
Troopy Build Series: GME XRS-330 UHF Install
UHF Radios are more useful than you might first imagine. In Australia, UHF Radio (or CBs elsewhere) are used by tourers, off-roaders and 4×4 enthusiasts, professional truck drivers and overland travellers.
UHF Benefits
If you don’t know, here are some of the reasons so many have them:
- When communicating in a group or convoy (Channels 18 & 22), travelling with friends, or on a tour, the convenience of UHF is unrivalled. Some 4WD Clubs in Victoria use Channel 39.
- Talking to other road users (Channel 40): If you want to pass a truck, you can easily ask the truck for help using the UHF.
- Communicating with spotters: The spotter uses a handheld radio, and the driver can talk to them to help negotiate complex terrain in a 4WD or reversing a caravan.
- Emergency help (Channel 5) – Contact emergency services when telephone reception is unavailable (subject to availability).
This article covers how we installed our UHF Radio setup in our Landcruiser, which has an Alu-Cab roof conversion. We covered all the details of what we did and the parts we used, including how we mounted the antenna for the roof conversion.
Troopy Setup – Build Series
This article is one of a series of posts about our Troopy overland camper build. We have been documenting our Toyota LandCruiser 78-Series setup for overlanding Australia and Globally. If you struggle to determine which UHF radio to get, we have also written another cool article comparing UHF radios below.
Check out this guide comparing UHF radio options.
UHF Radio Install – Parts List
Here are all of the parts we used for our installation. I’ve included some alternative options, for example, if you prefer another colour cable gland on your vehicle instead of the Black Scanstrut gland we used. You can also have a silver GME folding antenna bracket instead of the black option we used.

Parts list
The links below take you to Amazon so that you can see the cost.
- GME XRS-330COB Outback Pack UHF Radio
- GME Toyota LandCruiser UHF Pass-Thru Dash Connector
- Scanstrut DS16-P-BLK Black Cable Seal Gland
- Alternative Silver and Beige Colour Scanstrut Cable Seals
- Alu-Cab UHF and Sand Flag Mounting Bracket – Klarmann Automotive / Perth Pro
- GME UHF Folding Antenna Bracket Black
- PVS Mega Switch Panel for Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series
Choosing the Right UHF Radio and Antenna
There is a wide variety of UHF radios in the 4WD market. We have previously published a comparison of UHF radios in Australia; you should check that out for an easy overview.
Check out this guide comparing UHF radio options.
After doing the radio comparison article, we chose the GME-330C because it was compact and could be mounted in an unused cavity inside the troop’s dash above the glove box. I made a simple flat plat bracket for the radio mounting, but you can purchase a ready-made under-dash radio mounting bracket from somewhere like Svnty Offroad.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Radio
Before you select a radio, consider the type of travel you will be doing and the likely terrain you will be in. Here are some things to consider:
- Multi-Channel MonitoringβUHF Dual Watch or Dual Monitor allows your radio to monitor additional channels in addition to the channel you are using for your comms. This is handy for catching important information from another channel, such as channel 40.
- Antenna TypeβIf you travel predominantly on flat ground and favour range, a 6.6dbi whip antenna would be a good choice. A 2.1dBi stubby antenna could be a better choice for more hilly and mountainous terrain. This has to do with the shape of the transmission pattern.
- Radio Physical SizeβThe radio’s size is important because it impacts where it can be mounted in your vehicle. We chose the GME-330C because it was compact and could be mounted in an unused cavity inside the troop’s dash above the glove box.
- Transmission PowerβIn Australia, UHF radios for our use are limited to 5 Watts. This means that most UHF radio manufacturers tend to supply radios rated at that power. Handheld radio units are often available in lower powers. A 2-watt handheld is common, but a 5-watt is also available.
- Handheld – A handheld is handy. We carry a small handheld to assist with communicating with a spotter. That way, you can have a walkie-talkie function between the driver and the spotter.
Check out the GME XRS-330 UHF Radio prices.
UHF Antenna Choice – 8.1dBi, 6.6dBi or 2.2dBi
Gain is a critical factor when choosing a UHF antenna. The most common antenna options are either 6.6dBi or 2.2dBi; some suppliers, like GME, offer an 8.1dBi whip antenna. Here is a summary of the key differences.
8.1 dBi Antenna
- Highest Gain: This antenna offers the highest gain of the three, focusing the radio waves in a narrower, more concentrated beam.
- Longest Range: This concentrated beam has the longest communication range, especially in open terrain with minimal obstacles.
- Ideal for Flat Terrain: 8.1 dBi antennas excel in flat landscapes like deserts and plains where signals can travel further without obstruction.
- Less Effective in Hilly or Urban Areas: The narrow beam can be hindered by hills, buildings, and dense vegetation, reducing its effectiveness in those environments.
6.6dBi Gain Antenna
- Increased Range: A 6.6dBi gain antenna typically provides a greater communication range than a 2.2dBi antenna. This is because it concentrates the radio waves in a more focused direction, increasing signal strength.
- Better for Open Terrain: If you frequently travel in open country, deserts, or along coastlines with fewer obstacles, a 6.6dBi antenna can be advantageous for long-distance communication.
- Improved Signal Clarity: In situations where signal strength is weak, a 6.6dBi antenna can help improve signal clarity and reduce noise.
2.2dBi Gain Antenna
- Wider Coverage Area: A 2.2dBi antenna has a wider beamwidth, spreading the radio waves over a larger area. This can be beneficial in hilly or mountainous terrain where signals might be obstructed.
- Better for Close-Range Communication: If your primary communication needs are within a shorter range, such as within a convoy or in built-up areas, a 2.2dBi antenna may provide adequate coverage.
- Less Susceptible to Obstacles: A 2.2dBi antenna’s wider beamwidth makes it less likely to be affected by obstacles like trees or buildings.
Key Considerations
- Terrain: The type of terrain you typically travel in is a crucial factor in choosing antenna gain. A 2.2dBi Antenna will probably serve you better for hills and mountain terrain.
- Communication Needs: Consider your typical communication range and whether you prioritize long-distance communication or wider coverage.
- Antenna Height: The height of the antenna also affects performance. A higher antenna generally provides a better range.
- Antenna Type: Besides gain, consider the antenna type (e.g., whip or stubby) and its suitability for your vehicle and driving conditions.
In Summary
A 6.6dBi gain antenna offers increased range and signal clarity, making it well-suited for open terrain. A 2.2dBi gain antenna provides wider coverage and is less affected by obstacles, making it suitable for hilly areas and close-range communication.
Installation Steps
The diagram below shows what we are looking to achieve. We need to locate a position to physically mount the radio within the car, close to the driver and handset. This location needs to facilitate getting fused accessory power to the radio or if you would prefer your radio to have power without the ignition on then an alternative source of power is required.


Radio Location
Given the small size of the radio modules and the fact that most of the leading brand radios now offer the ability to control and set the radio from the handset, often via an app, it is easy to mount the radio in an unused, out-of-site location.
The 70-Series Landcruiser has a fairly large cavity above the glove box on the passenger side. We made a flat plate and mounted the GME unit above the glove box with two short M6 screws.
Handset Location
The handset is mounted on the driver’s side of the stereo unit using a bracket from PVS.

Antenna Mounting & Location
An antenna needs a decent ground plane to operate well. In an ideal world, you would mount your antenna in the middle of a large flat sheet bonded to earth, but that is just not practical in the real world of 4×4 and touring.
If possible, avoid mounting your antenna so that it has large areas of bodywork right next to the radome. For example, mounting on a wing mirror or rear door hinge will compromise performance.
On the Alu-Cab roof conversion, we chose to mount the antenna on a Klarman Automative bracket; in fact, we mounted two of these brackets above the driver and passenger doors, one for the 2.2dBi UHF antenna on a fold-down bracket and the other for a sand flag above the passenger door.
The GME fold-down bracket allows us to stow the antenna out of the way when it is unused. Given the height of the antenna in this arrangement, we will probably not install a larger (6.6dBi) antenna. In this position, when the antenna is folded down, it nicely stows behind the shower awning.

Incidentally, we chose a Bushranger Sandflag (SF02A) because we had heard others talk about issues with the Nito style fitting on other flags becoming damaged with dust and dirt over time. The Bushranger Sandflag has a pin and collar arrangement that is easy to maintain and has proved very reliable.
Radio Wiring and Connections
Once the physical items are installed, it is time to wire up and make the necessary connections. Do not power up the radio without the antenna connected, this could result in damage to the unit.

12V Radio Power
Given that we had changed the lower dash to installed the larger switch panel and this had involved removing the cigarette lighter, this meant we had a convenient source of ACC. I connected the 12V DC power to the cigarette litter feed. This being ACC (accessory) means that the UHF radio can only be used when the ignition is on.

Handset and Antenna Connection
Connect the handset; if you are using a pass-thru dash connector, you have to connect this and then connect the handset to the dash plug. Next, connect the Antenna coaxial cable; ensure this is tight. You need to use a small 7 or 8-mm spanner, but do not over-tighten.
Testing and Troubleshooting
The most practical way to test the radio, is to check your connections turn on the ignition, check for lights on the handset, switch to channel 40 and see if you hear anything! Once you do, you should be able to talk to other people, perhaps put out a test call.
UHF Radio Etiquette and Regulations
I’d suggest you familiarize yourself with radio etiquette and local regulations before using it in anger. It would also be worth getting to know the channels allocated in your local area.
GME XRS-330 UHF Radio Install Gallery











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Dan’s a windsurfing, adventure-seeking nomad with a passion for exploring the globe overland and an Engineer. Having grown up in the Middle East, he brings a unique perspective to Getting Lost Again, sharing his love for discovering hidden gems and embracing the unexpected. When he’s not on the road, he finds inspiration in windsurfing and other creative pursuits β and is equally at home under a vehicle solving problems as he is exploring a new place.