Newbie with a GP328

[luke_85]

Hi All,
Wow its hard to follow all the jargon. Everyone here seems to be a guru.
So to the point of my post, Hi! i have never had a programmable radio before, I was just given a Motorola GP328 16 channel(pretty sure that's the one). Its a bit beat up and cannot transmit. I can get it programmed and have been listening to what I believe is waggawagga police.

Can anyone help me out with a few questions
What can I do with this thing?
Is it any good in the world of radios? They seem to be very expensive to buy new, 1k+
Can i listen to NSWGRN? or part of it? I would like to hear about Police, Ambulance, Fire, Surf lifesaving activity near my area.
What is a Control Channel, how is it different to a normal channel?
Any suggested things program in? I am located in the illawarra NSW

Are there any good resources I can read through to help get up to speed? Something more complete and in order then forum posts would be great.

Thanks All!
Luke
<radio voice>Over</radio voice>

[Phantom]

Really dont think that you will be able to use that radio on the GRN.

I have not had much experience with that particular radio - but i am guessing that it does not track the GRN.

The only thing that i think it will do is single freqs - or for use with a repeater.

Others on here will be able to provide you with more information

[Phil]

Short answer no. Several reasons why
1 you would need a smartrunk logic board which does not come with with scanner, the LS version is capable of LTR trunking and I was told it could do others
2 the NSW GRN would notice two of the same radio id's and would probably lock your radio out however if you get it to let me know also you will need to know how to use the CPS for your radio

[luke_85]

So i cant just program in the channels for 1 site and set it to scan mode?

Found this during my searches:
Site 19 - Wollongong - Berkeley tops
415.7625 416.2625 416.7625 417.2625 417.7625
Site 18 - Wollongong North - Maddens Plains
415.8000 416.3000 416.8000 417.3000 417.8000
418.6750 419.0750

Was hoping that would do the trick.

Its not illegal to listen to any of this stuff is it?

[Phil]

Depends what services your listening to as you will be required to put Analogue TalkGroup ID's into it however the NSW GRN is due to be completely replaced by the NSW GRN P25 Network which is not to far away from full completion

also for the GP328 you would need the following Smartrunk Portable Radio Logic Board - ST-965M5 also you would need to make sure that it covers that band

[chanjyj]

One thing I would advise anyone new to Motorola - don't play with option boards. They are hard to get, harder to understand. In addition, Motorola likes to use their own language that has quite a bit of a learning curve to it.

IMHO, Motrolas are for those who understand commercial radios well, can understand their jargon (oh, why can't they use standardised language?) and is willing to cope with a learning curve. Best alternative - have a friend to sit beside you and explain everything.

If you ever use CPS for the first time and feel overwhelmed, read the help section. It's very detailed, but with perseverance you would learn. And ask questions!