Did I kill my mobile?

[Raptor05121]

Hey guys- I have a Yaesu FT-2400 mounted in my truck for VFD work and yesterday I spent the evening cleaning out my trucks interior. Well I guess I left the key on the "ACC" position for too long and my battery was too drained to start the truck hours later. The few times I turned it over the voltage dropped and everything electrical was shutting off (when I tried to start the truck) and coming back on (when I stopped and waited for the battery charger) and I dunno what happened but soon after I got the truck started I noticed my radio has gone haywire. All the LCD indicators are all lit (TX/RX/Busy/Quad "8888" for the channels, etc) and it wont turn off/on unless I disconnect it via the 15A fuse. It is hard-wired and permanently mounted into the cigar lighter fuse box. Any help?

[northzone]

Follow the instructions in the manual and do a reset.

[code3cowboy]

Sure, ham radios are for ham stuff, not public safety stuff. 47 CFR 95

A factory reset should do the job. Did you pull power from the radio before jumping your truck?

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by code3cowboy

Sure, ham radios are for ham stuff, not public safety stuff.

Darn, How did I miss that!

[b7spectra]

I knew when I read your first message that the SAPS would get you!

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by b7spectra

I knew when I read your first message that the SAPS would get you!

Is that anything like a SADA (self appointed Database Administrator)?

[n8emr]

I agree reset the radio. Also DONT use it for VFD duties its not legal.

[z88crazy]

It is not illegal to use the radio for VFD duties as long as authorized be the chief or communications director, and when transmitting on the fire band frequencies used for official use. I have a mobile radio mounted in my POV that was issued to me by my department. I see no reason that he cannot use the radio if it has been approved through his chief.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by z88crazy

It is not illegal to use the radio for VFD duties as long as authorized be the chief or communications director, and when transmitting on the fire band frequencies used for official use. I have a mobile radio mounted in my POV that was issued to me by my department. I see no reason that he cannot use the radio if it has been approved through his chief.

Yes it is illegal, since it is NOT a part-90 approved radio, (it is a ham radio) it is illegal to use it on ANY Part-90 frequencies.

Part-90 is the section of the FCC rules that define the Commercial and public safety Land Mobile Radio service.

However, you are correct that a personally owned radio ALSO requires the permission of the license or an authorized representative. Additionally, the licensee much assure that the radio is appropriate for the service, and that the license covers the radios use (area of operation, power output, and total number of allowed units)


NOTE:
Some people like to call anyone pointing out these issues "Self Appointed Radio Police", but those individuals don't grasp that there are many people like yourself who make honest mistakes because they have never been informed of the issues involved.

[datainmotion]

Originally Posted by code3cowboy

Did you pull power from the radio before jumping your truck?

Here's a point that can't be made enough times.

[w8jjr]

Originally Posted by z88crazy

It is not illegal to use the radio for VFD duties as long as authorized be the chief or communications director, and when transmitting on the fire band frequencies used for official use. I have a mobile radio mounted in my POV that was issued to me by my department. I see no reason that he cannot use the radio if it has been approved through his chief.

Dont use it if not FCC cert. Big and I mean big fines for the company or agency using non part-90 approved radios.
Its one of the things FCC dont take lightly.

[b7spectra]

SAPS - Self Appointed Police/Sheriffs. Gotta get it right!

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by b7spectra

SAPS - Self Appointed Police/Sheriffs. Gotta get it right!

I guess you missed post #6.

[BoxAlarm187]

Originally Posted by z88crazy

It is not illegal to use the radio for VFD duties as long as authorized be the chief or communications director, and when transmitting on the fire band frequencies used for official use. I have a mobile radio mounted in my POV that was issued to me by my department. I see no reason that he cannot use the radio if it has been approved through his chief.

Wow, you might wanna brush up on Part 90!

[n8emr]

Originally Posted by z88crazy

It is not illegal to use the radio for VFD duties as long as authorized be the chief or communications director, and when transmitting on the fire band frequencies used for official use. I have a mobile radio mounted in my POV that was issued to me by my department. I see no reason that he cannot use the radio if it has been approved through his chief.

While your chief can allow or deny the use of a radio by his volunteers, Any radio he Authorizes must still meet FCC type acceptance for the band its used on. The ham radio are ONLY legal on the ham radio bands.

[elk2370bruce]

This give new meaning in the term "amateur" in the false assumptions that people have with regard to FCC type accepted. Never ASSUME (we all know what that means) begin by READING.

[b7spectra]

Don't forget that an "amateur" CAN broadcast with a amateur radio on a police frequency in mater of life and death. I guess after they use their radio to illegally broadcast on an non 90, they would have to turn in their license?

[RobKB1FJR]

Originally Posted by b7spectra

Don't forget that an "amateur" CAN broadcast with a amateur radio on a police frequency in mater of life and death. I guess after they use their radio to illegally broadcast on an non 90, they would have to turn in their license?

I have always wondered about that. I have a Icom HT with the local PD/FD/EMS on RX only. More then likely I would call 911.

I interpret it as say your scanning the HF band and you hear some guy calling for help on an HF Marine Channel, you could answer him.

But then the same would apply for VHF/UHF.

However I wouldn't count on making friends with the police if you transmit on their frequency that you need help (any life or death example). The Police will then respond hopefully take care of the situation and you would have some explaining to do. The police then would probably blame you for every open mic, etc.

The law says it could work, but I would never, ever try it in practice.

Who knows where the police will pop up, some radio techs might have old frequencies that haven't been used in years in the radios. So Officer Bob might be on an old frequency not monitored by anyone calling for help?

What would you do:

A. Call 911 and say that officer your looking for is here. Risk the chance that they won't listen to you

B. Answer the police officer on that frequency that is rarely used because its been a few times he has called for help and no one has answered.

I think it would depend on the situation.

Most good public safety radios are set-up so the Dispatch Frequency is always Channel 1 in every bank.

[N_Jay]

Originally Posted by b7spectra

Don't forget that an "amateur" CAN broadcast with a amateur radio on a police frequency in mater of life and death. I guess after they use their radio to illegally broadcast on an non 90, they would have to turn in their license?

Been discussed!

[N_Jay]

The law has the exception to prevent the issues where a life is lost just because of the law.

Of course it is not an excuse for stupidity. (except maybe in mike's world)