Outdoor Adventure USA

This net, which we started last week (June 12,2014), resulted in much discussion concerning PLBs, the Spot, In Reach and sat phones, but we were not able to cover the other wilderness communication methods which were planned. So, we decided to continue the discussion to this coming Thursday (June 19, 2014) so that we can finish off with HF, HF email, VHF/UHF, BGAN, FRS, GMRS, and HTs. We also want to incorporate any other methods that we may have overlooked.

The Net this week will cover the most effective wilderness communication methods. Most of our trips are well beyond cell phone range and for many reasons, including emergencies and keeping in touch with family and friends, you need to have a way to communicate when the cell phone will not work. Our communication options will include, HF, VHF/UHF, APRS, PLB, In Reach, Spot, HTs, BGAN, FRS, GMRS, Sat Phones and HF email.

Join the net with your options, suggestions, comments, and adventures. Pictures below:

Modem for HF Email (Airmail)

From the SCS website (manufacturer of the Pactor Modem):

The DR-7400 has been optimized for use with the new high-end data transmission mode PACTOR-4. This allows unparalleled fast and robust data links via shortwave. Email almost like at home – from any point on earth.

See: http://www.scs-ptc.com/shop/products/pt4-dragon-dr-7400


See: http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

PLB

From the McMurdo website:

When you are in an emergency Fast Find PLBs will get you found quickly by the rescue services anywhere in the world.

See: http://www.mcmurdomarine.com/personal-l ... stfind-220
SPOT

From the Spot website:

When your adventures take you beyond cell service, SPOT Gen3 lets family and friends know you're ok or sends emergency responders your GPS location, all at the push of a button. Add this rugged, pocket-sized device to your essential gear and stay connected wherever you roam.

In Reach

From the In Reach wewbsite:

Navigate, create waypoints, log your trip and find your way back. Send and receive text messages. Trigger an interactive SOS. Plan, track and share your journey. You can do all of this from one rugged handheld device with 100% global coverage from Iridium.

See: http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-i ... plorer.php

Product Spotlight

The spotlight this week will be on a......................light. The light goes under the name of Trustfire, model # 9XT6, and boasts an incredible 11,000 lumens. The flashlight, as shown in the pictures below, is the same size a a 3 D-Cell Mag light, but with a whole lot more power..

The Trustfire uses 9 Cree LEDs and 3 Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Some of the little features on the light are also impressive, such as a hardened glass lens. The light is so intense that it actually lights up the ground in full daylight. It has three levels of light brightness, a strobe function (for what I can't imagine) and a SOS flasher). Unfortunately, it is imported (China), but the materials, fit and finish seem top notch.

Unless there is a need for an intense light, it's best (for battery life) to use the lower power levels. It will accompany me to Summer Fest for those who want to see how well it works.

Check out Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/TrustFire-11000LM ... B00GT2V69W

The Light
The Power

Comparison to Mag Light

OAUSA made the big time (well, almost). Some may be familiar with CQ Magazine (http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/), one of the largest independent Ham magazines. Well, the cover story includes a section on Outdoor Adventure USA and the type of activities we enjoy. You can read the article here:
If you subscribe, you will see a picture of one of our remote location Amateur Radio License testing sessions. Yep, that's us on the cover!

FRS, GMRS, MURS

Overview from FCC
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/family- ... ervice-frs
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/general ... rvice-gmrs
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/multi-u ... ice-murs-0

I prefer the Motorola for ease of programing and the quality. Only buy the best set the store sells.

Here is a link for tonight's discussion involving APRS: http://aprs.fi/#!mt=roadmap&z=10&ts=140 ... %2FK6DTK-9 .

This is an example of how well the system works, even in very remote areas.

Here are some other sites of value for APRS:

1. Official site: http://www.aprs.org/
2. Internet tracking site: www.aprs.fi
3. Internet tracking with capability to send and receive emails: www.openaprs.net

Great topic! Unfortunately I have a meeting at 7.30 and I don't think I'll get out before the net is over.

Precisely next week I'm flying to Brazil for the world cup, and I was considering getting a SPOT or a PLB for the trip. Does any of those trigger armed response or only medical? Specially in countries like Brazil and in the context of the world cup, getting armed response at the push of the button would be a great tool to have.

Let's hope I can catch the last few minutes tonight!

Roger

New Product - Isathub
This product is just bearly available and there are no published prices I can find. Inmarsat is selling it through only a few of their "value add" distributors. My guy (Network Innovations (formerly GMPCS) requires me to call for a quote on costs!
I want one of these! But the price might be too much to justify. Wait - I need to get a smart phone too.

"The Inmarsat IsatHub brings personal connectivity and data sharing to your smart device – no matter where you are. Bring the power of the Inmarsat I-4 satellite network to your smart phone or tablet, and share data quickly and easily with a simple WiFi connection.
Share data without cell reception. Talk, Text and Internet. The IsatHub is your portable, personal WiFi connection, keep your smart devices connected anywhere in the world."

http://www.networkinv.com/shop/satellit ... t-isathub/

http://www.networkinv.com/wp-content/up ... -LORES.pdf

Thanks Tom for posting that. For those interested in smart phone access, here are a few other pieces of information on this device:

1. Spec sheet: 2. Manufacturer / Distributor information: http://www.iridium.com/iridiumgo.aspx

3. Information on BGAN for use with PCs: http://shop.outfittersatellite.com/rent ... gan-rental

I am a real big fan of the Garmin Rino line. I have not yet got into the APRS system but for a one on one, one on many communication product, without a license, the Rino line transmits the location of one GPS/Radio to any of the other radios monitoring the same channel/CTCSS setting. Your specific radio will show up as an icon on the other person's Rino. Just a real neat system and honestly, I have put the GPS part of the radio to the test while doing family outings and when searching for caches. Just a great "moderate level" tool. I would not say beginner but advanced beginner capable.

http://sites.garmin.com/rino/

I seem to always gravitate to my international orange emergency cloth, my signal mirror, my strobe light and my whistle for the times of grave disorientation.

I have had great results with APRS, VHF / UHF ham radio for general wilderness travel. I use planning tools like repeater book.com to plan accessible repeaters for the are where I plan to travel.

My mobile HF setup a Kenwood TS-480HX and a Tarheel II screwdriver antenna serve up my long range communications options. It is important to participate in HF Nets in order to familiarize yourself with the different propagation peculiarities of HF and also have people who may recognize you on the air. I have been able to use 40 meters http://www.crc40.org/from anywhere I have travelled in the western USA to participate in the California Rescue Communication 40 meter net.

As a backup for HF I have my FT-817 and wire antenna as well as a buddipole antenna.

For when things really go south I use a ACR Resqlink+ as I regularly have some form of communication via the above mentioned modes, it does not make sense for me to pay a monthly fee for some of the satellite based services.

With the resqlink PLB I can add details of my plans and vehicles before I head out on a trip. Since my PLB is registered to me rescuers will have my information.