Build your own VHF Radio Package

[whtrapta]

Ok somebody straighten this out for me!
We have 2 way radios like walkie talkies
Then there are these VHF ones everyone is talking about
UHF
GMRS
ABC123
What is the difference between them all? What radio will work with a standard 2 way and a race/vhf radio?

 

[treypal]

Ok somebody straighten this out for me!
We have 2 way radios like walkie talkies
Then there are these VHF ones everyone is talking about
UHF
GMRS
ABC123
What is the difference between them all? What radio will work with a standard 2 way and a race/vhf radio?

Standard Walmart 2 ways run on FRS (family radio service), and you can make a dual band VHF/UHF radio work with them (BigJ knows the trick). You can also make dual band radios work with GMRS. I'll let someone who feels like typing more than me explain GMRS, but its like FRS with a little more power and technically you need a license.

 

[CineSLR]

Wow, what an awesome little radio! Though according to this website you do have to modify it to transmit on commercial freqs. No big deal though! Can't wait to hear what you guys find in regards to antenna setups.

Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band 128 Channel Handheld Amateur Radio

Transmission Limitations

Because Amateur Radio is our primary market, this commercial radio as sold by Powerwerx is limited to transmit within the Amateur Radio frequency ranges. MARS, CAP, Business & Public Service ranges are possible. Please contact us for details.

 

[BigJ]

wht, first and foremost ya need to understand that a frequency is a wave. The size and strength of that wave determines how far it can travel, and what it can travel thru or around.

Frequencies that are just slightly different from one another are grouped by the FCC into bands. The FCC has decided that some of those bands are usable by everyone, some are usable by those with a license, others are set aside for military use, or aircraft use, for businesses, for cell phones, WiFi, satellite TV, satellite radio, FM radio, AM radio and on and on and on... the list is seemingly endless. If you really want to confuse yourself, click here to see the complete allocation chart: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/2003-allochrt.pdf

So basically the differences between bands amounts to (1) the actual wave that defines the band, (2) and what the FCC has said what purpose they're to be used for.

When you pick a radio, you're picking something that has been designed to listen to and/or transmit within that band. The WallyWorld radios for example are designed to work within the FRS band (family radio service); a band the FCC has decided anyone can use freely, if used within certain limits. Race radios are designed to work within the VHF (very high frequency) band; a band the FCC has decided businesses and special event personal can use without a license, within certain limits. Etc...

Does that help?

 

[LVdezertdawg]

Wow, what an awesome little radio! Though according to this website you do have to modify it to transmit on commercial freqs. No big deal though! Can't wait to hear what you guys find in regards to antenna setups.

Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band 128 Channel Handheld Amateur Radio

The radio itself does not need any modification, unlike all of the unofficial hacks to other dual band units. It is just a programming issue, it is easy to add and remove frequencies on the unit as long as it operates on that frequency range. That is what makes the Wouxon such a fantastic deal for those who do not need or require a full race radio setup such as Treypals. You can't beat the price points and if enough interest is generated we are going to approach the local shop to see if we can get some group savings and get him to preprogram them prior to sending out if you need them too.

 

[All The Way]

This is what I plan on installing
Welcome to Yaesu.com

 

[DubbsFaris]

This is what I plan on installing
Welcome to Yaesu.com

I think for the RV, if I REALLY get into this whole VHF thing, I'll go with the FTM-350AR...looks pretty damn cool, and I might like the base station to be able to monitor two seperate frequencies at a time. For bigger events, it would allow me to keep two crews going, or one for the track crew and one admin frequency. One of the biggest pet peaves I have is the radios we always use have 4 channels, and if I need to speak with the track official, ask them to switch over to "c", guess what, I can see every corner worker switching their radios to "c". This would fix that.

For now, I bought the radio Trey suggests ICOM F5021 for the Raptor, and a Yeasu VX-6R handheld(if you buy from antenna farm, they will do the TX mod to open all the channels for you for 40.00) Im gonna use in the RV for this trip and to carry on me if we really end up using them a lot. Then, when I get the RV setup, it will give me a backup for the RV or Raptor, a good walking around device for pit com, and if Im travelling with another that doesnt have one, I can loan it out.

I really want to thank Trey and BigJ for all the help about these radios. This is something that is really going to help in many areas of business for me as a road contractor and event organizer.

 

[CineSLR]

I can't wait to see how you like your Yeasu Handheld Dubs! Another feature you could probably use with the 350 is the repeater mode. That way you can use the full 50w from the mobile radio on your truck when your on handheld!

Still trying to figure out what antenna setup to go with...? What are your thoughts on mounting one to a Outlaw hood mount BigJ? I would think it would have similar results to your tailgate setup right? I just got the link you posted in your radio thread about local classes/tests and they have one coming up early next month. Can't wait! Thanks for posting that! For anyone else interested in learning about or wants to obtain a license for these bad boys (I highly suggest you do) check out a meeting near you!
Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area

For those interested in the new Wouxun Mobile setup I just found these images. Not sure if they were posted before but in case they weren't... For ~$250 this will definitely be a game changer!

 

[Squatting Dog]

So with the icom f5021, is it ready to go out of the box? Do you need to buy programming cd and cable? Especially it is only going to be used at raptor runs and roundups.

-Greg

 

[CineSLR]

Greg,
It sounds like there will be others that have the software/cable at this run so you will probably be in the clear for now. Its up to you on if you want to have the ability to program your radio, but it sounds like the frequencies can change depending on a lot of things. As armatures (esp those w/o a license) we have to be vigilant of registered users and make sure we are using vacant feqs and not stepping on anyone using their radio for official business. Shouldn't be tooooo much of an issue in nowhere TX but might be harder in other areas. You also might want to tune into specific freqs at races and such so I would think it would be very handy to have.

Just ordered the same antenna as you Trey, thanks for the suggestion! One question, is the whip black or silver? Just curious because the picture is black, but the description says "stainless"...?