Batboard

Hello Everyone,

I appologize if this is not the proper forum to post this in. I am completely green on this hobbie and looking to build up my skillset. I have been reading in these forums and others in search for that knowledge. I just purchased a couple of radios off of fleabay that I would like to use. They are HT600 VHF 157-174 band split & MT1000 VHF 146-174 band split. (5Watt)

Here is what I am looking to do with these radios. I need to see if its doable or not.

1. Be able to talk back and forth with these handsets (mixed HT600 to MT1000's as well) Assumption is that I will be within range of radio's ability
2. Be able to "scan" different frequencies within the range of the radio.. ie Police Fire Coast Guard that reside within the frequency range that I have. I have a list of municipal frequencies that fall within my frequency range
3. With these ideals being said, Can I do it ? From what I read, I can only receive on these police fire etc frequencies ? (Which is what I would expect, I dont want to break any laws).
4. Is there a certain frequency that I will need to use to be able to chat back and forth with the other units. I do not have a frequency liscense
5. Is it all or nothing when it comes to setting these up.. meaning if I am using it as a scanner for the police fire coast guard, without the ability to talk, can I go to another channel to speak with others?
6. Sounds like I need to program these radios to accomplish the above tasks. Is there a guide for newbies outthere that someone can recommend? I know that I will need a RIB and Cable and seems to be a 486 box as well as the software.

Any suggestions on these topics would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks !

1. easily accomplished when programmed to identical freqs/PL/DPL tones.
2.only the MT1000's are capable of scanning up to 8 channels. HT600's cannot scan.
3.both radios are capable of being programmed receive only on selected channels. This is advisable if you aren't authorized to transmit on said frequencies. Check local laws, in some areas you may require a permit to carry a radio capable of receiving public safety systems. Most of these laws don't apply to licensed amateur radio operators.
4.if you don't have a license, it isn't a good idea to transmit on any radio that isn't designed for license free operation (ie, FRS or CB). However itinerant business channels such as 151.625, 154.57 and 154.6 come to mind.
5. see number 1
6.check the main batlabs site. all the information about programming hardware/RIB/Cables (including pinouts and schematics) are there under "model specific information". the RSS for these old radios is now unobtainium from Motorola. A local dealer may also be able to program your radios for a fee.