How do you program a Motorola Radio?

Q. We have about 8 Motorola GP340 radios which do not seem to do anything except make loud beeps. If you put them all on channel 1, and press the talk button, nothing happens, no sound is heard or anything. I suppose I need to program them? I have found some ancient Windows 98 software but i'm not sure if this is the correct thing to use. The software is Motorola Professional GP300 CPS, which doesnt seem to do much when I have it plugged in. I am using a USB to Serial adaptor.

A. Many Motorola radios required a radio interface box (RIB) to be programmed. You probably also need the exact program. If you can't read the programming in the radio with the program you have you won't be able to program with it. The dxportal site below has GP340 software. The USB to serial adaptor may not be right and causing the read/write problem. You can also get a USB cable that claims not to need a RIB interface. The second link below leads to a list of USB cables for the GP340. I see it wrapped funny. Make sure you get the whole link or you can find them on eBay.

Original Question

What frequency does my Motorola Talkabout radios operate at. Is there other brands that use those frequency?

Q. I have the 22 channel FRS/GMRS hybrid.

A. CH01 462.5625 *
CH02 462.5875 *
CH03 462.6125 *
CH04 462.6375 *
CH05 462.6625 *
CH06 462.6875 *
CH07 462.7125 *
CH08 467.5625
CH09 467.5875
CH10 467.6125
CH11 467.6373
CH12 467.6625
CH13 467.8874
CH14 467.7125

15 through 22 use the following frequencies, though channel designators do not follow in order, depending on the model of radio used:

462.5500
462.5750
462.6000
462.6250
462.6500
462.6750
462.7000
462.7250

Please bear in mind, use of any channel *except* channels 7-14 require an FCC GMRS license.

Original Question

What is the difference between FRS & GMRS with the motorola two-way radios?

Q. I am going on a cruise in the caribean and would like to get some simple hand held radios to keep in touch with family & friends. While shopping for radios I noticed that some are FRS and some are GMRS. Does anyone know the difference and benefits of each?

A. FRS & GMRS are on different frequencies (i.e., channels), and different rules apply. FRS is limited to half a watt of power and has other restrictions, like non-detachable antennas. Some GMRS channels can be used with up to 50 watts, while others are limited to five watts, although most handheld radios don't put out more than a watt or two.

If you are going on a cruise in the Caribbean, you may be under the jurisdiction of several countries, as well as the captain of the ship, so you might need permission and/or licenses from those jurisdictions. In the United States, a GMRS license is $85 for five years and can be easily obtained online through the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) at http://wireless.fcc.gov by first obtaining a FRN, then using the FRN to obtain the license.

As was mentioned, don't believe the advertised range of the handheld radios, especially if they will be used in a metal structure like a ship.

Original Question

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