Im a firefighter at a volunteer company in a rural area. we are lowband on a single channel frequency. I’m looking into buying a two way radio for my pov n I’ve done just a little bit of research on Motorola. 2 way radios in general. I’ve read u would need a system key for p25 but what about lowband UHF/VHF?
There are a couple of things that you need to do -before- you buy a radio.
First, and foremost, the FCC is very specific in the rules that the licensee is the only one who can authorize adding radios to a system. Simply being a member, employee, volunteer or otherwise, does not authorize you to add a radio to the fire departments system. You need to have written authorization from the licensee. The licensee may be your county, state, agency, city, etc. You need to talk to your chief about that, get his/her OK and make sure you get it in writing. You, yourself, are not licensed, the agency is.
Second, you need to find out the details about the radio system. Without knowing that, it's pointless to be looking at radio. While a "single channel frequency" should be easy, there's a lot to it, and without the specifics, you'd be making a wild guess about what type of radio to purchase. Getting the right radio for the application is necessary. We're happy to help, but you'll need to provide the specifics.
You'll need to know:
-Transmit frequency
-Transmit squelch code (CTCSS, DCS, DPL, PL, QT, DQT, RAN, CC etc.)
-Receive frequency
-Receive squelch code (CTCSS, DCS, DPL, PL, QT, DQT, RAN, CC etc.)
-Power output that the license authorizes. (TPO or ERP)
-Channel deviation/bandwidth
-Emission mode, analog, digital, if digital, what mode?
-Any PTT ID that your department/dispatch requires.
Also, very important, you need to make sure the radio you get has FCC type certification for Part 90 operation. Cheap Chinese radios rarely have this, sometimes they say they do, but don't, sometimes the certifications are falsified. Amateur radios don't have it. Operating under your agencies license requires you to follow all the FCC rules, including those that dictate radio type certification. Again, no waiver for volunteers, fire departments, rural areas, or "I'll only use it in emergencies". Failing to follow all the rules puts the agencies license at risk, as in fines that they probably cannot afford.
Old/out of date radios may not meet the narrow band requirements that went into effect in 2013 for most VHF High and UHF frequencies, so you need to be cautious about buying used radios. Used radio might be fine, but it needs to be the right one.
Band split for the radio is also very important. Many low band and UHF radios have multiple models to cover the entire band, as in one radio will not cover all of it. Simply buying a "UHF" or "Low Band" radio may not be sufficient, it needs to cover the correct frequencies. You can't modify it if you get the wrong one.
Third, you need to pick the correct antenna. Licenses will often specify an ERP, or Effective Radiated Power. ERP is related to transmitter output, feed line loss and antenna gain. Just grabbing a random antenna is not the correct approach. Antennas are band specific and in many cases need to be specifically tuned not only to the frequency in use, but the specific installation.
Forth, you need to get the radio programmed properly. Key is "properly". Many people can program radios, but when it comes to public safety, it needs to be done correctly, especially when lives are on the line. There are many settings that need to be correct and for most of them "close enough" doesn't work. Getting the radio professionally programmed can save you a lot of headaches and prevent interference to other users.
Fifth, it all needs to be installed correctly. If you are looking for a radio that is going to work well, it's pointless if it is not installed correctly. Cigarette lighter plugs are not a good option for many reasons. The radio will not work correctly if the antenna is not properly installed and tested. Cutting corners on any of the install will cause unreliable operation, which in your application, can have catastrophic consequences. Not impossible to do it on your own, but it takes time, skill and the correct tools. A properly installed radio will provide years of reliable use.
A couple of other things I'd suggest:
Find out what model radios your agency is using in their vehicles. Getting a matching radio can be a good idea. First, you can use the same, or slightly modified, programming file for yours. Finding out who does the radios for your agency can speed the process.
It also means that familiarity with the department radios will carry over to your own.
Same with the antennas, find out what they are using and use the same. It'll meet the license requirements (or should) and is probably a proven performer if they are happy with them.
Make sure the agency doesn't have any plans to change the system. While it may be unlikely, make sure there isn't some future plan to covert to digital, or a regional trunked system. No point in investing the money if it's going to be useless in a few years.
Consider a scanner. Much more flexible. While you won't be able to answer back, it will give you some options the transceiver won't have, like larger scan capacity, multiple bands, front panel programming, etc.
Once you find out what frequencies you need, consider looking at surrounding agencies. You can legally program their channels in a
receive only, which might be useful. If VHF is used, consider programming in NOAA weather channels. Various interoperability channels can be programmed in as receive only, also.
Antennas are very, very important. Don't spend $300 on a radio and then slap a $20 mag mount antenna on your vehicle and expect it to work like a $300 radio. The antenna is the most important part of the system, and cutting corners there is going to severely impact performance. Like the radio, skip the Chinese/Amateur/hobby grade junk.
Done right, it can all work well, but it's not as easy as some think. There's a lot of help here, and you can do this with the right information. Just make sure your ducks are in a row with the authorization from the licensee.