Hello. I am new to Ham Radios, and was wondering if there are any handheld radios that I can purchase that are not super expensive without first getting a license. I don't intend to broadcast, as I am aware there are many frequencies which I can face legal repercussions for transmitting on. I really only intend on communicating with friends or simply tuning into different frequencies.
-
To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:
Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.
If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.
To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.
The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.
For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).
This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.
In the U.S., the only radio services that don't require an individual license are FRS and MURS.
CB is still around. GMRS simple license and might be best. Both good for local communications. Or investigate in your area to find a HAM nearby to review details and help you determine if you might want to pursue an amateur license since the Tech class is not too hard.
You say you do not intend to broadcast but transmitting to a friend is broadcasting. There are many,many radios available once you determine what type of service you want to use.
You might want to take a few minutes and do a search in these forums for FRS, MURS, CB, GMRS. Many helpful posts.
You say you do not intend to broadcast but transmitting to a friend is broadcasting. There are many,many radios available once you determine what type of service you want to use.
You might want to take a few minutes and do a search in these forums for FRS, MURS, CB, GMRS. Many helpful posts.
I'll assume you're in the USA. If you are only listening, you can buy any radio you want. If you want to transmit without a license then ditto a727469 and AK9R.
FRS (Family Radio Service) radios are relatively inexpensive and easy to find on-line or even at some big box department stores or in sporting goods shops. Just don't place too much faith in the advertised ranges the manufacturer claims. Some 2 way FRS radios advertise a 3 mile range but this is under ideal conditions.
CB (Citizen's Band) radios generally have longer range than FRS radios but they'll cost more.
Hope this helps and have fun.
FRS (Family Radio Service) radios are relatively inexpensive and easy to find on-line or even at some big box department stores or in sporting goods shops. Just don't place too much faith in the advertised ranges the manufacturer claims. Some 2 way FRS radios advertise a 3 mile range but this is under ideal conditions.
CB (Citizen's Band) radios generally have longer range than FRS radios but they'll cost more.
Hope this helps and have fun.
Similar threads
BCD325P2/BCD996P2:
Program a Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Scanner
