Motorola GP300 power output question

[coldshot]

I've got a chance to pick up a couple of Motorola GP300 16 channel VHF radios very cheap. These are the narrow band version (I checked the model number at bat labs) and they are grandfathered for MURS. My question is can they be programmed to limit the output to 2w max? My intent is to use these for range use on the MURS freqs. We set steel up out to a mile at our range and need reliable commo in some pretty hilly terrain. These seem like a good, inexpensive, and rugged solution, better than blister-pack UHF radios.

[TacAir]

I've got a chance to pick up a couple of Motorola GP300 16 channel VHF radios very cheap. These are the narrow band version (I checked the model number at bat labs) and they are grandfathered for MURS. My question is can they be programmed to limit the output to 2w max? My intent is to use these for range use on the MURS freqs. We set steel up out to a mile at our range and need reliable commo in some pretty hilly terrain. These seem like a good, inexpensive, and rugged solution, better than blister-pack UHF radios.

**This** says yes. 1 W, 2 W or 5 W can be programmed, per channel. You will need to programming software.

[MaconCJ7]

Yes you can, but...

I have some GP360's. They suck. Rated for 5W, put them on the wattmeter and they're only putting out 2W. Got into the tuning software and played with the softpots, but 2W was max out. Not saying the 300 will have the same issue, but the numbers on the 360 were the same for old and busted, as well as NIB.

[TacAir]

Yes you can, but...

I have some GP360's. They suck. Rated for 5W, put them on the wattmeter and they're only putting out 2W. Got into the tuning software and played with the softpots, but 2W was max out. Not saying the 300 will have the same issue, but the numbers on the 360 were the same for old and busted, as well as NIB.

and now y9u know why they were "cheap"

[MaconCJ7]

and now y9u know why they were "cheap"

Yep. XTS series are the way to go if you can shell the funds.

Don't forget that you do need a freq license. Licenses aren't needed for pre-programmed radios like the CP110, Cobra Walkabouts, and such, but when you can program in a designated band, you'll need licensing from the Frequency Coordinator for your area.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing_3&id=industrial_business

[gary in ohio]

Yes you can, but...

I have some GP360's. They suck. Rated for 5W, put them on the wattmeter and they're only putting out 2W. Got into the tuning software and played with the softpots, but 2W was max out. Not saying the 300 will have the same issue, but the numbers on the 360 were the same for old and busted, as well as NIB.

That issue is more than likley related to the battery condition and not the radio condition. also keep in mind that power output on handhelds at least for marketing purposes is usually test with a power supply and not batteries. YMMV

[MaconCJ7]

That issue is more than likley related to the battery condition and not the radio condition. also keep in mind that power output on handhelds at least for marketing purposes is usually test with a power supply and not batteries. YMMV

Quick answer is no, the radio's just suck. They are good for the comparative price of their P25 counterparts, but as a radio I despise their very existence.

**OP - rereading your initial post, you may be better served leaving them at 5W. My 360 experience says that dealing with the hilly terrain you describe will make for craptastic comms. Test it at 2W, by all means, as lower power out will conserve battery life. If it works for you, I would love an update. Set channel spacing to 12.5 kHz, and include a PL code to help limit Rx interference.

If you want/require more Motorola programming info, ask away. There's several folks on here that can help as needed.

[zommoz10]

Just so we're clear....
GP-360 is in no way, shape or form, related to or similar to the GP-300 which was from a forgotten era when motorola knew how to make a radio.

The 360 is a European model not sold in North America. Although I'm sure ebay's loaded with them. "95% new" (aka counterfeit) of course.

[crypto]

and now y9u know why they were "cheap"

Yep. XTS series are the way to go if you can shell the funds.

Don't forget that you do need a freq license. Licenses aren't needed for pre-programmed radios like the CP110, Cobra Walkabouts, and such, but when you can program in a designated band, you'll need licensing from the Frequency Coordinator for your area.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing_3&id=industrial_business

What? No.

He wants to use them on MURS. No license required.

[MaconCJ7]

Just so we're clear....
GP-360 is in no way, shape or form, related to or similar to the GP-300 which was from a forgotten era when motorola knew how to make a radio.

The 360 is a European model not sold in North America. Although I'm sure ebay's loaded with them. "95% new" (aka counterfeit) of course.

That is good info. I surely hope the GP-300 works wonders for him, and that the 360 isn't a tell of the GP series as a whole.

Crypto, yeah, I noticed that the second time through.

[zommoz10]

I surely hope the GP-300 works wonders for him, and that the 360 isn't a tell of the GP series as a whole.

My point was they aren't part of the same series despite the model number starting with the same two letters.
GP300 is about 20 years old. They came out around 1992-93.
I remember going in to a moto dealer around that time to get a replacement battery for a Radius p100 and they showed me the Radius p110 (aka GP300) as the new replacement to that brick.

[coldshot]

That issue is more than likley related to the battery condition and not the radio condition. also keep in mind that power output on handhelds at least for marketing purposes is usually test with a power supply and not batteries. YMMV

Quick answer is no, the radio's just suck. They are good for the comparative price of their P25 counterparts, but as a radio I despise their very existence.

**OP - rereading your initial post, you may be better served leaving them at 5W. My 360 experience says that dealing with the hilly terrain you describe will make for craptastic comms. Test it at 2W, by all means, as lower power out will conserve battery life. If it works for you, I would love an update. Set channel spacing to 12.5 kHz, and include a PL code to help limit Rx interference.

If you want/require more Motorola programming info, ask away. There's several folks on here that can help as needed.

Will do on the update. I tested my P110s out there last trip. Commo was good at 1 mile non-line of sight. I screwed up on buying the P110 in that it's wide band and therefore isn't good to go on the 151.xxx MURS freqs. I was transmitting on the 154.xxx freqs at 2W. I managed to locate two narrow band VHF GP300s and will get them programmed to the MURS freqs. I know the GP300/P110s are old, but I love the fact that they're indestructible. These will also do duty as bug out commo that I can hand to the wife and tell her to push here and talk. KISS principle with range as good or better than the blister pack stuff. I also have some brand new Moto RDM2020s that are dead nuts simple. They even have what they call scramble mode. Also have a few Icom F21GMs to test as well. Too much stuff....not enough time.

[zommoz10]

Also a really good size / form factor.

Not too big. Not too small. Nowadays everything is supposed to fit inside a shirt pocket or so it seems.