I'm interested in getting on and playing with 220 Mhz. Just looking at handheld equipment for right now. I'd like to stick with commercial equipment to use. I know there are several options. I think I'd like to go with a GP280 or GP300, possibly a GE MPA.
Does anyone have any input, preferences, likes, dislikes, etc, etc? I'd prefer to stick with the Motorola GP due to having the accessories, etc. But the keypad programable option on the GE MPA sounds like a great lil advantage.
Any input or ideas is appreciated.
Also, does anyone happen to have one of the afforementioned radios and interested in selling it or trading for it?
PM me on here or e-mail me.
Thanks,
--Justin
Motorola GP280 / GP300 or GE M-PA for 220 Mhz? Ideas?
Moderator: Queue Moderator
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JustinMoon205
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2004 12:11 pm
- What radios do you own?: APX7000, APX7500, GP280
Motorola GP280 / GP300 or GE M-PA for 220 Mhz? Ideas?
Archbishop, Church of /\/\otorola.
Justin I can't speak for anything but the GP280 and GP300.
I've got three locally that I maintain - two are my own. They are GP300s, even though the label on the back makes them appear that they could have at one time been something else. Writing is Korean, and were purchased from a board member in Canada. They currently program with american GP300 RSS. Bandsplit is about 205 - 225 MHz. Were originally 2 channel radios but I made them into 16.
The other is a friends radio, a GP280. Boy I had a hard time hunting the RSS to do this one. Is a factoy 16 channel radio with DTMF, and a slightly different bandsplit.
Honestly, other than these three radios, all of which came from the same canadian board member, I've never seen anything else Moto that will do the 222 MHz band. There is a CDM that is close, but no info available yet on a bandsplit hack.
Well, I know this didn't answer a lot of your questions, but it is some information to ponder.
73
Jay
I've got three locally that I maintain - two are my own. They are GP300s, even though the label on the back makes them appear that they could have at one time been something else. Writing is Korean, and were purchased from a board member in Canada. They currently program with american GP300 RSS. Bandsplit is about 205 - 225 MHz. Were originally 2 channel radios but I made them into 16.
The other is a friends radio, a GP280. Boy I had a hard time hunting the RSS to do this one. Is a factoy 16 channel radio with DTMF, and a slightly different bandsplit.
Honestly, other than these three radios, all of which came from the same canadian board member, I've never seen anything else Moto that will do the 222 MHz band. There is a CDM that is close, but no info available yet on a bandsplit hack.
Well, I know this didn't answer a lot of your questions, but it is some information to ponder.
73
Jay
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JustinMoon205
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2004 12:11 pm
- What radios do you own?: APX7000, APX7500, GP280
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JustinMoon205
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2004 12:11 pm
- What radios do you own?: APX7000, APX7500, GP280
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CTAMontrose
- was grem467
- Posts: 1145
- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2003 12:46 pm
Yeah I can tell you that both times we purchased these radios (first we bought 2, then the 3rd) we jumped on it. They don't show up very often here or anywhere else.
With the amount of crap for sale in Asia with /\/\ on it, I am suprised. There is more 66-88 Mhz stuff out there, which the UK folks can use on their 4m ham band.
Jay
With the amount of crap for sale in Asia with /\/\ on it, I am suprised. There is more 66-88 Mhz stuff out there, which the UK folks can use on their 4m ham band.
Jay
Some of the 66-88MHz gear will go to 6 metres with a bit of convincing (the /\/\ SYNTRX will at least).
http://www.ameradio.com/
These guys have 200MHz gear if you want to buy new. They normally sell it for "export only", but I suppose you could ask if they'll make an exception if you want to use it on the amateur band.
http://www.ameradio.com/
These guys have 200MHz gear if you want to buy new. They normally sell it for "export only", but I suppose you could ask if they'll make an exception if you want to use it on the amateur band.
get this
there exists at a certain M facility here in the states....
on the ham band
a 220 quantar
now wouldn't THAT just be the bomb?
doug
on the ham band
a 220 quantar
now wouldn't THAT just be the bomb?
doug
BRAVO MIKE JULIET ALPHA
"You can do whatever you want, there are just consequences..."
IF SOMEONE PM'S YOU - HAVE THE COURTESY TO REPLY.
"You can do whatever you want, there are just consequences..."
IF SOMEONE PM'S YOU - HAVE THE COURTESY TO REPLY.
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CTAMontrose
- was grem467
- Posts: 1145
- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2003 12:46 pm
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JustinMoon205
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2004 12:11 pm
- What radios do you own?: APX7000, APX7500, GP280
Not meaning to drag up an old thread but about a month ago on fleabay there was a 220 GP300 for auction. The price was quite high though.
I've pondered making the plunge to 220 as well. Some other hams in my club have Kenwood TH-F6A's and love 'em.
Here's a question: would the standard GP300 RSS work on 220?
I've pondered making the plunge to 220 as well. Some other hams in my club have Kenwood TH-F6A's and love 'em.
Here's a question: would the standard GP300 RSS work on 220?
No RSS?
I have a GP300 from Ebay says Made in Malayasia on the back.
Model: AZP03YPC20C5AA
I can not get any RSS I have for other radios to work. I have tried GP300, GM300, and multiple versions of GP300.
[How do I purchase this software?]
Any ideas?
[Your post is on the boarder of being a direct request for this software. You won't find it randomly for sale, you MUST call 1-800-422-4210 and go through the proper licensing channels to get it. -Alex]
Model: AZP03YPC20C5AA
I can not get any RSS I have for other radios to work. I have tried GP300, GM300, and multiple versions of GP300.
[How do I purchase this software?]
Any ideas?
[Your post is on the boarder of being a direct request for this software. You won't find it randomly for sale, you MUST call 1-800-422-4210 and go through the proper licensing channels to get it. -Alex]
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train_radio_guy
- Posts: 263
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 8:47 pm
Alex,
I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding here. kb8zgl & myself both bought radios from a rather unhelpful, and generally greedy individual on ebay. I think what kb8zgl was asking for was the model number, part number, & latest revision information for the RSS that works with the 220 MHz GP300 radios, so that it can be ordered through Motorola - he was not asking for the RSS itself.
kb8zgl has been around the board long enough to know better that to ask for RSS, so I seriously doubt it was his intent to break the rules. Words can sometimes have a double meaning, depending on the context in which they're used.
Incidentally, I've gone the route of contacting /\/\ directly, with the intent of legally purchasing a licensed copy of the correct software from them, for my 220 MHz GP300 radios. Unfortunately their highly skilled & well trained (English-Speaking Staff that's left) can't find the correct information for my specific radio. On top of that, once they heard even the slightest mention of a radio from a non-US market, being used in the US, their limited cooperation dropped right down to nil. When I tried to pursue the matter, one customer rep. even had the nerve to transfer me to their legal department (for added direction & guidance in this matter).
I think they made it pretty darn clear - /\/\'s export products will not be supported or used domestically - period, regardless if they’re being used within the confines of the Amateur Radio band, by a licensed ham. Typical corporate nonsense as usual.
-trg,
I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding here. kb8zgl & myself both bought radios from a rather unhelpful, and generally greedy individual on ebay. I think what kb8zgl was asking for was the model number, part number, & latest revision information for the RSS that works with the 220 MHz GP300 radios, so that it can be ordered through Motorola - he was not asking for the RSS itself.
kb8zgl has been around the board long enough to know better that to ask for RSS, so I seriously doubt it was his intent to break the rules. Words can sometimes have a double meaning, depending on the context in which they're used.
Incidentally, I've gone the route of contacting /\/\ directly, with the intent of legally purchasing a licensed copy of the correct software from them, for my 220 MHz GP300 radios. Unfortunately their highly skilled & well trained (English-Speaking Staff that's left) can't find the correct information for my specific radio. On top of that, once they heard even the slightest mention of a radio from a non-US market, being used in the US, their limited cooperation dropped right down to nil. When I tried to pursue the matter, one customer rep. even had the nerve to transfer me to their legal department (for added direction & guidance in this matter).
I think they made it pretty darn clear - /\/\'s export products will not be supported or used domestically - period, regardless if they’re being used within the confines of the Amateur Radio band, by a licensed ham. Typical corporate nonsense as usual.
-trg,
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MTS2000des
- Posts: 3347
- Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 4:59 pm
- What radios do you own?: XTS2500, XTS5000, and MTS2000
could have told you that. Be lucky you weren't transferrd to Motorola IP enforcement. they publicly claim that mere posessiono of a non-US market radio (220 MHz GP for example) is violation of the IP rights, the Lanham act, and US Customs regulations.
They aren't going to help you and there is no LEGAL way to get RSS/CPS for non-US radios period. And say goodbye to one if you ever send it to the US RPG depots, they'll confiscate it and claim it to be "contraband"...yes, even those infamous GP-68's with US FCC ID approval numbers on them.
Wanna get on 220? the Alinco DJ-296 is under 200 NIB with warranty. So it isn't a "cop" radio that makes squeeks and sqwauks. It isn't "hamsexy" but it has plenty of memories, A VFO (so no RSS or cable needed), CTCSS and DCS and is compatible with the accessories for the 196/596/596 HT's. It's really not a bad radio at all for the money.
They aren't going to help you and there is no LEGAL way to get RSS/CPS for non-US radios period. And say goodbye to one if you ever send it to the US RPG depots, they'll confiscate it and claim it to be "contraband"...yes, even those infamous GP-68's with US FCC ID approval numbers on them.
Wanna get on 220? the Alinco DJ-296 is under 200 NIB with warranty. So it isn't a "cop" radio that makes squeeks and sqwauks. It isn't "hamsexy" but it has plenty of memories, A VFO (so no RSS or cable needed), CTCSS and DCS and is compatible with the accessories for the 196/596/596 HT's. It's really not a bad radio at all for the money.
The views here are my own and do not represent those of anyone else or the company, the boss, his wife, his dog or distant relatives.
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train_radio_guy
- Posts: 263
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 8:47 pm
I suspect you bought your radio from a gentleman on ebay that goes by the handle of celltron (who lives in the Philippines, with a California mailing address). Well, in addition to the two of us, kb8ukl also got a radio from celltron, and consequently is in the same boat.
I've managed to find a shop that has the proper RSS to program the radio, but we can't get the darn DTMF front panel to work. It's not something that can be enable through the regular dealer RSS.
Both of my radios had working DTMF keypads when I initially received them, however after reading & writing to them with the shop's RSS, the DTMF keypads stopped working. Now, only an error tone is emitted from the radio, when a key is pressed.
From what I can gather, the Asian marketed GP300s may not have had a DTMF front panel option offered, so it's a fair guess that the RSS for the radio won't support it. I'm guessing, after the 'test' frequencies were programmed into the radio, either celltron, or someone he knows hacked the code plug at the HEX level, in order to enable the DTMF front panel option. I've made some inquiries with a few other folks about this issue, since I sincerely doubt we are the first to traverse this road. Hopefully they'll lead to an answer, but for now we're stuck with our non-operational DTMF front panels.
Here's the info I've acquired which may or may not prove useful:
The portables' specs are:
- Model #: AZP02YPC20C5AA
- GP300 VHF 20 / 25 kHz, 3 watt
- 216.0 - 223.0 MHz
- 16 Channels
- DTMF Front Panel
- Manufacturer Date of 11-24-1996
- Made in Malaysia By Motorola
The only software packages that I've heard of, which will read & write to the radios are:
1. Asia GP300 (3W/216MHz) / 280 RSS Version R02.01.00
2. GP300A, Version R02.06.00, Sept. 1997
3. GP300 / GP280 216MHz RSS, Version 2.16, Sept. 9, Part # PMVN4003E
The lasted RSS for these radios is Version 2.16, Part # PWVN4003E, but Motorola will not sell it to anyone in the US, since it's software designed to program a radio, which was built & sold for radio markets outside the US.
At this point, programming the portables is probably not so much of an issue, as enabling our DTMF front panels. This is where both kb8ukl & myself are stuck - at the moment. I'm sure there's a fix for our problem, but it remains illusive right now.
I've managed to find a shop that has the proper RSS to program the radio, but we can't get the darn DTMF front panel to work. It's not something that can be enable through the regular dealer RSS.
Both of my radios had working DTMF keypads when I initially received them, however after reading & writing to them with the shop's RSS, the DTMF keypads stopped working. Now, only an error tone is emitted from the radio, when a key is pressed.
From what I can gather, the Asian marketed GP300s may not have had a DTMF front panel option offered, so it's a fair guess that the RSS for the radio won't support it. I'm guessing, after the 'test' frequencies were programmed into the radio, either celltron, or someone he knows hacked the code plug at the HEX level, in order to enable the DTMF front panel option. I've made some inquiries with a few other folks about this issue, since I sincerely doubt we are the first to traverse this road. Hopefully they'll lead to an answer, but for now we're stuck with our non-operational DTMF front panels.
Here's the info I've acquired which may or may not prove useful:
The portables' specs are:
- Model #: AZP02YPC20C5AA
- GP300 VHF 20 / 25 kHz, 3 watt
- 216.0 - 223.0 MHz
- 16 Channels
- DTMF Front Panel
- Manufacturer Date of 11-24-1996
- Made in Malaysia By Motorola
The only software packages that I've heard of, which will read & write to the radios are:
1. Asia GP300 (3W/216MHz) / 280 RSS Version R02.01.00
2. GP300A, Version R02.06.00, Sept. 1997
3. GP300 / GP280 216MHz RSS, Version 2.16, Sept. 9, Part # PMVN4003E
The lasted RSS for these radios is Version 2.16, Part # PWVN4003E, but Motorola will not sell it to anyone in the US, since it's software designed to program a radio, which was built & sold for radio markets outside the US.
At this point, programming the portables is probably not so much of an issue, as enabling our DTMF front panels. This is where both kb8ukl & myself are stuck - at the moment. I'm sure there's a fix for our problem, but it remains illusive right now.