Radios that dont need HAM

[Infidel]

Hi,

I am wondering what kinds of protable Multi-channel programable radios do not requre a HAM operators license to use.

Thanks

~Grimm

[mopic]

The Ham licence is for operating on ham frequencies only. Many of the Ham portables can be modiifed to work on FRS / GMRS and private commercial frequencies, however this breaches the communications act as they are not type approved for that use.

That being said Ham radios that cover the 70 Cm. band can be easily modified and programmed for FRS and GMRS. Depending on the store they will ask to see a licence in order to purchase. Keep in mind it is illegal to operate on FRS at more than 500 mw. some GMRS freqs can be used up to 5 watts.

Be careful with some of the chinese radios, the quality is poor and some have been seized by CBSa as they are not DOC type approved.

www.radioworld.ca is a good spot for 70cm. ham radios.

[Infidel]

Well Mopic what I was asking is is there any radios that you can program the freqs into channels that does not require a HAM license

or if you can recomend a good Radio set taht dosnt require a HAM license.

Thanks,

~Grimm

[FlyGuy]

Originally Posted by Grimm Reaper

Well Mopic what I was asking is is there any radios that you can program the freqs into channels that does not require a HAM license

or if you can recomend a good Radio set taht dosnt require a HAM license.

Thanks,

~Grimm

Short answer = yes, BUT...

Explanation = The ham license would be replaced by a Radio Station Licence issued by Industry Canada detailing which frequency(s) you are authorized to operate on, and there would be annual fees associated with operating that radio. And for FRS/GMRS, you wouldn't be licensed to operate there with that hardware anyway.

Comments = I rather suspect that because of the increased quality factor of the radio, you're looking for a programmable, non-FRS/GMRS "commercial grade" radio which will operate at the 462/467 MHz frequencies used by FRS & GMRS. While these radios do exist and certainly some amateur radios are capable of working those frequencies after themselves being modified, having a HAM license has no bearing at all upon whether you are legally allowed to operate certain types of radios on FRS/GMRS frequencies so please don't confuse the two.

While trying not to repeat myself here yet again, have a look around the other postings re. radios and I'm sure you will find all the information you're searching for. You could start... here.

Ready...FIRE..Aim!
'Fly

[Styrak]

Originally Posted by Grimm Reaper

or if you can recomend a good Radio set taht dosnt require a HAM license.

Do you mean just any old radio for airsoft? Like Walmart plastic package 2-radio sets or 5 watt radios? Well the Walmart sets can't be programmed but any 5 watt radio or better quality radios can usually be programmed.

If so, you have a TON of choice. What you need to decide is how much power you want, what features you want, and how much you want to spend.

For example, I have a Puxing PX-777 which is a 5 watt programmable radio. Only takes about 5 minutes to program in all the FRS and GMRS channels, and it has crazy range. It was about $80.

[Death March]

There are some radios out ther,but unless your willing to spend upward of $400.00 per unit theres not much in terms of cheep ones. I been into radios for 20 some years,if your looking at Kenwood,Yaesu or icom they usally ask you Ham ticket to order one. Some radios can be modified,but your asking them to go out of there freq. range in some cases.That being said,what it meens is the antenna is coiled for a certain freq. range and going past that changes it's electrical leingth an might no be "tuned" for that new leingth your asking it to do. It can damage the radio as the S.W.R. (standing-wave-ratio) is out by to much the radio see's to much refletion back. You can see about asking some local Ham shops out there what they might be able to order in for you! I asked a friend of mine about it and the price wasent worth it to me. I'v sold most of my stuff,but I still have a Kenwood here. Hope that gives you some direction,Cheers!

[Infidel]

Ok, ya I hear you about the freq problem.

So basicly the radios are the 2 packs that you can pick up at any electronics store. Out of those which ones would you recomend?

~Grimm

[coach]

Originally Posted by Grimm Reaper

Ok, ya I hear you about the freq problem.

So basicly the radios are the 2 packs that you can pick up at any electronics store. Out of those which ones would you recomend?

~Grimm

You'll need to do a comparison on features but I've had good experiences with Motorola's, Cobra's and Uniden's. I'm not saying all the models those brands sell are good enough, but there are more than a handful of models that will serve you well on the airsoft field as well as on the road if you need to communicate between cars.

Some of the things I look for are:

-type of battery. I like ones that come with a rechargeable battery pack but will also allow the use of alkalines if on the road. My Motorola's have a rechargeable pack but I can also use AAA alkalines or NiMH AAA's that can recharge in the radio.

-models that have charging stations as well as the ability to charge them independently if possible. ie plug it directly into a wall wart but that's not 100% necessary. Charging station keeps things neat and tidy at home. I'm not too big on the dual station as when you're on the road, having independent charges allows the radios to stay at 2 different locations 100% of the time.

-NOAA, having a radio that receives weather updates is nice to have.

there are more features that I try to aim for or would like to have but then again, a radio is a radio. If it can clearly communicate with another unit, it's sufficient.

[Styrak]

Originally Posted by Grimm Reaper

Ok, ya I hear you about the freq problem.

So basicly the radios are the 2 packs that you can pick up at any electronics store. Out of those which ones would you recomend?

~Grimm

There is also the factor of battery or runtime. How long are you going to be using these for? Just a day of airsofting?

I've seen two-pack radios die 3/4 through a day of airsofting, but mine with a Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack lasts almost two full days of airsofting along with all the playing around at home in between.

Put your money in a good UHF portable which can be programed in the 460-470Mhz band (FRS/GMRS).

Buy smart and buy once.

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

Put your money in a good UHF portable which can be programed in the 460-470Mhz band (FRS/GMRS).

Buy smart and buy once.

I totally second this. Get a good UHF radio and you'll be set. I bought a Linton 6288 radio and used it at Border Wars II and it was great. I had no problems receiving or transmitting from across the field. It was about $80 on ebay. Lots of bang for the buck there.

[McKee]

The Puxing PX-777 radios available on ebay from hong kong are SUPERB for airsoft. Just make sure you get the UHF not the VHF ones. But they program right from the radio so there is no need for any cables or software, plus you can get a set for about 140$ bucks. Sure, 140$ is more expensive then a 40$ set from radio shack, but whats the fucking point if they dont work worth a damn.

[ThunderCactus]

All legalities aside, the GP68 UHF is a fantastic radio

[Capt.Flan]

I was looking for this exact model...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Motorola-GP68-UHF...3A1|240%3A1318

What do you mean aside legalities? Is this radio legal to cross customs?

[Styrak]

Technically 5 watt output power is illegal. However many people have ordered 5 watt radios overseas just fine, me included.