Supplier for Radios

Trikenut · Postby **Trikenut** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:51 pm

Hi Guys,
I'm looking for a Handheld radio, but Comet Aviation are expensive and I'm not going to spend more than I need to on a radio.

Is there a supplier in Cape Town that I can get a radio from, for a price that is not a rip-off?
Also, what radio do you reccomend I get? I'd like to be able to hear traffic at Fisantekraal; Morningstar; Wintervoegel and that region, but I live in Rondebosch, so I would need it to pick up signal well.
Thanks,
Ross

Bayliner · Postby **Bayliner** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:41 pm

Hi Ross

I have a Vertex VXA-710. Even without the bunny aerial it seems to be very strong.

Cheers
Glenn

ZULU1 · Postby **ZULU1** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:52 pm

Ross, thats a no brainer...contact Solo in Cape Town.

Good Luck Paul

Trikenut · Postby **Trikenut** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:35 pm

Thanks Paul, I presume this is the Solo on this forum?
Thanks for the info Bayliner.

Postby **Nkwazi** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 8:50 pm

Speak to Zulu1

Stephan van Tonder · Postby **Stephan van Tonder** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:52 am

Ross - sadly handheld full function radios are very expensive(R3500 to over R6000). If you just want to listen you get monitor only radios which can be had for under a R1000(new). You can also try this guy - his Name is Joe Bergh and he is a very good guy for radios and prices. Tell him Stephan van Tonder from the landcruiser club has referred you there - 082 553 3255.
To improve the signal you can always run an external aerial at home and unplug it and put the bunny on when you are on the move. Also remember that if you buy an aviation radio that is capable of transmitting that you have to have a license for it and you must hold a restricted radio operators license if you want to transmit.
Cheers.

Grumpy · Postby **Grumpy** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:56 am

Ross, Don't mess around. Call Phil - 072 211 1382 at Cape Avionics -- Vertex 220-- R2650. Great service and great product.

Wargames · Postby **Wargames** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:58 am

Grumpy wrote:Ross, Don't mess around. Call Phil - 072 211 1382 at Cape Avionics -- Vertex 220-- R2650. Great service and great product.

Thats the one!

skybound® · Postby **skybound®** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:13 am

Was also going to suggest Cape Avionics. He has a dedicated section on AvCom where he advertises: http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=34

Trikenut · Postby **Trikenut** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:42 pm

The Vertex 220 is the one I like. But due to the price, I can't afford it. (I need a pocket money raise!

)
I was thinking of getting a Uniden UBC-30XLT, due to the lower price. (R850) Is this a good radio to use? Would I be able to pick up signals from the Malmesbury area from Rondebosch with this? My only regret is that I can't transmit... But by the time I have my radio licence, I'll be able to get a new and better model.
Looking forward to your responses,
Ross

ZULU1 · Postby **ZULU1** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:49 pm

Ross that will work fine but you will need a nice antenna, find two lengths of wire and make a huge dipole on your roof one end to the left and one to the right connect each end to your radio connector, its a SMA i think and listen to the world. May take some tweaking but thats the fun bit.. Go for it..

Zulu1

John Young · Postby **John Young** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 7:59 am

ZULU1 wrote:Ross that will work fine but you will need a nice antenna, find two lengths of wire and make a huge dipole on your roof one end to the left and one to the right connect each end to your radio connector, its a SMA i think and listen to the world. May take some tweaking but thats the fun bit.. Go for it..

Zulu1

Wouldn't a vertically polarised cut to length (tuned) dipole raised as high as possible work better?

Regards
John ZU-sEXY

Stephan van Tonder · Postby **Stephan van Tonder** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 8:07 am

Ross a recieve only radio will serve a purpose for many years. Long after you can afford and own one the recieve only can go along to things like airshows where it is a much better to option to carry as you know you can't accidentallly be pushing the PTT button when you have it in your pocket and ruin the airshow program.

Trikenut · Postby **Trikenut** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:17 am

Hi Guys,
I must wait until my parents get back from their trip. This will be this afternoon. I will then call Phil and chat to him, and then place an order.

Can the clever okes please inform me on how to make this antennae and where the best place to mount it is? Also where to get the parts?
Stephan: Good idea.. I never thought to take it to an airshow before!

Thanks,
Ross

Trikenut · Postby **Trikenut** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:04 pm

Hi Guys,
I have now ordered my radio. I'm getting the Uniden UBC-30XLT Scanner.
I am going to make the transfer tonight, and will collect it tomorrow. I'll tell you how it works when I get it up and running.
I wonder if I will be able to Listen to James Pitman and Mike Blyth...

Cheers,
Ross