WorldwideDX Amateur Radio Forums

so I'm new here so please go easy on me.
i recently bought a kenwood tk-780 from some guy, he said it was used for their company that went out of business. My question is what would happen if i start using the channels that are still programmed in the radio?

First of all, that radio is illegal to use without a license. Next, it has frequencies programmed into it that are probably used by a private business with also had special licensing from the FCC. You might be able to reprogram it; but this requires a special cable for your computer and the software to reprogram with.

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BASE: Kenwood TS-2000 w/Alpha Delta DX-CC, Diamond X50A, Sirio SY27-4, and IMAX 2000.
MOBILE: Galaxy DX99V w/RF Limited CR-577 mic, Sirio Z-180. Yaesu FT-8800R & Diamond NR-770.
"...2 WR-011..."

yah i already know of reprogramming it. The business folded so they are not around anymore. So if its illegal for me to use the channels on there, what will i have to do to be able to use these or other channels and also have workers use he radios without hem being licensed?

Thank You!

I should have been more clear; my mistake.
That portion of the band cannot be used unless a license is had, and it is programmed to those particular frequencies.

The business band is different, a FCC grant is sold to a business to use those freq's. Anyone else found transmitting on that business band will be deemed as interfering, and can be penalized by fines by the FCC for creating this interference.

It is no use to you - unless you reprogram it and get a license.

__________________
BASE: Kenwood TS-2000 w/Alpha Delta DX-CC, Diamond X50A, Sirio SY27-4, and IMAX 2000.
MOBILE: Galaxy DX99V w/RF Limited CR-577 mic, Sirio Z-180. Yaesu FT-8800R & Diamond NR-770.
"...2 WR-011..."

alrite then. i kinda figured something like that.
well how do i go about getting a business license for a certain frequency or frequencies? and how much do those usually cost?

Let's me ask you a question: what are you trying to accomplish?
Even if you got this grant from the FCC - you would have no one to talk to.
Those that use these frequencies do so in a business framework. They are working construction or are county/city/state employees that are networked together. Or some other large, private company that has field workers. You would be interfering.

Doubtful the FCC would grant your request anyway; simply because you wouldn't qualify.

If what you want to do is get on the air to talk to others and don't want/need to get a Ham license, then a CB/'Citizens Band' radio is what you want. The radio you have now cannot and will not work on the CB band - even if it is reprogrammed - it was not engineered for those CB freq's in mind. Additionally, no license is needed for CB and you can talk to others locally and over long distances when atmospheric conditions allow. At that point in time, you might consider getting a Ham license and extending your use of more frequencies and other operating privileges.

__________________
BASE: Kenwood TS-2000 w/Alpha Delta DX-CC, Diamond X50A, Sirio SY27-4, and IMAX 2000.
MOBILE: Galaxy DX99V w/RF Limited CR-577 mic, Sirio Z-180. Yaesu FT-8800R & Diamond NR-770.
"...2 WR-011..."

Look on the tag on the back of the radio and post exactly what model it is.

TK-780-what?

after thinking a few seconds, I don't think the model is going to matter.

program these into your radio:

151.820 MHz
151.880 MHz
151.940 MHz
154.570 MHz
154.600 MHz

maybe you'll find someone to talk to there and you won't go to radio jail for doing so


edit for more bs

If you really want to use the system, have workers in the field, your own "private" frequency, etc then you need to contact a frequency coordinator for your area. The last time I went through this I just hired a licensing company. It's not a painful procedure but if you are using it for business purposes you want it done right. Also be aware of the new narrow band requirements coming soon.