Best Two-Way Communication

W

wildstar

Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
55
The previous thread regarding the best FRS available made me start thinking about 2 way radios. I have 4 FRS Radios and they are practically useless! They work for around 500 meters until they lose signal in the city or a heavily forested area. They are only good around a small area like around my block. I can get about 2 miles but that was straight line of sight. What is the best consumer legal 2 way radio system? Can MURS work well in the suburbs for at least 2 miles or in the forest? I will mainly use it for backpacking so each unit should not require more than 4 batteries to save on weight.

Thanks
 
I like the versatility of an Amature Radio. Requires a test but really easy to get. I read the book in the 'reading room' for week, not that I sat there for a week but just each time I was in there. Took the test and missed one question. With two meter it is supported by clubs and use repeaters. For instance in Columbus Ohio we can get all the way around the outerbelt with a handheld the same size as the FRS you talked about. I can also make a Phone patched Phone call on it. Try Radio Shack for the Study books, about 10$. There are alot of aspects to Ham radio. But the important thing to know is that it is an emergency service backup and no matter what they still have communication.

I bet the Hams came out of blue for the power outage in the midwest durring the recent Blackout.

I also carry a nextel. Depends on your locale but it's nationwide now.

Gadget54
 
Gadget54, when I was in Civil Defense (back when THAT existed...) we sat up several repeaters here in Klumbis. The one I remember most was up off 3 and Dempsey.

I never got into SW, but am seriously considering to ensure definite communications (for both sides of the family as we all get spread out) in case of an emergency.

Could you (or someone) elaborate on some entry level pricing??

Thanks,
Mike
 
Originally posted by Gadget54
...snip...I bet the Hams came out of blue for the power outage in the midwest durring the recent Blackout.

...snip...
Click to expand...

We don't come out of the blue - a lot of us train for that kind of situation year round (and other disasters) - Look up the term ARES - The Amateur Radio Emergency Service

I'm the Queens County (NYC) Emergency Coordinator of ARES
 
I looked on the QRZ page for news on the Blackout. I didn't see any on the site.

Please tell us all about your experience and how Hams helped.

Gadget
 

Could you (or someone) elaborate on some entry level pricing??
[/B]
Click to expand...


Entry Level Or do you mean Cheap! The license test and study material would run you less than $20.00.

I decent handheld radio with 5watts power on 2meter can start around $100.00 used and go up to 4-5 hundred. A mobile radio, like a CB, that mounts in your vehicle can be the same.

I have a Icom W32. It has 2meter and 440mhz in it. It also scans air service and Weather. I got it used a few years ago for less than they are selling it for. See it here
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0838.html

Gadget54
 
Ham radio licenses are currently: Technician, 5wpm Morse code certificate, General, and Extra. Each class gives more operating privileges.

Tech requires passing a 35 question test.
CW certificate requires receiving at five words per minute.
General is another 35 question test plus credit for all the above.
Extra requires passing a 50 question test plus credit for all the above.
 
I have three question's

What type of distance can one recieve with lets say a vehicle cb radio?

Also where would one go to get on of these installed into there vehicle?

And my last question, what brand and model should I consider looking at?

Thanks in advance.
 
---------------------------
Originally posted by Featherstone:
What type of distance can one recieve with lets say a vehicle cb radio?
Also where would one go to get on of these installed into there vehicle?
And my last question, what brand and model should I consider looking at?
---------------------------

While I am not a radio person, here's a few hits from a Google search of the two phrases "cb radio" and "forum" for research forums on CB radio:
http://pub86.ezboard.com/bworldwidecbradioclub
http://www.cbradioforum.com/
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Radio/Citizen_Band/ (page with lots of links)
http://pub4.ezboard.com/btheultimatecbradioforum

... well, you get the idea.

The only brand name for cb radios that I recognize is Cobra. http://www.cobra.com/ Not sure if they are good, bad, or indifferent. Check out both your local auto supply stores and electronics stores for prices and capabilities of cb radios. You can find automobile electronics installers in the Yellow Pages of the local phone book. Virtually all shops that sell car electronic toys also install them. Some such shops charge an installation fee, others install them "free" by building the installation fee into their sale price of the units. ;)
 
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