Build your own VHF Radio Package

[DubbsFaris]

yeah, Im still waiting to program some frequencies and try it out, but the coupe of seconds of static I have got it to produce sound good... LOL

 

[MarkT]

Wouxun Report

We finally got some time to get out and do some radio range testing... LVDezDawg wanted me to let everyone know that the tests were highly scientific and met UL, DOT, and USDA Grade A standards

The area we were in had some power lines and a few hills. Nothing major but not exactly "line of sight" either.

We tested the Wouxun handheld with several antennas as well as our CB's and "Wally world" GMRS handhelds.



Results:

Wally World GMRS (UHF) radios = useful range of ~2.5 miles

CB = useful range of ~3.5 miles

Wouxun GMRS (UHF) stock rubber ducky antenna = ~3 miles*

Wouxun GMRS (UHF) Diamond rubber duck antenna = ~3.2 miles*

Wouxun GMRS (UHF) Mag mount antenna on roof = ~5 miles

Then we decided to switch to VHF frequencies (race radio, MURS)

Wouxun (VHF) mag mount antenna = ~7.5 mile range!!!

Bottom line: These little handheld Wouxun's are AWESOME. Especially for the price!

We also have used them out on the trails and the sound quality is crystal clear compared to the other radios. I really love the remote mic/speaker option... just clip it to my shirt and leave the radio in the cupholder. No need to hold the mic. Just push the button and talk with it clipped to my shirt.

Perfect for the casual users and even if you decide to go with a high end more powerful "built in" radio, having one of these is a great back up as well as perfect for use as a spotter radio!

If there's enough interest, we can see if we can get a group buy together and/or have the radios shipped pre-programmed with the common race, MURS, and GMRS frequencies. But even at "sticker price" a nice set up can be had for less than $200 with several accessories and an external antenna.

As has been stated here... Illegal "hacking" of some amateur band radios by modifying the circuit board is possible... but can cause problems because those radios are not designed to the higher quality standards that "business class" radios need to meet. And use of a "modded" radio would not be legal at a SCORE event. In contrast, the Wouxun is FCC certified for use on the VHF "Business band" frequencies used for racing as well as in the GMRS frequency band used by the "Wally World" radios... Best of everything at a great price!

See this article for more info on the problems of using a "hacked" radio during a race event:

www.pciraceradios.com

Notes:

*The handheld radios with rubber duck antennas were used in the cab with windows up. Having the antenna outside the vehicle would probably extend the range significantly.

The first 3 miles or so of our test area was pretty much line of sight.

P.S. The Wouxun is capable of monitoring any 2 frequencies at the same time... This is another awesome feature.

 

[AlbertaBeef]

Just a head's up to those wanting to hijack the ham bands.

A few years back a group of commercial fishermen had the bright idea to grab some ham radios instead of using the marine bands, as one of them found a great spot and didn't want another group to find out and come share in their new fishing spot. Using the great etiquette that sailors have, they stood out quickly and garnered the attention of the local hams. They hunted them down, and contacted the police and the coast guard, who were waiting for them when they came ashore. The whole group of them had their catch and their fishing boats seized by the government.

I don't think this is something any of you want to experience.

Just my $.02

 

[MarkT]

Just a head's up to those wanting to hijack the ham bands.

A few years back a group of commercial fishermen had the bright idea to grab some ham radios instead of using the marine bands, as one of them found a great spot and didn't want another group to find out and come share in their new fishing spot. Using the great etiquette that sailors have, they stood out quickly and garnered the attention of the local hams. They hunted them down, and contacted the police and the coast guard, who were waiting for them when they came ashore. The whole group of them had their catch and their fishing boats seized by the government.

I don't think this is something any of you want to experience.

Just my $.02

I haven't seen anyone promoting or suggesting transmitting on ham frequencies without a license... And yes, as was mentioned before, there is a whole group of amateur ham operators who seek and find illegal radio use on the amateur bands.

I don't think in the US they can seize property... but it could be a big fine and the chances of getting caught on ham is pretty good. That amateur group is dedicated and they are good at what they do.

I wouldn't recommend using the "race" frequencies either as they are part of the Business Radio Service (BRS) bands and you do need an FCC license in the US to transmit on them. There was a company here is Las Vegas that got caught using a business frequency without the license. The fine was over $20,000 but I think they got it settled for $10,000.

In the VHF frequency range you have MURS for low power, narrowband operation. No license required.

MURS: Frequently Asked Questions

In the UHF frequency range the GMRS frequencies are available and the license is easy to get... probably takes less than a minute on the FCC website. And $85 for 5 years. (but that's only $17/year)

Or, you can become a licensed ham with a little study and $15 (for 10 years) and have access to a whole bunch of UHF and VHF frequencies PLUS repeaters available for use. You can literally talk to people on the other side of the world while out in the middle of nowhere.

CB is also a popular choice for off roaders. Some local clubs require a CB if you want to go on a run with them. No license required.

A lot of options to transmit legally. I have several methods of legal communication available to choose from whenever I hit the trails. UHF, VHF, and CB. There is no reason for me to break any laws.

I think it's important to be able to monitor the "race" frequencies that fall into the BRS band... and in a true emergency, use those frequencies to contact help. However, personally, I wouldn't buy a high $ "race" radio that can only be used on FCC licensed BRS frequencies for normal fun run communications...

But that's me... everybody can choose what they want to buy and the risks, however small or large, they want to take.

 

[BigJ]

Thanks for all the research and testing Mark and 'dawg! I'm in for one of the same Wouxuns you guys are running. I just discovered today that the wire running from my radio to my rear mounted antenna is frayed in several spots and needs to be replaced. Combine that with the antenna actually being broken (it died on the AB run last weekend somehow ending up cracked in half), and I'm looking at around $100 just to fix that stuff... might as well add a few pennies and go simplify at the same time.

Shoot me a PM on the details. No need to wait on the group buy if it doesnt look like its going to happen.

Thanks!

 

[DubbsFaris]

Yeah, and they take tour kids away and kill your pets...you know, on a US border, or out at sea, I can see them wanting to keep communication lines open, but where we are gonna use them on a dirt course out in BFE? Umm, I'm callin ******** on the FCC giving two shakes at what we do in the middle of West Texas on radios that aren't going to be effective over 10 miles. But hey, if I'm willing to drive my cars in a Bullrun, I think using a radio is about as far down the worrisome list as I can get.

 

[BigJ]

Its not the FCC. Its the vigilante citizen groups that actively police these things. Believe it. They do.

---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------

LVDezDawg and I have been researching radios and found a high quality LEGAL*** NO HACKS REQUIRED unit that is certified by the FCC to be used on:

Race Frequencies VHF (150 to 160 Mhz)
AND
GMRS Frequencies UHF ("bubble pack" radios available at Wal Mart, Target, etc)
AND
2m VHF and 70cm UHF Ham Frequencies

Mark, I'm doing my homework before purchasing and noticed that Wouxun offers two models; the KG-UV3D and the KG-UV6X. The $120 KG-UV3D lists its VHF transmit range as 144-148, UHF transmit range as 420-450. The $180 KG-UV6X lists its VHF transmit range as 136-174, UHF range as 406-470. Race frequencies fall between 150-160, and the FRS/GMRS frequencies fall somewhere in the 462 range.

Can you please double check me? If I have that right, I'd be leaning toward the KG-UV6X radio since that would allow comm with not only the race frequencies, but also those who still insist on using the Wally World radios.

Thoughts?

 

[pat'sRAPTOR]

A lot of great info so far. I do have a question for ya guys. I gave up on my CB radio I realized it won't work that well for te Texas run and I was talking to a buddy who use to own a boat and he has an icom VHF radio I think he said it was an icom m506A or something now my question is will this work on land haha I know absolutely nothing web it comes to radios and all but he said he'd give it to me if it'll work. So please any info on if this will work would be great thanks guys

 

[MarkT]

Its not the FCC. Its the vigilante citizen groups that actively police these things. Believe it. They do.

---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------

Mark, I'm doing my homework before purchasing and noticed that Wouxun offers two models; the KG-UV3D and the KG-UV6X. The $120 KG-UV3D lists its VHF transmit range as 144-148, UHF transmit range as 420-450. The $180 KG-UV6X lists its VHF transmit range as 136-174, UHF range as 406-470. Race frequencies fall between 150-160, and the FRS/GMRS frequencies fall somewhere in the 462 range.

Can you please double check me? If I have that right, I'd be leaning toward the KG-UV6X radio since that would allow comm with not only the race frequencies, but also those who still insist on using the Wally World radios.

Thoughts?

The UV3D is capable of transmitting in the race and GMRS frequency ranges you listed.

 

[treypal]

A lot of great info so far. I do have a question for ya guys. I gave up on my CB radio I realized it won't work that well for te Texas run and I was talking to a buddy who use to own a boat and he has an icom VHF radio I think he said it was an icom m506A or something now my question is will this work on land haha I know absolutely nothing web it comes to radios and all but he said he'd give it to me if it'll work. So please any info on if this will work would be great thanks guys

Radio frequencies aren't particular about land or water. Marine frequencies fall into the 150-160 range.