thoughts on F3021 model handheld anyone?

[rigmedic]

I'm researching getting a dual band vhf/uhf. At least 50 channel memory. I want the CTCSS feature as well as priority feature. I'd prefer it to be PC programmable but if not that's okay too. Need the 5watt output as well. I want to get it programmed for public safety freqs mostly to use at work. Looking for thoughts on this model and thoughts as to if this model sounds like it would suit my use.

Thanks in advance folks

 

[rescuecomm]

I looked at Icom's site and the F3021 is not a dual band. It is capable of analog and digital operation in VHF high band.

Bob

 

[rigmedic]

I looked at Icom's site and the F3021 is not a dual band. It is capable of analog and digital operation in VHF high band.

Bob

thanks Bob,

after taking a closer look I see you're right.

No matter, I think I've decided on a radio. I was going to go with the Icom V8...but then have decided against it because no wideband. I think the Yaesu/Vertex FT-60R will do nicely once I mod it.

-Andrew

 

[traumacop]

I want to get it programmed for public safety freqs mostly to use at work.

I hope when you say "get it programmed for public safety freqs mostly to use at work" that you mean monitoring. There have been several FDs fined and without any communications because one person buys a non-compliant radio and before you know it half of the department is using them. The FCC will have no concern that you provide a public service when they stop by. Just food for thought.

 

[rigmedic]

I hope when you say "get it programmed for public safety freqs mostly to use at work" that you mean monitoring. There have been several FDs fined and without any communications because one person buys a non-compliant radio and before you know it half of the department is using them. The FCC will have no concern that you provide a public service when they stop by. Just food for thought.

Well, the FCC means nothing to me as I'm in Canada. As for programming public safety freqs yes mostly for monitoring, but also for transmit. I work for a private service but need handheld ability to access provincial ambulance channels for hand off to ALS providers like air ambulance, ground response, country road access etc. I have mobile in my ambulance but my service doesn't provide me with a handheld (cuz they're cheap)

 

[traumacop]

Ah, I didn't pay attention to your location when I posted. I have an FT-60 and have been very happy with it. So happy, that if something happend to it, I would spend no time to purchase a replacement.

One recommendation, buy a Maldol MH-209 or MH-255 for it. Perfect compliment for the FT-60 and smokes performance wise.

 

[electricsheep]

Well, the FCC means nothing to me as I'm in Canada.

Substitute Industry Canada for FCC then...

I work for a private service but need handheld ability to access provincial ambulance channels for hand off to ALS providers like air ambulance, ground response, country road access etc. I have mobile in my ambulance but my service doesn't provide me with a handheld (cuz they're cheap)

Er? You talking about modding a ham handheld to access frequencies like provincial ground and other such frequencies? Who do you work for? Mickey mouse medical response? Please post more... it will make an interesting forward to Industry Canada...

 

[rigmedic]

Substitute Industry Canada for FCC then...



Er? You talking about modding a ham handheld to access frequencies like provincial ground and other such frequencies? Who do you work for? Mickey mouse medical response? Please post more... it will make an interesting forward to Industry Canada...

hey Matte, go screw yourself!

 

[electricsheep]

hey Matte, go screw yourself!

Snappy...

 

[DaveH]

Hey rigmedic dude, don't shoot the messenger(s). What you plan to do sounds
illegal and would sooner or later land you in hot water. Your job could possibly
be jeopardized. Some people have strange notions about obtaining their own
radios and putting them on public safety channels without the proper authorization.
You would not be the first. Your employer not wanting to pay for more radios
would not fly with the authorities.

Whether or not Matte or anyone else were to "report" your intentions is moot.
RR is a "world-class" (if I do say myself ) board that surely has members of
RCMP, Industry Canada, provincial agencies etc. on board (I am not one of
them, I work on telecom design for a living...) As the expression goes, welcome
to the "Watch List".

Consider this a friendly attempt to dissuade you from doing what you describe.
Unfortunately some people only appreciate this after the fact... Hopefully you can
see clear to dropping this hostile response...it is Christmas, and I do wish you a
good one.

 

[rescuecomm]

Rigmedic, you should get yourself some sort of public safety radio for several reasons other than the ones posted. Most ham radios have too many buttons on the front panel that set scan modes and channels. If you get the button pad contaminated with body fluids, it will be very hard to disinfect it without taking the radio apart. The audio on most ham portables is too low for traffic scene operations around a lot of diesel engines running. The knobs on most ham rigs are too small to easily work with gloves on. The durability of the belts clips is another, they tend to break under regular use. I would suggest a used Motorola HT750 or similar radio. You will not be happy with the ham rig. Several guys around here have bought ham rigs and then sold them at a big loss because of the reasons above. I have Icom V82/U82 ham rigs that I carry on searches as a second or third radio to hear stuff I can't listen to otherwise. My main radios are the HT750 VHF and the Icom F43 UHF. Both work very well as they have loud audio and large knobs you can work without looking at the radio.

Bob