Dual Band Ham Radio $46

[churchmouse]

You just have to grasp an understanding of how a repeater works. Traffic comes in on one freq, and out at the same time on another. There is a set offset to that either higher or lower +,-. Some repeaters have access codes you need to enter also.

If you get something pm me I can walk you through it.

Thank you. Will repeaters be up and running if we suffer a power outage??

 

[Sailor]

The license cost is $14. An 8yr old can pass it.

Mine is an MKII not sure what that adds. Programming cable on the way. Can you add alpha tags with programming?

 

[Sailor]

Thank you. Will repeaters be up and running if we suffer a power outage??

Big ones run on battery back up. Chances of all the repeaters being damaged in an urban area is smaller. This is a niche radio part of the puzzle. My $800 Yaesu with my 175 watt amp can talk 100 miles SSB with no repeaters but this thread is about spending $46.

 

[jeremy]

Big ones run on battery back up. Chances of all the repeaters being damaged in an urban area is smaller. This is a niche radio part of the puzzle. My $800 Yaesu with my 175 watt amp can talk 100 miles SSB with no repeaters but this thread is about spending $46.

I would not call this a niche part of the puzzle, inter-group Comms are almost, if not more important, than being able to throw your voice a 100 miles. I think what you have done is show that there are capable options out there for those on budgets. I had no clue you could get a dual band radio for less than $50.

 

[45-70]

Mine is an MKII not sure what that adds. Programming cable on the way. Can you add alpha tags with programming?

Sorry, no alpha tags at least on my older version, even though the software has provisions it won't populate. BTW, mine has been bumped dropped and otherwise abused and is holding up great.

 

[Glock22c]

Big ones run on battery back up. Chances of all the repeaters being damaged in an urban area is smaller. This is a niche radio part of the puzzle. My $800 Yaesu with my 175 watt amp can talk 100 miles SSB with no repeaters but this thread is about spending $46.

Well I only need the $46 model pretty sure we are closer than 100 miles

 

[techres]

Alright, I am game to try one.

 

[Sailor]

Well I only need the $46 model pretty sure we are closer than 100 miles

Radio to radio you may get a few miles. Using a repeater you may get up to 20-30 miles depending on what the radio is on the other end.

You might as well order a programming cable while you are at it. Will save yourself some of the hassle of programming it.

 

[Icarry2]

Thanks for the info Saior, I will look at buying a couple of these..

 

[ThrottleJockey]

"I have no problems giving it to my girls to throw into the basket of there bike when they are at the park a half mile away."

Apparently, you aren't worried that your daughters can get popped by the FCC for illegal use of ham radio equipment?

Yeah, the FCC has too much on their plate too worry about this crap. They don't even mess with CBs any more. I have many friends with wide open amplified CBs reaching out, WAY out. Heck you can even go to just about any truck stop radio shop and openly discuss it and pay them to "hook you up".

 

[jeremy]

Yeah, the FCC has too much on their plate too worry about this crap. They don't even mess with CBs any more. I have many friends with wide open amplified CBs reaching out, WAY out. Heck you can even go to just about any truck stop radio shop and openly discuss it and pay them to "hook you up".

Yuppers...

 

[Bill of Rights]

"I have no problems giving it to my girls to throw into the basket of there bike when they are at the park a half mile away."

Apparently, you aren't worried that your daughters can get popped by the FCC for illegal use of ham radio equipment?

Well, that's a point if they transmit, but...

They know they are to listen only and not transmit. They play radio with their FRS's. If there is an emergency they can call me and I will pay an FCC fine willingly.

And then again...

The license cost is $14. An 8yr old can pass it....

His daughters might also have been licensed, too. It's a good point to consider; those who are not licensed are not allowed to transmit at all, but with a good tutor, there's no reason they couldn't pass a Technician test.

Yeah, the FCC has too much on their plate too worry about this crap. They don't even mess with CBs any more. I have many friends with wide open amplified CBs reaching out, WAY out. Heck you can even go to just about any truck stop radio shop and openly discuss it and pay them to "hook you up".

And there's that point, too, but we try to stay on the right side of the law here on INGO and promote the same. Just because they don't pursue it doesn't make it not a violation of the law.

+1 to you, Sailor, for the idea... a cheapy radio is a better choice than a cell phone for the purpose you describe... and no monthly charge, either!

Blessings,
Bill

 

[paddling_man]

Edit - found it. Thx

 

[sur+rifle]

They know they are to listen only and not transmit. They play radio with their FRS's. If there is an emergency they can call me and I will pay an FCC fine willingly.

If the unit is only 2 watts transmit and the system is dual band, couldn't you simply use the MURS frequencies just like FRS? This should avoid all legal and licensing issues as long as it doesn't interfere with emergency business communications. This is how my family uses some old kenwood units.

 

[Sailor]

Still breaking the law, that radio is not authorized to use MURS even though it is capable.

 

[sur+rifle]

Still breaking the law, that radio is not authorized to use MURS even though it is capable.

Thanks for this and +1 to your rep! I never knew that the unit had to be certified for MURS use even though it is capable and meets the engineering specifications. For reference for others, here is a link to the relevant info:

http://sites.google.com/site/mursradio2/mursradiocertificationforpart95

Luckily, our old Kenwoods were grandfathered but it is a bummer that newer units like the one cited in this thread can't be used. It would be great to have an inexpensive unit where you could monitor the popular license required channels and be able to transmit on the non license required channels.

 

[techres]

Mine arrived today! Confirming:

LOUD!
Small

 

[GLOCKMAN23C]

I just registered for my FRN with the FCC. I plan on taking the test in February.

 

[Davis0023]

I am taking the test in the end of February if all goes as planned...The book 25.00 the test 14.00 and a radio 35-50.00 total under $100.00 .. Not a bad deal for a hobby and possible life line if need be....

 

[mammynun]

Can anyone post a pic of the programming cable? I have a TRRS (plugs into the mic/spkr jack) to USB for my Yaesu VX-270's... wondering if it's the same cable.