I do understand that everyone is doing their best to help and I haven't given you much.
In some ways it's comparable to questioning why someone would choose to own a firearm, even if they plan on never shooting anyone.
In other ways it's comparable to inquiring about a microwave and being asked what I'm putting into it. Obviously if I only wanted to cook potatoes I would say so. Likewise if I only wanted to illegally hack into emergency/government frequencies I would also divulge that; or do my own research.
It's a real challenge when someone who has recently joined the board comes in and asks very vague questions.
We don't know how much detail to go into. Overwhelming someone new with a lot of technical details when they don't have any background, knowledge or training to properly process that data doesn't really do anyone any good.
For one, it overwhelms the OP asking a question and looking for a simple answer.
Two, our fingers get tired from typing it all out.
Having a starting point helps a lot.
But I digress, and no hard feelings, just my view of my side. I also sympathize and appreciate with your view, easier to answer specifics when given specifics; unfortunately as I stated I had none.
No hard feelings. Many of us have been doing this for a long time and are well beyond that. We're here because we want to help.
Since I've already made a purchase, and this thread is sidetracked... let's wander off topic if you so choose to oblige.
I'm looking for a general use vhf radio.
I have the provision to use it with work.
I have the provision to use it with SAR.
I have the desire to learn.
I think they are cool and choose to own one.
I would be interested in owning my own frequency (if any are still available, chances are now a days not likely).
I would like to have one if I ever needed one (read as you choose).
I am looking at getting training as suggested.
I think I've rambled on long enough. Hope I didn't offend or come off too strong.
Nothing wrong with any of that. Good questions, good statements.
The reason we touch on the legality issues is because for newcomers that don't understand much about radio, it's easy to assume that if it's sold as a consumer product, it must be perfectly legal to use however they choose.
As professionals, I'll always start off with what's legal in the eyes of the FCC. Explaining the correct and legal way to proceed gives the individual a good start in the right direction.
However, if someone chooses to take all that and go in a different direction, that's OK with us. We gave you the right information to start off with. What you do with it is your own business. Nothing you do is going to impact me.
Again, as a professional (as in I get paid to do this stuff as a career), I'll never encourage someone to do something that's outside the FCC rules. I have professional standards that I uphold. It's my job at work to make sure we do things correctly.
What you do as an individual is entirely up to you.
P.S. I had no idea 4wd clubs used vhf. Back when I had both radios installed in my off-roader, the club only used CB so sadly I could not use my vhf ) : . I have been considering selling my truck and buying a different vehicle to get back into offroading, another reason why I'm reluctant to drill holes in the roof; but that is currently another thread I started..
Some do, some don't. Some off road clubs that are really serious about getting into the back country get a large number of their members involved in amateur radio. That can be a big benefit compared to CB, FRS or even GMRS. Having access to repeaters, maybe having long range HF communications ability, etc. improves the chances of getting help in an emergency. It also lets them get involved in different areas, like search and rescue, public service, etc.
Hey, I am glad to see you are interested in this and I am not discouraging you from having it. I noticed you said you wanted your own frequency. If you are looking for a private frequency that be yours I’d recommend looking into either having a part 90 mobile repester, or a part 90 simplex system. But you need to keep in mind that VHF and UHF is line of sight. And if you were to get one frequeny for simplex the power output of the radio would not matter as there is only a limit that you would not hit. And when getting the frequeny you would specify the power output.
There are limitations under Part 90. Also, working with a frequency coordinator to choose a frequency will involve establishing areas of operation, power levels, ERP levels, etc. Protecting co-channel users is important.
A good option is to license an itinerant frequency. Those allow you to move around over a wider area, but does come with limitations on power levels.
I did not really look into that radio too much, but I presume it is analog. You could also get a digital p25 radio which is clearer and it would also be clearer when at longer distances.
MCS2000 is an analog radio.
EDIT: a XTL5000 would be a great choice, even thought it has some stuff you don’t need like trucking and encryption.(unless you need that) but having those features would be dependent on the flash though.
Yes, good radios, but can be overwhelming for those new to radio. Motorola programming software is expensive, as are the Motorola branded programming cables. The XTL/XTS line of radios can be very complex and difficult to program for those with out some experience. MCS-2000's are a bit easier.
Paying extra for an XTL-5000 might not be a good investment. Unless the OP licenses for digital or has access to a trunking system, many of the features of the radio will be useless.
Yea, if you are just looking to do line of sight communication the cost for a pair of frequencies would cost more. So only get what you need.
It might cost more to coordinate a pair of frequencies, but the license won't cost any more.
Again, for simplex use, a few itinerant frequencies might be a good choice.
Yes you need a license, but just owning it is not illegal.
Absolutely. Many people use commercial transceivers as receivers only. The better front end filtering and better receivers often outperform scanners drastically.
