Emergency Communications? Ham Radio?
#1
Posted 23 September 2008 - 06:07 PM
So is ham the answer? And if it is, where do I start?
Scott Bailey -- W7SEB
2007 F350 XLT Diesel CC SRW SB 4x4
Cheap tent and a Partner Steel stove.
Future? Really like the Hiatus, but I'm broke AF, so dreaming about a DIY.
SOLD: 2008 ATC Panther:dinette, 5th wheel
#2
Posted 23 September 2008 - 06:46 PM
Besides, it is fun to just talk with people when on the go. Kills some of the time on those long drives.
you'll need to get a license, it is fairly easy. Books are availalbe from the ARRL (www.arrl.org) and a local club can get you the testing. Expedition portal has a nice forum on this stuff you can check out.
Then the fun begins.....more stuff to spend money on.
dave N0XLW in seattle
#3
Posted 23 September 2008 - 06:52 PM
Kyle
#4
Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:05 PM
I've considered and ruled out S.P.O.T.
:(
That's too bad because (1) S.P.O.T. has my antenna in it, and (2) it is only about $150, + $100/year.
We're making about 10,000 of those antennas a month (I think) so somebody's buying 'em. O' course, they're not really for emergency communication so much as communicating you have an emergency...
#5
Posted 23 September 2008 - 11:31 PM
Interesting you couldn't get out on your cell on the mountain top. I frequent many areas with poor coverage but never failed to get a signal from a mountain peak.
Carry a CB. You may be able to reach a logging crew, camper or something like that even when range is an issue.
Also, you can use any means to communicate (licensed or not) in a true emergency. If you have access to a radio you aren't licensed to use, carry it. Just make sure it meets that emergency rule.
I want the PLB just because I know I can and will be places nothing but satellite communications will get the job done.
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#6
Posted 24 September 2008 - 12:51 AM
#7
Posted 24 September 2008 - 01:13 AM
In an emergency, I want transmission verification.
I suspect buying the ham gear, then working on the license is probably the way to go...
Scott Bailey -- W7SEB
2007 F350 XLT Diesel CC SRW SB 4x4
Cheap tent and a Partner Steel stove.
Future? Really like the Hiatus, but I'm broke AF, so dreaming about a DIY.
SOLD: 2008 ATC Panther:dinette, 5th wheel
#8
Posted 24 September 2008 - 01:41 AM
I understand moderately priced PLBs are 1 way communication. So--in the case of SPOT--if the GPS light is good, then the outbound transmission is likely to send... NOT guaranteed.
In an emergency, I want transmission verification.
I suspect buying the ham gear, then working on the license is probably the way to go...
FYI, we optimized the antenna so that the G* TX gain is about 6 dB more than the GPS RX gain. That's not a guarantee, but it makes for a pretty good bet. We know there are people walking around today that would've been dirt without their devices.
That said, I don't own one yet...
#9
Posted 24 September 2008 - 02:25 PM
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#10
Posted 24 September 2008 - 10:46 PM
Kyle
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