2 way radio Opinion

[rdagit]

Ok, I've read the couple of forums on that people have used FRS radio's to communicate, but I was looking to an opinion as to "what would you do?" I have a set of old two-way radios (UHF) that work fine except that they are around 6 years old and the rechargeable batteries do not hold a charge any more. I've found a website that I can get the 5 batteries for them for around $200 bucks. I've been debating that it may be better to update the radio's and get FRS radios with privacy settings, of which I have found that I can get 4-5 with rechargeable bases for around the same price. Even looking towards getting a set with weather function built in (we are in the tornado alley, so it would be nice to have the heads up)....

So, the question I'm wondering is what would be the better thing to do? Replace the batteries or get new FRS radio's?

Also, if there is a FRS radio that someone loves... works well... please feel free to share...

Just in case it might be asked, the radio's need about 500-1,000ft range. Last for around 4 hours... Rechargeable batteries... and be private, though the theatre is in the middle of no where, so interfearence from other parties using them shouldn't be a issue...

[Oobleck1441]

Originally Posted by rdagit

Ok, I've read the couple of forums on that people have used FRS radio's to communicate, but I was looking to an opinion as to "what would you do?" I have a set of old two-way radios (UHF) that work fine except that they are around 6 years old and the rechargeable batteries do not hold a charge any more. I've found a website that I can get the 5 batteries for them for around $200 bucks. I've been debating that it may be better to update the radio's and get FRS radios with privacy settings, of which I have found that I can get 4-5 with rechargeable bases for around the same price. Even looking towards getting a set with weather function built in (we are in the tornado alley, so it would be nice to have the heads up)....

So, the question I'm wondering is what would be the better thing to do? Replace the batteries or get new FRS radio's?

Also, if there is a FRS radio that someone loves... works well... please feel free to share...

Just in case it might be asked, the radio's need about 500-1,000ft range. Last for around 4 hours... Rechargeable batteries... and be private, though the theatre is in the middle of no where, so interfearence from other parties using them shouldn't be a issue...

Just got a brand new set of theese.. I didn't really look over if they'd be for you.. but I know they are priavte, havent had interference at all yet, and i dont plan on it.

they're called: TriSquare TSX300-2VP

[mbenonis]

I'm not really sure it matters either way. A few comments:

The "Privacy Settings" most radios offer is simply what's called a PL Tone or a DPL Tone in the two-way industry. Essentially, the radio's modulate a subsonic tone (PL) or a digital code (DPL) onto the transmitted signal, and a radio set to decode this simply won't output any audio unless it sees it. These "privacy settings" offer absolutely NO privacy at all, since you can set your radio to not look for a PL or DPL Tone.

RE: The TriSquare radios, I have heard mixed reviews. These are 900 MHz digital frequency spread spectrum units, and depending on your building, you may get less range on them than you would from equivalent-power UHF (460 MHz FRS/GMRS) units. You're also stuck with their brand - they're not intercompatable with other 900 MHz radios, and definitely not with FRS radios.

A note on frequency use: legally (in the US), you CANNOT use GMRS frequencies for theatrical (or any business) use. You CAN use FRS, but remember that this is restricted to 500 mW of output power and a non-removable antenna.

As I've recommended before, for anyone who needs serious two-way radio communications, either get an FCC business-class license for UHF radios (and buy real Kenwood, Motorola, Icom, etc commercial two-way radios), or get some used VHF commercial two-way units and program them for MURS frequencies (no license needed). Let me know if you'd like more information on this.

[Eboy87]

Mbenonis, I've been looking at getting true Motorola radios down the road, and had a few questions about the license.

1) Do I need a license per radio? Say if I have a license to use x frequency, would it be legal to then let say, the other department heads on a show to use that frequency?
2) Will the license essentially follow me where I'm at, or does it depend on the venue/city I'm working in?
3) What's the average cost of a business class license?

I've been using a combination of Motorola FR60 and FV700 radios, but I'm looking at finding some real ones to use. I feel like I'm gonna break the little FRS ones, as much as I like them.

[mbenonis]

Originally Posted by Eboy87

Mbenonis, I've been looking at getting true Motorola radios down the road, and had a few questions about the license.

1) Do I need a license per radio? Say if I have a license to use x frequency, would it be legal to then let say, the other department heads on a show to use that frequency?

No, part of your license will indicate how many radios are to be used under the license, as well as how much power they will use.

Originally Posted by Eboy87

2) Will the license essentially follow me where I'm at, or does it depend on the venue/city I'm working in?

Unfortunately, no - however, you can specify locations where the license is to be used, as well as a radius of operation. For instance, our bus system at U.Va. is licensed for Charlottesville and a 121 km radius around it (not that you'd need nearly that radius).

Originally Posted by Eboy87

3) What's the average cost of a business class license?

This is a question that I don't know the answer to. Your best bet would be to call a local two-way radio dealer and ask them about the procedure to get an FCC license.

BTW, tons of UHF radios appear on eBay all the time, often for cheap (not as cheap as FRS/GMRS, but cheap compared to new). Any UHF business-band radio should work for your needs - you just need to program it for your frequency (which is coordinated/assigned to you). It's also worth noting htat Motorola radios tend to be the most expensive. I'd look at Kenwood or Icom for your needs - I'd say you can get a new Kenwood or Icom radio for the same price you'd pay for a USED Motorola radio.

More on business-band radio here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...trial_business

One more thing - as I said above, there is a set of five VHF frequencies that are license-free. All you need is a commercial VHF two-way radio programmed to those frequencies, and you can use it anywhere. Of course, you are subject to interference from anyone else who wants to use those same frequencies.

More on MURS here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...e&id=multi_use

[maxkelley]

I agree with mbenonis about MURS, you are limited to a maximum of 1.5w out of the transmitter, but if you get radios with antennas with gain, for example a 3db gain antenna, you have 3 watts. Besides, for the distance you need, 1.5w is going to be fairly sufficient.

As far as the privacy issue, you can get radios with tone and tone-squelch capability (CTCSS, continuous tone coded squelch.. system?), which doesn't hide your transmissions from others, but since you're running fairly low power, you probably won't have too many people listening in, or any problems with interference (CTCSS makes sure you only hear your radios, which emit the tone you specify).

Here's some more info on the band: Multi-Use Radio Service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are, as mentioned before, 5 frequencies: 151.820mhz, 151.880mhz, 151.940mhz, and there are two others, but they are a part of the business band, which means that you may have interference issues with others on the frequency.

So, yeah, find some low-power VHF radios, and have fun!

Ok, enough geeking out with the radio stuff, my ham radio-ness is showing! :P

[mbenonis]

Ah, a fellow ham AND a theatre person! Welcome to ControlBooth.com!

[mbenonis]

Well, more or less we just sit there and yap, often about geeky radio stuff. Yet it's strangely fun...

As far as getting started, the first place to go is eham.net. They have practice exams there, (you'll want to take the Technician exam), and you can get a feel for what you need to know. Once you feel up to taking the test for real, log onto: ARRLWeb: Exam Session Search and see when the next exam in your area is. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[maxkelley]

KI4RIX de KC2SPY

Yep, it's quite a bit of fun, and nice job with the ham plug there, Mike I seriously encourage anyone who is even mildly interested in the idea of radio communications to go ahead and get their ham ticket, the first level test, Technician, is not too hard to get, the test is fairly easy. QRZ also has practice exams, at QRZ Ham Radio Practice Tests

I just recently got on the HF bands (1.8mhz to 30mhz) where most DX (long-distance communications) are made, and have been having a blast. From my home QTH in Webster, NY, I made contacts with Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennesee, Canada, and the Turks and Caicos islands (south of Florida, in the Caribbean). When atmospheric conditions are good, overseas communications are not uncommon at all. Worldwide wireless contact is truly possible.

Any questions, mbenonis or I would be happy to help, email me at max at maxkelley dot com

73s all from KC2SPY

[georgeb]

hi, I do volunteer stage management for the tabor opera house in leadville colorado. this thread gave me some very good info on radios but i have a couple of questions. can i get voice activated headsets for the MURS radios and what's everyones opinion on the best brand model.
TIA
GAB