Where can I buy Motorola Walkie Talkie

[splee]

Hi guys, may I ask where I can buy a decently good Motorola or equivalent Walkie talkie suitable for driving convoy purposes. I need a quality unit with clear voice and comes with safety tested. I don't mind paying more for a quality unit. Can I buy at the airport and bring it in? Thanks in advance.

 

[anaksarawak]

Best so far for convoy use is baofeng

 

[wingzee]

Using it for convoy purpose? You can forget about the low-end consumer range Motorolas (T4, T6, T8 up to T60). They barely work beyond beyond few hundred meters in city with office buildings. You are better off with Baofengs (UV-3R or 5R) which most of the BMWCM members here been using for our official and weekend drives. Cost about RM180 each if you order through their dealers in China/Hong Kong. But there is risk of item being taxed and held by customs due to non-SIRIM approved. Jalan Pasar shops do sell 'em but do be ready to pay a premium for it, about RM250-300 each per my survey last year.

 

[splee]

Best so far for convoy use is baofeng

Baofeng from china? I have not heard of this brand. Safe or not? Unfortunately I don't have much confidence in china product.

 

[wingzee]

Baofeng from china? I have not heard of this brand. Safe or not? Unfortunately I don't have much confidence in china product.

Not sure what you meant by safe or not? Afraid of these China walkies emitting harmful radiation or explode is it?

All of us been using the device happily without any complains so far. 80% of those with talkies in our club are using this particular brand. Does that gives you the confidence?

 

[Mavik]

I have around 5-6 walkies from China. Baofeng included. Used for event management purposes. Lifespan, frankly it lasts around 1-1.5years before the unit goes a bit wonky. Not too bad for cheap units. Few times cross channels with the security guards at the mall. Indoor performance is ok if in big hall but once between a few walls the signal gets a bit weak and the voice is hard to hear.

 

[tIANcI]

Baofeng from china? I have not heard of this brand. Safe or not? Unfortunately I don't have much confidence in china product.

I think you should not buy it. If no confidence dun buy la ... Also no point asking us because we never tested it for safety. Maybe after 10 years of use then if most of us got ear cancer, brain tumor etc then we can say its was truly unsafe..

 

[splee]

Not sure what you meant by safe or not? Afraid of these China walkies emitting harmful radiation or explode is it?

All of us been using the device happily without any complains so far. 80% of those with talkies in our club are using this particular brand. Does that gives you the confidence?

Yes I am concern about the radiation from UHF and VHF equipment that has not been tested for safety. I don't mean to offend anyone in the forum but I don't want to risk my life for a product that has not been properly tested. Let me check out the Baofeng website for more info.

 

[splee]

I think you should not buy it. If no confidence dun buy la ... Also no point asking us because we never tested it for safety. Maybe after 10 years of use then if most of us got ear cancer, brain tumor etc then we can say its was truly unsafe..

A good product would have testing certificates and passed safety test in various countries. You don't need to use your own life to test a product for ten years.

 

[anaksarawak]

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cm...21AAA39980149EA8C6&DivisionID=65&isArchived=1

 

[maxxsp]

I currently have 10 units of the Baofeng UV-5R & 4 units of UV-5RC in use at my business (hotel & restaurant). They are holding up well so far. Reception is excellent, sometimes it picks up signals from nearby buildings. Battery life is great as well. I had many units of the Kenwood TK-3102 before this and can confirm the Baofeng is much more durable.

 

[splee]

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cm...21AAA39980149EA8C6&DivisionID=65&isArchived=1

Thanks bro. This one looks interesting. Any idea where I can find this in Malaysia?

 

[anaksarawak]

Lot's in Singapore bro. In Malaysia you need the HAM operator license

 

[BenedictC]

If your convoy goes into Thailand, and if you are using yaesu radios, you might get into some trouble

 

[splee]

Lot's in Singapore bro. In Malaysia you need the HAM operator license

I don't have a ham license, so does that mean I am breaking the law and can be charged for using the unit? Can the authority detect it? Sorry I am new to trunk radio. Thank you for your help.

 

[splee]

If your convoy goes into Thailand, and if you are using yaesu radios, you might get into some trouble

Haisk. Then better opt for another brand. Don't want to get in trouble with authority in a foreign country.

 

[anaksarawak]

Splee its not the brand but for all VHF n UHF handy(walkie) except pre programed walkie for taxi or security as they r not required HAM licence.

 

[slyder]

I am sorry but I Have to make This clear too all. I am not trying to offend anyone. But more like saving your ass. Unless you are willing to pay a fine of RM300000, By law all the units that was mentioned above which are programmable requires At least Class B HAM radio operator license to own. Only the Motorola or kenwood units which you see the dial with channel 1 - 10 are allowed to be owned by general public.
The test and license to own a Class B HAM operator license is easy and cheap. http://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/me...r-Radio-Service-in-Malaysia-2nd-Edition_1.pdf

Additional reference
http://www.mares.org.my/

 

[slyder]

Additionally with the recent increase in roadblock, the polis will also have rights to cause you issues if you have the handy in your car without any license.

 

[wideawake]

I don't think it is wrong to own the radio, but it is definitely wrong to 'transmit' without a valid callsign (license) in the LF, HF and VHF bandwidth. These bandwidth have repeaters setup throughout the country and can relay messages throughout the country. You can have the radio on in your car and listen to incoming transmissions. Some radios will even allow for you to listen in into the aviation bandwidth (listen only but cannot transmit).

I had an iCOM radio mounted in my truck a few years ago with the long antenna mounted outside (but a PITA in parking lots). Didn't get me into trouble at all. The bandwidth that is not regulated is the UHF bandwidth that you guys can use for short distances like the ones used by security and event management people.

I took the test and passed but never got myself a registered callsign. After a while listening to the conversations on the HAM radio, I thought it was more like a small talk chat room with not much information to gain. Decided to sell it off in the end and put in a better sound system instead :rock: