Lynn S

I have a Futaba 4ch radio system from the mid 1980's. This radio was used very little and only needs battery packs.
It is on Ch 30 72.390 (AM)

Here is my question. Is this radio ok to use? and if not what must must be done to it to make it legal?

Thanks for your help, Lynn

Edit: I see that I can use the ch 30 crystal in my new transmitter and it will operate the old receiver.

jetranger-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

Futaba will not update it, so send it out to one of the places that will like Kraft Midwest. The tx can be narrowed but the rx can be updated to silver and can still be used. You will have to watch out for any one on the channels next to you. if you are on 40 be careful of 39 and 41

Lynn S

jetranger-

Does that mean that I can't use this radio system as is?

or could I use the receiver but not the transmitter as is?

Thanks, Lynn

strato911

If the radio is narrow band, you may use it as it is. If not, it needs to be sent to someone who can update it to the narrow band standard. To find out if it is narrow band, check the following link: http://www.futabarc.com/faq/service-faq.html#q41
Before you start swapping crystals, you should know it is illegal to change crystals in the transmitter within North America. However, it IS legal to change crystals in the receiver.

Lynn S

Dennis-

Thank you for that link.
I found that my receiver IS narrow band!!! (R114H)
and all AM transmitters below ch 38 are narrow band.

and thanks Futaba

strato911

I'm not sure if that's the case with other manufacturers, but at least it is with Futaba.

Lynn S

That speaks well of their standards long before 1991.

KB9STD

My Feedback: (1)

"That speaks well of their standards long before 1991."

Not really!! The channels below 38 weren't available before the later 80's, and the manufacturers agreed (the FCC required it of them in order for the "New" channels to be made available before the full "Narrow Band" implementation) NOT to produce systems on the lower ("New") channels that were not "Narrow Band".

Pilotsmoe

If the tx and rx are on 72.390 like you said, then the radio is already narrow-band.