Camper Trailer Action — Issue 104 2017

10

TIPS TO BUSH

COMMUNICATION

Here’s ten essential tips you need to know to get the most from your UHF

7. CARRY A HANDHELD

It’s always wise to carry a handheld UHF in

addition to your vehicle mounted one. Doing

so allows you to communicate with a spotter

while negotiating a particularly difficult

section of track, and allows you to maintain

the ability to communicate should you leave

the 4WD for a bushwalk. When considering a

handheld UHF for purchase, look at getting

one that can be charged from a 12V outlet –

this ensures that no matter how much use it

gets, you’ll always be able to keep it charged

out in the bush.

8. ANTENNA CHOICE

Ensure that you have the correct antenna

installed to suit your needs. For instance, if

you’re using your UHF to communicate with a

close-knit convoy, then a small low-dB gain

antenna will suit. If you’re planning a remote

trip, it’s better to have a longer, higher gain

antenna installed. A 477mhz aerial with

a gain of between 4.5dB to 6dB work well

across all types of terrain.

9. DON’T SKIMP

ON QUALITY

Ensure that the UHF you install in your 4WD

is of a high quality. You’ll get a longer life out

of it, and it’ll be less prone to malfunction.

Just remember that a higher price doesn’t

necessarily mean higher quality. Look at

features like selcall ability, scan functions

and quiet-mode functions. Also, consider the

space you have available in your 4WD, and

any other features you may require such as a

PTT steering wheel mount.

10. HAVE A

BACK-UP PLAN

Even the best laid plans can go bad, so it’s

always a good idea to have a back-up plan

when it comes to communications. Carrying

emergency gear such as a personal locator

beacon (PLB) will ensure that if the worst

happens, then you’re covered – even if you’re

UHF is out of range. A PLB will also help in

any search and rescue situation.

You’d be surprised how often a

handheld UHF will come in handy

Ensuring you don’t skimp on quality when

it comes to choosing a UHF will ensure

you have reliable communication

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

Ultimate Guide To UHF Communication