On Sun, 24 Aug 2003 10:23:36 +1200, Fred wrote:

Thanks Barry and others for your informative replies. When I talked
about security, I meant being able to find someone to talk to if you got
lost or fell down a cliff etc. If you have a CB set with you and you are
lost in dense bush, at least searchers can listen out for your signal if
they know the frequencies you are likely to use. In circumstances like
this, where no cell phone signal is available (and this often happens in
the bush believe me) a CB radio could be really useful in an emergency.

A UHF CB would be just as useless as a cellular phone in such a case.

If you're that worried, carry a locator beacon. That's what they're
designed for and satellites have the advantage of looking damned near
straight down, so terrain is irrelevant.

Oh BTW, always take an unwanted CD with you and learn to use it as a
signal mirror, they work great, BUT DO NOT TAKE A MICRO$OFT one, you
know how insecure their stuff is !

If you're going to take half a helioscope, you should make sure you know
how to use and aim it. the hole in the middle is there for a reason on the
old-style ones, as was the matchstick thingie with the loop on the end. It
makes aiming trivial, even if you can't see the light hitting the far
target.

Hint, look through the hole, hold a stick at arms length, line up the end
of the stick on the target, then aim the sunspot so the hole is
surrounding the end of the stick. You have pinpoint illumination and no
shaking is required. If someone's looking in your direction, you'll get
their attention fast.

This works at distances in excess of 50km. I've used it to setup antennas
- it's a good idea to confirm you're aiming at the right remote hilltop...

Practice helps....