TKOverKill

I've had some chats with Tifast regarding a cheap radio to be used on the field for our future games and found the attached tranceiver, Japanese make.

Product's info page:
http://www.alinco.co.jp/denshi/05/ch9_ch11_f4.html

There are the 9 & 11-channel versions (FM), original prices around 20,000 yen. Range is said to be around 2,000m on land and 100-200m in urban areas.

They also sell it at Frontier Akabane, but it can be found way cheaper on net:
http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/bsm/al...ch11.html#

I will have to check if it is approved so we don't run into any trouble...
So 6,000 yen + a few more thousands for the headset/throat mic is not so much I guess.

What do you guys think of this?

i use this radio and it works fine for games so far! you can get a headset + radio at frontier for a little more than 10,000 yen. its a good deal.

Which one are you using, the 9- or 11-channel type?

So what happens if somebody else is using a (let's say) Motorola, would we able to communicate?

Alinco uses 422.050-422.175 MHz FM bandwidth, so if the other one is out of this frequency spec, then i guess it's out of question to be compatible. Even if the frequency bandwidth is the same, would the channels be compatible?

I have an Icom that I think is compatible with that. Maybe I'll get to use it finally.

Actually, Frontier sells it for 8,500... so 6,000 on Yahoo store beats it

So do we all get it?

Hey guys,

Lemme just key in a little about radios and comms.

Which Radio?
The brand of radios isn't too important as long as they meet the channel/bandwidth criteria of your interest. Japanese radios which do not require a license operate in the 422MHz range and have 10mW of output power max. The range works out to about 100-200m in urban areas. Foreign radios in the 462MHz range normally have anywhere between 1-5W of output power and the distance covered can range anywhere from 1-20km depending on operating conditions.

Which Communications Unit?
Headset? Throatmic? Bonemic? The sky's the limit, but always bear in mind your connector options as not all comms units fit the various kinds of radios out there. My recommendation is pick your radio after you pick your comms unit. Some recommended headset brands include Devgru, IASUS and Cavalvy. Another recommendation would be to buy them from HK as they are tonnes cheaper there. Check out sites like http://www.redwolfairsoft.com and http://www.rsov.com.

Legal Issues?
Foreign radios which do not bear the Japanese Radio Law approval seal are considered illegal in Japan as they may interfere with emergency communications (For example they would use them on the ski slopes). That said, some of us do use these radios and they are pretty harmless out in the bushes where we play. http://www.hokkaido-bt.go.jp/2006/Englishfrg.htm

Say wha-?
Here's a few key things to remember :
* The most important thing about communications is that the people you are speaking to can hear you loud and clear.
* Remember that headsets can obstruct your ability to hear ambient noises (full cover type headsets like the swimmer) like someone approaching you from behind
* Comfort is key, some find throatmics aren't as sensitive as they should be and have to wrap them tight around their neck to get a clear transmission

Which Channels do we use?
FRS/GMRS Foreign Radios : Channel 6 Privacy 9, Channel 7 Privacy 9
http://www.scanningcny.com/personal.html
Japanese Radios : Channel 1, Channel 9
http://www.geocities.com/rf-man/handheld.html (search for Japan, 422MHz UHF CB)


I recommend that if you're getting new radios, that you go for the Japanese ones to stay on the right side of the fence. Distance-wise they are good enough for any of the fields we play at and we'll be able to communicate with the Japanese folks out there as well.

Nice review there Anarchy

So who else is going for the Alinco DJ CH11 radio? (Same price as the CH9 version)

Hi Hawk,

count me in! Shall we give it a quick try first?

OK, after-hours (18:00-) today @ Akabane?

I probably can make it by 19:00. Will give you a ring

OK then...

Anyone else joining?

im stuck at work until past 9...

sry mate that must hurt... on Fridays....

(23-01-2009 12:13 PM)ilovemystrat Wrote: [ -> ]im stuck at work until past 9...

Anyone knows how a radio from overseas qualifies for the following regulation:

http://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/e/material/rule.htm

"When the level of the electric field intensity (the strength of the radio wave) within 500 meters of the radio equipment is less than 200µV/m, and the frequency and the other factors associated with the wireless microphone or the remote-operated radio control as regulated and notified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, there is no need for getting a license for the radio station."

(23-01-2009 01:10 PM)Hawk Wrote: [ -> ]sry mate that must hurt... on Fridays....

(23-01-2009 12:13 PM)ilovemystrat Wrote: [ -> ]im stuck at work until past 9...

i work saturdays as well. i used to work saturday and sunday 8:30 to 6:15 striaght that's 12 lessons back to back to back to back.

i'm a slave.