NB FM???

[roadrage]

Application: I am going to be running a 2 meter mobile (planning on an ICOM ic-v8000) with RX coverage from 136-174mhz. It is also capable of narrow band. I know there is a TX mod that expands the transmit to match the recieve range.

Scenario: Up on the logging roads (minimum of 40 miles from the nearest town), log truck drivers use MURS band radios with the 5 channels allocated for certain road/region. Its useage is for safety, as the enormous trucks travelling on very narrow roads can be treacherous. They call the road, mile marker, and direction they are traveling. Collisions chances are greatly reduced. MURS radio operates 5 channels in the 150mhz range, in narrow band.
Law enforcement, fire, and EMS also operates in the 150mzh range.

Questions:
Is is possible to use the radio as a mobile scanner listening to public safety?
With NB selected and the TX frequency expansion mod, is it possible to transmit and recieve on the MURS band channels?

 

[W5LZ]

Is it possible to received those frequencies? From what you said about that Icom I would think it should certainly be possible to listen to them. Using that '8000 for transmitting is something else, I have no idea if it can be modified to do so.
- 'Doc

 

[Beetle]

I'm almost positive you could program specific frequencies into memory and scan the memories, and I'm almost as sure that you can do a continuous scan within your predefined end frequencies. You will probably note that the scanning is a LOT slower than an actual scanner would be.

I wouldn't recommend modifying the radio for transmitting where you're not authorized, though.

 

[Moleculo]

Can the radio be modified to TX on those frequencies? Yes, although using that radio on MURS is not legal. Should you do it? That's up to you to decide.

http://www.worldwidedx.com/icom/58700-expanding-function-icom-icomv8000.html

 

[roadrage]

I am still preparing for my ticket. I am new to the HAM info, but I found a few places that say there is an expansion mod for TX on that model. I found a site with the instructions for it. The radio comes with 136-174mhz receive coverage, and strait 2 meter transmit. The mod is supposed to open the transmitter for all frequency that it can receive. I am just curious as to what the thing can do if one wanted to do it.

 

[Moleculo]

I posted a link to the instructions on the various mods in my last post. As far as what you can do with it after modification? You can use it on any of the frequencies it is capable of transmitting on at that point. All we were letting you know is that just because you CAN do it, doesn't necessarily mean you SHOULD do it. That's your decision, not ours.

 

[office888]

I TX unlock all my radios, not because I TX out of band, but because if I'm in an emergency, I want any and all frequencies at my disposal.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I TX unlock all my radios, not because I TX out of band, but because if I'm in an emergency, I want any and all frequencies at my disposal.

That's the reason everyone else does it too.

 

[roadrage]

Honestly, if I am 80 miles in the woods, I don't think the trees would mind. But seriously, if I was to do the mod, it isn't like I'd be messing up the band in an urban or even a rural area. There is nothing but trees. Having 3 radios in my pick-up could get a little crouded and expensive. If I break down up, or get stuck there; or in the winter when it is 20 below, yeah I wouldn't care less if it was illegal or not, I'm calling for help from the loggers operating on MURS. I have NO intent for malicious usage. This is strictly for safety or emergency, not entertainment. I can use the CB for chatting and the 2 meter for checking in with the wife (yes, she is getting her ticket too.)

Trust me, if you have ever had to start walking from you truck that is 67 miles from the nearest house (which I have) you'd be inclined to do the same. Luckily it was summer time. We got picked up by some vacationers after walking about 7 miles.