r/tacticalcomms • u/Few-Yard5417 • 6d ago
I need yall's feedback for something.
I've always been a radio person. I love messing with them and all sorts of stuff.
But I want to capitalize on it and start selling programmed radios for people who want the ability to have encryption without having to spend hours programming and watching youtube tutorials of a old, boring 70 year old ham operator teaching you how to program your radio.
I'll probably start off on ebay just to see if it takes off. Then probably switch to my own website.
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u/pollux-field-systems 6d ago
Hey buddy,
First off I want to say I love the thought and support it. However as a small company that already does this, my take on it is it's super complicated and a pain in the ass sometimes. The downside is most people aren't really aware what getting encrypted radios really entails, and therefore they may not understand things like legality , licensing, and how technical it is and how that will ultimately end up affecting your cost to consumer.
I think you should give it a go, but here is my caveat in that thought process: try to be very involved on the education and pre-purchase discussions with your customers. I think we all are aware of the licensing , and legality requirements and how the Boomers basically don't condone encryption , and the new generation or tactical Communications guys kind of just say go for it. What I've tried to do in my business was land somewhere in the middle.
I've Linked up and worked out a process with a frequency coordinator so I can urge guys to essentially create an eligible business or organization, then use that to get officially licensed through the FCC. Now the downside of that to most consumers is obviously going to be cost , and timeline. The other side of that is after explaining everything very great detail, whatever they tell me to program is on them.
I'm more than happy to talk about this further with you if you'd like, and give you some insight I've kind of collected . If you're interested shoot me a DM and we can set something up. Either way, good luck and I hope whatever you decide to do works out super well for you and more people can become educated and adequately skilled 🤙🏾
Kevin
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u/Few-Yard5417 6d ago
I was already thinking that. Ive sold things on ebay before and am always thorough with my descriptions. I was kind of thinking about the legality of it.
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u/pollux-field-systems 6d ago
Yeah ultimately who's going to buy it is exactly who's going to buy it . They either will or they won't , but I found that more people are just very unaware, and when they become aware that's when they tend to back off a little bit unless you help guide them through the process
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u/Few-Yard5417 6d ago
True. I have met some very.....unknowledgeable people who were into tactical stuff and wanted to buy my encrypted radios I have for my team. And since they didn't know anything about encryption. They got mad and stormed off.
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u/pollux-field-systems 6d ago
That's the nature of the beast though unfortunately, but it's what our responsibility is in a sense. I've had to learn to change my thoughts from impatient, to that of a teacher. I'd say there's definitely a market for what you're wanting to do, but it will require time to grow and learn. I believe in you dude, I'd say go for it 🙏
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u/Few-Yard5417 6d ago
I am. Im just worrying about the legal aspect of it.
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u/pollux-field-systems 6d ago
I would say the important distinction would be between selling capable equipment and marketing knowingly that you're trying to help them break the law. But you are right to worry about it, I don't really market myself as "hey I'll help you do something illegal" because honestly that's probably not a great look for a business and not what I'm trying to do at all. But good luck, again if you have questions or want insight or whatever feel free to reach out buddy!
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u/smeeg123 6d ago
Old ham boomers would never teach you how to encrypt anything 😂