Handheld Transceiver that does DTR, maybe pick up 27MHz?

[RogueSteward]

Hello, I am a HAM in training! I'm taking the test next month and think I'm going to go for the Tech and General all in one shot! I'm passing the technician practice exams every time, so since I have a whole month to prepare for the test, I'm going to devote that time for the General exam!

For my first HT, I'd like to use it as a scanner. The local PD is on DTRS. I'm in Mesa County, Colorado and the PD uses DTRS. I am also interested in scanning the CB bands if possible, as well as GMRS and HAM frequencies. Are there any handhelds that can decode DTRS, pick up 27MHz, as well as GMRS and MURS? I appreciate the help everyone!

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Simple answer, no. While there are multi-band transceivers out there capable of monitoring DTRS, GMRS and MURS you are talking about services on three different bands (VHF, UHF, and 7/800 MHz). With DTRS being a P25 systems, it'll need a radio capable of decoding P25 trunking. The only transceivers capable of that are still in the several thousand dollar range.

27 MHz isn't a band that is really cared about in terms of the market those multi-band radios are built for.

 

[ka3jjz]

The other issue is that of the antenna. To be efficient on 27 Mhz, the antenna needs to be roughly 8 foot long, or use other tricks like loading coils to achieve a good resonance. Without a proper ground plane, the efficiency of short antennas is really poor.

Mike

 

[jonwienke]

Handheld scanners like the Uniden BCD436HP will receive all of the bands you're looking for, but finding a single antenna that will work well on all bands is not going to be easy.

And scanners do not transmit.

But that is a good thing because transmitting on a public safety frequency is a good way to go to jail.

I strongly recommend getting a scanner to monitor everything, and then a dual-band HAM transceiver to talk. That approach is a lot cheaper anyway, even though you're getting two devices.

 

[RogueSteward]

Handheld scanners like the Uniden BCD436HP will receive all of the bands you're looking for, but finding a single antenna that will work well on all bands is not going to be easy.

And scanners do not transmit.

But that is a good thing because transmitting on a public safety frequency is a good way to go to jail.

I strongly recommend getting a scanner to monitor everything, and then a dual-band HAM transceiver to talk. That approach is a lot cheaper anyway, even though you're getting two devices.

Yea, I keep reading "Don't buy a transceiver to do a scanners job!", maybe I should take heed of that advice! That Uniden scanner is definitely high on my list. My first purchase will be for a transceiver though so some scanning capabilities will be nice until I can save up enough for a good scanner. I'm looking at the Yaesu VX-6R or something similar or better. I've been hitting the forums a lot lately and seeing what the best transceivers are but there is just so much information out there. I'm very interested in hearing what everyone considers to be a well constructed durable and reliable transceiver.

 

[jonwienke]

Yea, I keep reading "Don't buy a transceiver to do a scanners job!", maybe I should take heed of that advice! That Uniden scanner is definitely high on my list.

Let's say you spend $2000-4000 on a Motorola multi-band handheld and CPS. You can't program it to scan multiple systems. Programming it to monitor a trunked system without attempting to affiliate is tricky, and if you do it wrong, the system will brick your radio when it detects an unauthorized unit trying to affiliate. And you still won't be able to scan all the bands you want--at most 2 or 3.

If you get a 436 with all the upgrades and the Yaesu VX-6R, you will spend less than $1000, and be able to monitor everything from 25-1300MHz (except cell bands) with the right antenna.

 

[SteveSimpkin]

While you may be able to find one product that does two very different functions, this is not always the best approach as the compromises are often severe.
https://i2.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ave-mizar.jpg?resize=500,280

 

[jwt873]

Just about every dual band amateur radio HT will cover GMRS, FRS and MURS as well as the 144 and 440 ham bands. There are some with wide general coverage receivers that will tune in CB, as well as shortwave and the HF ham bands, but as ka3jjz points out, you'll need a longer external antenna for that.

I have a Kenwood TH-D74 and it works very well receiving the HF bands when connected to my 3 element 20 meter to 6 meter Yagi antenna 40 feet in the air. Walking around... not so much

As mentioned, a radio that does all this and works with trunking systems doesn't exist.

 

[RogueSteward]

Just about every dual band amateur radio HT will cover GMRS, FRS and MURS as well as the 144 and 440 ham bands. There are some with wide general coverage receivers that will tune in CB, as well as shortwave and the HF ham bands, but as ka3jjz points out, you'll need a longer external antenna for that.

I have a Kenwood TH-D74 and it works very well receiving the HF bands when connected to my 3 element 20 meter to 6 meter Yagi antenna 40 feet in the air. Walking around... not so much

As mentioned, a radio that does all this and works with trunking systems doesn't exist.

That Kenwood is real nice. What would you consider a good used price to be for one? I may see if I can snag one from the classifieds or Craigslist.

CB and DTRS isn't important to me anymore because I am going to save for a separate dedicated scanner now.