2 meter and public safety

[RBFD415]

I am a ham and a firefighter. I presently have an older Kenwood 2 meter mobile. This unit covers up thru the public safety VHF frequencies 150 - 156.000 etc. Sadly transmitting in the higher frequencies is spotty at best. Looking to replace this unit with something newer. Any advice as to something narrow band capable (need DPL as well) that I can use as a ham and public safety unit. Need to have reliable transmit across the board.

[CommJunkie]

Since you didn't say if you want to stay with Kenwood or something else, or if you want to stay mobile or go portable, the TK7180 mobile is nice. On the other hand, you might be able to get a Moto CDM1250 for cheap if you look hard enough.

I wouldn't rely on an amateur radio mobile to do public safety. Yes, it will work (with the right mod) but it may not do things you need for PS. My Yaesu FT7800 has PS freqs in it, but it's not meant to transmit, they are scan only.

[kg4ojj]

You can use a Part 90 (public safety) radio for Part 97 (amateur radio) use, so you have a number of choices. It sounds like that is what you have now.

Motorola, Vertex Standard, Icom, Kenwood, Hytera, etc. are likely your best options. Since you have a Kenwood, how about a newer model? Newer radios (typically) come standard with high-capacity, lithium ion batteries, which last longer and charge more reliably. Also, most radios will have larger memory capacities, cover 136 to 174 MHz, and include more bells and whistles, etc.

However, do you need a specific mode (e.g., MotoTRBO, NXDN, P25, encryption, VHF trunking)? If so, this may narrow your choices significantly.

Next, what brand/model does your fire company use? You may want to use similar equipment, as accessories may or may not be compatible. Troubleshooting may be easier if you use the same radio.

There are plenty of sources for public safety radios, including the classifieds section here, eBay, and (of course) your local authorized factory dealer.

Any new radio you buy (from a US-based dealer), will be narrowband compliant. However, some dual users, like you, have found that their radios will default to transmit in narrowband mode and require a special fix for wideband transmissions (such as amateur radio).

I am speaking in general terms and must add a common disclaimer about getting permission to transmit on anyone's system, use of proper and legal programming software, etc. As an end user, that is your requirement.

Here is my safety plea....use a public safety grade handheld. Ignore the low prices of Wouxun and other amateur radio portables....I own two of these handhelds but would never put them inservice at a fire or EMS agency. Stay safe. That can start by buying quality gear, including a good radio.

Most public safety radios (for analog VHF use) will cost about $500 new, with a Lithium battery and drop-in charger. I have a Hytera PD782G and it came with the programming software. Vertex has a portable (listed at HamRadioOutlet) for about $500. Motorola radios may be more and you should consider the cost of programming it ($265 for software or $50-75 per programming at the radio shop). Other brands should run in the $500 range, for 100+ conventional channels. Double that for P25. If you use NXDN or MotoTRBO locally, a portable is $500+ depending on options.

You may be able to find a used, narrowband compliant radio for alot less. Many of the radios produced since 2003 are already narrowband compliant. Check in the usual auction houses, but I would try the RadioReference classifieds in addition to eHam and other amateur radio forums/websites.

[MOONBOOTS]

I have found the Motorola MCS2000 to be an excellent radio. Not that expensive, narrow band, & will do ham, & PS.

[TheSpaceMan]

I believe that the Yaesu 7900 can be modified to transmit out of band on higher frequencies?

[kayn1n32008]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9780; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.8+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0.0.600 Mobile Safari/534.8+)

It can but transmits at 5.0KHz deviation. This will cause problems with 2.5KHz systems, and will cause adjacent channel interference to other users.

Ham gear should not be used to transmit on any thing but amateur frequencies PERIOD.

[MTS2000des]

Originally Posted by TheSpaceMan

I believe that the Yaesu 7900 can be modified to transmit out of band on higher frequencies?

The FT-7900 is not certified for part 90 use. It does not do splinter channels.

Using ham toys in public safety duty use is as stupid as carrying a BB gun or air pistol instead of a Glock or a Smith. If your life, your job, and the safety of your fellow responders relies on your equipment to work right when you need it, do yourself, your fellow responders and the public a favor and buy the right tool for the job.

I second N4KVE's statement, the Motorola MCS2000 is an excellent choice. Tons of them on the surplus market at affordable prices. They are excellent performers, come in many varities including the model III with a great 2 line 14 character display, and use Windows based CPS for programming.

I see model I VHF's in the sub $100 range complete with accessories if you know where to look.

[RBFD415]

My deepest apologies, I should have said I was looking for a mobile. I have a department issue handheld. As far as brand- I've had them all, Kenwood, Vertex, Moto, Bendex King- you name it! I'm not looking for a brand, just a decent performer that is affordable- new or used. No trunking or any other special formats. Just ability to do repeater splits and of course DPL and CTCSS. 20 or more channels would be great, with a conventional style scanning. Power output 25 watts or better. Decent programing that's not going to cost an arm and a leg. The old Kenwood is great since it programs thru the keyboard. The process is involved, but it does work. As I said however it does not transmit with any degree of reliabilty out of amateur frequencies.

[LtDoc]

The simple answer is that there are no 'amateur radios' that will fit your needs. There are probably several that are able to perform as you want, but then that 'legal' thingy turns around and bites you.
- 'Doc

[qslmark]

Take a look at this one:

Blackbox VHF [] - $249.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!

[Duster40]

Check out the ICOM 5021...prices on Ebay about $250/260
128 channels..does wide/narrow & DPL.
Software about $35.....several programmable keys...select what
function you want that key to do..
Even the older model F-121 will do what you want....model
previous to the 5021...it is also 128 channels. Similiar features.
Sometimes priced less than $250...avoid the F-121S...it is only
8 frequency duplex/4 channel simplex.