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Posted: 3/29/2008 10:00:44 AM EDT
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I have a Motorola Saber R programmed for FRS/GMRS frequencies, but I've been looking for a better radio. Typically will be using FRS/GMRS frequencies but would like the ability to switch to other channels if an emergency hits or SHTF. Thats why I want a more versatile radio. |
You shouldn't be using anything but a Type Accepted radio on these frequencies 
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During a SHTF emergency, who cares if it is type accepted? 
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Agreed. But emergency use does not constitute "Typically will be using"  Sorry, I worked for my ticket just like everyone else. Wanna play Ham? GET AN AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE! 
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When I say typically using i mean 99.99% of the time. I mean theres a reason why I have a saber programmed to frs/gmrs, it's not really a type accepted radio. After I got it though I began to realize it's not very versatile in the fact that if there ever is an emergency/ SHTF I wouldn't be able to program it for the other channels. I'm not about to go broadcasting/listening on channels I'm not suppose to when I'm bored. Which Icom would you recommend. |
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I am pretty sure any of the Saber line are good to go for GMRS. FRS is another story. I don't think you supposed to run FRS on anything other than the blister pack radios. You are however, supposed to have a license to run GMRS. That said, I agree that you should get yourself a Technician Ham license. It is easy, and gives you access to tons of spectrum. You will also gain knowledge which will allow you to operate more effectively. (Edited for typos) |
Whenever I see a one of these "SHTF" emergency questions and comments, I'm reminded of an important fact overlooked by most of the folks posting. In a major domestic emergency, particularly one in which normal means of command, control and coordination communication channels are compromised, if you're not providing officially authorized communication support to response and recovery efforts, you may be in for a very ugly surprise, not only about who cares what's type-accepted, but quite possibly who cares that you're on the air period. When the US entered World War I, all US amateur radio stations were ordered to cease operations and dismantle equipment (amateurs at that time were about the only private two-way operators). The ban remained in place until October 1919. From our entry into World War II, again, non-defense/civil defense private two-way radio was shut down. The only exception was for stations operating under the War Emergency Radio Service, an antecedent of today's RACES. With a GMRS or FRS radio, would Big Brother even know you're out there? Maybe, maybe not. Today, FCC is underfunded and undermanned. In a national emergency, that could change if the mission calls for it. Communication technology has changed very, very dramatically since 1942. So has the technology to track down and monitor communications. In 1942, had you been discovered, the worst case scenario would probably have been an espionage charge. Today, the trend seems to be to label such acts as terrorism or support of terrorism. Glad I could offer up a happy thought for this thread. We're from the government, we're here to help you. 
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Outside of the Ham radio area, most handheld units are not field programmable, and not programmable without the aid of a computer. Even the ones that have the "keypad" are not capable of being reporogrammed, since they do not have a VFO like ham radios do. These radios generally fall under the area known as "land mobile", and are intended for use by a company/agency/etc. on a fixed number of authorized frequencies. Additionally, you don't want the guy driving the delivery truck to have the ability to re-program the radio (whether intentionally or not), and thereby cause interference on frequencies for which that radio/company is not authorized. The reason that Ham radios are "programmable" is that the Amateur radio service has a series of frequency bands, and any amateur licensed to operate in that band can operate on any frequency in that band. Thus, VFOs (variable frequency oscillators) allow for programming of any frequency in the authorized band. Now, to your question. If you are looking to the FRS/GMRS frequencies, then you'll need a UHF radio capable of operating in the 460mhz range. This is the Icom F4 in the Land Mobile series. Ham radio handhelds can be modified to operate in that range, but actually operating in that range is illegal because of Type Acceptance of the radio and power output on those frequencies. An F4 is type-accepted to operate on any frequency for which it's capable, however you MUST adhere to any power, antenna or other restrictions for that band. In the VHF range, the Icom land mobile series is the F3. There are a series of 5 or 7 frequencies known as MURS. This is basically GMRS for VHF, and were the first FRS/GMRS radios...some of the OLD Motorola Talkabouts operated on these frequencies. So, it you are willing to spend the money on the radio, programming cable + software, and will operate only on frequencies that you are authorized to, then Land Mobile radios may have a place for you. Go outside of that, and you are playing with fire....regardless of being "underfunded", I continually see reports of the FCC's enforcement division fining operators and seizing equipment for operating outside of their bands, or otherwise causing interference. TimW Phoenix |
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