Hello, need some advice and direction, hope you all can help.
I have a couple business radios that work was getting rid of and I’m wondering if I can use them legally at home? Model is Vertex Standard VX-160U.
Reading here and other places, I think that these radios run on business band, which would mean I must be a business (I am not) and I must have a license (I do not).
Am I correct in my assumptions? I’ve seen notes about programming radios to different frequencies, but not sure if this is possible with these units and/or worth my time and money. (total investment so far is $0)
So, are these radios worth the time to poke around with, or should I just drop them on ebay and see what they bring?
They could be reprogrammed for GMRS use; but bear in mind you would need a GMRS license ($85) You could probably get the cable and software to do it yourself.
That’s a good, tough radio. It can be programmed on the 7 FRS frequencies, but to be legal, it must be turned down to .5 watts. It will still work much better than the cheapo FRS radios because it has such a better receiver, which will give you a farther range. You can buy the cable and software through a Vertex dealer, but it might be cheaper just to let him program them for you.
You can use them on the business band I have a few videos myself Motorola ht1000 and a few bearcom that are UHF 450 to 470 I have them programmed to the FRS and gmrs frequencies with no problems but they can definitely be used gmrs if nothing else and that’s an easy license to get send an application and they’ll give you a license pay the fee that’s it
Also you can go on eBay and buy programming software and cable probably around 10 bucks really do yourself for whatever frequencies you want but I also have software in programming cable for the vx160 and can get something worked out
The Vertex Standard VX-160 is certified under FCC Part 90, the rule part for Private Land Mobile Radio services (commercial/industrial use), and some versions also have a Part 95 certification for GMRS use.
The VX-160 was primarily designed as a commercial radio and is certified under Part 90, which requires the radio’s transmit frequencies to be programmed by a dealer or authorized service personnel.
Some versions of the radio (specifically certain UHF models) were also granted an additional FCC equipment authorization for Part 95, specifically for the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS).
For a radio to be legally used on the GMRS, it must be specifically type-accepted or certified under FCC Part 95 (previously Part 95A, now Part 95E).
The VX-160 is not certified for Family Radio Service (FRS) use, as FRS radios must meet a different set of technical requirements, including non-removable antennas and power limitations.
To verify the specific certification for a particular VX-160 unit, you would need to check the FCC ID number on the radio’s label and search the FCC’s equipment authorization database to confirm if “Part 95” is listed on its grant of equipment authorization.
I was taking a trip on AMTRAK 98 to Miami. I had a VHF Vertex portable but no earpiece so I kept the volume very low but the passenger behind me saw it and told the conductor that I probably had a stolen railroad radio. Long story short the Jacksonville Police and the conductor went round and round with me so much that I just got off the train after a criminal check and called my family to come and get me. Long story short travel with a portable scanner along with it’s receipt and instruction manual.