This is just so much fun

This morning, I decided to have some fun on CB. CB stands for Citizen Band – no license to transmit required!

The radio of choice: a handheld ICOM IC-41PRO, 5 Watts 80 channels UHF transceiver. One for myself, one for Andrew.

The plan was to see what coverage can we get right in the heart of Sydney central business district – the worst radio communication environment imaginable.

WOW. The lift seems to be no problem at all, and reception was still amazing all the way down to the MLC food court from our office. Andrew then proceeded to Martin place, passed Rolex and further down Hunter street. The reception was still as good as while we were in the office! Coverage: 200m in the heart of the City. I had no doubt we could hear each other clearly even if he went all the way to the Opera House!

Obviously, in an open field, along the beach or in the country, this mighty ICOM would provide a solid 3-5 km coverage.

The benefits of two-way communication like this are too long to list: 4WD Outback travel, caravanning, fishing, sports activities, camping – or just having fun with the kids while taking them out on a radio expedition trip! And there are a million other scenarios where having ‘network free’ communication is crucial: like, a barrister sending out an assistant to get him lunch (thank you Andrew!). Or as a communication link between a warehouse and main office staff.

Or, just a cool radio to have in the case of nuclear catastrophe.

Yes, so 1970s, pre internet, pre mobile phones.

Except for the obvious; the Japanese made ICOM is a state of the art piece of equipment. Professionally built, waterproof, with a long battery life. Not to mention 5 years guarantee! ICOM is really the Rolex of radio equipment. The radio comes as a full package: a desk top charger, belt clip, battery, antenna… magnificently packed, the only way the Japanese do their packaging. Forget LEGO, Barbie, or cheap toys made in sweat shops: get your kids a set of ICOMs.

And check out this short video of an IC-41PRO being run over by a Nissan Patrol in the mud – and still working.