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Car Forum / Australian Car Forums / 4x4 Cars (Australian group) / August 2006Classic newbie post.
Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. Never had one before. It's a retirement toy. (Three days to go) It's a Mitsubishi Express ECI 2.4L dual fuel. The fact that it is fully fitted out as a camper probably gives some idea of my intentions. We were looking for a conventional camper, and thinking of some of the places in the north where 4WD might be handy when we came across this one. On the way back I started to think about places like Talbotville, Rose River, Dandongadale, Benambra, where this new toy might be useful. I'm not planning on going in for any extreme off-roading, but I like the idea of getting away from the rat race. I'm new to all this. Where does one go to learn how to use it properly? Now that I've bought it, is there anything I should know about it? Yes, I've looked at Google. I see a variety of opinions, mostly about earlier models and machines with replacement motors. (Yes, I *know* I should have done some serious research beforehand. It was an impulse buy, OK? I was standing there with my missus, looking at a 4WD and she was saying "I kind of like it." What else could I do?) Do I need a UHF radio? What do I look for? Is there a useful on-line guide to remote(ish) campsites like Talbotville? I've been in there a few times on motorcycle rallies but I'd be reluctant to take a road-going car in there. Last time in I had to take the front mudguard off my (road) bike to clear the mud. Moike Hi 1. Talbotville can be accessed by commodores and usually does. 2. I would suggest joining a 4wd club by visiting a few and seeing club members. (some clubs are young and adventurous and other are retirees) and a list of clubs can be accessed from Victorian 4wd assoc http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au/ 3. There are some chat groups aswell Ron > Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. > [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > > Moike > Hi > 1. Talbotville can be accessed by commodores and usually does. Yes, I've seen 2WD cars there. (and a Hyabusa and a Goldwing, and I've been in there on my 27 year old road bike.) I'd feel a little reluctant, though, about taking a conventional campervan into places like that on a regular basis. > 2. I would suggest joining a 4wd club by visiting a few and seeing club > members. (some clubs are young and adventurous and other are retirees) and a > list of clubs can be accessed from Victorian 4wd assoc > http://www.fwdvictoria.org.au/ Thanks for that. I'll have a look. > 3. There are some chat groups aswell This group looks like a useful place to lurk (and that's a rarity in usenet). Moike Bloody bottom posters, Nothing useful here mate, and watch out for a crippled bloke in a Jeep, and another crippled bloke in a Patrol, and a short haired Tassie poofta.... Harsh week doesn't happen here, it's an hourly thing. smack damn bikies > Bloody bottom posters, > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > damn bikies and it needs a Hiclone >> Bloody bottom posters, >> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > and it needs a Hiclone you mean http://tinyurl.com/kvffs ? Gosh, that looks like a really good idea. I can't *believe* the big manufacturers hadn't worked it out *years* ago!!!!!! Can I get one for my BMW? How about the 10 speed roadmaster? Moike >>> Bloody bottom posters, >>> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Moike hmmm sarcasm about our favourite vehicle performance enhancer you'll fit in nicely here Kev My god, Harshweek has transposed from aus.moto to here... when will it ever end... PS.. thought Moike said he bought a 4wd... :P > Harsh week doesn't happen here, it's an hourly thing. > > smack > > damn bikies > Bloody bottom posters, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > damn bikies Hey, what, bloody bikies! I hope it's got a bullbar Moike! A club is a good idea or we could have a bikie 4WD rally or get Smack to drag you up the Jeffries Track with his too short recovery gear. I'm a GME man myself but GS is the licensed expert. They definitely come in handy. I don't suppose you'll be needing the police reports off truckies but they're good for learning new swear techniques, road conditions, navigating bushfires, talking to other retirees etc. etc.  SignaturePete ....you can talk, Biggus, I hear you've gone to the dark side! The journey IS the destination. > Bloody bottom posters, > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > damn bikies ya forgot the sv and patrol owning sheila beer mate? slej >> Bloody bottom posters, >> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > slej and Pajero here too, farrk are we all moving in? Al >>> Bloody bottom posters, >>> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Al I've been having visions of transplanting a spare Trans Am motor in shagged out 80 series. SignaturePete ....but what'd'ya expect for a Harley rider! The journey IS the destination. Would be better off in a GQ.. I just happen to hve one for sale.. U still got the trike? >I've been having visions of transplanting a spare Trans Am motor in shagged >out 80 series. > Would be better off in a GQ.. I just happen to hve one for sale.. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >>shagged >>out 80 series. f.ck off Biggus. I have a perfect 80 series shell I'll sell him cheap. 5 weeks to PI Pete, get that belt fitted yet? >> Would be better off in a GQ.. I just happen to hve one for sale.. >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > f.ck off Biggus. I have a perfect 80 series shell I'll sell him cheap. 5 > weeks to PI Pete, get that belt fitted yet? Yes Biggus, that one's a keeper, same as the TA, the kids are already squabling over my will! How do the Nissans fair for conversion bits? I moved ten bikes out the shed last week, Smack. After a few tip loads this week I should have enough room to belt up! See you both at Phillip Island? SignaturePete .... The journey IS the destination. >Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >I'm new to all this. Where does one go to learn how to use it properly? You could do worse than to look up that Scruby Fella thats on TV all the time, he seems to know ALL ABOUT 4wd's >Now that I've bought it, is there anything I should know about it? Yes, >I've looked at Google. I see a variety of opinions, mostly about [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >Moike > You could do worse than to look up that Scruby Fella thats on TV all > the time, he seems to know ALL ABOUT 4wd's I'm struggling to come up with something that would be worse than taking driving advice from the one man movement. Perhaps I should seek ethical advice from Sen. Sgt. Ritchie. Moike > Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. > > Do I need a UHF radio? What do I look for? Hi. I wouldn't say you NEED a UHF CB but they certainly come in handy, especially if you are heading off the beaten track. If you ever get stuck you can call out for help. I found out the hard way years ago, that help may only be 30 minutes away by driving, but if you have to walk it you could be in serious trouble!! I got stuck in the SA outback, near Lake Torrens, in December with my 4 year old son.(Many many moons ago and lots and lots less of experience under my belt.) I had to walk almost 3 hours in stifling heat, carrying my son on my shoulders, until we came across a hunting camp site we passed on the way to where we became stuck. If had a UHF radio then, I could have called for help and if those guys did not answer, any one of the 10 or so homesteads within listing range would have heard me. Had the hunters not been where they were, then I honestly believe my son and I would not be here today. Even though, these days, we are agents for both Uniden and Icom equipment, my personal belief is that you can not buy better than the Icom 400pro UHF CB. Icom is about the only brand of radio that is used commercially all over the world, in aircraft, ships and cars. Best regards Garry UHF Radios are good for local work and also car to car when in convoy. However I live in the high country and there are often times when you cannot pick up someone who should be able to hear you, because of the difference in height or some other obstruction. UHF's are handy and I use mine often to talk with loggers, farmers even RFS, however they should not be relied upon as a last ditch communication tool. If you do some solo travelling, I could also recommend an EPIRB, which is a bargain at under $500, especially if someone has a medical condition as well. As someone who does searches in some remote areas, EPIRBS and detailed travel notes left with someone are a god send. I have a GME 3200 fitted to my personal vehicle. (Uniden in the work truck and I do not like it as much.) Does everything I ask of it and has not missed a beat in two vehicles and about 7 years. ICOM as has been suggested is also a good brand though a little more expensive from my understanding. UHF is some of the first kit that people buy when they get a vehicle. Also be aware that walkies have a lower output than an in car unit unless you pay the big dollars. .5 watts as opposed to 5 watts for an in car unit. As for learning the ins and outs of your fourbie. Join a club as others have said or find a group out your way that go on regular drives and pick their brains. Once you have the basics, then get out and about, nothing quite beats first hand experience. Welcome to the fraternity. Muddy >>Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. >> [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > Garry It's a pity the 400Pro isnt as reliable as some would like and Uniden are the crappiest UHF radios on the market today GME make a better radio than both sure the Icom has more features but I have seen too many fail when in a mobile situation but for real reliability a commercial spec radio will outlast most CBs any day Kev > It's a pity the 400Pro isnt as reliable as some would like > and Uniden are the crappiest UHF radios on the market today [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Kev Hi Kev. Mate I agree about the Unidens. Even though we do sell them I find them a bit average. I was surprised about what you said about the Icom 400Pro though. That is what I use and I can not fault it. I have not heard any complaints yet about any we have sold. Mind you we have only sold a dozen or so over the past 12 months so it is not a huge average to go on. GME do make a good product too. I would have to argue as to wether it is as good as Icom but I think if someone purchased a GME they wouldn't be disappointed. The Icom 400PRO is a commercial spec UHF radio and scanner combined. Best regards Garry > Hi Kev. > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Garry Firstly there were some modified Icoms that died for a supposedly commecial spec radio that fails when running at 25watts you'd have to be a bit dubious about that then after a couple of years of mobile use they start to have problems at 5watts sure for the money they have a good list of features but I doubt they are really built to commercial specs the Unidens problems are mostly the TX audio you can always tell a Uniden on air and then the biggest problem try driving into a big city or any high RF area the intermod is so bad that you have to turn them off because you can't squelch it out, my cruiser came fitted with one and I could hear the ambulance data way down on 415Mhz and the trunking data down at 406Mhz of course if you want a real good radio then a proper commecial radio is the go Kev 400pro's rock @ 45Watts > Firstly there were some modified Icoms that died > for a supposedly commecial spec radio that fails when running at 25watts [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Kev > 400pro's rock @ 45Watts Hmmmmmm. That wasn't purchased from a dealer like that!!!!!!! >>400pro's rock @ 45Watts > > Hmmmmmm. That wasn't purchased from a dealer like that!!!!!!! No and it won't last at that either Kev tell that to preceous lol >> Hmmmmmm. That wasn't purchased from a dealer like that!!!!!!! > No and it won't last at that either > > Kev > tell that to preceous lol I'm well aware of who supplied your radio does he not like you or something?? :) Kev dunno, doesn he ??? ;) thanks for the invite to elimbah on sundy :P > I'm well aware of who supplied your radio > does he not like you or something?? > :) > > Kev > dunno, doesn he ??? > ;) [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >> >>Kev you mean he didn't invite you? Kev no and i woulda gone coz it was probly too cold for you to NOT have a shirt on ;P > you mean he didn't invite you? > > Kev > Firstly there were some modified Icoms that died > for a supposedly commecial spec radio that fails when running at 25watts [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Kev Very interesting Kev, and thanks for the info. Maybe the Icom CB's are not in the same league as the Icom marine or Icom Air radio's? I know as far as marine and air go, you can not buy better than an Icom. I guess I just assumed the same quality would have applied to their UHF CB radio's as well. Best regards Garry <snip> > I know as far as marine and air go, you can not buy better than an Icom. > I guess I just assumed the same quality would have applied to their UHF CB > radio's as well. I have no opinion regarding the pros & cons of Icom radios, but I've been an aircraft engineer for 30 years, and I've never seen an Icom radio in any aircraft. They're obviously not very popular. Collins & Bendix King (Honeywell) have the lions share of the market. Come to think of it, I can't remember ever seeing one in a boat either. GME, Uniden and Navman seem to be the popular choices. Rob > I have no opinion regarding the pros & cons of Icom radios, but I've been > an aircraft engineer for 30 years, and I've never seen an Icom radio in [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Rob I think you should look a little harder Rob. Most commercial Jet airliners have Icoms. I have flown C152, C172 and C182RG and all three had an Icom radio. As far as marine goes, go check out your nearest marine rescue base or any commercial shipping boats. They are there, believe me. There are probably more GME and Uniden radios in the pleasure boating market, but I guess that also comes down to price. Uniden and GME are a lot cheaper to purchase than Icom. Navman have not been in the market with their radio's to have really made a serious impact yet (we also sell them) but I guess they will eventually start to feature in a lot of the newer boats. Best regards Garry "Garry Beattie" <gjbeattie@iinet.net.au> wrote in message <snip> > I think you should look a little harder Rob. > > Most commercial Jet airliners have Icoms. Hmm. Just had a look at the Icom website http://www.icomamerica.com/ . They only show one TSO panel mount radio, and that doesn't look like the type of thing that would grace an Airbus or Boeing panel. Airliners usually have a suite of intergrated avionics/radios, and Icom not making Transponders, VHF Nav and ADF receivers would seem to preclude them from getting their radio into the cockpit. What am I missing? > I have flown C152, C172 and C182RG and all three had an Icom radio. Their website also says that no Icom radio produced before 2002 has TSO approval, so I assume those three aircraft must have had them fitted since then. Rob > "Garry Beattie" <gjbeattie@iinet.net.au> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > approval, so I assume those three aircraft must have had them fitted since > then. I note that you've visited this thread, but chose not to reply to my post. I'm sorry to harp on, but my bullshit detector is sounding, and it's bugging me. For your claim that "Most commercial Jet airliners have Icoms" to be true, one or more of the following farcical scenarios must also be true: - "Most commercial Jet airliners" have been built post 2002, and the manufacturers have chosen to install substandard VHF Comms. - Manufacturers and/or operators of "Most commercial Jet airliners" prior to 2002 had chosen to disregard aviation rules and had installed non TSO approved radios. - Operators of "Most commercial Jet airliners" have replaced their $50,000 ($25k x 2) 20watt 28v remote transceiver VHF Comms, with el-cheapo $2,000 ($1k x 2) 7watt 12v panel mount transceivers, and they've all done this in the last 4 years. I'd suggest that if you're going to talk up the attributes of the radios you sell, you should try to avoid drifting off into fantasy land. Rob > I note that you've visited this thread, but chose not to reply to my post. > I'm sorry to harp on, but my bullshit detector is sounding, and it's > bugging me. Sorry but I didn't know I was required to respond. As I only have an endorsement for single engine aircraft I honestly have no idea what the big jet airliners actually have in them. I was informed by Icom themselves that "most commercial jet airliners" use Icom radio's and that is what I based my comment on. If it is wrong then it is wrong. Your right, I am wrong. There you go. I am certainly not going to lose any sleep over the fact I was given the wrong information. Marine is more my specialty and I do know that most commercial marine operators have Icom installed, as do most rescue organisations, etc. I am not going to argue that fact. If you don't believe me then thats fine. No problems. I also won't lose any sleep over that either. > I'd suggest that if you're going to talk up the attributes of the radios > you sell, you should try to avoid drifting off into fantasy land. I wasn't talking up anything and I should not have even mentioned that we sell them as it is totally irrelevant to anything except that we do sell a lot of them, particularly marine radio's. There is no fantasy land here. Garry > > I note that you've visited this thread, but chose not to reply to > > my post. I'm sorry to harp on, but my bullshit detector is > > sounding, and it's bugging me. I had a quick look at www.icomamerica.com and it would seem that they only make two panel mount radios, and neither seem to me to be the type that would be fitted to anything "big". My time in GA is now a receding memory, but that memory tells me that aside from OEM stuff badged by the aircraft maker, King were very well regarded, along with Becker. On the HF front, Codan ruled and you felt sorry for anyone who had to fly with the piece of certified crap called Sunair. -- > My time in GA is now a receding memory, but that memory tells me that > aside from OEM stuff badged by the aircraft maker, King were very well > regarded, along with Becker. On the HF front, Codan ruled and you felt > sorry for anyone who had to fly with the piece of certified crap called > Sunair. Thankfully Codan and Sunair have gone the way of the dodo. The old Codans weren't too bad, but were limited to only 30 channels, so were a bit of a pain if you needed to operate the aircraft somewhere you didn't have the frequency for. Changing available channels required changing crystals in the unit. Fully tuneable HFs are now the go - 280,000 available frequencies is a bit of an improvement. Rob > Thankfully Codan and Sunair have gone the way of the dodo. The old > Codans weren't too bad, but were limited to only 30 channels, so were > a bit of a pain if you needed to operate the aircraft somewhere you > didn't have the frequency for. Now that I do remember...Operating out of Townsville meant that the frequency for the NT remote area were not fitted to the A/C I used to fly to Groote. On the phone everytime to organise dispensations from the CAA bloodsuckers. It wasn't that the people who owned the aircraft were unwilling to buy the right crystals, the problem was (IIRC) that on the balance a complete set of RFD frequencies were deemed along with 6616 (again IIRC correctly the QLD remote area frequency) were deemed more useful. I seem to remember that the limit was something small like 6 or maybe even 4 crystals, or something equally unhelpful. -- > I seem to remember that the limit was something small like 6 or maybe > even 4 crystals, or something equally unhelpful. My memory's a bit hazy, but I seem to recall that there were 30 channels all up, of which 6 or 10 or something were replaceable. What I do remember is that it was a pain having to get them changed every time we wanted to do an overseas flight. > Sorry but I didn't know I was required to respond. I had asked you a question. Answering wasn't mandatory, but would have been polite. >> I'd suggest that if you're going to talk up the attributes of the radios >> you sell, you should try to avoid drifting off into fantasy land. > > I wasn't talking up anything and I should not have even mentioned that we > sell them as it is totally irrelevant to anything except that we do sell a > lot of them, particularly marine radio's. Pardon me, but I think that "I know as far as marine and air go, you can not buy better than an Icom." was a fairly glowing endorsement. I apologise for assuming you knew what you were taking about. Rob > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Rob I've seen plenty of Icom Marine Radios, Both VHF and HF one was on a Navy Patrol Boat Kev >>>Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. >>> [quoted text clipped - 44 lines] > > Kev Ill stick to my tait 2020 any day >>>>Yes, I've bought a 4WD and now I'm asking advice. >>>> [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Ill stick to my tait 2020 any day Pity the losers down Sydney way keep the price of the things way above their real value, still selling for over $400 they are nothin g special really but you can have words in the screen, WOW!! I'll take my front programmable TK860G and TK370G radios over any Tate both of these have more channels and you can still have words in the screen, but you can re-program from the front panel, only thing they don't have is selcall, but who uses that other than to annoy the sh.t out of everyone which brings me to another loser point of the Unidens, that stupid "PAGER TONE" on some of them, pust a button and it makes a very annoying two tone noise, what a great Idea that one is Kev > which brings me to another loser point of the Unidens, that stupid "PAGER > TONE" on some of them, pust a button and it makes a very annoying two tone > noise, what a great Idea that one is > > Kev HA!!! That's the model I have in the old Nissan Patrol!!! I have never really understood what it was for....... but now I know!!!!!! Best regards Garry |
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