a question about two way radios

[bigfoot1]

Some of you know I just went through another forest fire incident(unscathed)and as a result of having six good friends here helping secure perimeter I just bought on ebay 6 ht-440 two way radios and a gang charger for all.I also got new batteries for all,extended microphones,and chest packs.

here is question,they all synched and are 5w(older for sure) units.I am in under $300.00 for everything,did I do ok?also I have been told these are really high end(for their time)units and sold for like $800.00 ea.new and are nearly bullet proof.I may need them in future and want to know if any have any knoweledge of such units.

Admittedly I did all this in a hurry and in an emotional condition,but I had ht-90s in ski industry and they were powerhouses.

thanks

 

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[bigfoot1]

I didnt do math right...$30.00 x 6 for new batts....so $480.00 total

 

[G.I.B.]

If they are in the 440 Ham Band plan you will need a Tech license (everyone will) that uses them. (Except in an emergency in which case, any frequency can be used by anyone)

If they are on an already assigned frequency, one that forestry or emergency services personnel use, your use could cause very unintended interference in an emergency.

I don't know of a civilian use freq. in the 440 MHz range... Are they using a PL tone?

Lots of questions...

We will assume that they are FM and line of sight- so, depends on terrain for range.

Here are the Ham Frequencies-




So, do you know what freq. they are on?

Motorola? Yaesu?

...and yes, a very good price.

 

[G.I.B.]

Oh yeah, did you get the programming cables or software for them?

 

[bigfoot1]

they dont require programming,they are reed crystal or something like that.the local fire dept has gone digital as has forestry fire on trunks.I dont know what that all means but that is what I'm told today.Yes they have pl codes too.

 

[G.I.B.]

Make? Model number?

They are all going on the 800 trunking system. Everyone can talk to everyone else, and it's digital. Going the same way commercial TV did.

 

[bigfoot1]

sorry motorola....dont have more till arrive.I admit I was prolly not in the best frame of mind when I did this.I looked at order and only says motorola ht-440

 

[bigfoot1]

I should mention they are said to be from fire dept surplus and 1991

 

[G.I.B.]

Okay, can't tell you much more, till I know more, except...

Hummmm..... '91- vintage stuff these days.

Get in contact with your local ham radio club. Easily found on the internet, or send me (PM) your specific location and I can look up contact information for you.

Old radio geezers LOVE to get their grubby hands on a new guy with radios. It will make their day to help you decipher exactly what you have. And they will be a very valuable resource for any of your radio questions or needs.

73 de G.I.B.
(ham code for best wishes, and good luck from me)

 

[austin]

Worried about spending money? What's your life worth?

 

[bigfoot1]

not the money,quality and range my only concern.was hoping someone had personal expierience with these models they might share.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

With a five watt handheld (short antenna and head level) the range is going to be line of sight or about ten miles - whichever comes first. Wet trees and mountains limit them more than distance alone. Over water or desert they'll go 25 miles in ideal conditions. On a sailboat the range is usually figured to be 7 miles for handheld to handheld or as far as 25 miles for handheld to "real" antenna equipped base station.

As you already noted - the NiCad batteries have a life. But you replaced those. Also notable that Motorola and others still make replacement batteries for a 1991 unit. THAT's impressive.

As far as technology - Up until last year I had a sailboat with a 1988 Standard/Horizon VHF that was every bit as clear and had as good a range as the modern units. Bulkier, but (as you said) "bulletproof".


Did you do alright? That I can't say. No warranty, parts (switches) may be tired or worn. You may or may not have been able to get their equal at $180 each for a new unit. But that would doubtless have security and filtering features yours lack.

If you needed them - that's a great unit and with new batteries should run for some time.