Not a bad idea if your way out on your own...
Link to more info..

http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html

Don't know who eventually pays for the rescue costs..
You'd probably need extra insurance for that.


In article , matt weber
writes:


Then there are brief case phones that use the Inmarsat spot beams.
They weigh a few pounds, and will also work almost anywhere in the
world.

Within the USA, I beliver Amerisat sell phones that provide coverage
only in the lower 48.

However if you are really concerned, for about $850 you can buy an GPS
enabled EPIRB. You set that thing off, and in about 5 minutes alarm
bells start going off, and within 20 minutes, your position is known
+/1 about 35 feet, and the fact that you need help is also known. You
can expect a Search and REscue Helicopter to come after you within an
hour. (At this time 406Mhz EPRIB's are legal for land use in the
USA). The McMurdo FastFind Plus weighs about a much as a cell phone
can be carried on a lanyard around your neck.

I really don't know what type of radios and range you are allowed to work on
a tech license and as I am thinking of using this for emergency use.

You can use anything in the VHF, UHF, and higher frequencies. Range is limited
only by your transmitter and the other's receiver. And elevation which affects
your line of sight, of course.

I recommend getting a repeater directory from ARRL and learn what repeaters
serve your mountain area(s) of interest.

Good Luck,
Bill, K5BY

Hi Bob.

Before you purchase from Grove, take a good look at Universal Radio and
AES. I have bought from them for 30 years each and have been quite
satisfied with their service and pricing.



Bob wrote:

Hi all,

I recently suffered a back injury while mountain biking in the
woods,fortunately we had a cell phone and were able to call 911 for
medical help. Now that I am home and recuperating, I have been
wondering what cell phone alternatives are available for use in remote
areas where you may not have a cell signal. I have been looking at the
fRS/gmrs radios and see that some are now "boasting" 10 mile ranges,
however I realize this is optimal clear line of sight conditions which
is rarely the case. My other thought is to get a technicians class ham
license and possibly purchase a small hand held radio to carry with
me. I have seen some really small units from Alinco listed in the
Monitoring Times Magazine, would this be a more practical solution? I
really don't know what type of radios and range you are allowed to
work on a tech license and as I am thinking of using this for
emergency use I would like to hear your suggestions.

Thanks in Advance

Bob

I ride dirt bikes in never never land and have both a cell phone to call for
the care flight and a Motorola TalkAbout to call my buddies when lost. I
used the TalkAbout quite a bit when we get separated to say "Meet me back
here".
You could also carry a signal mirror, flares and matches to start the tires
for smoke effect.

"Bob" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I recently suffered a back injury while mountain biking in the
woods,fortunately we had a cell phone and were able to call 911 for
medical help. Now that I am home and recuperating, I have been
wondering what cell phone alternatives are available for use in remote
areas where you may not have a cell signal. I have been looking at the
fRS/gmrs radios and see that some are now "boasting" 10 mile ranges,
however I realize this is optimal clear line of sight conditions which
is rarely the case. My other thought is to get a technicians class ham
license and possibly purchase a small hand held radio to carry with
me. I have seen some really small units from Alinco listed in the
Monitoring Times Magazine, would this be a more practical solution? I
really don't know what type of radios and range you are allowed to
work on a tech license and as I am thinking of using this for
emergency use I would like to hear your suggestions.

Thanks in Advance


Bob

Jim:
After you use the Cell phone, to call for help
How much does the " Care Flight " Cost ?

A freind was out in the wilds preparing to SCUBA dive, slipped & broke his leg.
Dive insurance wouln't cover it; Not a Dive related accident. . Major Pain..

Speaking of Major Pain, did some research..
You can (apparantly) take Up TO 800 Mg Ibuprofen ONCE
for pain until you get to a hospital.

( Not a doctor here, proceed at your own risk)

Dan


In article Vc0Lb.88069$xX.606485@attbi_s02, "Jim Douglas"
writes:


I ride dirt bikes in never never land and have both a cell phone to call for
the care flight and a Motorola TalkAbout to call my buddies when lost. I
used the TalkAbout quite a bit when we get separated to say "Meet me back
here".
You could also carry a signal mirror, flares and matches to start the tires
for smoke effect.