Today, I’m taking a look at something a bit different. The GME TX6165 UHF handheld radio kit is a top-tier communication solution, particularly well-suited for the conditions you’ll encounter in the Australian outdoors. This comprehensive package, featuring a car charger, desktop charger, speaker microphone, and earpiece with mic, provides a level of versatility that is hard to match.
The GME TX6165 is a robust, reliable, and high-performance handheld radio. It’s not the most complex unit on the market (GME’s own XRS-660 is more feature-rich), but it excels at its core purpose: providing clear, dependable communication in demanding environments. The inclusion of the car and desktop chargers, along with the speaker microphone, makes this a complete and convenient kit for anyone who needs to use the radio both in and out of a vehicle.
HARDWARE AND BUILD QUALITY
The radio itself is a testament to GME’s reputation for rugged, reliable gear. It boasts a powerful 5-watt transmission, which is crucial for achieving maximum range and clear communication across vast, open landscapes. For those times when you’re communicating over a shorter distance and need to conserve battery, it can be switched to a 1-watt output.
Durability is a key selling point. With an IP67 rating, the TX6165 is completely dustproof and can handle being submerged in water, making it a dependable companion on dusty tracks, river crossings, or in a sudden downpour. It also meets military standards for toughness, so it can handle being dropped or knocked around without issue.
The audio quality is exceptional thanks to a powerful 2-watt speaker, which ensures you can hear incoming transmissions clearly even in noisy environments like a moving 4WD. The included speaker microphone is a huge benefit, allowing you to clip the mic to your collar for hands-free operation and keep the main radio unit secured. This is a game-changer for safety and convenience, especially when driving.
The charging options enhance the kit’s value. The 2600mAh Li-Ion battery provides an impressive operating time, but the included car charger ensures you can keep the radio powered up during long trips away from mains power. The desktop charger is a handy addition for quick and easy recharging at home or in the office. Or, if you’re on the move a lot, there’s also a car charger included.
MY EXPERIENCE
What stood out to me with the review unit was the build quality. I have had other handheld units in the past that felt lightweight and like a toy, but this is on another level. From the moment I unpacked it, it felt solid and reliable, which is backed up by the IP rating on the radio.
The primary test location for me was at Walky Park, an off-road race track about 25km West of Blanchetown in South Australia, where mobile phone reception isn’t great… The track runs an annual Rally Skills Program, which teaches the basics of Rallying, from driver skills to pace notes, and fire safety. So it’s a potentially harsh environment for anything electronic, with the cloud of dust that’s in the air all day from the cars flying around a dirt track.
Around the site, the TX6165 performed admirably. The hand mic was loud enough that I was able to hear it over the car noise, the reception was clear, and the transmission (which I left on the full 5W as I had a charger immediately to hand) was excellent for everyone else onsite on the day.
Slightly less of an environmental challenge, but still worth exploring, was vehicle-to-vehicle communication on a day out in the Barossa Valley. Touring the area with friends is fantastic, but when you’re split across several cars, one of which (mine) doesn’t have a UHF permanently mounted, it means that we didn’t have the immediate line of communication. Having the TX6165 in my car meant we did, so diversion didn’t require phone calls, and we could chat generally and banter along the way. It was a small addition to the day, but it meant it was so much easier on the day, improving communication and enjoyment for everyone.
CONCLUSION
While GME products come with a higher price tag than some competitors, the investment is justified by the build quality and performance. This kit is the perfect choice for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, campers, and professionals who require a dependable, feature-rich radio that won’t let them down in the harshest of conditions. The TX6165 isn’t the most feature-packed radio GME offers, but it masters its core function, providing clear, reliable communication in a solid, versatile and convenient package.
