Quote:
Originally Posted by gralston73
The Thales Liberty portable radio transmits on VHF-Hi, UHF, and 700/800 MHz...why wouldn't they have also included VHF-Low???
Thales Liberty LMR |
A quote from the first page of your link:
The Thales Liberty portable radio operates on analog, P25 conventional and P25 trunking systems in all public-safety frequency bands — UHF (136-174 MHz), VHF ( 380-520 MHz), and 700/800 MHz.
I would like to clarify my statement. There may be a radio capable of doing this like a military radio (MIBTR) or a Wolfsburg designed for a helicopter, But I know of no FCC approved commercial models.
The reason that Thales didn't include lowband are two fold. It is very hard to do (you end up with a huge front end on the radio) and it is not economically viable. Besides Fire departments in upstate New York, HAMS, and the old cordless phones, there are not a lot of potential customers of low band equipment.
Lowband works great in ideal weather conditions, but horrible in inclement weather. It also has significant trouble in developed areas with buildings and other infrastructure. It also has problems with frequent band openings. Ever notice that right before it rains you start hearing stations from other states? That's due to the band opening and the signals getting to you by hopping or skipping. From Westchester County we routinely hear stations in Georgia and Alabama.