Motorola Mobat on 6/10 meters?

[kadetklapp]

Since I got my license (or am waiting for it) I've been shopping around on ebay for an HF Transceiver. When I type this in, one of the results I get lately is for this-
MICOM-2ES MOTOROLA MOBAT HF TRANSCEIVER MICOM 2EF - eBay (item 120647300360 end time Dec-14-10 03:58:04 PST)

Now, it's hugely out of my price range, but it brought out my curiosity since i have a love for batwing equipment. What's the story with this? Is it actually capable of working the ham bands? If not, can it be modified to do so (legally)?

 

[n5ims]

This M80AMN0KV5BK would indicate that it would, with 125 watts out and 1.6 - 30 MHz frequency coverage. It doesn't appear to have any modes other than SSB so FM on 6 or 10 wouldn't be an option. It also appears to be channel based (200 channels), not VFO based like most ham tranceivers are. That would cause issues if during a QSO there was some interference and the other side said to QSY up something (unless you happened to have that frequency programmed in as well).

The radio was designed for the HF channels that can be assigned to various public service, forestry, and governmental agencies (including the military, although they would most likely get one specifically designed for their use at a much greater cost). For example this one http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/applMain.jsp?applID=4534163 where 3.201 MHz is licensed to Humboldt County California with the justification "Law Enforcement: Our investigators need a means to contact our office from remote areas in our county where cell phones and repeaters do not work.". That license was discussed in this thread http://forums.radioreference.com/hf-mw-lw-general-discussion/117252-hf-law-enforcement.html if you're interested.

 

[rfradioconsult]

The Mobat series 2 radios are being phased out of commercial/government service for the 3 series. The series 3T RDP is a really nice package, includes ALE and HF encryption in a large metal suitcase complete with the automatic antenna tuner in the lid, the deployable antenna and interconnect cales in a separate nylon shoulder bag. I keep mine on 24/7 on ALE.