Need Help buying a mobile radio

[action]

My level of knowledge in regards to radio systems will become painfully obvious very quickly, but I am hoping that I can get some help from those who read this board……My agency currently operates on a Motorola Type II SmartNet 800 mhz trunked radio system….we are only issued portable radios but I would like to purchase and install a mobile radio in my unit (for both convenience and better xmiting range), more specifically a remote mobile radio utilizing a “Hand Held Control Head (HHCH)”. I have been searching ebay and have found several radios that I “think” will work on our system but I cannot be sure. I have used the flashcode decoder but I don’t really understand what the decoded information means. I do not know how to tell if the radio is for 800 systems unless it is specified (and usually isn’t) and I was wondering how to tell from the model number. One last issue, if possible, I would like to purchase one that can be upgraded to a 700mhz digital Project 25 Standard (whatever that means) system. This is not required but would be nice since we are scheduled to transition in about two years. I would greatly appreciate any available assistance.

[kb5udf]

While they have don't have hhch's Type II maxtracs that should work for you can be found dirt cheap on ebay, I once got one for $50.

With that kind of price, so what if it's not upgradeable?

[Schnoor1648]

Which portable transceiver do you currently have? Would you consider a vehicle adapter? http://www.batlabs.com/xtva.html

[action]

I am currently using the Moto XTS 3000......I appreciate the two suggestions....the $50 option is very attractive and I did consider the convertacom alternative but i drive an unmarked car, and to be honest I was hoping to avoid mounting a large unit in plain sight....sorry, i should have mentioned that before

[WayneH]

The XTVA is an option but your radio needs a newer version of firmware to support the HHCH for the XTVA (probably but in some cases not). It can be mounted remotely and an extension added to the HHCH cable.

An ASTRO Spectra W3 sounds like what you need. The W3 uses a HHCH that looks exactly like the HHCH used for the XTVA. If you *really* need 700MHz support I'd look at the XTL in the same W3 configuration.

You can see the ASTRO Spectra W3 HHCH in this PDF. Upper middle.
Click here
XTL info

-Wayne

[KS4VT]

Just keep in mind about re-banding that will occur in your area. If you going to buy
a personal radio be sure to coordinate with whomever is keeping the inventory
so yours gets replaced and/or re-programmed when the time comes.

If you go with the XTVA there is no need to worry about re-banding.

[Al42]

Remember, which radio you can use on the system is entirely up to the licensee of the system. And their techs (in house or an outside shop) will have to support it - program it and intgegrate it into the system. They might not support some radio you bought on eBay.

Your first move should be to obtain written authorization from the licensee (if it's a municipality, the person authorized to speak for the municipality on radio matters) to obtain, maintain and use your own radio on their system. Then talk to the radio shop, with that authorization in hand.

[avfd2922]

Go with the convertacom, easy to do and best of all you don't need permission from your system administrator.

[michaelsbus]

(I had to say that)*

Anyway, how about a mobile mounting unit that you can drop the radio into, and connects to vehicle power, antenna and mic? Check with the manufacturer. Most professional radios usually support a drop-in holder of some sort. You could also try requesting one from you system admin if you are having serious coverage problems (sounds like you're in law enforcement, and that's an important issue)


*(Anybody ever play Rogue Trip on the PS2?)