900 mz DMR radio with FHSS

[WSFL333]

I've looked for a pair of affordable handheld radios that operate in the license free 900 mhz spectrum and uses FHSS. I hope to buy a set for a Christmas present for my son for use in his airsoft activities. I have seen the Motorola DTR700 radios but can't spend the $349 ea.  Are there less expensive alternatives? Amazon has several DMR radios but it's almost impossible to find any operating specs much less what frequency they operate on.

Can someone guide me to a specific model that uses FHSS in the 900mhz band?

thanks

[WSFL333]

First time posting so I think I posted in the wrong section. Moderator please move as appropriate

[Socalgmrs]

So I hate to suggest this company but for your use I’d say retivis might be the way to go.   They have a few different 900mhz radio options that are very easy on The budget. 

[SteveShannon]

1 hour ago, WSFL333 said:

I've looked for a pair of affordable handheld radios that operate in the license free 900 mhz spectrum and uses FHSS. I hope to buy a set for a Christmas present for my son for use in his airsoft activities. I have seen the Motorola DTR700 radios but can't spend the $349 ea.  Are there less expensive alternatives? Amazon has several DMR radios but it's almost impossible to find any operating specs much less what frequency they operate on.

Can someone guide me to a specific model that uses FHSS in the 900mhz band?

thanks

DMR radios require licensing anyway. Is there some reason why you want the 900 MHz instead of license free MURS in the VHF band or license free FRS in the UHF band?  Either can be had for pretty low prices.

[WSFL333]

I understand that the ISM 900 mhz band is license-free and is the only band that can use digital FHSS. I want the FHSS ability to prevent interception of my sons airsoft team communication 

[BoxCar]

I think you are overdoing the security aspect. Using a digital signal such as DMR or NXDN would probably be all the security your son's team would need. While you re not supposed to use digital signaling in the FRS or MURS bands, a few radios operating low power would probably be dismissed by most people. The limited power, 2 W or less will also limit interference to others.

[SteveShannon]

So I’m not sure how the Retevis RT-10 implements DMR on an unlicensed radio.  Where does the DMR ID come from?  But, it’s the closest thing to affordable that I could find.  https://a.co/d/i96kTIS
 

DMR is not frequency hopping, although many DMR radios have the capability of encrypting communications.  I have no idea what the regulations say about that for 900 MHz.  Being unlicensed is not the same as being regulation free.

The only FHSS radios I found were the Motorola DLR radios.  They’re digital and FHSS but not inexpensive.

Good luck finding something for your son.

[WRYS709]

2 hours ago, BoxCar said:

While you re not supposed to use digital signaling in the FRS or MURS bands, a few radios operating low power would probably be dismissed by most people. 

None of whom work for the FCC! 

[Radioguy7268]

Motorola also makes the DLR version of 900 MHz license free radios. You may find some newer ones sold under the 'curve' designation.  DTR's are expensive for what they are. Even the older DTR650 radios still carry a price tag when sold as used, working units.

What's your budget?  There are also some folks using older Nextel units on just the "direct talk" feature - and they're usually cheap since they no longer work with any cellular providers. Look for something like an i355, but realize there is zero support and zero cross-communication with anything outside of another Nextel unit.

[nokones]

On 10/31/2024 at 5:19 AM, WSFL333 said:

I've looked for a pair of affordable handheld radios that operate in the license free 900 mhz spectrum and uses FHSS. I hope to buy a set for a Christmas present for my son for use in his airsoft activities. I have seen the Motorola DTR700 radios but can't spend the $349 ea.  Are there less expensive alternatives? Amazon has several DMR radios but it's almost impossible to find any operating specs much less what frequency they operate on.

Can someone guide me to a specific model that uses FHSS in the 900mhz band?

thanks

$349? Looks like the cost for the DTR700 has come down. I paid $424 for my DTR700 earlier this year and it is a great radio. The DTR700 is a great radio and there are plenty of accessories available for the DTR700. Thd best range I got with my radio is about a mile and a half in an open terrain.

I strongly recommend that you buy the DTR700 from an authorized Motorola Dealer and not through a multi-product humongous warehouse retailer if you want the genuine product.