Transportable base station

[PenrynRon]

I operate a Central American nature tour company and we use Motorola CP 200s but they don't give us the range we need. Wondering if anyone has had good luck with Motorola transportable base stations. Looking for a couple of units that can go in cars and give us long distance communication. I don't want fixed radios because we use rental vehicles. Any solutions or advice from experienced people would be appreciated. Thanks from a newbie forum member.

 

[NCFire11]

Do you mean a mobile radio? CDM series radios are excellent. They give about 10x the output of handhelds.

 

[PenrynRon]

Thanks. I know that mobile radios have higher wattage and offer more range. I'm just looking for a mobile radio that can move from car to car, as the need arrises. A unit that plugs into a lighter and can utilize a temporary roof mounted magnet roof antenna. I don't find those kinds of mobiles when I search.

 

[davidgcet]

you take a regular mobile radio, order a mag mount antenna, and install a cig plug on the power cord. this is done all the time, and is not a special unit. you can build a box to house it if you like, it helps to keep it neat.

 

[N4KVE]

I have some Astro Sabers, so I picked up a "suitcase". It's an AVA [convertacom] in a Halliburton briefcase that runs on 110 volts, or 12 volts from the lighter plug. There is a built in 25 watt amp which can be turned on if necessary. Otherwise the output is from the radio. 4 [UHF] or 5 [VHF] watts. There is a PL259 jack in the unit for a magnetic mount. It works very well for me, & should be what you need. These come with either a Saber SVA, or Astro Saber AVA, & either a UHF, or VHF amp, so you have to make sure you know what you get. I believe these were originally used by the Secret Service. I paid $150 incl shipping for mine, & I'm very pleased with the performance. GARY N4KVE