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#1
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Emergency HT for non HAM?
Hi,
I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win |
#2
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GMRS? Allegedly better range than FRS, but needs a (no-examination)
license that costs. Perce On 09/12/05 08:29 am Win Heagy tossed the following ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? |
#3
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"Win Heagy" ) writes: Hi, I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win Huh? People survived without having constant communication for eons. Now suddenly a cellphone isn't good enough, people need backup? Yes, emergencies will happen, but people your desire for a backup of a cellphone is just way down the curve. First you need an emergency, then you need the cellphones to fail, then you need a need to communcate. One thing missing from your post is what is she supposed to do with this radio? You need someone at the other end, so are you saying you'll always be that close to her so the two of you can talk? Or are you hoping that she can call some random person to come and help (which may or may not happen?)? Michael VE2BVW |
#4
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I think I would look at an MURS radio. They run two watts in the
150-160 Mhz range, and do not require a license. Recognize though, that even with a 5-watt radio, you cannot be assured of 2-3 mile range. We used 5-watt GMRS radios in our CERT organization, which was only intended to cover our housing development from one end to another. It's a little over a mile, but coverage was often spotty at best. You are probably looking for something that doesn't exist. To get reliable coverage over a 3-mile distance usually requires a repeater, and that's a whole different ball game. Ever thought about getting her a ham license? It's not that difficult now. Dick - W6CCD On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:26:52 -0400, "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote: GMRS? Allegedly better range than FRS, but needs a (no-examination) license that costs. Perce On 09/12/05 08:29 am Win Heagy tossed the following ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? |
#5
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Ok...I guess more details are needed She works in Washington DC, I work a
few miles away. As you may know, over the past few years, DC has been, shall we say, an area of interest with regard to emergencies. As we also know, from 4 years ago, cell phones were no help during the emergency. We have text messaging, but that cannot necessarily be counted on either. So, my original post still stands, but to be more specific, I'm talking about 9/11 type emergencies. I'd like to have a backup communications method when our familiar methods fail. I realize no communication method is failsafe, but I just wanted to see if someone had any insight I may not have considered. If you don't, know problem...thanks anyway. Win "Michael Black" wrote in message ... "Win Heagy" ) writes: Hi, I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win Huh? People survived without having constant communication for eons. Now suddenly a cellphone isn't good enough, people need backup? Yes, emergencies will happen, but people your desire for a backup of a cellphone is just way down the curve. First you need an emergency, then you need the cellphones to fail, then you need a need to communcate. One thing missing from your post is what is she supposed to do with this radio? You need someone at the other end, so are you saying you'll always be that close to her so the two of you can talk? Or are you hoping that she can call some random person to come and help (which may or may not happen?)? Michael VE2BVW |
#6
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All the two way communication devices I have seen give ranges that are at
best optimistic and then at only best possible conditions. The more power the device has [all else being equal] the better your range though going from 1 watt to 2 watts will not come close to doubling your range. I would also look at devices that have multiple power levels because you want to conserve power when you do not need full output. Having backup devices is always better then nothing. Keep in mind that the type of communications these devices use is "line of sight". If there is a hill between the two of you range will be poor. If one person is much higher than the other and the path is relatively clear the range can be very good. I have a modest vertical antenna on top of my house at 35 feet above the ground for 146 mhz and with it my range is over ten miles to other users on the ground and up to about 50 miles for users with similar antenna set up. Directional "beam" antennas can extend range dramatically [well over 100 miles] to other beam antennas pointed at each other. With the built in antenna for my HT about a mile is good for HT to HT communications at ground level. So if you need to use a HT device try to get as high and in the clear as possible or consider an outside antenna. I don't know if they make external antenna devices for the consumer devices though one could be easily built if need be. Even one in the attic of a house could extend the range quite a bit. Otherwise consider getting your ham license. You do not need to learn Morse code for the entrance license and the exam is fairly easy with books that have the questions and answers. With a ham license you could then also purchase higher powered FM mobile devices for your cars. Event without a repeater with car to car using 50 watts FM your range should be at least a couple miles due to the combination of higher power and a much better antenna that would be used on the car. A car mobile possibly would also be able to communicate with a HT on the ground within the range you need. A new FM mobile radio can be purchased for well under $200 and there are economical mag mount antennas that can be stored in the trunk until needed. These antennas can be as little as a foot high. Good luck. --- Steve http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...xvrs/2800.html --- Yaesu FT 2800M. 65 watts on 2 meters for $159.95. "Win Heagy" wrote in message ... Ok...I guess more details are needed She works in Washington DC, I work a few miles away. As you may know, over the past few years, DC has been, shall we say, an area of interest with regard to emergencies. As we also know, from 4 years ago, cell phones were no help during the emergency. We have text messaging, but that cannot necessarily be counted on either. So, my original post still stands, but to be more specific, I'm talking about 9/11 type emergencies. I'd like to have a backup communications method when our familiar methods fail. I realize no communication method is failsafe, but I just wanted to see if someone had any insight I may not have considered. If you don't, know problem...thanks anyway. Win "Michael Black" wrote in message ... "Win Heagy" ) writes: Hi, I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win Huh? People survived without having constant communication for eons. Now suddenly a cellphone isn't good enough, people need backup? Yes, emergencies will happen, but people your desire for a backup of a cellphone is just way down the curve. First you need an emergency, then you need the cellphones to fail, then you need a need to communcate. One thing missing from your post is what is she supposed to do with this radio? You need someone at the other end, so are you saying you'll always be that close to her so the two of you can talk? Or are you hoping that she can call some random person to come and help (which may or may not happen?)? Michael VE2BVW |
#7
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In article , Win Heagy wrote:
Ok...I guess more details are needed She works in Washington DC, I work a few miles away. As you may know, over the past few years, DC has been, shall we say, an area of interest with regard to emergencies. As we also know, from 4 years ago, cell phones were no help during the emergency. We have text messaging, but that cannot necessarily be counted on either. So, my original post still stands, but to be more specific, I'm talking about 9/11 type emergencies. I'd like to have a backup communications method when our familiar methods fail. I realize no communication method is failsafe, but I just wanted to see if someone had any insight I may not have considered. If you don't, know problem...thanks anyway. I know this is herasy in this group, but you might want to consider getting her a CB. It's cheap, it's easy to use and there are a lot of them around. You might not be able to reach each other directly, but there is a good chance that there will be someone around who can relay a message for you. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel N3OWJ/4X1GM IL Voice: (077)-424-1667 IL Fax: 972-2-648-1443 U.S. Voice: 1-215-821-1838 Support the growing boycott of Google by radio users and hobbyists. It's starting to work, Yahoo has surpassed Google. |
#8
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Michael Black wrote:
"Win Heagy" ) writes: Hi, I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win Huh? People survived without having constant communication for eons. Now suddenly a cellphone isn't good enough, people need backup? Yes, emergencies will happen, but people your desire for a backup of a cellphone is just way down the curve. First you need an emergency, then you need the cellphones to fail, then you need a need to communcate. Should also mention that you need the batteries in the thing to be charged. And you need to have it on you. Lugging around an extra pound of useless radio day after day after day is gonna get old, so It'll soon be on the shelf at home. And the same thing will happen with your end. And why do people think they need to communicate so urgently? She's either OK or probably in no shape to use the radio. Unless you're a medic or have her rare blood type, it can wait. It'll either be OK or it won't. Knowing about it sooner won't change it. Most people don't even NEED a cellphone. Just gives them something do do so they don't have to pay attention to that boring driving to the place they don't need to go in their SUV they use for hauling two bags of groceries. Just my opinion. mike One thing missing from your post is what is she supposed to do with this radio? You need someone at the other end, so are you saying you'll always be that close to her so the two of you can talk? Or are you hoping that she can call some random person to come and help (which may or may not happen?)? Michael VE2BVW -- Return address is VALID but some sites block emails with links. Delete this sig when replying. .. Wanted, PCMCIA SCSI Card for HP m820 CDRW. FS 500MHz Tek DSOscilloscope TDS540 Make Offer Wanted 12" LCD for Compaq Armada 7770MT. Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below. MAKE THE OBVIOUS CHANGES TO THE LINK htremovethistp://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Monitor/4710/ |
#9
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On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 08:29:24 -0400, "Win Heagy" was
heard to say: Hi, I'd like to get a small, portable HT type radio for my wife (a non HAM) in case phones, etc., fail. What can you recommend? It should be small enough to carry daily, but get an honest 2-3 mile range (depending on terrain). We've tried several of the FSR type radios, but none get anywhere near the advertised range. Any suggestions? Please email to (remove SPAM) Thanks, Win Oddly enough, nobody suggested having her earn her Amateur Radio ticket and getting a 2-meter handheld! My wife did it with three days of studying. To this day she retains maybe 2% of the testing material, but at least she remembered it long enough to get her ticket - and that was when you had to take TWO written tests for Tech! Raymond Sirois SysOp: The Lost Chord BBS http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9257 telnet://thelostchord.dns2go.com:6023 |
#10
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On Tue, 13 Sep 2005 03:41:07 GMT, KU2S wrote:
Oddly enough, nobody suggested having her earn her Amateur Radio ticket and getting a 2-meter handheld! My wife did it with three days of studying. To this day she retains maybe 2% of the testing material, but at least she remembered it long enough to get her ticket - and that was when you had to take TWO written tests for Tech! Raymond Sirois SysOp: The Lost Chord BBS http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/9257 telnet://thelostchord.dns2go.com:6023 Even more odd. You didn't read my post when I suggested exactly that. dick |
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