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Just wondering if any of you ride/hike on the moor with anything other than a mobile phone in your pack - particularly when solo?
Down this way (Quantocks, Exmoor, Dartmoor) mobile phone coverage is poor. Hence at events like the Exmoor Explorer, and Quantock Quake - radio amateurs (like me) provide comms for the event organiser.
The training is completely free... but you have to pay £35.50 for the exam. You can get a walkie-talkie radio for as little as £25 delivered.
Stick that in your pack. For £60 total, it's cheap insurance.👍
https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/foundation-online/
https://rsgb.org/main/rsgb-examination-booking-on-or-after-1-may-2024/
I might also get myself a Garmin inReach - but it costs a fair bit more, plus there are subs costs. 🤔
10-4 good buddy
10-4 good buddy
😂 That's CB lingo - completely different kettle of fish (a bit like the Wild West).
Yeah, but I know most HAMs secretly like a bit of ‘Convoy’ too 😀
To be of any use the comms device you are using has to be received by someone. If I am at sea in a kayak I take a vhf radio. I would not take a radio cycling as I am not convinced anybody would be listening. Radio reception might even be worse than mobile phone reception.
If you think you might get into problems you could take an epirb or satellite phone but unless you are in a very remote area the chanced of needing it are small.
If I am at sea in a kayak I take a vhf radio. I would not take a radio cycling as I am not convinced anybody would be listening. Radio reception might even be worse than mobile phone reception.
I guess there's plenty of traffic on the marine frequencies then, and that's at sea level (low elevation). 👌
The thing is, there are so many HAM bands that you might think it's quiet - but there are tons of people listening round the world. HF/VHF/UHF.
I disagree RE radio reception being worse than mobile phone - a VHF HT with a rubber ducky can easily hit a repeater 35 miles away, way further than a mobile phone signal can travel.
I once managed 186 miles (simplex) on VHF but I was on a very big hill, and conditions were ideal. Anyway, it gives you an idea of how good it can potentially be in the remotest of parts... and you don't need a subscription.
It might take some time to raise someone on 145.500, but there's usually someone listening somewhere. The problem is topography - if you're at the bottom of a remote valley, satellite would be better for sure.
The best way to do it is to program in local VHF/UHF repeaters, then you have a good chance getting hold of someone. Hope never to have to do it myself, but I have a radio so it comes with.
Yeah, but I know most HAMs secretly like a bit of ‘Convoy’ too 😀
Have you watched Breaker! Breaker!? Cringe, lol.