Icom IC-F320 for 2m Band

[emt_micah]

Howdy all.

I'm a Vol FF and a Jeep enthusiast. I run an IC-F320 in my Wrangler off of my VFD's license.

I'm looking at getting my Ham license and maybe joining a SkyWarn team here in Indiana.

Is it possible to program my IC-F320 into the 2m band? I have the software and cable. But it looks in the manual like this radio doesn't go down that far.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Micah

 

[hill]

Looks like it has a band split of 146-174 Mhz. It should be able to 2m above 146 Mhz. I don't know about Icom radios working outside of the band split, but my Kenwoods will go a few Mhz below the rated band.

Larry

 

[fineshot1]

The IC-F320 came in two band splits -- 136-155 MHz and 146-174 MHz

You would have to determine which one you have.

If you have the higher of the two then you only get the higher half of the 2 meter band.

 

[emt_micah]

Looks like I have the 146-147Mhz.

Since I'm new to this, would I really be missing out if I only have access to half the 2m band?

I may have the opportunity to get an older (2003) EF Johnson 5300. That goes 136-174Mhz. But it's a much bigger beast to mount in my little Jeep. Additionally, I don't think that the EFJ is capable of 2-tone encode/decode like my Icom can (with the additional board installed).

I know that with Bendix/King LMR radios, there are some software tweaks to get access into the HAM bands. Is such a thing available for the Icoms?

 

[Duster40]

If there is any way for you to get your hands on a Icom F-121,
it will do exactly what you are looking to do....I've done it with mine.

 

[AK9R]

This doesn't really answer the OP's question, but I have an Icom IC-F1020 with the 146-174 MHz band split and it works down to 144 MHz just fine.

Micah, whether or not you need the 2m ham frequencies below 146 MHz depends on the frequencies of the repeaters in the areas where you intend to operate. Check the RadioReference database:

Regional Skywarn/Severe Weather Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

If you are in Central Indiana, you can also refer to the Skywarn repeater map at:

Central Indiana Skywarn Repeaters | Central Indiana Skywarn

 

[CalebATC]

Even if you don't get below 146, most likely, you will be fine. Most repeaters are in 146 and 147 MHz.

 

[BonziBuddy]

As long as it's a part certified radio... you're allowed to use your own radio in your own vehicle? Your dispatch doesn't have a problem with that? or they just don't know?

I'm curious because why would you be using it? Usually in my department we only use the radio for signing in rigs and talking to each other on the fireground. Anything else control would rather have a landline of it. What could you possibly say?

Some departments in my county have their own privately licensed FCC business band frequencies that they use for private conversations. Wish my department had one.