HT750 for scanning conventional frequencies

[Stringer619]

I need to MONITOR (SCAN only, NO TRANSMIT) four 39MHz frequencies.

I've been reading that the Motorola HT750 should be able to do this.

I shoot news video overnights. Monitoring CHP with a scanner on 39MHz would require a massive whip and is not practical. I have several scanners in my car and am very knowledgable when it comes to scanners and programming, but am new to 2-way radios.

If I bought an HT750, plus the CPS software and programming cable, would I be able to program the four conventional frequencies in to my radio? The knowledge of how to do so is something I will worry about later, I'm very good at learning things, reading manuals and doing research. What I mean is, do I need a system key since it's conventional and not on a trunked system? Are there any other issues I'll run in to?

Is there any way to disable the transmit/emer button, aside from opening up the radio and desoldering them, in case I bump them?

I have no intention of transmitting or doing anything illegal. Scanners in my county don't work very well compared to actual Motorola radios. In my exact scenario, I've personally witnessed the amazing reception a Motorola gets in my county on the frequencies I need.

Additionally, if there are other Motorola handhelds that can scan 39MHz, I'm all ears.

http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-...ns/HT750_US-EN

[gtaman]

Originally Posted by Stringer619

I need to MONITOR (SCAN only, NO TRANSMIT) four 39MHz frequencies.

I've been reading that the Motorola HT750 should be able to do this.

I shoot news video overnights. Monitoring CHP with a scanner on 39MHz would require a massive whip and is not practical. I have several scanners in my car and am very knowledgable when it comes to scanners and programming, but am new to 2-way radios.

If I bought an HT750, plus the CPS software and programming cable, would I be able to program the four conventional frequencies in to my radio? The knowledge of how to do so is something I will worry about later, I'm very good at learning things, reading manuals and doing research. What I mean is, do I need a system key since it's conventional and not on a trunked system? Are there any other issues I'll run in to?

Is there any way to disable the transmit/emer button, aside from opening up the radio and desoldering them, in case I bump them?

I have no intention of transmitting or doing anything illegal. Scanners in my county don't work very well compared to actual Motorola radios. In my exact scenario, I've personally witnessed the amazing reception a Motorola gets in my county on the frequencies I need.

Additionally, if there are other Motorola handhelds that can scan 39MHz, I'm all ears.

HT750 Portable Two-Way Radio - Motorola Solutions USA

I don't believe any of the ht750 models can do 39mhz I may be wrong though.

[Stringer619]

The specifications section on Motorola's website (linked in my first post) lists the following.

Low band: 29.7–42, 35–50MHz;
VHF: 136-174MHz;
UHF: 403-470, 450-512MHz

Oddly though, for low band and UHF, there are two overlapping frequency ranges.. that makes no sense to me, but I'd guess there may be different HT750 models? When I look up "Motorola HT750" on eBay, I see listings with titles specifying certain frequency ranges. Yet Motorola's website says the HT750 can do all the frequencies I posted above. I'm more confused now.

If the HT750 can not monitor 39MHz, are there other alternatives?

And while we're on the topic of frequencies it can and cannot receive, I'd love to scan 151MHz as well, but 151MHz is far from important. My main concern is 39MHz.

[SteveC0625]

Originally Posted by Stringer619

I need to MONITOR (SCAN only, NO TRANSMIT) four 39MHz frequencies.

I've been reading that the Motorola HT750 should be able to do this.

I shoot news video overnights. Monitoring CHP with a scanner on 39MHz would require a massive whip and is not practical. I have several scanners in my car and am very knowledgable when it comes to scanners and programming, but am new to 2-way radios.

If I bought an HT750, plus the CPS software and programming cable, would I be able to program the four conventional frequencies in to my radio? The knowledge of how to do so is something I will worry about later, I'm very good at learning things, reading manuals and doing research. What I mean is, do I need a system key since it's conventional and not on a trunked system? Are there any other issues I'll run in to?

Is there any way to disable the transmit/emer button, aside from opening up the radio and desoldering them, in case I bump them?

I have no intention of transmitting or doing anything illegal. Scanners in my county don't work very well compared to actual Motorola radios. In my exact scenario, I've personally witnessed the amazing reception a Motorola gets in my county on the frequencies I need.

Additionally, if there are other Motorola handhelds that can scan 39MHz, I'm all ears.

HT750 Portable Two-Way Radio - Motorola Solutions USA

The answer is yes, you can use an HT750 as a scanner, but the CPS is $265 and the cables more. Kind of expensive to program a single radio especially if you are buying used gear of which there are plenty of available and in good shape.

Yes, they can be programed for RX only with completely disabled TX. Conventional analog channels do not need system keys or anything else.

The software is designed for pro's who program radios regularly. There is a big learning curve and lot's of room for error. While you may feel comfortable programming scanners, the CPS does not come with a manual and it presumes that the user is already knowledgeable about two way radios. There is no manual. And, if you are not careful, it is easy to "brick" the radio, turning it into a very expensive paperweight.

My advice, if you choose to buy an HT750 is to skip the software and cables and just pay a shop to program it for you. Typical programming charges are around $30 per radio. The same advice holds no matter what model or manufacturer you might settle on.

Why not purchase a portable scanner? You can get a good one for less than the price of the Motorola CPS and cables. It will do multiple bands so you can monitor your 39 Mhz and your 151 Mhz stuff in one radio. And the receive quality will be pretty much the same on low band plus you are already familiar with programming scanners.

[SteveC0625]

Originally Posted by gtaman

I don't believe any of the ht750 models can do 39mhz I may be wrong though.

Motorola HT 750 VHF Low Band Lowband 35 50 MHz | eBay

Motorola HT750 Low Band 29 42MHz 16 CH Mint | eBay

[WA0CBW]

Just to add to what everyone said the "750" is a generic radio platform. A single radio will not do all the frequencies listed. There are different modes available for each of the frequencies specified. For low band there are 2 models each covering one of the frequency splits listed. As was stated a cheap scanner would probably be more cost effective and cover more frequencies.
BB

[Stringer619]

I own 6 scanners already. My income in dependant on gathering critical info about incidents the second.. literally the second.. it breaks. The average hobbyist probably wouldn't want to spend the money, but a single shot of a pursuit driving past me could pay for CPS. If I buy CPS, I will likely buy additional Motorola radios (perhaps a second one dedicated to 151MHz) at a later date. As a news photog, you can never have too many radios. The more that are running, the better. It's hard to listen to that many, but it's an aquired (and critical) skill.

The reason I need a true Motorola and not a scanner, is because scanners don't work very well in my county. I either get too strong of a signal, interference, etc. I've witnessed Motorola's being used for scan-only on 39MHz and 800MHz, and they are amazing. I don't know why, but they are. My theory is that because they only receive a small range of frequencies, and block everything else, interference is kept to a minimum. I base this theory on the fact that 800MHz gets killed when I drive by Nextel radio towers, which are very near to the 800MHz control channel/voice frequencies. Essentially, I believe that in my county, the cheap front-ends of scanners are getting overloaded by "too much signal", whether it be legitimate or interference.

I'd also like to buy some that can scan 800MHz, but with so many digital/analog talkgroups, I'm unsure if the user interface would be user friendly. Would the CPS software, which I've read is designed per-model, work with other Motorola radios or would I have to buy an additional copy for whatever 800MHz Motorola I buy?

The other reason I have to get a Motorola and not a scanner, is because a scanner would require a 4-5 foot antenna on top of my sedan. That's just silly. I enjoy my drivethrough food. I'm amazed that a small rubber ducky antenna can receive 39MHz so clearly. A motorola is small and portable. A scanner in my car with a 4-5 foot antenna is not.

[kayn1n32008]

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The radios themselves are band specific. Example the HT750. The radio is made to cover specific band splits. One model will cover 29-42MHz, another model will cover 35-50MHz, another will cover 136-174MHz, another model will cover 403-470MHz and finally there is one more model that will cover from 450-512-ish MHz . One software package will program all of the HT750 series regardless of band split. The HT750 does not come in a 800MHz model. Because of the nature of the RF tuned circuits one radio can not cover all of the VHF-LO LMR band thus It comes in 2 band splits.

Motorola CPS/RSS is series specific, not band specific. Example the HT750 series will not program an XTS series radio.

[Stringer619]

Side topic: I don't know of any 800MHz model numbers to mention, but if I bought an 800MHz Motorola handheld, would my copy of Motorola CPS work for it too, or when you buy is it only for a specific series?

That said, I do still want to focus on my original posts.

[kayn1n32008]

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See my post just before your last post...

[Avery93]

If you are dead set on programming your own radio, then I would consider the PR860 instead of the HT750. The CPS is only $99, and is easier to use than the Professional series CPS. Also, If you are buying new, I believe the PR860 retails for slightly less than the HT750. We use VHF-Hi PR860s at my fire department, and the only minor complaint I have is that the PTT is a bit too easy to depress (but this won't be a problem in your receive only application).

I will agree with Steve however. If you are new to two-ways; let a radio shop program the radio, at least initially. They will know what they are doing, will not brick the radio, and will make sure the radio cannot transmit on channels for which you are not authorized.

[Stringer619]

Originally Posted by Avery93

If you are dead set on programming your own radio, then I would consider the PR860 instead of the HT750. The CPS is only $99, and is easier to use than the Professional series CPS. Also, If you are buying new, I believe the PR860 retails for slightly less than the HT750. We use VHF-Hi PR860s at my fire department, and the only minor complaint I have is that the PTT is a bit too easy to depress (but this won't be a problem in your receive only application).

I will agree with Steve however. If you are new to two-ways; let a radio shop program the radio, at least initially. They will know what they are doing, will not brick the radio, and will make sure the radio cannot transmit on channels for which you are not authorized.

I will most likely buy a few used from eBay. Athestic's aren't important to me for these radios. 800MHz ones would probably be new though, as I use them 95% of the time.

I will consider having a shop do the initial programming, but the hard part is first finding the shop.

I appreciate all recommendations for models, and will keep the PR860 in mind.

[SteveC0625]

Originally Posted by Avery93

I will agree with Steve however. If you are new to two-ways; let a radio shop program the radio, at least initially. They will know what they are doing, will not brick the radio, and will make sure the radio cannot transmit on channels for which you are not authorized.

I like Avery's recommendation on the PR860. It's not a radio that my clients use so I have no personal experience with it, but would seem to be ideal for the OP's need.

[Stringer619]

Does anyone know some of the major differences between the HT750 and PR860? Oddly enough, the HT750 seems to be selling cheaper used on eBay after a few quick searches.

My intended use is to listen to just one frequency at a time, while in my vehicle or at a scene. Very basic, but reception is key. I'll pay double if I get better reception with one over the other. I just can't use these Radio Shack Pro-106 handhelds (or Pro-197 mobiles in my car) anymore. They're useless for 39MHz. And a 4-5 foot whip on my roof is also useless since I can't roam around a scene with it.

I'm thinking one 39MHz capable for CHP, one 151MHz capable for CALFIRE, and maybe at a later date, a bunch of 800MHz handhelds and mobiles. I think learning a 2-way conventional Motorola is a good first step before I get in to the more dangerous/complicated 800MHz digital trunking... if thats even possible (system key).

[SteveC0625]

Originally Posted by Stringer619

Does anyone know some of the major differences between the HT750 and PR860? Oddly enough, the HT750 seems to be selling cheaper used on eBay after a few quick searches.

The HT750 is a much older radio series. Motorola has begun to phase the entire product line out slowly over a number of years. They'll still support it with parts and repairs for a number of years.

The PR860 is newer and will likely remain in Motorola's lineup for quite a while to come.

Thus the older HT750 products are less expensive on Ebay and other outlets for used radios. If you are seriously considering an Ebay purchase, a couple of tips to help you along. First, before you bid, get the model number of the radio. One of us can verify the band, etc. for you. Second, obtain an assurance from the seller that the radio is either not password protected or that the seller will obtain the password and provide it to you. Third, shop the seller as much as you do the product. 100% positive feedback for a large number of sales is a good place to start. Third, eyeball the physical condition via pictures as much as possible. If the seller only posts crappy, out of focus pics, either pass on it or insist that they provide decent pics of the item that is actually for sale, not stock photos or "it looks like this..."

I have a VHF CDM1250 and a UHF M1225 in my truck. I carry either a CP200XLS or CP150 portable. I've purchased and then sold half a dozen Motorola mobiles in the past year. All of these radios have been Ebay purchases. None of them were problematic at all. Being used radios, I did have to replace a button or two and a few other cosmetic items, but totally no more that $10 worth total.

FWIW, I really like the HT750's and the big brother and sister, the HT1250 and HT1550. They are the portable half of the Professional Series.

[Avery93]

Originally Posted by Stringer619

Does anyone know some of the major differences between the HT750 and PR860? Oddly enough, the HT750 seems to be selling cheaper used on eBay after a few quick searches.

My intended use is to listen to just one frequency at a time, while in my vehicle or at a scene. Very basic, but reception is key. I'll pay double if I get better reception with one over the other. I just can't use these Radio Shack Pro-106 handhelds (or Pro-197 mobiles in my car) anymore. They're useless for 39MHz. And a 4-5 foot whip on my roof is also useless since I can't roam around a scene with it.

While I don't have any first hand experience with the HT750, I have heard that they do not perform quite as well as the PR860 on transmit or receive. I can tell you that the PR860 has a rock solid receiver, and has very load audio with plenty of bass. They are also quite durable. My fire department received several in 2008 and they have been used for everything, including interior fire attack; but only have minor cosmetic damage (just a few scratches around the edge of the housings). Both radios have essentially the same features.

[Stringer619]

I will take a good look at the PR860. I like newer and cheaper.

Would I be so lucky to find out that most/all Motorola handhelds use the same charger docks? I'd like to get a vehicle charger or two, a desktop one or two, etc. Would be nice if my 39MHz and 151MHz used the same charger dock as whatever 800MHz ones I get in the future.

[Wyandotte]

Attractive thing about the PR860 is that it uses the same mike, charger and battery that the 750 does. That makes it a lot nicer to migrate to.

[Avery93]

Originally Posted by Stringer619

I will take a good look at the PR860. I like newer and cheaper.

Would I be so lucky to find out that most/all Motorola handhelds use the same charger docks? I'd like to get a vehicle charger or two, a desktop one or two, etc. Would be nice if my 39MHz and 151MHz used the same charger dock as whatever 800MHz ones I get in the future.

I am not 100% certain on this, but I think you can interchange batteries between the XTS2500/1500 and the HT1250/750/PR860; but the chargers are not interchangeable. However you could use XTS2500/1500 batteries on your PR860 or HT750, and thus be able to use only XTS chargers. Once again I'm not for sure on this.

On the subject of 800 MHz trunking radios; what you are wanting to do (non-affiliate scan) is possible, but it is not an easy process and could easily result in your radio being bricked, or worse, interfere with public safety communications. It requires very good knowledge of CPS and the trunking system, and yes, it does involve system key generation. In all honesty even I probably wouldn't attempt it due to the chances of the radio transmitting something, somewhere in the RF band, regardless of the precautions taken.