They are purchased non programmed. You have some choices. Use free CHIRP software to program the 128 channels (via Windows is best). Or do each channel manually. This is used if in the field and not near a pc. Here are directions for that...
How to manually program a simplex channel
- Step 1. Press [VFO/MR] and enter Frequency Mode.
- Step 2. Press [A/B] and choose the A Side (upper display).
The A side must be used to program channels into the radio. Programming data entered on the B Side (lower display) will not be saved.
- Step 3. Press [BAND] for the frequency band.
Toggle [BAND] to choose 136 MHz (VHF) or 470 MHz (UHF).
If the incorrect band is chosen for the frequency entered in Step 5, the radio will cancel the operation.
- Step 4. Disable TDR (Dual Watch/Dual Standby).
Press [MENU] 7 [MENU] [press up/down arrow keys] OFF [MENU] [EXIT]
It is highly advised to turn TDR off when programming directly from the radio.
- Step 5. Enter the frequency.
Use the keypad to enter the frequency into the radio.
- Step 6. optional - Enter the transmit CTCSS/DCS code.
- CTCSS - [MENU] 13 [MENU] [enter/choose code XXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
- DCS - [MENU] 12 [MENU] [choose code XXXXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
- Step 7. Assign the frequency to a channel.
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [enter channel number XXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
My understanding is that without repeaters they will not go past 4 miles. There are repeaters already active that you can join. The yearly fee is dirt cheap.
Yes, they are legal!