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Post by darthmusturd on Mar 14, 2022 10:38:00 GMT -8
So, I'm sure there was a radio thread at some point here, but I flipped through the last few pages of this board and haven't seen one in recent times. What do y'all recommend for radio?
I've got a baofeng that works well enough. It's got a decent range on it. However, I don't have a license to use it and am stuck to (only technically) illegally using the FRS channels, but around here no one cares because there's not enough people to interfere with. However, for other areas, I'd either have to get a license or use another type of radio. I'm tempted to use another type of radio that's simpler just for the sake of simplicity in and of itself.
I'd like to go with CB (and am thinking about getting one of those for a truck anyways. If anyone knows anything about CB, please send me a message. I'd like to get into that, but there isn't a radio shack around here anymore and the yuppies at Best Buy always stick up their nose and try to get you to buy the newest iPhone because it has an increased range or some other mess.) but they don't have the range of a HAM radio. However, they're also cheaper I've found for handhelds. Any other types of radio's I should consider? And this isn't just about being able to call for emergency pick ups with locator beacons or what have you, but just having communications in the sticks.
Radio communications between you and your hiking buddies is one important factor, and not everyone wants to go get an amateur radio license due to lack of local clubs or for any other number of reasons. And CB, again, is cheaper and requires no license, and is simpler to operate. But, again, CB radio has very limited range even in trucks, and handheld has extremely limited range. I think around to about 5 miles or so? maybe they have some that go out to 10. I'm pretty ignorant on CB radio as well as HAM.
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
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Post by zeke on Mar 14, 2022 10:51:19 GMT -8
Even on open water with a paddling buddy in sight, we seldom use the radio. We do carry one, each, for emergency use and such. There just isn't that much to say to one another that can't wait until we make camp.
That being said, while backpacking, I try to keep my traveling companions in sight. I find a radio to be weight I can do without.
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Post by darthmusturd on Mar 14, 2022 12:44:59 GMT -8
That being said, while backpacking, I try to keep my traveling companions in sight. I find a radio to be weight I can do without. Well, that's actually what I'm thinking about using a radio for. In case someone does get out of sight somehow, whether on purpose or by accident, a radio allows for good communication in most circumstances when talking or yelling just won't do it. allows for versatility in most any instance. Also, I've got an event coming up in which it would be a good idea to have a handheld radio at your side. Something good for backpacking would be just about perfect for this event.
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ErnieW
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I want to backpack
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Post by ErnieW on Mar 14, 2022 13:02:14 GMT -8
I may be the current resident ham radio guy here. There were others but they have either moved on or died.
There are three levels of amateur radio licenses in the US, technician, general and extra. I hold a general and GMRS (no test just a fee) licenses. Technician is pretty easy to get with minimal studying. I would have to check but I believe you can take the exam virtually. I can post a little more about the levels if you like. The short version is that the technician would let you use your Baofeng legally at least on its approved channels (not FRS or GMRS. Legitimate FRS radios are cheap. I gave my twins a pair of pink FRS/GMRS radios this Xmas. They were $15). Technician also gives you legit access to 2m repeaters which greatly expand the power of these ham handhelds.
I think an issue you are not mentioning, and I base this on some of your other posts, is that likely you aren't into the government tracking you through your license. You have to use it at least every ten minutes when broadcasting. It is tied to your full name and an address in a public database.
Baofeng are nice to get on the air for minimal money but I won't count on them. I have a couple including a pink one for my wife's go bag in her car. I carry a Yaesu VX6R on the trail usually. Very tough as well as submersible. A LOT more expensive but worth it if you want good features and dependability.
I am a member of an emergency communications club. Indian Point nuclear reactor is near here and I have had training in support in case the worst happens. We also practice locating radios in what are known as fox hunts. The club has also helped the FBI make cases against people who are illegally broadcasting.
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Post by darthmusturd on Mar 14, 2022 13:14:54 GMT -8
...I think an issue you are not mentioning, and I base this on some of your other posts, is that likely you aren't into the government tracking you through your license. You have to use it at least every ten minutes when broadcasting... ... We also practice locating radios in what are known as fox hunts. The club has also helped the FBI make cases against people who are illegally broadcasting... Well, I didn't realize that you had to use your license that often. I knew you had to use your license, but I thought that was only once per conversation, or something like that. But, as I said, I really only stick to the FRS channels because no one can tell that you're using a baofeng unless you outright tell them, and there is virtually no radio traffic here. I scan through pretty often and have only picked up someone once, and I think that was a bit of skip.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Mar 15, 2022 7:27:35 GMT -8
This all depends on what you want it for. BTW there are a few rules for GMRS like using your assigned call to identify yourself.
There is simplex which is what you are likely thinking about. That is one radio talking directly to another.
2m, FRS/GMRS and CB are what you might call line of sight radios in simplex mode. They do bend around things a little but if you are in one valley likely you cannot talk to someone in the next valley over even if just a mile away. I have talked in this mode from mountain top to mountain top over 15 miles apart though.
One way 2m gets around this is by using repeaters. These are radio systems on top of things like mountains and radio towers that can easily hear down below them then re-broadcast on a slightly offset frequency. They use a lot more power and their location to allow to be heard. I can use the pubic repeater that my club runs to talk with my handheld all over Westchester county and into the surrounding areas. Additionally there is an internet gateway to the repeater so I can use an app on my phone from anywhere there is internet and talk over the air via the repeater. Police/first responder radios are on a repeater system usually.
Another type is HF (high frequency). This is the type of radio that uses the ionosphere to bounce signals around the world depending on conditions. This is desirable to preppers because you can talk around the world without any other infrastructure. It is more complicated and regulated so you do need the training a license would give you. If I was living in a shack in the middle of nowhere I would want a HF rig with a way to charge a 12V battery for it.
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