/\/\otorola education--request for info

[drwills]

I am a new Batboard member, and brand new to two-ways--although, I'm generally technically competent. I have a special need to learn everything I need to know in order to be a proficient owner/operator of high-end portable radios with extended capabilities. For the past few weeks, I have done my best to educate myself. But I've not been able to locate any source that presents, in a systematic way, basic-to-advanced knowledge concerning two-way radio functions, operations, and regulations. So far, I think I have determined that my particular need will best be served by using Motorola's XTS5000 series radios (with encryption). I have also learned that I am way in over my head--without some help. Here's my need:

I pastor a small church in a large metropolitan area (Dayton, OH). Hard times are here, already, for many people. And considering all the factors, the men of our church believe that it is likely to get a lot worse before it gets better. Accordingly, we've begun planning how we might be able to provide substantial community support, in lieu of (independent of) government services--in the event that things may get worse than anyone can yet anticipate (remember the aftermath of Katrina?). At any rate, we know that it would be singularly important to have a highly reliable communications network already in place. Our problem is, we don't have anyone who is knowledgeable in this area. Nevertheless, we have committed to make it happen, including the investment needed to purchase a half-dozen or more radios (XTS5000s?) and support equipment, and the time needed to learn how to properly purchase, setup, operate, and maintain a (portable) radio network.

Can anyone direct me to some good educational resource/s? Better yet, is there any Batboard member who lives in the Dayton/Cincinnati area who might be willing to talk with me?

MUCH THANKS! I'm looking forward to becoming a helpful contributor to this site.

[Please do not post thread subjects in ALL CAPS - it's considered rude - akardam]

[DJP126]

You might try talking to P & R Communications right there in Dayton and explain to them what you are trying to do. I'm sure that they can help.

[MT2000 man]

Welcome to the forums ! If you look over at the main batlabs.com home-page, you will find a great deal of knowledge if almost every two-way Motorola has ever made.
Being new to two-way radios, the XTS5000 is the best (current) Motorola portable radio made today. It's VERY expensive new, (and even used on E-bay they are very pricey, most upwards of $1,000 each). I would NOT recommend XTS5000's for your needs (well, you can get whatever you want) but if you want to save LOADS of cash, I'd look for some HT1000's/MT2000's on E-bay. You can find very good buys on HT1000's (6, with a gang charger, good batteries, etc.). They are VERY durable, and reliable. However, in your post you said you would like encryption. The MT2000/HT1000's do NOT support encryption, so, choose wisely.
Again, please ask us if you have any questions regarding what radio you would like to start with. It sounds like you've already got your mind set on the XTS5000's, but just keep in mind, they are VERY advanced radios, with MANY MANY features (if flashed properly, and you'll lean what a "flash" is soon enough).
I wish you good luck in your radio hunt, and stick around, there is MUCH to learn !!
Mike

[kg6ziu]

Welcome,
Education on radio stuff- A lot of times, local colleges or radio clubs will have a class on radio/theory/license whatever. Take a class, read a book, get a license, MOST OF ALL, ask questions. Many radio people on here and other forums who are glad to help and share info. Ask the comm techs at your local county/city govt office.

How about a group of HT1250/1550's? Reasonably easy to deal with, and lots of features. Also, you can get encryption boards for them. P25 is an option too. An issue that you may have is that there are 3-major types of radio systems in your county. VHF-HI, UHF (450-470) and 800. You may want to consider a repeater or three. Put them in a good place, feed them with a UPS, and talk on.

Phil

[KE7JFF]

Since you are a church, you can get a GMRS license for free (since you are non profit) and setup a GMRS repeater. Anyone in your church then can use the callsign.

[TomSlick]

[quote="KE7JFF"]Since you are a church, you can get a GMRS license for free (since you are non profit) and setup a GMRS repeater. Anyone in your church then can use the callsign.[/quote]

Uh, no. It doesn't work that way on GMRS (unless something has changed recently). From the FCC's GMRS page:

"The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. "

No mention of non-profit (or any other) organizations. Indeed, the FCC stopped granting licenses to "non-individuals" on GMRS quite a while ago. He can get a license and set up a repeater, but any other users will need their own licenses. They will all have to pay the regular license fee.

[KE7JFF]

Since you are a church, you can get a GMRS license for free (since you are non profit) and setup a GMRS repeater. Anyone in your church then can use the callsign.

Uh, no. It doesn't work that way on GMRS (unless something has changed recently). From the FCC's GMRS page:

"The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. "

No mention of non-profit (or any other) organizations. Indeed, the FCC stopped granting licenses to "non-individuals" on GMRS quite a while ago. He can get a license and set up a repeater, but any other users will need their own licenses. They will all have to pay the regular license fee.

I was mistaken; last time I took at look at GMRS licensing, I noticed some weird statement about there was an fee-exemption for 501c organizations, which most churches are. I took that as a loophole. I only see now there is a fee exemption for gov't entities.

But thinking more about this, I remember when I lived back in Schnectady, NY there was a few churches who leased access on a simple conventional UHF repeater.

[FireCpt809]

Why does a church need encryption?

[drwills]

Thanks to everyone who has replied and offered insights--most of which I understand. "FireCpt809" asked why a church needs encryption. I don't know that encryption is a firm requirement for our purposes. Nevertheless, in my original post I briefly alluded to what we are trying to achieve, which is to provide (according to our limited ability) reliable communications, for the purpose of enabling meaningful community support services to be maintained, in the event that the ongoing economic crisis may have far more disastrous results than most people want to think about. I realize that this is an extra-ordinary step for a community group (in this case, a church) to be taking in anticipation of impending disaster. But, then, we are witnessing extra-ordinary events unfolding. "Secure" communications does not in any way imply illicit or even questionable activities. On the contrary, it seems the better part of wisdom, given the social context I've suggested is a real possibility. This whole project is meant to help us to help others, in a time when, we believe, it is very likely that a lot of people may not be thinking and acting rationally as they otherwise would. In that case, it surely wouldn't hurt to be able to "keep one's head down", so to speak, while still trying to get things done. One important example that comes to mind is the management of food stores. I suppose everyone would agree that such information should not be carelessly handled in an emergency situation.

Batboard is obviously a tremendous resource, especially, if you already know something about Morotola and radios. I'm looking into the resources which have been suggested to me, here. I would much prefer to teach myself, as opposed to enrolling in a class (unless it was Motorola-specific). Does anyone know of any other Internet resources, or specific books....?

Clarify for me, please, concerning encryption capabilities for MT1200/1500? series radios.... Understand, that I've never used any of these radios (including XTS-series). I want good-to-excellent : audio quality; durability; reliability; transmission (distance--in urban/suburban setting); and, encryption (preferred).

I need to learn about programming and setup.....

Also, I need to get up to speed concerning regulations. I don't want to miss anything.

[MT2000 man]

The XTS5000 has everything you are asking for. However, you are basically starting from the ground up so to speak. You'd have to not only get the radios, but a repeater, the RSS (the software to program the radios from Motorola), new batteries, chargers, a frequency, a licence, etc. etc. Also, it takes a while to know how to properly program/align a radio. It's not as simple as someone saying, "just do x, y and z, then your done. You need to get the software (VERY $$$ from Motorola), and have someone either in your area, or go to an M shop), sit down with them, and take notes, etc. on everything on "basic programming". That's how I learned many years ago programing the Radius series (a much simpler radio to program compared to some of the Digital radios today).
It sounds like your main need for the radios (more specifically encryption) is in case of a major disaster/social outbreak, etc. you want a main means of communication with those in your community. Not a bad idea, but, as I said a LOT of work, and MONEY is going to be involved to get everything set-up from the word go. I'm sure many others here can shed more light on what's going to be involved as far as assigning a frequency, what brand of encryption to use (DES-XL would be the way to go). But, as I said your just getting started. Now's the time to sit back, READ, READ, READ go to different internet sites, use google search, talk to your local MSS, etc. to get the ball rolling.
Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

[spectragod]

Why does a church need encryption?

Why would a fire dept.? Many do have and use it.

[FireCpt809]

Why does a church need encryption?

Why would a fire dept.? Many do have and use it.

Most likely for the same reasons.. Over zealous paranoid administrators..

[ab]

Is it going to be that bad at Dayton Hamvention this year?

I will have to bring my Glock 40 with the Fascinator mod.

hey preacher, http://www.hamvention.org Its in your back yard.

[spectragod]

Is it going to be that bad at Dayton Hamvention this year?

I will have to bring my Glock 40 with the Fascinator mod.

hey preacher, http://www.hamvention.org Its in your back yard.

Glock 40, WTF is that? I did however see this prototype picture, might as well leak it out.

[thebigphish]

cowthief had one of those, his was FPP though.

He also invented Fascinator.

[ab]

Spectragod,you need one so you can be like me. And mine fits in a holster!

http://www.thegunzone.com/gagpix/g-nokia.html

[DJP126]

Spectragod,you need one so you can be like me. And mine fits in a holster!

http://www.thegunzone.com/gagpix/g-nokia.html

What they didn't mention is the ammo acts as a guided missile seeking out non-Nokia phones.

[spectragod]

cowthief had one of those, his was FPP though.

He also invented Fascinator.

That may be true, but I have (2) 6 meter Astro Spectra +'s, that are both FPP, but I can't show you one, I was sworn to secretcy, had to swear it on the secret Motorola encoder ring, 3 times, while facing the east, on the 3rd Sunday of the month, while there was a full moon, with a steady west wind at 5 Mph, in a state that I don't live in, while on vacation, as seen on TV, your mileage may vary...........................

[tvsjr]

This thread has taken a turn from the odd to the inane (though humorous)... clank.