WTB EF Johnson Equipment

[fish7days]

New in Comms position so I need some help please:

I want to set up a base station at our squadron so some of us can check in on our local net during squadron meetings. I also want to use it for ICUT training and testing. I would like to do this with an EF Johnson 5300. Just not sure which exact model to look for. There are 2 VHF models in different frequency ranges. If anyone can give me an exact model number, or even a photo of an ID plate, I will appreciate it tremendously.

I would also like to buy two 5100's and have the same question regarding exact model numbers.

Please let me know if you have equipment for sale.

Thanks a million !!

[arajca]

I would suggest contacting your group or wing comm folks to see if they have any available.

[PHall]

Yeah, don't be spending your money when you can get one issued for free. Especially if this is a unit station.

[SarDragon]

This.

Yeah, don't be spending your money when you can get one issued for free. Especially if this is a unit station.

To answer the original Q -
The general model number for a 5300 that you need to look for is as follows:
242-5317-2x1-ABBy

x indicates 0, 5, 6, 7, or 8, but anything other than 0 will have that function (encryption) unusable for CAP by a member-owned radio. Most CAP owned radios conform to the given model number, with the x being 7.

y indicates Encryption and Security software, either B, C, or D. C or D will match with an x other than zero.


For a 5100, you need:
242-51[2,3]6-[1,2,6][0,1,2]xx

A typical CAP radio might have this code: 242-5112-610xx

The bracketed positions offer choices. In the[1,2,6] position avoid a 2 - it uses alkaline batteries; the other two choices are NiMH rechargeable batteries. xx is for options I don't have a code list for. Most of those are factory installed and can be determined with the programming software.

Therein lies the next "buyer beware" item. The radios will need to be programmed, unless you get them from a CAP member with that capacity. To program you nee three items: a code plug (the file with the frequencies and functions), the software, which must match the radio version (there are many versions of each), and a programming cable.

The code plugs aren't handed out willy-nilly, and not usually to members who don't work in the Comm arena. The software is available online, but determining the proper version is a chore at best. It is frequently a trial-and-error process. The cables are available online, sometimes, and can be as much as $100.

Good luck.