Searching for the right Handheld

[sctazmon]

After multiple internet research sessions and a visit to the local Ham Radio Outlet, I'm still without an answer.

I want a high quality, professional/commercial grade UHF handheld that can work the GMRS freqs. Cost is not a problem.

1. I need the ability to communicate with my buddies on hunting/fishing/skiing trips that have bubble pack GMRS radios.

2. I'd like the ability to key in a freq (aka GMRS channel) and CTCSS (aka privacy) codes on the fly, without having to program via a computer in advance, especially since a 256 channel radio will not even come close to covering all of the possible channel/code combinations. (Will a 440 ham radio cover these freqs and codes?)

3. I also want to be able to work repeaters when available.

4. I want a minimum 4w radio with a high quality detachable antenna.

5. Small, compact, rugged and lightweight are favored, but performance is a priority.

5. The ICOM F21GM is no longer made. (It has some of the features I mention, but not all).

Does a radio like this exist? ....Do all UHF radios have to be programmed?

Do any of the Ham radios fit the bill? ...Do they have to be programmed or modified? Is it legal?

Thanks for any thoughts.

[SkipSanders]

Keyboard programmable radios type accepted for part 90/95 tend to be rare, since the FCC frowns on user-programmable frequencies on these services. They want frequencies pre-programmed on legal channels, not users 'creating a private channel' somewhere.

Many of them do allow keyboard programming of CTCSS/DCS, though. As long as you have that, you don't need to pre-program every single frequency and CTCSS/DCS possibility ahead of time.

Of course, too, you aren't allowed to just 'use' any old repeater you come across, since you must get the owner's permission (and they must maintain written records of all users authorized on their system), so there shouldn't be that many systems you need preset.

No ham radio may be used on part 95 (GMRS) frequencies, as all GMRS radios must be type accepted for that use.

[sctazmon]

Thanks for the reply Skip.

A radio that allows me to key in CTCSS codes would work well. That way I only need to preprogram the GMRS freqs. Any suggested handhelds that fit the bill?

As far as a repeater goes, I am aware that I cannot use one without permission. I live in the SF Bay Area and according to the GRMS repeater directory webpage, there are a few "open" repeaters in my area. I live very close to Mt. Diablo which has a bunch of towers on it and likely some repeaters are up there. If an "open" repeater means that anyone can use it I'm in business. If not, I'll have to seek permission.

With GMRS repeaters, are there not just a defined set of freqs that are used and they can be pre-programmed (similar to the ICOM f21GM)? And the CTCSS codes are the variable, and that can be changed with handset input? Or do the GMRS repeater freqs vary significantly such that it would be impossible to pre-program all of the possible combinations?

Thanks again.

Taz.

[motoman118]

Motorola GP68 would work.

[SkipSanders]

You always have to request permission, since the repeater owner is required to maintain a written list of all allowed users.

Repeaters may use CTCSS, or DCS, or a combination, and may have input tones/codes and output tones/codes different, so the key thing to look for is the ability to program in 'split tones', and have different access tones/codes on transmit and recieve.

[gewecke]

If you can find one,the Maxon 210+3 is a 16ch. dedicated gmrs portable which allows rptr. access with user prog. pl tones. They looked very similiar in appearance to the old icom 02AT vhf talkies and also use the same batteries. As suggested the moto gp 68's would do the trick too.
Maybe check ebay?
N9ZAS

[mrweather]

Since you can punch in your own frequency on a GP68, that issue still exists with that radio.

Plus, hardly any are FCC type accepted.

[SkipSanders]

Yup, I find no FCC type acceptance at all for the GP68.

[n1oty]

You might want to look for a Motorola MTS2000 or xts3000 that supports MPL(multiple PL). I've been using XTS3000's and XTS2500's with MPL and it works great.

John
N1OTY