Programmable UHF with remote head for SES/RFS?

Hi wortgames

I have no idea what the go is in NSW, but if it is like South Australia, they do not share public frequencies, but use the private GRN ( Government Radio Network ).

This network has been in place here in SA since our last Ash Wednesday Bushfire back in 1983, when there was a complete break down of the normal radio network, with hundreds of people all wanting to talk at once.

As for UHF radios, the new 80 channel units can be programmed to receive other frequencies, but not to talk on, as under the governments terms, you can only talk on the already available frequencies.



Cheers



Stephen

Most RFS (and Police) use GRN digital network.
No suitable to program into your 'run of the mill' UHF radios.

Another option is something like a GME Tx3540 where all the controls are on the mike and the actual unit can be anywhere out of site, like under the dash. Much easier to install.

I would suggest you go and get the correct information from the SES/RFS units you wish to join.
The Qld SES used different freqs to the run of the mill 'UHF CB'.

From what I can see after a very quick look, the NSW SES & RFS use a digital trunked network, in which case a regular UHF won't be of any use.

If you want to listen in, you'll probably need a digital trunk tracking scanner (unless the agencies are using encrypted transmission, but that's probably unlikely for the RFS/SES etc, more likely for the Police & ambos).

Join up and get a feel for the radios used in each organisation, and the type of traffic - figure out if you actually want to listen in.

Thanks everyone (and sorry for the delay!)

I need to get a UHF anyway, regardless of the volunteer stuff. I suppose I mostly didn't want to miss an opportunity and get the 'wrong' model if there is a 'right' one available.

I'm leaning towards the GME TX3520S, I'd prefer a proper head rather than just the handpiece display and controls.

Any reason to avoid this model?