Multi use radios?

[TNFrank]

I understand radios are approved for certain use cases(HAM, GMRS, MURS, etc.)but why can't a radio be designed to be "legal" for use on any/all Bands so you can simply program it for what you want/need to use it for. 

I know many use HAM HT's "out of Band" on GMRS and MURS so why not come up with a "one and done" radio that'll be compliant on everything?  Is there some reason this can't be done? 

[tcp2525]

6 hours ago, LeoG said:

Rather use a radio than a phone.  At least your every conversation and text isn't being stored in the Utah facility.  Although I'm not calling my buddy in Oregon with my radio.

There you go, you said it, radios are just fun to use. You're just way too young to remember the good old days when they had autopatch on the amateur repeaters to make phone calls. It was always fun to use eventhough you knew everyone and their brother heard your conversation. Every form of communication is acceptable for whatever situation at hand, you just gotta admit that there's always other forms out there that will work to get the job done.

[Bogieboy01]

14 hours ago, Northcutt114 said:

As someone who has friends and family in Western NC, post-Helene really opened some people's eyes to the necessity of alternative comms. Nothing worked up there for the better part of a month. No land lines, no cell, no nothing. Ham and GMRS were all people had to communicate.

 

Thats why when we moved here, i made sure my wife at least knew how to operate a radio, even if she isnt a radio dork like myself, she at least knows how to use it, and she has an HT with the gmrs frequencies all programmed in her truck... meanwhile i have both an ht and a mobile in my car, and i am about ready to go for my tech license for ham as well, so i have more options for frequencies legally if the need arises....

[PACNWComms]

One reason the Harris XG-100P (handheld portable) and XG-100M mobile radios became popular after use by many federal agencies replaced them (Feds with tax payer funding meant they could afford them).....their second life is often by people like us, wanting something legal for us on many different radio bands. 

Harris spent the money and time to make sure they were legal for many different bands of radio spectrum. But, the price of admission is considerably higher than most amateur radio types want to pay. This then makes owners act like they are superior, as they spent more money (I see this with /\/\otorola types too). 

[gortex2]

On 12/19/2025 at 9:18 PM, WRTC928 said:

Cell phone is my go-to, and so far, I haven't needed anything else. I have MURS capability in my vehicles for the same reason I have a fire extinguisher -- by the time you know you need it, it's too late to get it. Belt and suspenders. I didn't live this long by leaving stuff to chance. 

The FCC regulations specify (IIRC) that anyone may transmit on almost any frequency when life or property is in imminent danger and other means of communication are not available. You're exactly right -- that isn't "anything goes" but it does provide a reasonable (IMO) degree of latitude for emergencies. I have public safety mutual aid frequencies in some of my radios, but I sure as heck ain't gonna play around on them. On the other hand, I'd have no problem keying up if I were truly desperate. They probably wouldn't charge me, and even if they did, I'd have to be alive to be charged, so there's that. 

I'd love to see this rule. It doesn't exist. The only rule is in the ham regulations about using anotheer band that your not approved to , not public safety channels. But keep spewing the info out there so wackers add all the public safety stuff to there $20 radios. 

 

97.403 (Safety of life and protection of property): Permits amateur stations to use any means of radio communication to provide essential communication for immediate safety when normal systems are down, allowing licensed operators to help unlicensed individuals in distress.

[LeoG]

The eff sea seas couldn't do a thing about it anyway. If during an emergency the airwaves lit up like a Christmas tree with non licensed people communicating there emergencies maybe a couple of them might get a stern letter.  But I doubt even that.

[WRUE951]

2 hours ago, gortex2 said:

I'd love to see this rule. It doesn't exist. The only rule is in the ham regulations about using anotheer band that your not approved to , not public safety channels. But keep spewing the info out there so wackers add all the public safety stuff to there $20 radios. 

 

97.403 (Safety of life and protection of property): Permits amateur stations to use any means of radio communication to provide essential communication for immediate safety when normal systems are down, allowing licensed operators to help unlicensed individuals in distress.

One notch up.  

§ 97.405 Station in distress.

(a) No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station in distress of any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance.

(b) No provision of these rules prevents the use by a station, in the exceptional circumstances described in paragraph (a)of this section, of any means of radiocommunications at its disposal to assist a station in distress.

[gortex2]

Again in amateuer radio rules. Not public safety part 90.

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, gortex2 said:

Again in amateuer radio rules. Not public safety part 90.

You’re right.  In Part 90, here are the most direct things part 90 says about emergencies.  It specifically refers to the licensee and does not simply allow for anyone to grab a mic and start transmitting calls for help into the ether:

§ 90.407 Emergency communications.

The licensee of any station authorized under this part may, during a period of emergency in which the normal communication facilities are disrupted as a result of hurricane, flood, earthquake or similar disaster, utilize such station for emergency communications in a manner other than that specified in the station authorization or in the rules and regulations governing the operation of such stations. The Commission may at any time order the discontinuance of such special use of the authorized facilities.

1984]

§ 90.411 Civil defense communications.

The licensee of any station authorized under this part may, on a voluntary basis, transmit communications necessary for the implementation of civil defense activities assigned such station by local civil defense authorities during an actual or simulated emergency, including drills and tests. The Commission may at any time order the discontinuance of such special use of the authorized facilities.

[LeoG]

That's like saying war has rules.  In times of dire emergency anything goes.  Of course the FED is going to try to regulate it.  They think it's their job to be the nose in everyones door at all times.

 

[SteveShannon]

47 minutes ago, LeoG said:

That's like saying war has rules.  In times of dire emergency anything goes.  Of course the FED is going to try to regulate it.  They think it's their job to be the nose in everyones door at all times.

 

Once again, the philosophy that “anything goes” as an emergency response will cause more problems than it solves. You’re right that the government won’t be able to practically impose effective regulations, but I can’t imagine you want to cause interference for those who are actually trying to implement effective (organized) communications, but that’s exactly what promoting the concept that “anything goes” leads to. 

And, yes, war does have rules.

[LeoG]

8 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Once again, the philosophy that “anything goes” as an emergency response will cause more problems than it solves. You’re right that the government won’t be able to practically impose effective regulations, but I can’t imagine you want to cause interference for those who are actually trying to implement effective (organized) communications, but that’s exactly what promoting the concept that “anything goes” leads to. 

And, yes, war does have rules.

Just saying that if people think they can get help using a radio that's what they are going to do.  I know it'll cause havoc on the airwaves.  It's an emergency and havoc is all around.  I know if the only radio I had was programmed with police frequencies and me or my family was in dire distress I'm pushing the PTT button and will deal with the penalties later.

The main reason I got into radio is to have an alternate form of communication with family without using the traditional forms, cell/internet.  That's the reason I set up my own repeater.  Because when SHTF the big repeaters will likely be useless at the most critical time because everyone and their sister will be trying to communicate.

I'm not condoning it.  I'm just saying what is and what will be.  And no regulation will stop someone in need from transmitting on a band they aren't allowed to.

[WRUE951]

43 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Once again, the philosophy that “anything goes” as an emergency response will cause more problems than it solves. You’re right that the government won’t be able to practically impose effective regulations, but I can’t imagine you want to cause interference for those who are actually trying to implement effective (organized) communications, but that’s exactly what promoting the concept that “anything goes” leads to. 

And, yes, war does have rules.

Steve,  War does not have rules, it has regulations.   and regulations require effective enforcement.   Kind of reminds me of the FCC.  

[SteveShannon]

22 minutes ago, LeoG said:

Just saying that if people think they can get help using a radio that's what they are going to do.  I know it'll cause havoc on the airwaves.  It's an emergency and havoc is all around.  I know if the only radio I had was programmed with police frequencies and me or my family was in dire distress I'm pushing the PTT button and will deal with the penalties later.

The main reason I got into radio is to have an alternate form of communication with family without using the traditional forms, cell/internet.  That's the reason I set up my own repeater.  Because when SHTF the big repeaters will likely be useless at the most critical time because everyone and their sister will be trying to communicate.

I'm not condoning it.  I'm just saying what is and what will be.  And no regulation will stop someone in need from transmitting on a band they aren't allowed to.

Exactly, and that’s why it’s important to keep trying to educate people, so they don’t believe incorrectly that the regulations permit “anything goes” communication.  There will always be some people who are ignorant about the rules and even more ignorant of the effect that undisciplined behavior on the various bands will cause. 
Worse yet there will be people who intentionally attempt to disrupt official communications by transmitting on the police, fire, and public safety frequencies.  Because of that, people like yourself, transmitting on police frequencies in an attempt to obtain help for you and your family, may potentially be completely ignored. 

[WRUE951]

1 minute ago, SteveShannon said:

Exactly, and that’s why it’s important to keep trying to educate people, so they don’t believe incorrectly that the regulations permit “anything goes” communication.  There will always be some people who are ignorant about the rules and even more ignorant of the effect that undisciplined behavior on the various bands will cause. 
Worse yet there will be people who intentionally attempt to disrupt official communications by transmitting on the police, fire, and public safety frequencies.  Because of that, people like yourself, transmitting on police frequencies in an attempt to obtain help for you and your family, may potentially be completely ignored. 

I think most public safety groups in this country have established measures against anyone attempting to disrupt communications.  Most if not all are now on secure digital platforms.   I was in Ridgecrest during the big California Earthquakes in 2019.  Knocked out all cell communications and power in most of the city for a few hours..  HAM Radio and GMRS frequencies were very busy and 100% cordial.   Most people would have expected KAOS on the airwaves but nothing close.  People were using their radios to assist emergieny services and help anyone needing it.   The local HAM group posted a story in the local newspaper expressing  how well radio communications worked in this disaster.    I'm one of those on the side of the fence that 'most' people will come together in great disasters..   You hear the same stories with the huricanes and floods.    There are bad apples in every basked but they'll get stomped out pretty quick.  JMO 

[LeoG]

For the most part people who don't use radios don't have them.  So I really wouldn't expect lots of unlicensed people interrupting emergency communications.  And those people that have radios and don't use them (often) likely have toys and low power bubble pak radios.

[nokones]

It appears to me that during such disaster, if I need to report life or property in imminent peril, I can legally program a public safety channel in my personal radio and report such emergency as long that I did not interrupt any ongoing transmission. Once that transmission and report is done, I would not have any legal reason to key up on that public safety channel again unless there is a need to report another incident whereas a life and property are in imminent peril.

[tcp2525]

2 hours ago, LeoG said:

That's like saying war has rules.  In times of dire emergency anything goes.  Of course the FED is going to try to regulate it.  They think it's their job to be the nose in everyones door at all times.

 

Spot on!! Survival modes trumps all other rules that the armchair quarterbacks think one should, or should I say, will follow. When the Sh#$ hits the fan humanity will be on full display. 

[WRUE951]

1 hour ago, nokones said:

It appears to me that during such disaster, if I need to report life or property in imminent peril, I can legally program a public safety channel in my personal radio and report such emergency as long that I did not interrupt any ongoing transmission. Once that transmission and report is done, I would not have any legal reason to key up on that public safety channel again unless there is a need to report another incident whereas a life and property are in imminent peril.

good luck with getting around their digital encryption protocol.    Ain't going to happen  

[WRUE951]

38 minutes ago, tcp2525 said:

Spot on!! Survival modes trumps all other rules that the armchair quarterbacks think one should, or should I say, will follow. When the Sh#$ hits the fan humanity will be on full display. 

oh common,,  you're exaggerating..  When $hit hits the fan, i bet more people will be concerned finding toilet paper     

[SteveShannon]

1 minute ago, WRUE951 said:

good luck with getting around their digital encryption protocol.    Ain't going to happen  

I’m Montana there are very few encrypted channels and they’re reserved for specific purposes. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s like that most places. 

[WRUE951]

Just now, SteveShannon said:

I’m Montana there are very few encrypted channels and they’re reserved for specific purposes. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s like that most places. 

I'm familiar with California and you can't scan anything public safety wise in this state.   Even school districts went digital here.  I've traveled to Oregon, Idaho, Wash, Ariz, Nevada, Colo, Texas and see the same thing..  Most states probly took advantage of the Digital reform  grants..    

[SteveShannon]

12 minutes ago, WRUE951 said:

I'm familiar with California and you can't scan anything public safety wise in this state.   Even school districts went digital here.  I've traveled to Oregon, Idaho, Wash, Ariz, Nevada, Colo, Texas and see the same thing..  Most states probly took advantage of the Digital reform  grants..    

Digital yes, encrypted, not so much here. 

[WRUE951]

35 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Digital yes, encrypted, not so much here. 

Digital and encryption is hand in hand - but yes, some states opted to be transparent and not encrypt publicly monitored frequencies. .  But I'll bet you a dollar and a six pack of Modelo, even in Montana they have one or more encrypted channels to resort to.  

[SteveShannon]

51 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

I’m Montana there are very few encrypted channels and they’re reserved for specific purposes. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s like that most places. 

 

4 minutes ago, WRUE951 said:

Digital and encryption is hand in hand - but yes, some states opted to be transparent and not encrypt publicly monitored frequencies. .  But I'll bet you a dollar and a six pack of Modelo, even in Montana they have one or more encrypted channels to resort to.  

Yes, tactical channels.

[WRUU653]

49 minutes ago, WRUE951 said:

I'm familiar with California and you can't scan anything public safety wise in this state.   Even school districts went digital here.   

I’m not trying to be argumentative but this just isn’t so for the entire state. Not yet anyway. Where I am there are seven different law enforcement departments you can scan not to mention all of fire agencies. Also the local high schools are unencrypted which I made a point of listening to along with the sheriffs during two lock downs as it’s very close to us. 

 

4 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

 

Yes, tactical channels.

Exactly