Ed wrote:
While I agree with others that it would be an excellent idea to get
the local amateur radio organization to provide (free) communications
for your regatta, I wonder why you hadn't also considered the FRS
radio system? No license, cheap equipment, and should be able to
provide your communications requirements for a regatta, assuming you
don't have hills or other obstructions to talk past.

I have considered FRS, but testing suggests that its range is insufficient.
We will need to communicate over a range of up to 2-3 miles. Even though
the conditions are very good, I don't think FRS can do it, but I would be
delighted to be wrong.

Mitch

I have considered FRS, but testing suggests that its range is
insufficient. We will need to communicate over a range of up to 2-3
miles. Even though the conditions are very good, I don't think FRS
can do it, but I would be delighted to be wrong.



Is this event held over line-of-sight water? If so, the FRS radios
should work, though close to maximum range there. If there is terrain or
just trees in the way, then 2 - 3 miles won't work. Be easy enough to
probably get a pair to check the path over your maximum range, though.

As others have said, you'll get a much higher quality communications
system if the local hams do it.


Ed

Ed wrote:

Is this event held over line-of-sight water? If so, the FRS radios
should work, though close to maximum range there. If there is
terrain or just trees in the way, then 2 - 3 miles won't work. Be
easy enough to probably get a pair to check the path over your
maximum range, though.

There is a slight outcropping between the start and finish which is probably
enough to rule out the FRS radios.

As others have said, you'll get a much higher quality
communications system if the local hams do it.

I have contacted them and will see what they say.

Mitch

On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 23:26:32 -0400, "Mitch Berkson"
wrote:

Ed wrote:

Is this event held over line-of-sight water? If so, the FRS radios
should work, though close to maximum range there. If there is
terrain or just trees in the way, then 2 - 3 miles won't work. Be
easy enough to probably get a pair to check the path over your
maximum range, though.

There is a slight outcropping between the start and finish which is probably
enough to rule out the FRS radios.

As others have said, you'll get a much higher quality
communications system if the local hams do it.

I have contacted them and will see what they say.

If they have questions, I could get them in touch with the hams who
set up the Head of the Charles.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
--
At the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom