VHF Handheld information

[K5ILF]

I am seeking recommendations for a VHF handheld for both 2meter and high band use. I would like something that can be programmed without much difficulty or cost and something that is reasonable in price---all information is welcome.
Thanks
Bill in Tucumcari

[wb0qqk]

Hi Bill,
I would recommend the MT1000 in 99 channel configuration.
They are plentiful, can be bought at a reasonable price and
there is an abundance of accessories to fit most users. They
program easily and are pretty forgiving if an error is made.
They are a tough radio which were designed for the public
safety market.

Trying to memorize the locations of specific frequencies may
prove to be a challenge since there is only a two digit display
on the top panel. I made it easier for me to remember by
programming repeater pairs in this example: 146.67 was put
in Channel 67, 146.82 was put in Channel 82, and so on.

Another drawback limits you to scan only eight selected channels.
I suppose an alpha-numeric display would be more convenient,
but I've been able to get by with a total cost expenditure of about
$250 bucks for the radio, charger, speaker/mic and a couple of
decent batteries.

Good hunting !
Frank.

PS: Check out these current eBay items:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 65945&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 18345&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 53959&rd=1

[farscott]

Another choice for 2-meter use (but not for commercial use) is the GP200. It is field-programmable which would save the cost of programming and/or a RIB, cables, and an RSS license. The GP2000 is not as robust as the JEDI radios, but it is as tough as the amateur Yaesu and ICOM radios.

[wb0qqk]

As I understand the question, Bill is asking for information
regarding a reasonably priced radio capable of operating
in both amateur and commercial VHF bands; and I assume
that he wants to do so LEGALLY as do most of the
people I know.

I'm not trying to be a Batlabs enforcer, but before anyone begins
praising the attributes of their GP2000 radio on a public forum,
they might want to consider the below statement(s).

The following excerpts are posted rules from the eBay site and are
consistant with Motorola C&E policy:

1) Selling Motorola manufactured GP68, GP2000 and/or PRO series radios within North America infringes on Motorola's Intellectual Property and is against U.S. and Canadian Federal Law. These radios were designed for use and sale within the Latin American and Asian commercial two-way radio marketplace. They are NOT ‘type accepted’ for use within North America, by either the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Industry Canada, because they can be easily programmed onto any frequency, thus, are not marked with a ‘type acceptance’ sticker. Further, these radios are NOT designed nor advertised to be sold as amateur radio units. Neither Motorola's North America sales staff nor its licensed North American radio dealers are allowed to sell these radios within North America for these reasons.

Motorola licensed service shops are NOT authorized to carryout warranty repairs on these radios because they are considered 'grey market' radios; illegally imported radios carry NO North American warranty. Their use by a purchaser is illegal in North America.
Motorola is aware that unscrupulous persons are smuggling these radios into North America and are selling them 'as is' to unknowing purchasers. Motorola works closely with U.S. and Canadian Customs to stop such illegal importation. Persons caught selling these illegally imported radios within North America may be subject to arrest and, if convicted, penalized with up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

2) Only Motorola or a Company licensed by Motorola can legally manufacture radios that incorporate Motorola intellectual property. There are NO ‘individuals’ licensed by Motorola to legally build Motorola radios, thus, a seller auctioning a “Motorola” radio “built from new parts” and incorporating Motorola copyrighted ‘flash code’ is committing an illegal act. Persons caught selling these illegally manufactured radios may be subject to arrest and, if convicted, penalized with up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.


Also, a “Motorola” radio “built from new parts” is NOT ‘type accepted’ for use within North America by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission or Industry Canada, nor, is it ‘type accepted’ by any other Country’s communications certification organization, thus, its use by a purchaser is illegal throughout the world.

[KG6EAQ]

I'm not trying to be a Batlabs enforcer

Naw that's KC8RYW's job

[Cowthief]

Hello.

Notice that /\/\ is even upset when the things are put on the HAM band?!

[dvpman]

That's funny cause both my UHF and VHF gp-68's have FCC id's.

Mike

[nmfire10]

The GP-300 is a great little radio too. It can be programmed in the ham & commecial bands and is ver durable.

[Cam]

How many channels do you need.

If you need less then 16, then the GP300 (like Matt said), the HT1000, HT600, P200 and others are all good.

Cam

[W2MB]

I use the JT1000. It is field programable via it's keypad. The keypad also generates DTMF tones that are used for control functions on some amateur systems. It is a 16 channel radio that does PL and DPL. Motorola stopped selling them last fall, but they are available on the used market.

[sglass]

depends on you price range

a saber 3 vhf can be had for under 300

160 channels, what more do you need? You probale program every repeater within 50 miles of you and most public safety stuff too.



if you can find a systems saber, they do the job a bit better

you can program the tmss switch for rpt/spx and they have 256 channels


It's all a matter of money


The thing is on the radios that have more channels-yes itis a pain in the ass to program 256 channels into a radio-but once you do, you probably wont have to again!

Once I had my uhf astro saber 2 programmed up the wayI wanted it, I was done. I haven't touched the programming in 9 months.

Seth

[Will]

I would like to add some info on the Genisis radios, P200, HT600, MT1000. These radios have a limited receiver front end and must be aligned for a SEGMENT of the VHF band, usally no more than a 5 mhz spread before receiver sensitivity falls off drastically. Some what the same on the transmitter, 10 mhz is about it keeping within specs.

But, the Genisis radios are one of the best portables Motorola accually built themselves.

The Saber, GP300, P110, And Jedi series radios cover the whole VHF band without a problem.

[wb0qqk]

I must have a rare MT1000. My top end transmit is 159.150 mHz
with bottom being 144.515 mHz and power output is 4.8 watts
at both ends. My top end receive is 162.400 mHz. with the bottom
being 145.115 mHz. and sensitivity is 0.4mV - Guess it's a keeper.

[wa2zdy]

My experience with high band Genesis radios has also been very positive as far as receive bandwidth. The UHF varieties however are touchy and need to be aligned within 10 MHz or so.

[N9LLO]

I have a GP2000 for sale. Check Carolina Radios website for info on the
GP2000

http://members.aol.com/crobbinsnc/gp2000.htm

Chris
N9LLO@aol.com

[kc7gr]

I am seeking recommendations for a VHF handheld for both 2meter and high band use. I would like something that can be programmed without much difficulty or cost and something that is reasonable in price---all information is welcome.
Thanks
Bill in Tucumcari

I'm surprised that no one mentioned my personal fave -- the MT2000 VHF unit. I don't know where your "reasonable" price point is, but the full keypad/front display models can be had for anywhere from $300-$500, depending on condition, accessories, etc. Check the 'For Sale/Wanted' section here, and look on E-pay as well.

I'm very pleased with my own unit. It handles many ham frequencies, plus a few commercial channels I use on the job, without any problems. Being Part 90 compliant, it is not 'front-panel' programmable, but I never really felt that to be a problem in my case.

Happy hunting.

[Josh]

As I understand the question, Bill is asking for information
regarding a reasonably priced radio capable of operating
in both amateur and commercial VHF bands; and I assume
that he wants to do so LEGALLY as do most of the
people I know.

I'm not trying to be a Batlabs enforcer, but before anyone begins
praising the attributes of their GP2000 radio on a public forum,
they might want to consider the below statement(s).

The following excerpts are posted rules from the eBay site and are
consistant with Motorola C&E policy:

1) Selling Motorola manufactured GP68, GP2000 and/or PRO series radios within North America infringes on Motorola's Intellectual Property and is against U.S. and Canadian Federal Law. These radios were designed for use and sale within the Latin American and Asian commercial two-way radio marketplace. They are NOT ‘type accepted’ for use within North America, by either the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Industry Canada, because they can be easily programmed onto any frequency, thus, are not marked with a ‘type acceptance’ sticker. Further, these radios are NOT designed nor advertised to be sold as amateur radio units. Neither Motorola's North America sales staff nor its licensed North American radio dealers are allowed to sell these radios within North America for these reasons.

Motorola licensed service shops are NOT authorized to carryout warranty repairs on these radios because they are considered 'grey market' radios; illegally imported radios carry NO North American warranty. Their use by a purchaser is illegal in North America.
Motorola is aware that unscrupulous persons are smuggling these radios into North America and are selling them 'as is' to unknowing purchasers. Motorola works closely with U.S. and Canadian Customs to stop such illegal importation. Persons caught selling these illegally imported radios within North America may be subject to arrest and, if convicted, penalized with up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

2) Only Motorola or a Company licensed by Motorola can legally manufacture radios that incorporate Motorola intellectual property. There are NO ‘individuals’ licensed by Motorola to legally build Motorola radios, thus, a seller auctioning a “Motorola” radio “built from new parts” and incorporating Motorola copyrighted ‘flash code’ is committing an illegal act. Persons caught selling these illegally manufactured radios may be subject to arrest and, if convicted, penalized with up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.


Also, a “Motorola” radio “built from new parts” is NOT ‘type accepted’ for use within North America by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission or Industry Canada, nor, is it ‘type accepted’ by any other Country’s communications certification organization, thus, its use by a purchaser is illegal throughout the world.

Motorola sure has a bug in their a$$ when it comes to just about everything they can't make big bucks off of don't they?

According to this, even Nick radios are illegal, and the radio I built around a vocon/RF board illegal.

Furthermore, it makes owning and using my GP2000 illegal!!!!!!!???

Although I am doubtful that anything 'bad' can/will ever result, as an amateur operator I am entitled to use any radio I choose to...on amateur bands, whether it be an import or something I make from a tin can and some string. "Intellectual" My arse, I'm certain that these Asian market radios aren't even Motorola made- much like their FRS garbage----made by some third party stamped with (M) on the front.

-Josh

[wb0qqk]

Yep, Motorola is very touchy about their family members.
One would think that once a product such as the HT600
or MT1000 was no longer factory supported, they would
ease up on their "intellectual property" rights. Not so !!