**RECOVERED** bottom of Miller Jeep Trail - SoCal

LOL, I don't have 2x spares, but I do at least have a plug/patch kit with me, LOL!!! I'm more of a radio freak when it comes to my truck, LMAO!!! I have a 2m, CB, 800MHz (narrowband capable) scanner, a pig-tail cable for other possible "emergency" radio hook-ups (i.e. my HT Yaesu's or whatever), and a soon to be added 9ft whip for my "emergency" radio box that I'm building... *cough* HAVE BEEN building for a few months now, LOL!!! It has a CB and a 4-band HAM in the box!!!

So, 2x spare tires you say, LMAO!!! Maybe that should be on my list as well!!!

 

InReach has two way texting (to any number). You can also post to facebook from it. It will also share your position with others, via a link you can share (uses tracking points, which you can drop at 2-10 minute intervals automatically).

And has an SOS feature. That's your "oh shit" button.

Service starts at $10 a month. That gives you ten text messages per month and SOS function. I don't leave town without mine.

 

Yeah not sure. I thought you guys were using my strap so Tom didnt have to use his.

 

Yeah, I heard about that a few months ago. I will admit that I did NOT know about it until just recently (i.e. a few months ago). Pretty interesting for sure! Well, the Yaesu VX8r has GPS capability, LOL!!!

 

We all learn from experience best way to get that is hands on. Even if your most experienced you still learn something new every time you go wheeling.

 

Wow. That's pretty cheap. I'm def going to look into it.

 

I had a momentary lapse about the hook straps.

What time did you get home?

 

6am. I got stuck behind a big rig and couldnt catch up to you before my exit. What about you? 6:30ish?

 

I take some responsibility for getting stuck a well. I should have not taken somebodies word on a trail. Apparently he had never been On the trail. I didn't know that until we were at the bottom of the trail. I specifically stressed that I was 2wd and there was the possibility I would get stuck and was reassured it would be ok and we would be fine. I was under the impression he was coming back as well We never heard from him again.

It is what it is. We got out safe with the help of amazing people, learned a lot and created a tighter bond between our group.

 

Yeah. 630. My wife text me that a big rigged overturned but it was on the opposite side.

 

I still have yet to get into that, so, nothing to say about it other THAN I had a co-worker who was a 30+yr HAM op and Extra-class. He was talking to me about it and showed me what it did. He tracked himself taking a trip up north one time... from what I remember? Anyways, yeah that was pretty cool. But yeah, a HUGE FAIL on me Danny!!! LOL!!! I let you down BIG TIME! LOL!!! I'll get there, hold your horses!!! LMAO!!! I'm teaching myself CW!!! The only problem, NOT very helpful if the receiving end doesn't know how to "decode" what the hell the beeps are doing???

Btw, connecting to repeaters is pretty easy. Also, I recommend getting the little repeater guide and carry it on your truck... when, of course, you get the license to use a repeater.

Either way, a lot of good ideas about SPOT and InReach.

 

It is not unreasonable to trust another offroad enthusiast's judgement of a trail.

I would consider trading the truck for a 4WD if you are going to make a habit of wheeling on anything more than fire roads.

 

Nah. I'm more of a prerunner guy. I have a pretty solid build for it. First time
Ever getting stuck.

 

Everything you would ever need to know about amateur radio is here...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...callsign-thread.260643/page-102#post-12378929

 

Is a ham Radio unit mounted in the truck way better then the handheld we were using? Is thr range that much better?

 

First time on a real offroad trail.

 

Not exactly

 

LOL!

 

By all means yes, the hand held have a max power of 5watts, my mobile mounted in the truck has a max of 65watts. Also with the mobile mounted you will have a much longer antenna that dramatically increases signal propogation and effective range over the length of a handheld antenna.

 

I'm going to look into one and keep the handheld as a backup. We were able to hear you guys at the top of the hill with the hand held. I was surprised we had that kind of range with those.