The GME XRS Connect XRS-660 HandHeld UHF CB Radio is one of the more capable modern handheld UHF radios available for people who monitor known frequencies, not just the standard 80 UHF CB channels. While marketed primarily as a touring and 4WD radio, it also works surprisingly well as a dedicated UHF monitoring receiver thanks to its strong RF performance, flexible scanning options, and advanced software features.
General Overview
The XRS-660 is a 5-watt Australian-made handheld UHF CB radio with a large feature set built around the GME XRS platform. It combines traditional UHF CB operation with app-based programming, GPS functions, advanced scanning, and audio recording features.
For general users, it is a solid touring radio. For radio enthusiasts and UHF monitors, however, the real value is in how configurable the receiver and scan system are. It can be set up more like a commercial scanning radio than a simple CB.
The receive audio quality is excellent, the RF sensitivity is strong, and the radio performs very well in weak signal areas. Even in busy RF environments, the receiver remains clear and usable.
Features
Some of the main features include:
- 5W UHF CB operation
- Large easy-to-read display
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Android and iOS programming
- GPS location support
- Scan zones
- Multiple scan modes
- Audio recording
- Selcall support
- CTCSS/DCS support
- Firmware updates via app
- External speaker and accessory support
The radio feels more like a hybrid between a commercial UHF and a modern connected radio than a traditional CB.
Features That Make It Excellent for UHF Monitoring
Audio Recorder
One of the standout features for monitoring is the built-in audio recorder. This is incredibly useful for logging activity, replaying weak or fast transmissions, and checking unidentified signals later.
For monitoring known channels or documenting UHF activity, the recorder becomes one of the most valuable features of the radio.
Zones
Zones are where the XRS-660 really shines for monitoring.
Instead of treating the radio as just 80 UHF CB channels, you can organise frequencies into logical groups. This makes the radio far more practical for serious UHF listening.
For example:
- Scan A = UHF RX Only
- Scan B = UHF RX + UHF CB
- Scan C = UHF CB Only
This allows quick switching between different monitoring styles without constantly reprogramming channels.
Once configured properly, the zone system is extremely powerful.
Up Scan Skip
A surprisingly useful feature is the temporary scan skip.
When scanning, pressing the up button skips the current frequency for roughly 30 seconds. This is excellent for avoiding long conversations or noisy channels while continuing to monitor the rest of the scan list.
Small feature, but very useful in real-world monitoring.
RF Performance
The RF performance is excellent.
The receiver is sensitive, clear, and handles weak signals very well. Compared to many basic CB radios, the XRS-660 feels much closer to commercial-grade equipment in receive quality.
For monitoring local business, transport, farm, event, or other licensed UHF users, the radio performs extremely well.
Android / iOS Programming
The app-based programming is one of the biggest advantages of the XRS platform.
Programming large channel lists manually on a radio keypad is normally painful, but using the app makes adding frequencies, zones, names, and scan lists much easier.
For monitoring enthusiasts who constantly update frequency lists, this is a major benefit.
GPS Features
The built-in GPS functions are also useful for monitoring.
Being able to associate received communications with locations is excellent for logging and identifying repeaters, mobile users, or coverage areas.
For people who travel while monitoring, this adds another layer of usefulness beyond basic CB functionality.
Multiple Scan Modes
The flexible scan system is one of the radio’s best features.
Being able to maintain different scan profiles for different purposes makes the radio much more adaptable than standard UHF CB radios.
Instead of one generic scan mode, you can build specialised monitoring setups depending on what you want to listen to.
Issues and Weak Points
Android Software Bugs
The biggest issue is the Android programming software.
On multiple Android devices, adding a frequency sometimes overwrites another existing frequency unexpectedly. This can become frustrating when maintaining larger channel databases.
The radio itself is stable, but the Android app still feels buggy in places.
Proprietary Accessory Connector
The radio uses a custom accessory connector, which limits compatibility with standard audio accessories. You cannot simply plug in normal earphones or generic accessories without adapters or specific compatible equipment.
For monitoring users who often use earpieces or recording devices, this can be annoying.
Complexity
The XRS-660 is powerful, but not simple.
To fully utilise zones, scan modes, receive-only channels, and advanced configuration options takes time and experimentation.
People expecting a basic “turn on and use” CB may find it overwhelming initially.
Keypad Programming
Programming directly from the radio keypad is possible, but involves a large number of button presses and menu navigation.
For occasional changes it is acceptable, but for serious monitoring setups the app is almost essential.
Overall
The GME XRS Connect XRS-660 UHF CB Radio works exceptionally well as a UHF monitoring radio, especially for users monitoring known frequencies rather than searching unknown spectrum activity.
Its excellent receive performance, flexible zones, advanced scanning, audio recording, and GPS features make it far more capable than a standard CB radio for monitoring purposes.
The biggest drawbacks are the buggy Android software, proprietary accessory connector, and the learning curve required to fully understand the programming system.
Despite those issues, once configured properly, the XRS-660 becomes an extremely capable and enjoyable UHF monitoring platform with features rarely found in consumer UHF radios.
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