I know this has been discussed in other threads, but I thought a thread would be helpful. FRS Channel: 8 - 1 (channel 8, privacy code 1) Alt channel: anything other than channel 8. (channels 15-22 _technically_ require an fcc license, but that's up to you...) Seems like most people will have FRS (talkabout-style) radios. If you have extra radios that you'd be willing to share, post them up. We should stick to channels 1 through 14, since some radios are only 14 channels. People can go off on their own channel to talk other stuff, just don't use a different squelch code on the same channel (ie, if we're on 8-1, don't go to 8-10). Range will probably be limited to line of sight. CB Channel: 23 (in case anyone has an old cb) Alt channel: 9 for real emergencies, try 19 if you get lost and need directions and can't get anyone on 23. Alt chat channels, anything except 9 is fine. I'll have a cb in my car. Since they have much greater range than frs, it'd be nice if someone else had one. We can have someone in front and someone in back with a cb. If anyone wants help setting up a cb, let me know. We can probably get a mile or more range with decent antennas. Ham/amateur radio. Channel: leave it up to the ham people to decide on this. I can update if a decision is made. I think at least one person will have this. If anyone else has a ham license and mobile equipment, post up. Other Nextel? Other ptt? Organize here, set up a group? I have no idea how that stuff works. So, I have an extra talkabout that I'll let someone borrow, it takes 3 AA batteries, so have some extras.
I have a pair of 1st gen TalkAbouts. But if you're talking about having to switch between two channels, I might have to keep both with me. Unless we pick channels that are easy to flick between, then I might be able to lend one out. Stuart.
Yeah, I was thinking to have one main channel. And one backup, or "off-topic" channel. Maybe we should just have one channel and let people go off on their own if they want to talk "privately".
I have a CB mounted in my car. But I had trouble getting it working on the Duluth trip. If you can talk me through it on here or in PMs that would be good.
Again, keep in mind, that especially in winding/hilly terrain, the distance on FRS radios can be very limited. With the number of cars you're looking at, I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't reach from the front car to the back even in ideal conditions. You will probably need to be prepared to relay information if you want to talk all the way to the back. CB would work a lot better, but of course, it's a much bigger investment (or HAM, but that's an even bigger deal yet). Might want to at least put someone witha a CB & FRS near the front and another at the back to run "sweep" Amy & I both have ham rigs, but I'd say there's a < 1% chance I'll be there.
mlgez has a ham setup too. I think he'll be there. Yes, frs is very limited, but they're everywhere, they'll work good for cars within line of sight. Jason, I can help you with your setup, If you're going to be a firestone I'll take a look at it. I'll try to remember to bring my swr meter. Otherwise, what kind of radio and antenna do you have? I know there was a group buy on cb radios a while ago, if other people have them sitting around, haven't installed them yet, post up. We can maybe rig them up with mag-mount antennas and cigarrete lighter power source and they'll still give more range than frs.
I had my radio going to the cigarrete lighter before the speaker went out on it. So now I think that I am going to end up buring a new one and maybe udateing to a more expensive one like cobra.
Try a pair of headphones or an external speaker first. Most cbs have an external speaker jack on the back. Might be cheaper than a new radio.
I have the one from the group buy I ran a while back. And a magnetic mount antenna. Midland 1001, Radio Shack antenna. I also have a magnet mount with one of those heavy duty antennas. Forget the namebrand, but they are the ones they have at truckstops too.
Yeah the magnet mount with a 3 or 4 ft antenna that I have my dad had used it for about 15years when he drove truck. I am not sure if it is just that the antenna is bad now of what, but I will try buying a external speaker.
Ok, some of the cheap mag-mounts are really poor. I had one from wal-mart that was a piece of junk. It looked like this. A good mag mount is the wilson little wil. http://www.walcottcb.com/wilson-little-wil-magnet-mount-antenna-p-395.html But we can check the ones you have and try them on my radio too and narrow it down.
One of these: http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...&kwCatId=2032052&kw=speaker&parentPage=search ... with the bracket removed, drops nearly perfectly into the cup holder in the center console of my WRX.
I have a standard FRS walkie talkie which i have used in previous events. i also have a CB which i need to hook up in my car. I have the SWR meter but i still need an antenna. Dont suppose anyone has a cheap mag mount i could borrow for the trip?
a 2 way with a ear ph will work... you can usually get a push to talk... Ihave one of the commando type ones that goes on your throat....
We should discuss radio ettiquette too. Forgive me, I'm ex-military, so I hate hearing civilians blather on on radios.
Let's start with the basics. Point to point messages: PTP messages are sent from one station to another on a broadcast radio frequency. All stations recieve, only one station responds...the called station. When sending a message to a station, or car in this situation, you start by calling the name of the car you wish to relay the message to. You then identify yourself. For instance: Tangledup, Readymix, There is a highway patrol car on the median about 400 yards ahead. Readymix, Tangled, Roger that. In that situation, I called Josh to tell him there was a cop up ahead, and he responded that he understood the message. If you are trying to just get anyone that is listening to respond, you may say: "Anystation, Readymix, Radio Check, copy." You may also use "All Stations" if you wish to tell everyone something: "All Stations, Readymix, We are pulling the caravan off at the next exit to pick up some drinks and take a breather." By saying copy at the end, I'm asking any station that can hear me to respond with Radio Check to confirm what I said by repeating it back to me. Some terminology: Over: Like saying, "Now, you're turn" Out: "I'm finished talking" Roger: "I heard and understood." Copy: "Repeat back to me what I just said to confirm you got the message intact" Belay My Last: "Disregard what I just said" By using Over, you can ensure a clean line for everyone. It indicates you are done talking, and that others may then speak. And it keeps others from talking into dead air because you're still talking or holding the button down. Alphabet: This is the phonetic alphabet. When you deviate from this, you sound like an idiot. A - Alpha B - Bravo C - Charlie D - Delta E - Echo F - Foxtrot G - Golf H - Hotel I - India J - Juliet K - Kilo L - Lima M - Mike N - November O - Oscar P - Papa Q - Quebec (Pronounced KAY-bec) R - Romeo S - Sierra T - Tango U - Uniform V - Victor W - Whiskey X - Xray Y - Yankee Z - Zulu And yes, "Niner" is the correct way to say 9 if you are reading numbers off. not that any of this really matters, it just helps to clear up some of the radio clutter when everyone is on the same page and not just jawjacking like idiots on the band.
Good advice Jason, thanks. Another tip, especially for the FRS walkie talkies, pause about a half a second or so after you key up before you start talking, otherwise the first word will be cut off on other radios.
Yes, that. It isn't necessary. And most FRS radios have an audible tone that indicates you have let go of the button anyway, you can turn it off or on.
