Need Advice/Suggestions

[Oddball101]

I have a small business that requires us to be outdoors a lot and we’re looking to begin using real handheld radios instead of the garbage blister pack ones. We are in the process of getting an FCC business band license and intend on the radios being encrypted. The goal is to have at least a couple of miles range (I know this is greatly dependent on terrain) and we need them to be durable with the elements. Any suggestions that won’t be super expensive so that I can have spares and potentially have one for each employee approximately 20 radios
Thanks

 

[jeepsandradios]

Until you have a license in hand with a frequency its hard to recommend a suitable radio. Lots of stuff on the market but the license will dictate an emission and frequency.

 

[Oddball101]

Until you have a license in hand with a frequency its hard to recommend a suitable radio. Lots of stuff on the market but the license will dictate an emission and frequency.

We will have VHF and UHF. Not sure what the emissions will be. We have a HAM guy that has done some research and suggested using Anytone AT-D878UV. Allegedly this will allow us to use AES256 encryption

 

[Mr_Boh]

I mean if you are willing to forego encryption, options open wide up. I wouldn't do encryption on analog, so being a business just shop around for what's there in the DMR (and similar, like NXDN) world.

And to @kb2ztx's point, make sure you apply for the appropriate emissions if you intend to be digital and then encrypt.

They seem to be love/hate, but the DTR series from Motorola is digital, theoretically encrypted OOB and can be had right from their website, all license free. It's just 900MHz, so range would come into quesiton.

 

[krokus]

Why are you getting VHF and UHF assignments? Unless you are going to have repeaters with an RF link between them, that sounds counterproductive. (Which you would not need, to cover such a small area.)

 

[TailGator911]

The AnyTone 878 is a very durable radio, shock and water resistant, excellent loud and clear audio which is great for outdoor and vehicle use, both amateur and commercial capabilities, and very affordable. I can't say enough good things about this radio.

 

[Oddball101]

Why are you getting VHF and UHF assignments? Unless you are going to have repeaters with an RF link between them, that sounds counterproductive. (Which you would not need, to cover such a small area.)

Honestly, I don’t have a good response for that. I was told we would be getting both. I really don’t see the need for both. I think VHF will meet our needs. The paperwork is being processed right now. I didn’t do the paperwork part so... i will get clarity on that point and find out. I know we are intending to use VHF unless someone has a suggestion for something different. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Oddball101]

Can you confirm for me if you are able to use AES encryption on these?

 

[Oddball101]

Also anyone have thoughts on Ailunce HD1 radio it seems comparable to the Anytone 878.

 

[alcahuete]

Can you confirm for me if you are able to use AES encryption on these?

Yes, the Anytone 878 does AES-256 encryption.

 

[jaspence]

The suggested radio is a good choice unless your budget is enough for professional grade. They will do VHF or UIHF, DMR digital and encryption.

 

[krokus]

Honestly, I don’t have a good response for that. I was told we would be getting both. I really don’t see the need for both. I think VHF will meet our needs. The paperwork is being processed right now. I didn’t do the paperwork part so... i will get clarity on that point and find out. I know we are intending to use VHF unless someone has a suggestion for something different. Sorry for the confusion.

Let me guess: someone that knows nothing about radios made the decision to get both?

Checking which one has more availability in your area makes sense, most likely UHF.

 

[Tom70200]

You can consider AnyTone AT-D878. I think this is a fantastic radio and if you're into DMR you will love it. High quality, very nice screen, rugged, battery life is ridiculously long compared to my D74 Dstar radio. The sound quality is great also better than my D74. High quality all around.

 

[krokus]

Honestly, I don’t have a good response for that. I was told we would be getting both. I really don’t see the need for both. I think VHF will meet our needs. The paperwork is being processed right now. I didn’t do the paperwork part so... i will get clarity on that point and find out. I know we are intending to use VHF unless someone has a suggestion for something different. Sorry for the confusion.

Have you been able to get more info?

 

[DeoVindice]

Honestly, I don’t have a good response for that. I was told we would be getting both. I really don’t see the need for both. I think VHF will meet our needs. The paperwork is being processed right now. I didn’t do the paperwork part so... i will get clarity on that point and find out. I know we are intending to use VHF unless someone has a suggestion for something different. Sorry for the confusion.

That's sending up red flags for me. Part 90 licenses don't just give you blanket authorization to use a given frequency - they dictate the emissions type (analog FM, DMR, P25, NXDN, or whatever else) and station classes that you are authorized to use. Get in touch with whoever you have handling the license paperwork and figure out what exactly they're getting you.

 

[GlobalNorth]

You need 20 radios and have no license?

Go to a communications company that leases radios and let them deal with the licensing, maintenance, technology, and coverage issues.