[Yaesu] FT-897

[Glen Zook]

Please remember that to use a non certificated (new "buzz word" for "type accepted") radio to transmit in services that require such (and the 47 CFR Part 90 land mobile - this includes public safety - is included) can result in some VERY serious consequences to the user.  Now it is perfectly legal to receive using modified equipment but not to transmit.

Also, all land mobile services are again being "split" which means that the deviation of the transmitter has to be reduced to +/- 2.5 kHz and the channel spacing is being cut in half as well.  Even if the units were certificated (which they definitely are not) they will have problems working in the reduced deviation systems.

There have been public safety organizations that tried to get away with using modified amateur radio equipment and which received a VERY significant fine from the FCC as well as having to replace the amateur radio equipment with certificated equipment.

The penalties for using non certificated radios to transmit on frequencies requiring certificated equipment can include one, or more, of the following:

A fine of up to $11,000 per day per radio that was used illegally.

If the person doing the transmitting holds an amateur radio operator's license they can lose their license and not be allowed to get another for the rest of their life.

The equipment can be confiscated.

Under certain circumstances the operator can be imprisoned (means "go to jail").

The system on which the equipment was used can also be fined up to $11,000 per day per radio and that system can also have their license revoked.

You certified by signing your application for an amateur radio operator's license that you know and will obey all regulations concerning the operation of radio transmitting equipment.  Therefore, the FCC will come down "harder" on a licensed amateur radio operator than on someone who does not hold a license.

Amateur radio equipment generally does not meet the technical requirements of 47 CFR Part 90 (and other Parts as well) in terms of frequency stability, modulation characteristics, and so forth.  Also, the fact that a frequency can be "dialed up" rather than being programmed into the unit also violates 47 CFR Part 90 (and other Parts).

Now in a "true" emergency any radio may be used to communicate with the appropriate authorities.  However, this is only true if there is no other possible means of communication including "CB" radio, telephone (land line or cellular), and other land mobile units.  Participation in "drills" is definitely NOT ALLOWED.  Also, a "true" emergency does NOT include reporting accidents (unless there are injuries of a life threatening nature), reporting "drunk drivers", and so forth.  Unfortunately, if a modified radio is available the temptation to use it when not appropriate is very great which, in turn, can result in illegal operation.

It is legal for a certificated radio to have amateur radio frequencies programmed into the radio as well as the commercial, public safety, etc., frequencies.  However, the "other way around" is not legal.  That is using an amateur radio unit to transmit on frequencies which require certificated radios.  The solution is to obtain a used certificated radio (often at a very good price) and then to include certain amateur radio frequencies as well as the public safety, etc., frequencies.  This is the "correct" way to do things and there are a lot of amateur radio operators who are members of various public safety organizations that have done this.

Very often the excuse for modifying an amateur radio unit is that it will only be used "in case of a real emergency".  Frankly, the chances of such an emergency in which there is absolutely no other means of communications possible (including use of an amateur radio repeater, amateur radio relay, etc.) is virtually nil.  But, the tendency of the operator to use the radio just to be able to "talk to" the emergency services is such that the radio will be used illegally.

If you check the FCC enforcement letters you will find examples of amateur radio equipment being used where certificated radios are required.

This subject comes up all the time on QRZ.com and the answer continues to be the same:  It is illegal to transmit using modified amateur radio equipment on frequencies that require certificated equipment.  Receiving is legal but transmitting is not.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Tue, 8/11/09, Jimmy <nq4u at myway.com> wrote:

I am looking for information on the MARS/CAP mod for the FT-897 such as what the true transmit range is after the mod is done. Will the mod open up the transmit from 35 to 37 Mhz and 450 to 512 Mhz? I am putting together some EMCOMM packages which will include this radio series. Please respond off list if you desire.