'All-in-one' units?

[Carl2500]

Hey folks.
So the truck is coming along slowly, which is alright. I'm doing my research for the radios I'd like to put in.

Here's what I'd like to have:
Radio Scanner
2M radio
CB radio
AM/FM Radio
MP3/DVD Player

In addition, I don't like to put all my eggs in one basket, so I'll also carry a handheld radio (maybe VHF?) In case of a failure.


Does anyone know of a single unit I could put in my dash that will take care of all or most of my needs? Just looking for a cleaner, more compact look.

Thanks for any help!

 

[gary in ohio]

Hey folks.
So the truck is coming along slowly, which is alright. I'm doing my research for the radios I'd like to put in.

Here's what I'd like to have:
Radio Scanner
2M radio
CB radio
AM/FM Radio
MP3/DVD Player

In addition, I don't like to put all my eggs in one basket, so I'll also carry a handheld radio (maybe VHF?) In case of a failure.


Does anyone know of a single unit I could put in my dash that will take care of all or most of my needs? Just looking for a cleaner, more compact look.

Thanks for any help!

You will not find a single radio to do all those. CB MUST be a separate radio.
If your going to do the 2m, I would suggest a dual band mobile instead. If your going to bring along a hand held make that a dual band unit also. This way you can use a cross band repeat for extended range.
Depending on where and what you need for a scanner, you might get by with using the dual band as a scanner. If you need trunking or digital then you will need a separate scanner. The AM/FM/MP3/DVD Player could be a single unit. Most after market radio support MP3, DVD is a step up.

 

[CoastalDefender]

No such thing as a "Single Unit".

I have a Uniden BCT8 as a scanner, Cobra 19DX IV (cheapie CB), and a Pioneer in-dash DVD/MP3/GPS.

For a while I ran an awesome 2M, forget the brand, but I loved it.

A good multiband is the Yaesu FT-8900R for Quad Band, or Yaesu FT-7800R for a Dual Band.

That should cover your bases and you'll only have to have 4 antennas stick off your rig.

 

[Carl2500]

Thanks guys,

So I may be looking into a separate CB, digital trunking scanner, dual band mobile, dual band handheld, and a headunit that'll support AM/FM/MP3/DVD.


Now what about using a laptop to integrate this equipment?

The AM/FM/MP3/DVD part would be easy of course. I know I've seen digital scanners with a computer interface, and I wouldn't be surprised if some 2M radios support this as well.

Any thoughts are certainly appreciated!

 

[gary in ohio]

Thanks guys,

So I may be looking into a separate CB, digital trunking scanner, dual band mobile, dual band handheld, and a headunit that'll support AM/FM/MP3/DVD.


Now what about using a laptop to integrate this equipment?

The AM/FM/MP3/DVD part would be easy of course. I know I've seen digital scanners with a computer interface, and I wouldn't be surprised if some 2M radios support this as well.

Any thoughts are certainly appreciated!

CB is pretty much stand alone and will have no computer interface.

The ham gear can be programmed via computer or you can setup for packet slow speed data but thats about it.

The scanner can be programmed via computer and and there are some enhanced scanning tools that can be driven from the laptop.

Not much computer wise to control a am/fm/mp3/dvd.



If your going to toss a computer in the mix, dump the AM/FM/mp3/dvd and use a computer with a radio interface. Then add a nav system to the laptop.

Check out roadrunner computer front end controller. mp3car.com has LOTS of integration ideas along with software.

 

[CoastalDefender]

What's the goal of using a laptop?

 

[Carl2500]

Not much computer wise to control a am/fm/mp3/dvd.



If your going to toss a computer in the mix, dump the AM/FM/mp3/dvd and use a computer with a radio interface. Then add a nav system to the laptop.

Check out roadrunner computer front end controller. mp3car.com has LOTS of integration ideas along with software.

Yes that's what I was talking about. Using the CD drive on the laptop will play any CD's and DVD's. I'd be able to store all my MP3's on there. I could get an AM/FM tuner, and a simple GPS with mapping software could take care of the navigating part.

I've checked out MP3car.com before and I'd like to do something like that in the truck.

As far as the why, I'll admit it's mostly because I like to mess with computers and electronics. I'm trying to make sure I keep a reliable system, and have a backup (the handheld) just in case. I am building this truck up for fun afterall

 

[uli2000]

While not completly all-in-one, Yaesu has a dual band 2m/440cm model, the FTM-10R, that recieves AM and FM and some other frequencies. Cant comment on the quality, though.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0813.html