New to VHF

[Yellowk20]

I'm a Radio newb I've played with CB's some but now I wanna get something with more range


Tonight I was giving a Kenwood VHFTK-762HG I dont know anything about it its used . and I'm not to sure of the person that gave it to me it maybe stolen


So first things first. How can I make sure this thing isn't hot and if it is what should I do ?? I dont wanna get in trouble .

Second, if its not "hot" then what do I need to use it ?? any programing or things of that nature?? or is it plug and play???

Third , How do I get maximum range and signal clarity from it ??? can a "Kicker" be used ?? and what would be a good tough antenna to mount on a Suburban

 

[W5LZ]

Yellowk20,
From what I can find through Kenwood, you've got a commercial VHF radio, not a CB or ham radio. No idea what you could use it for, as is. With modification, I'm sure it could be put on the ham 2 meter band. No idea what that modification would take, maybe just reprogramming?
If you can get the serial number from it you might check with the police to see if it's stolen. Or just give the thing back, which would probably be the safest thing for you to do. Otherwise, it can get sort of 'wormy' real quick, you know? That's up to you though.
- 'Doc

 

[Yellowk20]

thanks for the Rapid reply, I did know it was VHF and thats what I want as its very popular in Alaska . And all the our 4-wheeldrive club members have gone to VHF over CB. But thats as far as my knowledge on the subject goes


if its stolen it goes to the rightful owner .

but if not I'd like to use it and try to get this thing to really get out and talk
I'd like to see a 15-20 mile range ( if thats even possible) Like I said I'm a newb and the other guys just bolted theres in there rigs as they came ( so there no help)

 

[Sonwatcher]

As Doc stated I would try to find out the background of the radio. It could end up getting you in trouble if it was stolen.

What I would do is ask what VHF frequencies the 4W clubs are using. That may better determine what kind of radio they are using . If they are using anything within the 2 meter amateur band that requires a license.

 

[Yellowk20]

I'll call the State police after my shift tonight and see if its stolen it might not be I just dont trust the guy that gave it to me.


As far as I know none of the club guys are using anything that needs a license to them its just a CB with better range

Also in the Eskimo Villages that I work in VHF is very popular way to communicate. every one has a base staition in there house. and Radios in there boats and airplanes and in winter they carry handhelds on snowmachine

I beleive its a marine type VHF there using up here


again I'm a huge newbie to this stuff so please forgive the dumb questions

 

[Sonwatcher]

If it is a marine VHF radio it requires a license to operate on land. I would check which radios the clubs are using .

 

[Yellowk20]

ok I'll check and get back on here thank you!

 

[Yellowk20]

TK762HGK (VHF)
148-174 MHz
50W 8 Ch.
Conventional (No Scan)
Lighted LCD Display
Built in 4 W Speaker
DTMF Decode& DTMF DBD
QT/DQT Encode/Decode


these are the specs I've found online for the radio I have what do they mean???

 

[74IN]

Do a Google search on MURS.

That oughta help.

 

[Yellowk20]

Mobile Radio - Kenwood TK-762HG TK 762 TK762 Compact Multi - Mode FM Mobile

I just found this online

 

[doctor]

VHF

Have it programmed for MURS, no license needed.

DOCTOR/795

 

[74IN]

Have it programmed for MURS, no license needed.

We must think the same, MURS is better with a few more watts.

 

[Moleculo]

You'll easily get the range you're looking for out of that VHF radio, but you'll need to find out what frequencies your buddies are using first. I would definately include the 5 MURS frequencies also. You'll have to find someone there that has the programmign cable or software to do it, though. Or buy it yourself of course. You'll also need to find an antenna that is cut for the frequency you want, or make one yourself. It's not hard to do, but first you have to figure out what frequencies you need.

 

[Yellowk20]

Is programing that hard?? is it something I could do myself ?? I'd like to learn ths stuff the more I dig the less I know lol!!

 

[Moleculo]

You'll need the correct software and cable. If you get that, it should be a piece of cake.