Batboard

Hi,
What are the best radios for GMRS use? Of the motorola radios, the HT/JT100 MTS2000, Saber, Astro, etc, can all of these radios be converted for use on GMRS frequencies? Is there anything else to look for other than being on (obviously) the correct UHF band split?

Can an individual user get licensed on VHF or UHF frequencies? (itinerant freq?)? Are there any frequencies in the 800MHz bands (other than amateur) that can be used as itinerant?
(I have 4 MTX8000 from an auction) that can be licensed for individual or non-profit use? Are there any international frequencies, e.g. a frequency recoginzed a GMRS type equivalent (I know this is an stretch).

Thanks!

All the radios you list will work fine on GMRS.

Forget about 800 mHz. Nobody can go there except under
exceptional circumstances, and there is NO amateur band on
800 mHz. There is one, 902-927, on 900 mHz.

You can pay for and get a commercial license for VHF or UHF commercial
channels, and these would probably be itinerant but need not be
if you want to go through coordination for a non-itinerant channel.

Last, on the international question, each country has its own version
of GMRS, if it has GMRS at all. You can't go into another country with
another country's license in hand and operate; authorities are extremely
jealous and sensitive about an individual's "right" to use radio comms
and usually control such activities very closely.

There is a ton or more of GMRS information available on the internet.

Thanks Tom for the prompt reply.

My real need was to find out about the radios before I bought them. I didn't want to pick up a radio and find out it has some mode or frequency spacing that was incompatible.

I'm starting to get a handle on the frequencies, but asking a direct question is sometimes more accurate than collecting tidbits.

By Itinerant, I am assuming these are frequencies to be used across the country, not in just one location (which might be the case for a small business). My need is around the country, and most of the time outside of the country (I chase volcanoes).

I also understand there is a MURS which is unlicensed, two watts, on 5 VHF frequencies. I have contacted a frequency coordinator about the 800MHz band. I will pass along the info if it's anything interesting.