LS Advice again please

[Paul]

NR,
Unfortunately radio can get complicated simply because simple isn't good enough for some.

I've always favoured the CB all in one kit for novices.
Rig, magmount, and aerial, all in one box.
An example for you.

http://www.ttiuk.net/TTI-STP1-CB-Starter-Pack.2.html

Simple to set up, simple to use. This is my current home and car setup.
An experienced radio engineer using a novices start up pack!!
WTF, why?
Why is because it does exactly what I want a CB to do. The basics.

Your handheld is a good example and a damn good choice too.
Ideal for the car.
Just add a mag-mounted aerial and car kit for your handheld.
Tune it in with a basic SWR meter http://www.maplin.co.uk/swr-100-cb-meter-99533
and a simple patch lead http://www.maplin.co.uk/pl-259-patch-lead-32898
It's ideal when hiking too.
Battery charging? A Simple solar panel type.
After all you're only charging 6 AA batteries.

The complication comes when someone wants their "straight out of the box" gear to perform like professonal radio equipment and at megger high powers.

KEEP IT STUPIDLY SIMPLE

CB for me is a time proven system that works and as it's not broken, do what I do, DON'T FIX IT!