buy as following for portable, Kenwood TK2306 and mounted the Kirisun PT8000

Thanks Eric.
The shorter Zara 60 antenna looks much better and i can drive in the garage without hitting the roof

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.


-F_D

Be interesting to hear how your coverage is affected.

I still need to test it.

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


-F_D

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

-F_D