Any Radio Buffs - Intek MT 5050 - Walkie Talki for Euro trip

Any Radio Buffs - Intek MT 5050 - Walkie Talki for Euro trip

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Discussion

Far Cough

Original Poster:

2,191 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
Guys,

Doing a bit of research about comms for a 6 car convey round Europe. This is not the first time and we have used the normal "Argos or Maplins Specials" for £30 or so quid which were very limited when the convey got stretched.

Made a few enquiries about a more powerful radio and base stations were mentioned which seemed to fit the bill but then could not be attached to an ear piece and lapel mic ( which make the process of wearing and using a radio nice and easy when driving )

It seems that hire companies do not want to hire the more powerful radios to people going abroad as there are licence issues not being the same across borders.

Found a Radio called an INTEK MT 5050 which seems to fit the bill - portable and battery powered and easily ( instructions on google) ugradable to 4W power which is way more than the PMR stuff.

Now , heres the question , I have no need to go messing around with frequencies I do not understand but if I get this radio and mod it to make it more powerful and add the bigger aerial as well. Will the range on the PMR free to air channels be massively increased ???? or do I have to use on the of the LDP channels for the extra range ???

Thanks in advance

FlossyThePig

4,083 posts

242 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
What is the legality of using them in different European countries?

arcturus

1,489 posts

262 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
I'm no expert but could you not use a hand held CB? It would be 4 watts out of the box and compliant all over Europe without modification. Also, being 27MHz rather than 433MHz would have a better range for the same power anyway?

Foliage

3,861 posts

121 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
CB is the way to go, if you shop around you can get a CB radio for around £30 but you will need to add an aerial to that too and they can be a bit of an arse to setup/install.

I wish id got a handheld but they are 3x the price

Edited by Foliage on Wednesday 23 July 15:46

Far Cough

Original Poster:

2,191 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
My last experience of a CB was a huge box with a big handheld mic. Have not got that room this time round hence the need for something compact like a handheld that we can attach an ear piece and lapel mic to. I see that handheld CB`s are about £50 more than the Intek MT5050.

Once the handset mentioned is modded to output 4W , will that be enough ?

From what I have read , the PMR is only .5W so not very powerful hence allowed in most countries. Once you get above a certain power output then radio licences are required and each country is different so you could drive from the UK to Germany through France and Belgium and only be legal in 50% of the places.

Ranger 6

7,040 posts

248 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
We use them for skiing and found them to be very good. Best range was 6km - pretty much line of sight down the valley. Also use them for car to car comms when setting up rally stages and range suffers in trees/terrain.

I'm watching to see if any knowledgeable post explains what restrictions there are for channels outside the std PMR ones on those sets.

TheRainMaker

6,302 posts

241 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
We used these on our last road trip smile



http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...

Only needed to charge them once the whole trip, I think they last for 36 hours or something like that anyway.

They also worked well in a convertible driving

mph1977

12,467 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
easiest answer is Euro channel mapped CBs - handhelds or vehicle sets ( with mag mounts)

446 are toys even the costs as much as a proper PMR set Motorolas 500mW output, fixed antenna limited accessories

proper PMR or a UK light / UK general licence is great for UK bound stuff ( it's what the majority or none 999 services at events are on )

Far Cough

Original Poster:

2,191 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
TheRainMaker said:
We used these on our last road trip smile



http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...

Only needed to charge them once the whole trip, I think they last for 36 hours or something like that anyway.

They also worked well in a convertible driving
A quick google shows these have only .5W output on PMR which is the same as the Argos specials. A further google reveals these which get a good review on various radio forums. It seems its quite common for amateurs like me to get one and use the PMR channels but with pumped up output. Sounds the job for £35. They also come with better aerial and accessories.
Baofeng gt3
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11453

TheRainMaker

6,302 posts

241 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
Far Cough said:
TheRainMaker said:
We used these on our last road trip smile



http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...

Only needed to charge them once the whole trip, I think they last for 36 hours or something like that anyway.

They also worked well in a convertible driving
A quick google shows these have only .5W output on PMR which is the same as the Argos specials.
Much more to a radio than power rating wink

mph1977

12,467 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
TheRainMaker said:
Far Cough said:
TheRainMaker said:
We used these on our last road trip smile



http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...

Only needed to charge them once the whole trip, I think they last for 36 hours or something like that anyway.

They also worked well in a convertible driving
A quick google shows these have only .5W output on PMR which is the same as the Argos specials.
Much more to a radio than power rating wink
anything sold as a 446 is hobbled by law

anything else used on 446 is prirate and leaves you open to a butt raping by OFCOM is a complaint is recieved and thereare some sad tts out there in the world of flask of weak lemon drink, anoraks, tank top socks and snadals of a HAMatuer radio ...

while there are significant number s of none anal amateurs, it's rather reckless for a ham to use a 70cm set on UHF PMR or 446 incase they do attract the attentions of the slef appointed guardians of the airwaves and their intel passing on to Ofcom ...

TonyRPH

12,963 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
mph1977 said:
anything sold as a 446 is hobbled by law

anything else used on 446 is prirate and leaves you open to a butt raping by OFCOM is a complaint is recieved and thereare some sad tts out there in the world of flask of weak lemon drink, anoraks, tank top socks and snadals of a HAMatuer radio ...

while there are significant number s of none anal amateurs, it's rather reckless for a ham to use a 70cm set on UHF PMR or 446 incase they do attract the attentions of the slef appointed guardians of the airwaves and their intel passing on to Ofcom ...
Firstly I'm not a ham operator - however...

Your post is quite controversial. A radio ham operator has to pass tests, which are in place to ensure that they understand the nature of the equipment they operate, and the potential for any interference it may cause.

As far as I know, they are also bound by the terms of their licence to resolve any interference issues their equipment may cause.

So to suggest that some operators are "sad tts" - well they are only trying to protect their hobby - I don't see anything wrong with that personally.

The HF radio frequency spectrum is already under pressure as it is, without having some random persons abusing it.


mph1977

12,467 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
TonyRPH said:
Firstly I'm not a ham operator - however...

Your post is quite controversial. A radio ham operator has to pass tests, which are in place to ensure that they understand the nature of the equipment they operate, and the potential for any interference it may cause.

As far as I know, they are also bound by the terms of their licence to resolve any interference issues their equipment may cause.

So to suggest that some operators are "sad tts" - well they are only trying to protect their hobby - I don't see anything wrong with that personally.

The HF radio frequency spectrum is already under pressure as it is, without having some random persons abusing it.
IIRC an amateur operator is meant to ensure that his/her station or any otherstation s/he operates does not cause interference , it does not make them a secret speshul agent of the DTI ... Ofcom do employ professional staff to do this http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/enforcement/spect...

would you suddenly support "Community speed watch" upping the ante from staading with a hi vis tabard and a speed gun and the SCP sending out snotty but powerless letters after them make a note of a VRN in their little book to them fitting blue lights and two tones to their cars and going chasing after speeders and after passing IAM and a brief familiarisation with 'stopping'?




Far Cough

Original Poster:

2,191 posts

167 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
So the question still stands.... Would a 5W handheld with the upgraded aerial be suitable for a euro trip not withstanding the legalities ?

Ranger 6

7,040 posts

248 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
Ranger 6 said:
...I'm watching to see if any knowledgeable post explains what restrictions there are for channels outside the std PMR ones on those sets.
So, can you explain what you mean by your comments for those of use who don't understand a word of what you're saying please? smile I've been using radios for 30 years in one capacity or another(military and MSA), I just don't have an inkling of power, channels or frequencies and what they mean.

If I stray outside the PMR channels on the 5050 am I leaving myself open to a
mph1977 said:
butt raping by OFCOM
I've worked with some very good amateurs (who transmit exactly what you ask them to do) and some very anal ones (who transmit what they 'think' you're asking them to do) which when safety matters are called for I occasionally wanted to rip the mic out of their hands and talk to control with my message.... So would appreciate advice from someone with a balanced view of both sides smile

mph1977 said:
anything else used on 446 is prirate and leaves you open to a butt raping by OFCOM is a complaint is recieved and thereare some sad tts out there in the world of flask of weak lemon drink, anoraks, tank top socks and snadals of a HAMatuer radio ...

while there are significant number s of none anal amateurs, it's rather reckless for a ham to use a 70cm set on UHF PMR or 446 incase they do attract the attentions of the slef appointed guardians of the airwaves and their intel passing on to Ofcom ...

LotusMartin

1,112 posts

151 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
The 5050s are great - excellent range. I have a couple that I de-restricted and used once on a road trip if you're interested. Boxed and mint. Was thinking of putting on ebay.

INTEK MT-5050 PMR-446 TWO WAY RADIO x2

KEP115S KEP 115-S SPEAKER MICROPHONE FOR INTEK 5050 x2

I paid £168

PM me

TonyRPH

12,963 posts

167 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
This handheld CB radio goes up to 4w (legally) and being on 27MHz will probably give the range you require: INTEK H-520 PLUS Handheld CB Transceiver 27Mhz

I think this will most likely be legal across most of Europe too.


mph1977

12,467 posts

167 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
Far Cough said:
So the question still stands.... Would a 5W handheld with the upgraded aerial be suitable for a euro trip not withstanding the legalities ?
disregarding the licencing and legalities - and expect thecontinentials to be more uptight about it than the UK - most uk BiB are fairly ignorant or laissez faire on radio use


a 5 w VHF or UHF PMR handheld driving a suitable mag mount aerial on the car roof would give you a good few miles coverage car to car in relatively open terrain ...


Far Cough

Original Poster:

2,191 posts

167 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
mph1977 said:
disregarding the licencing and legalities - and expect thecontinentials to be more uptight about it than the UK - most uk BiB are fairly ignorant or laissez faire on radio use


a 5 w VHF or UHF PMR handheld driving a suitable mag mount aerial on the car roof would give you a good few miles coverage car to car in relatively open terrain ...
Thank you. Seen the Baofeng which is £35 and the same as the Intek but already modded as standard and comes with upgraded antenna. Seems ideal for the purpose.

mph1977

12,467 posts

167 months

Thursday 24th July 2014
quotequote all
Far Cough said:
mph1977 said:
disregarding the licencing and legalities - and expect thecontinentials to be more uptight about it than the UK - most uk BiB are fairly ignorant or laissez faire on radio use


a 5 w VHF or UHF PMR handheld driving a suitable mag mount aerial on the car roof would give you a good few miles coverage car to car in relatively open terrain ...
Thank you. Seen the Baofeng which is £35 and the same as the Intek but already modded as standard and comes with upgraded antenna. Seems ideal for the purpose.
however you run the risk of OFCOM seizing all transmitting or recieving appartus you own if you use them without an amateur licence ( there is debate whether keypad freq entry radios are legal on PMR in the dayso f the MPT type approval they definitely weren't key pad entry on transmitters/ transcievers was solely for Ham or military use ) ... and that means everything , TV, broadcast radio, Wi-fi kit , mobile phone .... wheil they investigate you misuse of the radio frequency ...

if you use 446 frequencies with a none 446 radio you are breaking the law

if you use PMR frequencies without a licence covering them where you are you are breaking the law

if you use amateur frequencies without an Amateur licence you run the risk of the amateurs hunting you down, IIRC much of the amateur 70 cm is secondary user


don;t expect the police overseas to any more relaxed than the UK and be prepared for a more serious attitude being taken.