"Bob Bob" wrote in message
...
Sorry for barging in again Nick! This isn't directly related to your Q.

I guess that you are using the system for general comms as well a
safety. One of the features I think is available using DCS on some
radios is the ability to poll for the other station. The equivalent of
"are you there?" without actually speaking into the microphone.

This feature would be very helpful for safety issues as you at least
know if the other station is in range or not. Cresting a hill at the
same time for example may give you range you wouldn't normally consider
as viable.

This may even be able to be automated to the extent where you can poll
for the other station every minute or so.

I have never done this myself so don't know the full details. There was
a nearby station though that used it regularly to poll his local
interest group. My horrible old VHF/UHF gear is nowhere near as new
fangled as that! grin

Bob


Yes, we have that feature - using FT-60s at the moment but if we lose range,
we immediately go to high power and
if that doesn't work, stop at the first opportunity and use the cellphones
to report where we are ( each has GPS )
Never had to use it yet though but that's the back-up plan
Nick