@dmyhill?ÿ
I did my own for my UHF RTK and VHF land mobile radios.?ÿ The process was pretty easy online directly with the FCC.
I kept it simple by just using itinerant frequencies (6 available for UHF data).?ÿ It turns out that the FCC no longer allows national coverage on the other available frequencies.?ÿ I think the coordinator I talked to said you could get a couple of counties coordinated.?ÿ Since I work up and down the west coast that was a no go.?ÿ And since I only use the UHF radios in remote areas the chances of interference is low.
@jph?ÿ
I mean, if I open a call on my cell phone (smart phone), set it to speaker phone, clip it to my vest and start going, the battery will die in less than a day. The costs are not the issue...
@dmyhill?ÿ
Oh, ok.?ÿ Never did 8 hrs non-stop.?ÿ I also have phones with swappable batteries, and I usually bring a charged extra one with me
I use the cheap Baufeng UV-5R radios. As good as a new $250 Motorola handheld, and for the price, I consider them disposable. You do need to program them yourself, there is a huge internet following for these little guys.?ÿ
$30 for a fully programmable dual band radio that also has a flashlight, and can pick up weather broadcasts and FM radio. The standard battery lasts almost a week. Also, a huge selection of aftermarket accessories. Buy extras, they are not as tough as the pricy ones.
Thanks for all the replies!?ÿ Lots of folks seem to like the Baofengs.?ÿ