Motorola GTX 800mhz question

[kb0uxv]

Hello all. I recently picked up a Motorola GTX mobile M11UGD6CB1AN. I am a deputy sheriff in SE Minnesota, and my agency uses standard VHF frequencies (Motorola Spectras and MCS2000s); however, some agencies around us have gone to 800mhz systems, mainly the Rochester MN area. I am fairly knowledgeable about the standard VHF/UHF stuff, and I used to work at a radio shop so I know about programming etc. (and have a RIB, cable, and software), but this 800mhz stuff is new to me.

Eventually our department will get the new 800 system (and laptops finally!), but it sounds like this may be a few years out.

Anyways, my question is, is this GTX a paperweight, or can I program it and use it in my squad? I only need to receive, transmit is not necessary.
I am not sure what the exact system or frequencies are. Looking at http://www.radioreferance.com it looks like it would be the MN "ARMER" system which is "project 25 standard." This system has 31 frequencies listed for the "simulcast" and 8 listed for the county I need (Olmsted). I got this info from here: http://www.radioreference.com/modules.p ... B&sid=3508

So the second question is, if the GTX will work with this system, will it support the needed number of channels?

If not, anyone have a recommendation for a good 800mhz mobile scanner that will work on this system

Thank you for your help!

-Nate

[RKG]

Your question is fairly complicated but I think the answer is pretty simple: if you want to use the radio to monitor a P-25 trunked radio system, the GTX isn't going to do it: it is analog only.

Beyond that, the advice most folks will give you is that, if you are a legitimate user of a trunked system and want to have an owned radio programmed for that system, the best route is to have the radio programmed by the system administrator. A host of reasons are given, some of which are valid, and you can find the entire discussion by searching the threads here.

[kb0uxv]

Thank you, I will do some searching.

Holly cow I was suprised how much scanners capable of getting "P-25" are going for, $400-500. I checked out one at Radioshack today, plus some Uniden models online. At that price its not even worth the cost, plus these units look too large to fit in my already crowded radio stack...I think I will give up on this project.

[RKG]

Actually, if you consider what they do, and what comparable LMR equipment costs, most of these units are quite reasonable.