Outdoor Adventure USA

gon2srf wrote:

DaveK wrote:I completely concur regarding the value of Ham radio, especially when your destination is beyond the reach of cell phones. For reasons we have discussed before, ham radio, both VHF (UHF too) and HF are the best and most proven means to reach help when in remote areas.

I think that we need to have an HF set up event. A camping trip to the East Mojave.

He said, "Mojave" hehehehehehe. I've been dreaming of doing the Mojave trail again, let's do it.

The MoRoad will be a superhighway in the next couple months. We're kinda' past the best early season time to run it. At this point, I'd wait til spring.
Two weeks ago:


Besides, DV is in the Mojave and there's more to see and do.

xtatik wrote:The MoRoad will be a superhighway in the next couple months. We're kinda' past the best early season time to run it. At this point, I'd wait til spring.

Besides, DV is in the Mojave and there's more to see and do.

There are lots of places off the beaten track (Mojave Road). Loads of roads that don't get enough use. I drove Mojave road 4 times between '05 and '07. Since then I've been to Mojave another four times and only crossed the Mojave Road on our way to other places.

At 35°13'40"N, 115°24'04"W in April:


On the subject of communications. Pick what you need for your type of use. If you need to check in on business or have a quick conversation with someone back home, then the sat phone is the way to go. 2 meter Ham Radio is perfect for communicating within a group during a trip. Spot is great for letting friends and family know that you are OK. Just get all three

unwiredadventures wrote: On the subject of communications. Pick what you need for your type of use. If you need to check in on business or have a quick conversation with someone back home, then the sat phone is the way to go. 2 meter Ham Radio is perfect for communicating within a group during a trip. Spot is great for letting friends and family know that you are OK. Just get all three

THe issue is you never know what you'll need in an emergency, or where that situation will occur. While your "just get all three" was in jest, I think it rings true - if you are going to be far from normal communications channels, the more type you have available , the more likely you'll reach help...

And the idea mentioned previously about getting a radio capable of working HF, even when you only have a tech license is a good suggestion, IMO. In case of an emergency, I'd be more concerned about getting assistance than whether I'm violating the terms of my ham license (or even no license).

Larry,
I couldn't agree more with your above post. Be prepared in as many ways as possible, since we don't know what life will throw our way. Sounds like another conversation--

Regards, Steve

ssc wrote:Larry,
I couldn't agree more with your above post. Be prepared in as many ways as possible, since we don't know what life will throw our way. Sounds like another conversation--

Regards, Steve

I was waiting for that...

Hey Larry, finally figured it out>LOL. Are you getting any better service on the sat phone. When did they say our service will be 100% again? Was it 2010? Thanks.

Sunnygrill wrote:Hey Larry, finally figured it out>LOL. Are you getting any better service on the sat phone. When did they say our service will be 100% again? Was it 2010? Thanks.

Welcome back - I knew you could do it !!!

I'll have to check the website - I think it's mid-2010...not much longer until service is back 100%...perfect timing for next summer...

cruiserlarry wrote:And the idea mentioned previously about getting a radio capable of working HF, even when you only have a tech license is a good suggestion, IMO. In case of an emergency, I'd be more concerned about getting assistance than whether I'm violating the terms of my ham license (or even no license).

In an emergency it would not be a violation anyhow, according to the book...

Tech License give you access to the 10 meter band that can get out and touch someone. While conditions are poor right now they will be improving throughout the next few years.

In an emergency you can use any means needed to communicate the issue fall more toward unidentified/unlicensed transmissions rather than out of privledge trasmissions.

hmfigueroa wrote:Tech License give you access to the 10 meter band that can get out and touch someone. While conditions are poor right now they will be improving throughout the next few years.

In an emergency you can use any means needed to communicate the issue fall more toward unidentified/unlicensed transmissions rather than out of privledge trasmissions.

Correct, you must be the holder of a ticket in any case. A licensed amateur radio operator may use any means necessary. Even if an unlicensed individual were to save multiple lives by illicitly utilizing ham frequencies....they would come under federal indictment. And, it is surpprising how vigorously they attack. It has happened several times in the past, and it's never pretty. The FCC flatly won't recognize them as heroes.
A simple 20 minute test and $13 bucks easily mitigates this problem.