For those who do public service, do you use a dedicated dual band VHF/UHF radio, or the same all-band, all-mode radio you use for other activities like POTA?

Submitted ⁨⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨K3LOE@lemmy.radio⁩ to ⁨amateur_radio@lemmy.radio⁩

I’m inclined to go with the long-term cost savings of a radio that does everything but wondering if others have good reasons to go with a dedicated, simplified rig. I would be purchasing used equipment either way. And would have to use either radio for base as well as mobile use. #PublicSevice #VHF #UHF

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stu@gott.social ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
@K3LOE definitely dedicated gear. Preferably cheap gear you wouldn't mind too much if it got damaged or lost.
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n8dmt@mastodon.radio ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
@K3LOE Prefer dedicated radios (typically lower cost and feature specific to the PS functions needed). Have concerns for loss/damage so do not bring $$$ radios or accessories to PS events. Typical individual station: dual band HT, speaker mic, standard and extended range antennas, extra batteries, case/holders, etc.
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vk6flab@lemmy.radio ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
I’m guessing that the answer depends on several factors. Also, I’m not a lawyer and don’t pretend to be one on the Internet.

Generally speaking, an amateur radio transceiver is illegal to use on anything other than amateur frequencies, unless in the midst of an emergency.

Purpose built radios can in some jurisdictions legally be modified to operate on amateur frequencies and in some cases might still be legal to operate on their original frequencies.

With software defined radio this distinction is often moot, but the law hasn’t caught up.

In general, it’s simplest to keep amateur and public service activities separate.

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- K3LOE@lemmy.radio ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
  I’m not suggesting anything illegal. I think we’re having a misunderstanding based on the different ways this works in the US vs Australia? I’ve edited my question to clarify I’m in the US, where “public service” (being communications support for primarily bike and foot races, where I live) does indeed happen on the amateur VHF/UHF bands.
  
  This is who I volunteer with, for context: hpsnc.org
  
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  - vk6flab@lemmy.radio ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
    Based on your updated question, I’d go with cheap and nasty. The radio will be subjected to abuse and the cheaper it is, the less you’ll cry when someone drops it, as opposed to having a Yeasuu handheld, or mobile base station dropping on the floor.
    
    The other thing to consider is that you can purchase a several dozen cheap Chinese radios and drop one on the floor every month for the next few years and still spend less money than buying a Yaesu FTX-1F Portable when it becomes available.
    
    There’s debate about Baofeng vs Wouxun, buy one of each and see what you like. The Baeofengs are cheap and sometimes hard to program, the Wouxun is more of a robust radio, but you might not need it.
    
    Consider for example what happens when it rains.
    
    We tested a whole bunch of radios during our hamfest in 2023, report is here: github.com/vk6flab/rhp
    
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  - propter_hog@hexbear.net ⁨1⁩ ⁨day⁩ ago
    I was going to ask where you volunteer, but you posted that. I’ve been wanting to volunteer in scouting by introducing amateur radio to kids.
    
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