you would need to get a license for a simplex channel. some Maxtrac trunk models did not support conventional at all, some only support conventional if you also had at least 1 trunked channel in it. if the latter is the case, just leave the existing trunk in when it is reprogrammed, the system is likely not valid anymore anyway and even if it is your unit is shut off since you get the long tone.
if this was VHF/UHF you could throw it on one of the unlicensed channels and run low power. but at 800 i would not even think of using an unlicensed freq. the inband interference issues is the reason why nextel is paying to reband most 800 systems/users and if you get caught operating illegally on it expect swift and severe fines to the tune of $8,000 or more per radio per offense.
