new to amateur radio and need some help

[petetheman125]

I am a paramedic for my local EMS service. I want to install a mobile radio in my 2010 toyota tacoma. I have a small grasp on the basic concepts of radio function, but not nearly enough to know what to buy. Our service freqs are around 155 mhz. I need to transmit and receive. I know I need a VHF mobile radio and antenna, but what's the best buy for my situation? Also I am on a budget and need to be economical. Also I will be doing the programming so I will need to be able to have access to purchase the programming software.

A whole list of things I need would be great.

Thanks.

 

[N8IAA]

I am a paramedic for my local EMS service. I want to install a mobile radio in my 2010 toyota tacoma. I have a small grasp on the basic concepts of radio function, but not nearly enough to know what to buy. Our service freqs are around 155 mhz. I need to transmit and receive. I know I need a VHF mobile radio and antenna, but what's the best buy for my situation? Also I am on a budget and need to be economical. Also I will be doing the programming so I will need to be able to have access to purchase the programming software.

A whole list of things I need would be great.

Thanks.

One thing you should be aware of before the RRPD slap you upside your head is: ham radios are not certified to operate on commercial frequencies. This is due to many reasons which will probably be forthcoming from others. It has to do with bandwidth, emission types, and selectivity.
Some of the commercial gear that is available is in the RR For Sale Forum. There are mobile and handheld radios. It would be to your advantage to inquire about those radios.
HTH,
Larry

 

[petetheman125]

Oh ok, I see. I'll look in those forums as well.

 

[Kennrth]

Very funky question. EMS stations are licensed held by the state,county or city or private franchise issued by the FCC. Most often they are an integrated part of a trunking system. Installations and maintenance has to be monitored and signed off by a technician an FCC license holder. And registration and training is required for all radio operators in the service. It is ok to receive but it is Federal Fines and or Jail Time for those who are foolish enough to transmit without FCC authorization. Except for extreme circumstances amatuer radio license does not allow emissions anywhere in the public safety bands.

 

[zz0468]

Our service freqs are around 155 mhz. I need to transmit and receive.

What is it about this that makes it an amateur radio question? Or did I miss something?

 

[gewecke]

One thing you should be aware of before the RRPD slap you upside your head is: ham radios are not certified to operate on commercial frequencies. This is due to many reasons which will probably be forthcoming from others. It has to do with bandwidth, emission types, and selectivity.
Some of the commercial gear that is available is in the RR For Sale Forum. There are mobile and handheld radios. It would be to your advantage to inquire about those radios.
HTH,
Larry

Larry,he did NOT say he was going to use a ham rig. He said "mobile radio".
Go easy there big guy.
n9zas

 

[kb2crk]

if you want to use a radio on both ham and public safety freqs. you will need a commercial radio. the type acceptance for radios on PS or business bands does not allow for vfo or FPP units. it also does not allow for modifications to the equipment so you want to find a radio that can do both with out mods. motorola has a bunch of radios that fit the bill but software can be a problem. the older radios can be had cheap but they are mostly wide band and will have to be replaced for PS use in 2013. i have experience with the moto stuff but i heard the software for kenwood or GE is easier to come by. i hope this helps some.

 

[N8IAA]

Larry,he did NOT say he was going to use a ham rig. He said "mobile radio".
Go easy there big guy.
n9zas

I was being nice. Just was giving him a advice. The title lead me to believe ham radio. It should have been posted in the commercial radio forum.
Larry