ge master ht (HI-POWER) --- conversion to ham freq

[KA3RVF]

I recently purchased 3 ht's which looked like public
service frequency radios.the subject line has what is on the outside of them and they have 8 channel switch ,also a round receptacle in center of bottom
which looks like where a twist lock type power feed would attach.there are no internal batteries.inside has what looks like a plug for programming.My question is,does anyone know if these radios can be converted to 2 meters or 440? and does anyone have any schematics for these or any ideas how to convert them if possible at all.
Your help would be much appreciated.
Thank You.

[KB5CQF]

Tom,

Yes, those radios can be converted to use on the ham bands, though it may not be cost effective for you to do so.  I came across a box of two or three dozen about 8 years ago at a hamfest and bought the lot for $10.00.  (Much to the dismay of my XYL!!)  I think I put together about 10 that were fully functional by stripping parts from others (though not on ham freq's).  I had some idea of getting crystals made for a couple of local repeaters frequencies, but never got around to it.  The radios are very well built and fun to tinker with. I have the complete service manuals.  If you are interested, let me know and we'll figure out a way to get you a copy.

73,
KB5CQF
Ted

[KE4SKY]

For what you will invest in crystals, etc., in the older rigs, unless you get the rocks free or dirt cheap at a hamfest, you would be much better off to look for a more modern, synthesized, software programmable portable and having a commercial radio shop program it for you.  

I have a pair of GE M-PD, 46 channel radios, one each VHF and UHF, which I use for RACES and they are very rugged and easy to use.  www.qsl.net/k4mbe has information on converting these.  These were a very common municipal radio in the mid 1980s and can be had fairly reasonably for around $50 at hamfests.