Dual Band radio suggestion??
- Thread starter one11sgt
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RadioDaze
Member
This is a really touchy subject here, since an amateur radio isn't certified for out-of-band TX. Everyone is going to ask what you want to use it for, and then try to talk you out of it. Then there'll be a bunch of debates and in-fighting between the folks with various opinions, and then the thread will get locked. I'll be right back after I get my popcorn. Need anything while I'm in the kitchen?
W2NJS
Member
Well said.
one11sgt
Member
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Almost anything on these boards seems to be a touchy subject because there are too many uptight people here. I am a HAM and a Police Officer. I want one radio for all my needs. That's why I'm asking. If your nice enough to help, then thank you. Otherwise please keep your opinions on my question to yourself.
spdfile1
/\/\ Junkie
one11sgt,
I dispatch for the West Palm Beach PD and a ham. I know exactly were your coming from. All of my radios are modified with the exception of my Kenwood TH-F6A because I just bought it and I don't wanna mess with it. The radio's I own that are modified are the Yaesu VX-5R, Kenwood TMV708A and ADI AT-201. Don't worry about what other people say about having a modified radio and that your now condemned. There just jealous (lol). Quite honestly they can have one to. All you need to do is either purchase one already "opened up" or open it up yourself. I have found info online on how to open up my Yaesu and my Kenwood. And by you being a ham and an officer you would have every excuse to benefit from an opened up radio.
I dispatch for the West Palm Beach PD and a ham. I know exactly were your coming from. All of my radios are modified with the exception of my Kenwood TH-F6A because I just bought it and I don't wanna mess with it. The radio's I own that are modified are the Yaesu VX-5R, Kenwood TMV708A and ADI AT-201. Don't worry about what other people say about having a modified radio and that your now condemned. There just jealous (lol). Quite honestly they can have one to. All you need to do is either purchase one already "opened up" or open it up yourself. I have found info online on how to open up my Yaesu and my Kenwood. And by you being a ham and an officer you would have every excuse to benefit from an opened up radio.
N8IAA
Member
Radiodaze, a rootbeer please and light on the salt
One11sgt, the Wouxon Part 90 certified radios mentioned would be the only legal way to go, even being a ham and a leo. Either of those don't exclude you for using a Part 95 certified radio for out of band tx. Even the CAP has to use the correct radios for narrowbanding. As well as MARS operators. I am not part of the radio police here on RR, nor am I uptight. Just making a suggestion for the proper radio.Larry
N8IAA
Member
Just for the record, since you are looking for a radio that transmits close to 480MHz, an amateur dual band radio will not work for you. They are not tuned to transmit that far out of band. It is even pushing the radio to the limits on 460MHz GMRS frequencies. The least expensive way to go is to find a Kenwood, Yaesu, or Icom commercial radio that has the 450-512MHz split in it.
Use a ham ht for transmitting on the ham bands while on duty, and a commercial radio for your public service broadcasts.
Just a ham wanting to help another ham,
Larry
Sporkupine
Member
Wouxun has a new mobile that is very close to introduction. While I cannot swear to it, it is my understanding that the unity will be Part 90 certificated like their hand-held unit currently is.
Alternatively, antennafarm.com offers to perform a "MARS/CAP" modification on pretty much any YaeComWood radio at the time of purchase for a nominal fee. While technically "freebanding," it is indeed physically possible.
Alternatively, antennafarm.com offers to perform a "MARS/CAP" modification on pretty much any YaeComWood radio at the time of purchase for a nominal fee. While technically "freebanding," it is indeed physically possible.
If it needs to be all in one radio then the Motorola APX 7500 is what you're looking for; if it can be 2 mono band radios save a few grand and there are many more legal options so long as your licensed to transmit the radios themselves would be (Part 90) compliant with the technical specifications required of the various services.
APX™ 7500 Multi-Band Mobile Radio - Motorola Solutions USA
APX™ 7500 Multi-Band Mobile Radio - Motorola Solutions USA
RadioDaze
Member
Then I'd think you'd have more than a passing interest in conforming to the law.
And you can have one, provided you use the right one.
Well, considering I politely let you off with a warning...
(Sounds funny coming from a civilian, doesn't it?
)
RadioDaze
Member
I'd feel a little uncomfortable having my occupation and call sign connected to these statements, on the record.
It's curious how people who don't condone breaking laws, or attempt to educate and advise others against doing so, tend to be considered "uptight".
cpsTN
Member
IF you are a ham,and a COP then you may soon be on the business end of a NAL if you don't wise up! Not to mention getting your PD in trouble.
n9zas
Sporkupine
Member
Another thing I just thought of is that these guys offer several flavours of land mobile radio that are certificated for Part 90 use. There are several models that cover the UHF range you wish for under $400, and a model by a company called "Blackbox" that covers 400-490 for $249. I don't have any personal experience with these radios, but it looks to me like it might do the trick. Of course, they are not dual-banders, as you had requested, but it's another option to consider. There's pros and cons to both sides, but all things in life are a compromise of some sort.
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Sporkupine
Member
Do you recall whether the mobile was Part 90 certified like the HT? I seem to remember reading something along those lines, but I'll be buggered if I can find it now...
Is Blackbox Part 90 certified or are they just marketing to those users? There was another thread on them recently that left that question largely unanswered.
Sporkupine
Member
Well, the site says "FCC Approved for Ham, Commercial & Civil Service Use" and it is listed with other "commercial land mobile radios." Also, I have dealt with this vendor on several occasions and they did not strike me as being the lest bit hinky, so I am taking them at their word.
One thing you have to keep in mind about other "recent threads" on here is that there are several people who steadfastly insist that something that doesn't say Mototrola and cost $2k must be against the law, regardless of the evidence presented...
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