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Creating a private channel / frequency

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Hi there, I am new to using and programing portable radios.

I am a volunteer firefighter and I have recently purchased a Motorola GP338 Plus portable radio, I will soon be programming it to pick up local fire department frequencies.

What I was wondering is if it is possible that I could talk privately to a fellow firefighter (uses a Motorola GP338) with our radios without speaking across our departments channel?

Is it possible to make a frequency that our radios would pick up on "scan mode" and then we could switch to that specific channel to talk?

Thanks guys, any help is appreciated!!!
 

WA0CBW

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Yes......But! Yes the radios can be programmed to different frequencies, But all Public Safety Frequencies are assigned by regional coordinators and licensed by the FCC. It would require you or your department/agency to get the new frequencies coordinated by the regional coordinators and licensed by the FCC. Your department/agency may already have some channels that are used for radio to radio communications that you might be able to use.

BB
 

trumpetman

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If you operate on VHF then you can use one of the five MURS channels without a license. It won't be repeated so you will have a limited range, but it's a start. As stated above, check with someone in the know at your department to see if they already have channels available for this purpose though.
 

mmckenna

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The Motorola GP338 is an Asian market radio, so it is very unlikely it has the proper FCC certifications to be used in the USA on ANY frequency, short of amateur radio (and even that gets foggy with the part 15 requirements). Legally and strictly speaking, this radio shouldn't be used on any public safety frequency, and since it likely doesn't have part 95, or would be grandfathered, it wouldn't be legal for MURS, either.

It's your choice, however, but I wouldn't trust life safety to a radio like this, especially on MURS. Asian market radios might be just fine, however there are some issues with counterfeit radios being sold that are not real Motorola radios.
 
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