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
[EDIT] 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: https://www.hpsnc.org/. They also require a mobile (not handheld) radio at least 25W.
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.
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: https://hpsnc.org/
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 Yeasu 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: https://github.com/vk6flab/rhp
Cool study, good report! Lots of interesting things there, including the variability of the Baofengs.
Yes, seems like the consensus here is towards a separate bruiser that’s not too precious.