More travellers are heading off-grid to remote locations —the GME AE4700 series of antennas are perfect for this
If you enjoy exploring Australia’s wide and beautiful landscapes, then having reliable communications is essential for your safety. And this is where GME’s range of equipment can come in handy.
Whether you’re heading off on a Big Lap, to your favourite remote campsite, a multi-day hike or just down the river for a spot of fishing, it’s important to have the right gear to stay in touch with not only your travel companions but also emergency services.
Some of Australia’s most stunning destinations are in its remotest corners, and while the concept of ‘hidden gems’ is slowly disappearing with the rise of social media, a massive percentage of the country — 73 per cent — is outside the reach of reliable cellular coverage. This means that heading into remote areas comes with certain risks, and adventurers need a dependable way to communicate with their companions, other travellers and, should the need arise, emergency services.
Proudly Australian-owned and operated, GME has more than six decades of expertise in communications technology and has become a trusted household name among caravanners, outdoor adventurers and boaters. We’ve been using GME products here at Caravan World for the past couple of decades, and its high quality and performance have always been a standout.
Founded in 1959 by Edward ‘Ted’ Dunn, GME was originally known as Standard Components and specialised in TV Tuner Reconditioning, but over the years the brand has evolved to become a leader in both the UHF radio and emergency beacon market, recognised for its unwavering commitment to producing premium quality Australian-made communications equipment. These recognitions can be seen in GME’s achievements, including being named an Australian Trusted Trader and a member of The Australian Made Campaign and receiving the internationally recognised AS9100, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for quality and environmental management.
GME isn’t resting on its laurels though, and the team continues to push boundaries and find new ways to innovate so that every single GME product can meet the evolving needs of adventurers while maintaining the durable, reliable and easy-to-use characteristics that are a core part of GME’s DNA.
Communicate with other drivers about road conditions and other hazards
Choosing the right equipment for the journey
Research is essential for finding the right communication equipment to fit your travel style and requirements, especially if you’re a newcomer to the caravanning and outdoor adventuring lifestyle.
“There are a lot of different types of products that can keep you connected on your adventures, which can make things confusing,” Tony Crooke, GME group marketing manager said. “But a simple rule to follow would be to do it once and do it right. When you are off the beaten track and exploring new places, it is important to ensure that your communication equipment is able to handle those tough conditions as it may be your only way to call for help.”
Having the right equipment for your style of travel is essential, especially if you enjoy exploring Australia’s most remote areas
Long-distance travel communication
For long trips where you want extra coverage, GME recommends using a fixed mount UHF CB radio with an antenna suitable to the environment and conditions you’ll be travelling in.
For on-road travel, an elevated feed antenna such as the AE4018BK1 is a great all-rounder providing high performance in essentially any mounting position on your 4WD or tow vehicle.
The fixed mount antenna is a great all rounder
For those venturing offroad into rougher terrain, the AE4700 series of radome antennas is a more rugged choice. These antennas are a popular choice among four-wheel drivers and caravanners due to their heavy-duty spring base and thicker radome design which can handle the corrugations and conditions the outback offers.
Everyday communication needs
No matter where you travel, a UHF radio is always a good idea. Not only are they great for using around camp and backing up your caravan into your site in a caravan park, but they also allow you to communicate with other drivers on the road, such as trucks or fellow caravanners.
Models such as GME’s TX6165 and TX677 are popular options for short-range communication at campgrounds and with nearby traffic, and once you’re settled in you can take them with you on a bushwalk or extended hike.
We’re very familiar with the TX6165 5W handheld UHF CB radio here at Caravan World — we have a twin-pack that is our go-to during events, photoshoots and caravan reviews, and we’ve reviewed them multiple times in different settings. In Tim van Duyl’s review last year, he highlighted that while GME claims a 30-hour battery life, he’s experienced even better. Some other standout features include the impressive range (we’ve achieved more than 5km in the dense Vic High Country bush), the high-contrast LCD screen for clear visibility, 2W speaker, built-in LED torch, IP67 ingress protection and VOX hands-free mode for extra safety when driving.
The TX677 2W handheld UHF CB radio is the more lightweight and compact offering, featuring USB charging, easy-to-use power and volume controls, switchable transmission power (2W or 0.5W) and up to 20 hours of battery life.
Communication for remote travel
For those heading into more isolated areas, whether that’s on foot or with your caravan or boat, a personal locator beacon (PLB) such as GME’s MT610G can be a lifesaver. This beacon will, upon activation, signal emergency services and send your exact GPS location if something goes wrong and rescue is required.
A personal locator beacon (PLB) such as GME’s MT610G can be a lifesaver
The MT610G is GME’s most lightweight and compact PLB yet and features a seven-year battery life, six-year warranty, integrated 72 channel GPS receiver, zero warm-up time, high-contrast LCD screen, IP68 ingress protection and a buoyant design so that you won’t lose it if it falls in the water.
John Ford recently got a MT610G PLB, and you can check out his review in issue 657 of the magazine or online later this month.
Build a comprehensive setup for off-grid travel
For caravanners looking for the ultimate communication setup, GME recommends pairing a fixed mount pack such as its XRS-330CTP Touring Pack with a TX6165 UHF handheld radio (for backing the caravan, on hikes and for leading a convoy member without a fixed mount) and a MT610G personal locator beacon.
The XRS microphone
The XRS-330CTP Touring Pack is part of GME’s XPS Connect range and it was specifically designed for touring. The kit includes an XRS Connect UHF CB Radio (not wireless, hence the suggestion to also have a handheld radio), professional-grade speaker microphone and high-contrast OLED display. But its most impressive feature is that it is a smart device with app-controlled UHF communication and Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can create and share scan lists and enjoy instant access to the entire database of registered analogue frequencies in Australia and New Zealand. The XRS-330CTP also pairs with the AE4018BK1 elevated feed antenna for reliable coverage.
To complete this setup, the TX6165 handheld radio provides flexibility and the MT610G PLB ensures that you’re prepared for any emergency situations, especially when travelling through remote areas.
Built to withstand Aussie conditions
Australia’s unpredictable weather and rugged terrain mean that any communication equipment used outdoors must be up to the task. GME’s products are rigorously tested to ensure that they can withstand the harsh conditions users are likely to face. The company uses various advanced testing methods, including Salt Fog Chambers to simulate coastal environments, Accelerated UV Chambers for sun exposure and Vibration and Shock Testing Machines to mimic the stresses of offroad travel.
These tests ensure that every product GME makes is durable, reliable and ready for anything. With a reputation for toughness, GME’s equipment is built to last, providing users with peace of mind that the gear will perform when it’s most needed.
The GME XRS-660 hand-held radio
Ongoing support and warranty
GME is also proud to offer local after sale customer support and servicing for its customers, allowing them to easily reach out to GME’s knowledgeable team with any questions or issues they may encounter.
All GME products are backed under warranty, but the time period does vary depending on the products, ranging from 12 months for accessories to six years for emergency beacons.
Responding to an evolving market
When we asked the GME team what new trends they have noticed in the outdoor adventure industry, Tony highlighted that more people are heading off the beaten path and embracing off-grid lifestyles and because of this there has been a renewed focus on safety.
One of the ways GME is responding to these trends is with new and innovative products designed to meet the evolving needs of outdoor adventurers.
“For example, our XRS-BT1 Bluetooth interface module features a wireless push-to-talk (PTT) button that is connected to a vehicle’s steering wheel, allowing users to keep their hands on the wheel when using their UHF radio, thereby reducing the number of distractions they encounter and improving road safety,” Tony said.
The XRS-BT1 also connects to an extensive range of third-party accessories, including headphones, hearing aids and vehicle stereo systems, ensuring drivers have a wide range of ways to stay connected.
GME is also committed to continuously improve its personal locator beacon technology, ensuring that even in the most isolated areas (whether that’s on land or off), adventurers can receive help when needed.
Communication in remote locations is essential
Stay connected with GME
No matter how you choose to explore Australia, having reliable communication devices is essential for safety and peace of mind. To find out more about GME’s range of premium quality and Australian-made devices tailored to Aussie conditions and adventurers, head here.
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