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[Admckayjr]

I am a volunteer law enforcement officer in South Carolina, and I have the opportunity to work with agencies across the state. Sometimes the agency has a very limited number of radios available. For this reason I am considering purchasing my own radio. I have very little knowledge regarding what type of equipment I need or even how to “program” it. This purchase will be coming out of my own pocket, so I don’t want to get to fancy. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[DPD1]

I would try and find a commercial radio dealer in your area... Tell them what agencies you deal with, and they'll be able to look up what freqs/bands you would need. You might want to do a little research to see what freqs they use for yourself as well. Then they should be able to recommend a radio, and program it for you. But if any of the systems are digital, or there's too many bands involved, they might not be able to give you one radio that will cover everything.

Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if being a volunteer would be good enough for them to be willing to program a radio. I'm honestly not sure what the legalities would be there. It would probably be a lot easier if you were just dealing with one agency.

Dave
-DPD Productions - Custom Scanner, MURS, & Ham Antennas-
http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/

 

[matthewtomek]

If you are a member of an auxiliary group through the police dept or sheriff's office, you should be able to get a letter from the chief or sheriff authorizing what can be programmed in your radio. But like DPD said, your best bet is going to your local radio shop or ask some of the folks at the police dept or sheriff's office. There is probably someone there that will help you out.

Are you a member of reserve program or something to that effect??

 

[Admckayjr]

It is similar to a reserve program, but I have statewide authority.

 

[elk2370bruce]

The key to the process is getting the written permission to install the desired frequencies or trunked systems. Without the licensee consent, most reputable dealers will not program for you. Its always easier to ask than to have to backfill later on.

 

[nexus]

Before you head to your local radio shop I might suggest CES. These people carry a pretty good selection of radio equipment which is intended to do the job but not break your pocket book. So unless you want top of the line don't blow your money on a motorola radio dealer...

RELM makes an excellent radio. First off you need to know what your requirements are.

Are you using VHF-HI? UHF? 800mHz? Conventional or Trunking? Does the agencies you want to communicate with use APCO25 or Analog? These are just some of the things you really need to consider before you can even begin to shop...

But let's assume you're using VHF-Hi conventional. RELM or BK Radio makes some good choices. For example here is the link to a RELM VHF radio that is 99 channels, scan, alphanumeric display, 2-tone decode for paging systems, 5 watts, priority scan, PL and DPL, rapid desktop charger, windows programmable, supports narrowband and wideband FM modes. $259.95
http://www.usascan.com/files/RPV599APLUS.html

This unit is programmed via a special cable and software on a windows based PC. I might add that Motorola will not release their programming software. So if you buy one of their radios you're forced to get it programmed or modified at an authorized dealer. RELM and BK will sell you the cable and software at a reasonable cost. The radio above was specifically indended for public safety users.

For more radios go look: http://www.usascan.com see under 2-way transceivers.

 

[Admckayjr]

Thanks for the information and suggestions…

So, if I understand correctly, there is no one radio that can be used for every agency…. Depending on the frequency, I may need to purchase multiple radios.

The agency I worked with this weekend had two different radios…… The one they let me use was a 460 I think….???