Yaesu 8900 / 8800 extended transmit mod

[Azrocks]

Here is a writeup on how to do the mod. Enjoy!

Link to Instructions

[gary in ohio]

WHY, You cant legally transmit on the extended frequencies.

[Azrocks]

....and i won't.

[ntsqd]

Originally Posted by gary in ohio

WHY, You cant legally transmit on the extended frequencies.

Funny, I just had a conversation with some local Fed folks. Their take on things was that if someone was in danger of losing their life that they wouldn't care how you got ahold of them. Apparently "Officer Discresion" still exists in some places.

[gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by ntsqd

Funny, I just had a conversation with some local Fed folks. Their take on things was that if someone was in danger of losing their life that they wouldn't care how you got ahold of them. Apparently "Officer Discresion" still exists in some places.

SOunds good in theory, very impractical to do and still illegal if done.
The I can call the police is often used as an excuse to tx mod, however unless you know how the police system your trying to call into is setup, you may never get into it. Some police system operate repeaters on non-standard offsets, some use digital signaling not available on most ham radios. Also with many public safety going to trunking, 700mhz and digital the excuse will soon go away for the most part anyway.

If you do come up on a PS freq, make sure you have a true emergency with NO other option to secure help.

[ntsqd]

You've hammered away at this for some time. I think most of us get that it's a mod that is illegal if used and will do as our conscience guides us. Mine is quite alright with leaving myself the option should it be needed. Fits right into "Being Prepared." Sometimes breaking the law is the lessor of two bad things and is justified by the results it brings.

[gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by ntsqd

You've hammered away at this for some time. I think most of us get that it's a mod that is illegal if used and will do as our conscience guides us.

I also want folks to know that even if you have the mod, switching over to a public safety freq MOST likely will still not get you in contact with the police.
It takes more than just a radio on the correct frequency. Peoples conscience are often poor guides. Last thing I want to see is someone with a moded radio getting caught on the wrong freq and ending up in the paper. "HAM RADIO used to jam police frequency.

[Azrocks]

Just as a side note, there are other frequencies that are opened up besides public service. All your statements are good points and understood.

[crawler#976]

I modded my FT-7800 before installing it. With a little google time the correct offsets and frequencies can be found to contact your local LE dispatcher.

I'd rather deal with the legal problems that may arise if I absolutely have no other means of getting help. I guess it's similar to -I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6

[HDM]

I understand the two sides of the coin here but, seriously...the last thing I'd want to read in the paper is "35 year old father of two died of hypothermia after nearly 2 weeks of being stranded in Oregon's Mountainous Wilderness. The man's body was recovered by search and rescue volunteers this morning who were stunned to find that the man had a VHF radio capable of broadcasting on a local police frequency but apparently choose not to do so because his transceiver was illegally moded. A memorial service for the man will be held this Saturday.”

To each his own....

Davis