GME TX3440 and new CB standard

[prh Member Find all posts View Profile Close prh]

I've just bought a GME TX3440 set, and with the new CB standard due for release this year, I was curious about any upgrade pathway for the tx3440.

I contacted GME and discovered that the TX3440 will be upgradable to the 80 channel standard, once the standard is published by Standards Australia late Feb.

Upgrade will involve a new microprocessor and support components.

Cost will be around $150 through GME service, and will have time-limited availability for about 6-12 months.

I received this information from Peter Cooke, GME national Marketing Manager for Land Mobile and MATV.

Just in case anyone is interested.

Paul

[VKPrado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close VKPrado]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

This is good to hear. Just hope there is somewhere here in Tasmania that I will be able to get the update when it is available.

[FROGS1 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close FROGS1]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

Thanks paul for the posting.
I was about to purchase a GME TX3340 on line. Necessary equipment for an upcoming caravan group trip from Sydney to Cairns via western NSW and Qld.
Do I understand that I will be up for an extra $150 to upgrade it to an 80 channel set? Will the new regulations make current current units obsolete?
Bert.

[rhojef Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rhojef]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

Thanks paul for the posting.
I was about to purchase a GME TX3340 on line. Necessary equipment for an upcoming caravan group trip from Sydney to Cairns via western NSW and Qld.
Do I understand that I will be up for an extra $150 to upgrade it to an 80 channel set? Will the new regulations make current current units obsolete?
Bert.

My thoughts exactly.
Planning on doing great Ocean road in a couple of weeks.
Wonder if prices overall will increase by the same amount after this.

[prh Member Find all posts View Profile Close prh]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

I am by no stretch a UHF CB expert, but following my chat with GME, this is my understanding.

40 channel UHF CB will work satisfactorily with 80 channel UHF CB, and will continue to work with existing 40 channel units, after the new standards are implemented.

The rep from GME that I spoke with suggested that some minor differences in sound levels may be experienced when communicating between 40 channel and 80 channel devices.

The first 40 channels will remain at their current frequency designations, which are spaced at intervals of 25kHz. The additional 40 channels will be slotted in between the existing channels at intervals of 12.5kHz. Channel 41 will reside between channels 1 and 2, channel 42 between 2 and 3, and so on.

As the current channel designations remain unchanged, 40 channel equipment should only become obsolete by attrition.

Check here for more information: http://www.uhfcb.com.au/80-Channel-UHF-Information.php

Note that the change to the class license by ACMA has been delayed. The new standard, AS/NZS 4365:2010, is expected (according to GME) in late Feb this year.

Paul

[benjl Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close benjl]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

Hey,

I visited WATT Communications in ACT late last week. They seemed confident they'd have new units within two weeks. I'm inclined to hold off rather than go through the trouble of upgrade myself. Although given the final steps seem to be dependent on Government, I'd be inclined to breathe in the meanwhile. I have an ARB fitout scheduled for beginning of April so hopefully all goes well.

Ben

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

Just to confirm pricing as I had been supplied with pricing as well from "Mike Bercic" <[email protected]>

These are rough/estimate prices only:
Upgrade 3100/3340 from 40 to 80 channels will be about $70
Upgrade 3420/3440 from 40 to 80 channels will be about $150

[prh Member Find all posts View Profile Close prh]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

Is anyone planning to have their unit upgraded?

I probably will - if only for the geek factor!

Paul

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

I will consider it but will see how things go over the next few months. While GME indicate their opnion about no interferance I've spoken to some radio nuts and they suggest their will be depending upon the radio unit being used to transmit and receive.

[benjl Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close benjl]

Re: GME TX3440 and new CB standard

I'm inclined to think (hope) that the introduction of the new standard is rattified on the basis of some field testing to occur, particularly co-existence of the existing 40 channel radios - including handhelds.

The only thing that appears to make sense to me at the moment is two transmitters in close proximity may experience cross-talk between the equipment/elements. You might be more at risk of crahsing in to each other?

Beyond that, adopting closer channel spacing probably comes down to the engineering of newer units.. maybe problems might be experienced with really old units or with people with higher than 5 watt transmission power (illegal?).

I spent enough years as an army communicator to know that clean radio conversations are a luxury. The main thing is that you can in general collaborate over longer distances with workable comms. Then it serves its purpose.

Shame about the ability for the manufacturers to be a bit clearer about their intent post adoption of the standard... short of members ringing them up.

[su888 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close su888]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but i was curious if anyone has done the jump yet to 80 channel, and what it end up costing them?

[Palmer Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Palmer]

I'm interested as well.
Looking at a 3440 second hand that is 40 channel and am wondering if it's worth going to 80, or just get it and only have the 40.

[cfryback Find all posts View Profile Close cfryback]

Palmer - I wouldn't bother...

Unless it is free unit, then it might be worthwhile.

Otherwise for another $150 you can just buy an 80 Channel GME off of eBay or Gumtree.

[setsujoku Member Find all posts View Profile Close setsujoku]

If anyone is after an 80 channel, let me know as I've currently got a GME TX3500 for sale, that we pulled out of our old car. We have gone to a remote head model in the 150 so it's no longer needed. PM for details.