Comms

[USBWL]

I need some new communication gear, but don't know enough about it to know off-hand what to get. Anyone got some suggestions? I'm willing to spend over $100 for a nice setup (radio, head/handset, etc.), but no $600+ stuff, please.

[vulrath]

For really high-quality gear cheap, your best bet is to check out eBay. I picked up a really nice Motorola Radius P1225 secondhand for about $60, with free programming. You can grab a really nice Motorola branded headset that works with it for about $50 more. Both are a very sound investment, and you won't regret it.

I also have a pair of Motorola Genesis (made in the '80's - you can bash an attacker on the head and call for help with it because they'rejust that durable) series radios that work, but I don't have them programmed right (not to mention they are broadband, so you won't be able to communicate with newer radios as nicely) that I picked up cheap. If I could, I'd be using those since I already have the radios, microphones, and headsets I need for them.

[USBWL]

I just found a good price on a Radius, 16CH. Free programming, but I don't know what channels to have the guy program. Please advise.

[vulrath]

I just had them do the 8 channels of the GMRS frequencies (a quick Google search will get you set up with the right transmit and repeater frequencies). I'd also advise that you get a GMRS license at some point in the future.

Also make sure the radio you're looking at is UHF and in the 403-470MHz bandsplit. Otherwise you'll have trouble (I bough three radios that were outside of this range before I knew what I was looking for, and now I have 3 useless radios).

[grant.94]

would the Motorola EM1000R work with heasets compatible with motorola talk abouts?

[vulrath]

I don't know anything about that model, but as long as its in the correct bandsplit and programmable, then it should work provided you don't have a numbskull as a programmer.

[USBWL]

Does anyone know anything about this type of radio?

[JayC]