GE M-PA VHF Radios

[RabidRabit]

I've just recently aquired two hand held radios. They were cleared before I got them and I am wondering how to use them. As I am brand new to VHF radioing I have not a clue. Could sure use some help if anyone has a few minutes to explain them to me.

 

[w0fg]

I've just recently aquired two hand held radios. They were cleared before I got them and I am wondering how to use them. As I am brand new to VHF radioing I have not a clue. Could sure use some help if anyone has a few minutes to explain them to me.

Divide your loose papers into two stacks. Place one radio on each stack. The papers will be secure in winds not to exceed 30 kts.

OK...that was the wise guy answer, but seriously, without a license and programming, that's what they are; paperweights. "VHF radioing" tells us nothing. You give no indication of having an amateur radio license, and your post implies that you want to be able to transmit between them. For that, you will need a business-band radio license for use on an authorized frequency. If you have no previous experience you need to be in touch with a business-band radio dealer who can assist you with the licensing process. The radios themselves require programming. Your choices are taking them to an authorized M/A-COM dealer and having it done, or purchasing the necessary software and hardware to do it yourself. The programming cable/hardware will cost between $100-200, and the software anywhere from $50-2000.

 

[rmiles]

Join the M-PA Yahoo group and look in the files section.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GE-Mpa/files/

Here you should find everything you need, except a programming cable and a license. For a cable, see Price Industries;

http://www.priceindustries.com/mpa.html

 

[RabidRabit]

Paperweights

I got this off of the Federal Communications Commission Website:

You need a commercial radio operator license to operate the following:

* Ship radio stations if:

o the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire; or
o the radio operates on medium or high frequencies; or
o the ship sails to foreign ports; or
o the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required to carry a radio station for safety purposes.

* Coast stations which operate on medium or high frequencies, or operate with more than 1,500 watts of peak envelope power.

* Aircraft radio stations, except those that use only VHF frequencies on domestic flights.

* International fixed public radiotelephone and radiotelegraph stations.

* Coast and ship stations transmitting radiotelegraphy.

You do NOT need a commercial radio operator license to operate the following:

* Coast stations operating on VHF frequencies with 250 watts or less of carrier power.

* Ship stations operating only on VHF frequencies while sailing on domestic voyages (unless the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire, or the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required to carry a radio station for safety purposes).

* Aircraft stations which operate only on VHF frequencies and do not make foreign flights.

Does this mean I don't need one if I'm on the low frequencies with 250 watts or less?

 

[w0fg]

You are required to have a STATION license, not an operator license, for basically any transmitter except CB, Family Radio Service, or type-accepted MURS units. The M-PA is none of those.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing_1&id=industrial_business