Going rate for programming

DopeCop · Post by **DopeCop** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 9:11 am

Dont know if this has been asked before or not. Searched but could find nothing.

What is the going rate per hour/radio for programming? Spec. HT and CDM models?

Thanks,
Mike

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 4:57 pm

Hi Mike:

I don't think many " Charge by Hour " for programming, but
rather more of a flat fee for building a program platform for
a radio, and perhaps a general check out to make sure its
operating properly after programming.

All to often I get radios in my shop someone else programmed
but the radio(s) did not operate properly, and needed more
attention.

Manytime, a single / 2 freq, perhaps a 4 freq radio will be
programmend for 25 ~ 35.00 depending on the shop. If the
radio goes one step futher and gets checked on a Servcie
Monitor, then 65.00 is not out of the question.

Where many get confused, is that one can spend a long
time building a 128 Mode Program Platform such as for
a Spectra, and get shocked when the tech says, sure,
I will program the radio, BUT it may run 125.00 / 150.00
and the fellow might have received the radio in a trade.

But, add " Alpha " tags / Display names, Different Freqs,
Different personalities, YES, one can tie up some bucks
in programming.

A main reason why many " Buy " a suitable Rib Box and
cables for their radio, and due the programming themself.

I am more than happy to Build a Program Platform, but
I will be honest, its not a cheap process....

Monty

RKG · Post by **RKG** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 5:43 am

In my experience, the biggest problem (both in terms of time lost and aggravation) is the user not specifying the required data with enough detail.

Before I program any complicated radio, I create a channel plan (using a spreadsheet), and then I print it and proof it, and, often, I get the client to approve it.

So, before you ask a guy to give you a quote for programming a large capacity radio, show him the spreadsheet you've already worked out, showing ALL the required data in a nice neat form. The quote will be about half what it might otherwise have been.

c17loadsmasher · Post by **c17loadsmasher** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 6:12 am

Good idea. I agree with RKG. Better to have too much information, than not enough. It also ensures that you'll get what you want done to the radio. If you don't give enough information, it can be left to the programmer's discretion as far as some options, etc. My fire chief didn't specify he wanted alpha tags on his Spectra and now has all his channels in the standard format..whoops. Saves a return trip to the shop, and some $$.

Will · Post by **Will** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 12:32 pm

98% of the so-called shops NEVER verify that the radio is even on the frequency they programmed, let alone they never check the transmit deviation and PL DPL code, receiver sens and correct PL or DPL decode function(s). I know that Monty and I allways check (as required in the FCC rules and Regulations).

Just 'jamming in' a code plug may seriously affect deviation, frequency, power and other compensation data in the radio causing a poor opperating radio.