Mobile/Portable 2 way radios

[minicrocop]

I was not sure where to post this and given my navie knowledge, figured I would go here. Gonna list a couple of things below starting with what I do know, setup.

I live and serve as a Firefighter AEMT in s/c PA, Adams County. This is as a Volunteer and I run a lot out of my home. I became a Line Officer and need a radio. I live in the mountains a butt up against to other Counties. Cell service is weak to none. Radio wise, only really get low band well.

On any give call near me we could have 3 counties involved, one using 46Mhz, another using 450Mhz, and the last using 800Mhz.

Low band is what we use and only what I can get on a scanner. We are due to go too 800Mhz in 2-3 years, Government paid so who knows.

I would like to get myself a used cheap but good working low band portable and or mobile. Something with a repeater. Looked on ebay and well it is ebay lol. I know they do not make radios that can hit all bands and not cost as much as a kidney, anyone have ideas? I don't mind shelling out some money but nothing to extreme. PM me and I can explain more and thank you.

 

[minicrocop]

A note:

Low Band = 1
450Mhz = 2
800Mhz = 3

The County #2 with the 450Mhz also broadcasts the same feed on low band. I thought it had something to do with the old system low band pagers...idk

On my county radios, county #1, I can hear #2's feed on the old low band channels like how they talked to one another years ago. However if I try to talk to #2 using the low band radio, dispatch cannot hear me calling them but anyone within range on low band, can hear me. My fault for not knowing this would happen but sucks to find out during a call. The dispatch does not monitor low band in #2

Since we do not use 800Mhz yet, we have to use a low band interops channel that the #3 monitors. #3 actually says low band works better.

I dunno guys/gals, above is a hard read and exemplifies the inability of people to work together. If I can find a radio setup that lets me hear 1,2,3 and talk to 1, perhaps 3...I would be happy.

 

[robertmac]

Well, since this thread is about Scanners and not 2 way radios, you might get more information from those on the Commercial and Professional Radio thread.

 

[quarterwave]

Lowband Motorola dash mount radios (60 watt) are cheap on eBay, I'd do that until the system changes. At that point you will likely need a radio provided by (or bought by yourself) the county, but through their system supplier/shop. I'm guessing it would be a trunked system.

You mentioned a repeater...assume you mean in car, so you can use a portable. You would need a frequency for this purpose, and maybe your department has one you could use for the purpose, but you are going to need to coordinate with your county's radio guy or shop. Sometimes perfectly good setups and intentions make something else go awry...without you knowing until someone comes looking for you.

The good part would be if you could use a UHF for your portable/MRE setup, you would then have a portable for field use, and a UHF mobile for the MRE. A low power (switchable) like a M1225 so you could run on 2 watts for MRE and say 25 for mobile with the UHF would work. A unidirectional controller (easy) can hook them back to back.

 

[WB4CS]

I became a Line Officer and need a radio.

Not trying to be snarky here, serious question. Does the department you work for not provide the radio equipment for you? I couldn't imagine working/volunteering for something that puts my life in danger and I have to foot the bill for the radio. Then again, I've never been involved in volunteer fire dept work so maybe that's the standard operating procedure? Surely your department has a "radio tech" that maintains your radio system. Would they be able to help you out?

 

[quarterwave]

I know where I live Volunteers mostly get a T/V pager from the department. In the last few years some of the wealthier departments have provided a portable radio to the "officers" in the department, but if the rest of them wanted stuff, they had to buy it. I have found and setup used radios for several of my friends who do or did volunteer.

Back in the day the departments were so small....a half dozen Plectrons at their homes would do it, else wise, they had a Bearcat III at work or in the car/truck.

 

[minicrocop]

So since you all are experts...very knowledgeable in the scene, how much would you spend?

 

[gewecke]

So since you all are experts...very knowledgeable in the scene, how much would you spend?

Few of us are hardly experts, but maybe your own department might be willing to supply you with the equipment, since you're talking about some money here? If it were me, I would ask THEM to spend the money on ME.

73,
n9zas