I'm researching about the Unity Portable and Mobile for our local CERT Team as a radio upgrade.
Seriously, you are looking at $5000+ per radio. For a CERT team, that isn't chump change. Other issue is that while some local agencies support the CERT teams quite well, I'd be cautious about expecting them to give you access to frequencies that would require a radio like this. You'd need written memorandums of understanding to use other agencies radio channels. Make sure you get that MOU signed before you drop 5 large on a radio.
My first question is, how does the control feature work for the mobile? I see there are two faceplates, but how do they separate apart? Is there a bracket to mount it with?
Often, the RF deck (radio "guts") get mounted in a patrol car trunk, and the control head gets mounted up in the center console. There will be a cable that links the control head to the RF deck. This makes installation much easier, and can put the radio guts back closer to the antennas and power. The manufacturer of the center console will sell specific plates to properly mount these radios onto the console.
My second question is, how many antennas do you need a VHF, UHF and 700/800 or do you use a splitter? Does it need a UHF Mini or PL 259 connector? Thanks in advance!
If I remember correctly, there were two antenna ports. There was a dedicated port for the low band exciter ouput, I think it was an SMA or mini-UHF. The second connector was for everything else, VHF-High, UHF, 700, 800MHz. I do believe it was an N connector.
They make multiband antennas that are designed to work with these radios. They have one feed point that gets connected back to the N connector on the radio. The antenna handles all the bands. Not ideal, but they work. As for low band VHF, it only puts out a few milliwatts. I've seen it marketed as a "receiver" only, but they can be hooked up to a suitable amp to crank out some useable power. It would take a dedicated antenna for that.
Seriously though. A CERT team with a budget to drop $5000 per radio is something I'd love to see. Truth is that it would be very unlikely you would be able to use the full potential of a radio like this. You'd probably be better off with some single band radios for your normal work, and maybe another radio on different bands to cover everything else.
I've used one of these radios, and I grew tired of it very quickly. They are L-A-R-G-E radios, and heavy. They get uncomfortable to carry around. I couldn't wait to ditch the one I had and go back to a single band radio. I wouldn't want to be working rescues and have that monstrosity on my belt.
But, hey, if you have the money, and the agencies will give you an MOU to access their systems, then go for whatever floats your boat.
