Radio Communications

I am wondering what best idea is for radio communications. I found this radio below, that will work for 2 meter ham, MURS, and FRS/GMRS.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TYT-TH-UVF1-UHF-VHF-Dual-Band-Handheld-radio-1750-tone_W0QQi\
temZ180584993632QQcategoryZ163855QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m263QQ_trkparmsZa\lgo%3DSIC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D10%26pmod\%3D160375068624%252B180473740805%252B250670162284%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3\D5297230430789231175#ht_4334wt_1139

Currently I have a CB base station for long range communications, and a set of FRS/GMRS radios for tactical communications. I have a ham license, and I want to start taking advantage of it. I have a lot of experience with military radios, but I am new to the HAM world.

I like the MURS radios, but they are limited to only 5 frequencies. However, they have more power and a greater range than FRS/GMRS, because MURS are VHF and FRS/GMRS are UHF. I think a good option is to use a radio that can tune to multiple frequencies and then tune them to the MURS or FRS/GMRS frequencies, this also allows you to use digital privacy codes and push up the wattage. (Just mind the FCC rules for now)

As for FRS/GMRS, I have a set of the Midland GXT900VP4, and they are good radios. We use FRS/GMRS in my Guard unit because we are moving to more civilian friendly frequencies for rescue and relief, and I have personally used the Midland GXT900VP4 out to 4 miles. The distance depends on the terrain. When they rate the distance of those radios, it assumes line of sight, so they will work for the rated distance on open terrain, like water or hill to hill. One thing about the Midland GXT900, is that they have a voice scramble feature that is not available in the newest model, the GXT1000. The voice scramble feature violates the FCC rules, so you need to be careful with that feature.

As for the Chinese radios, they may not be the best, but they have a lot of features for the money. There are better alternatives for more money, you just have to search for the same features. I will add one note. With many of the name brand radios, they lock down many of the frequencies to appease the FCC, so make sure you know whether the radio you buy is completely unlocked or if if has to be hacked to open all of the frequencies. (Caveat Emptor)


I would like to know what are you using and how is it working?


-Richard