How rare are the 136-162 MaxTracs?

[Otis413]

Just how rare are the 136 to 162mhz cut VHF MaxTracs? And what would be a reasonable price for a 2ch, 16ch or a 32ch 25w in good shape?

Just wondering because reading the Repeater-Builder.com website they talk like they're pretty uncommon..

 

[mmckenna]

I don't know. I know the amateur crowd likes them. I've got several of the 146MHz to 174MHz versions, and I've had no issues at all getting them to TX down around the high 144MHz range.

Unless you really need something down below 2 meters, I wouldn't pay more for a 136 version over a 146 version. The 136-162 versions do seem to be rare. Other than some military use, not much reason to go below 150 MHz for most public safety/commercial use.

As for price, I wouldn't pay more than about $25 for one of them. There were thousands of these replaced for the narrow banding work, and they are all over the place. I know there are some guys on e-bay that seem to think they are made out of solid gold. Some careful shopping around should find you a good price.

I got several of the 16 channel versions for free a few years back. Good solid radios. We use them on the 2 meter band on ATV's and UTV's. Other than some risks with water intrusion, they've stood up well to the vibrations. Newer radios (like CDM's) seem to have better sealing, but this likely won't be an issue for you.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Just stay away from ones that have LRA in the model number. Check out repeater builder for info on the Maxtrac/gm300 radios


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Otis413]

Thanks for the input, there's a guy on eBay selling them, I picked up a few 2 channel models and am converting them to 16 & 32 ch radios. only $10.00 each, but he wants $16.00 S&H (they always get you with the shipping.)
Anyway I was thinking about selling one or two converted 16/32 channel radios to help finance my hobby, but I think I'll just keep them if that's all they're worth.

If anyone is interested in getting one, they are in almost new condition. They do have a jumper soldered onto the logic board so they can't be turned off, but that's an easy fix.

Motorola Max Trac FUD 1841AA | eBay

FUD 1841AA
MaxTrac 100
2 modes
25 watts
5pin logic board; HLN5173B
RF Board; HLD4321B
D33MJA7JA5_K
136.0-162.0

 

[mmckenna]

That's not a bad price. Good solid radios if you are looking for something basic. I've been slowly replacing ours with CDM-750's or CDM-1250's. When I can find them for a good price, I grab them.

The MaxTracs were pretty well built. Lot of functionality and solidly built. Like I said, we've been beating the crap out of these on UTV's for a few years now. Other than one that got a little wet, they've done well.

Trick for most people is the programming.

 

[davidzimmerman]

i have a 32 Channel VHF Maxtrac for ham use and monitor some public safety on it work's great its a 45 Watt unit

 

[Otis413]

My first MaxTrac was a 146-174 45w, and Tx below 146 made the power output go nuts so I had to mod it a little to get it to work on our local repeater (145.110- ).
Yea, they are tough little radios, the VHF LO MaxTracs we have at work have really taken a beating over the years.