side channels for vhf radios

[tie_one_on]

Alot of charter boats in our area use "side channels" on their vhf radios to communicate. I am told several older radios are easily converted to get these side channels.

Is anyone familiar with what I am asking?

Does anyone know what make and model radios are easily converted to get these side channels.
I'm told several of them like Standard Horizon Intrepid LE radios are simply opened and you solder a wire accross a couple terminals. Others you need to either send them back to the factories or buy some kind of soft ware and cables and use a PC.

Thanks.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: side channels for vhf radios

At least two things to consider.

1 - Will the radio be FCC-compliant after the modification?

2 - Are the channels FCC-legal for your use?

The FCC makes rules for reason. The mod. may give you "quiet" or virtuallly "private" channels, but at the likely expense of causing interference to others. I may be off kilter a bit, but know your FCC rules before forging forward.

Correct me if I acting out of paranoia.

 

[Splat]

Re: side channels for vhf radios

What your referring to is called "side band", it was popular back when CB;s were the hot thing, it was against FCC regulations then too.

What your doing is essentially cutting the bandwidth of the radio on half, and only using part of it. This will allow for a "private" conversation because a standard radio won't read the carrier properly.


Bill