Comms & Navs - Getting remote this year

If you’ve seen my other posts, I drive.. a lot for work, contracts everywhere. But I’ve got some time off and want to finally see views in remote places.

looking to start adding communications (get certified or trained), offline navigation system on a small iPad, etc. maybe a weboost.

What are y’all using?! What do you use the most?

 

What is the purpose of said comms? If its for dire emergencies then you really should consider something dedicated and designed for the task such as a Garmin InReach, SPOT, PLB, etc.

If its more of true form of communications, say between others in your group, base stations, family back home, etc then it becomes a much more open topic. Everything from the satellite communicators above to HAM to GMRS and CB might apply here. And I suppose it depends a bit on where you plan to travel as well. Ive heard good things about WeBoost for example, but remember they need at least a little bit of signal to actually boost it. They cant make something from nothing.

 

I just got involved here. Check this craziness out:
https://aprs.fi/

It totally killed my weBoost dream and kicked me over the edge to get a HAM Technician License. Overall, it is less than half the cost of a weBoost and is known to work. I know folks who have a weBoost and say it is amazing, but I also see reviews that say it doesn't work at all.

Right now, I'm just using an 8watt Baofeng, a Bluetooth interface card, and my phone. I'd like to get a tablet mount for my Surface, but am dragging my feet there a bit.


For offline navi, I have been very happy with the CoPilot GPS app for an extremely low, one time price. It has decent FS road content. I also just got a Gaia subscription for detailed FS mapping.

 

Be cool and get your ticket first.

If you want to play aprs I'd get a separate tracker;
https://www.byonics.com/tinytrak3

Also find out if you have a local radio club - they are usually very welcoming and very interested in fresh blood in the hobby!

 

Good stuff!

Just in case, this is the interface that I got:
https://store.mobilinkd.com/products/mobilinkd-tnc3

Down the road if everything goes well, I will upgrade to a better radio kit.


I very much concur there. The local folks have been great for both offering info and help as well as being great admins for the test, which was very convenient to do via Zoom. I tested last Friday and had my License issued on Monday.

 

Here's the easy-peasy kit;
https://www.byonics.com/rtg

73!

 

That would certainly simplify things.

One other reason that I went the way I did is that I have a bit of a hope of using it with the vF software for remote tuning when out of cell coverage. That is a completely different ballgame though, as I just got my first test of APRS yesterday with the first session working using my phone as the source. I was still struggling a bit after killing the cellular and wifi.



73?

 

73 is your sign-off;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code_abbreviations

The reason I haven't added that TinyTrak3 yet is because having another radio TX so close to my good radio is hard on its finals. Otherwise I'd be aprs years ago.

 

Damn!


My main goal for APRS is for location and messaging my fam when remote. Easier than finding a signal to say g-night / 73!

 

Congrats on getting your ticket! I've been interested in APRS, but never looked into it too much. That may need to change. I've got a frequency list with local repeaters and codes I can send your way if you're interested. Also some plans to make a j-pole antenna from copper pipe.

 

I'm lazy, I use my in-reach for two way text messaging when I'm away from cell service.

 

A lot depends on what type of comms will work in the area you intend to visit and how often.

If I’m going where connection is seriously iffy, I will rent a sat phone. Rent isn’t usually too high. Minutes are the killer Don’t use it unless it’s an emergency.

Buy a map and compass then learn how to use them. These and a good hand held gps should solve any nav issues.

Besides, aren’t you really looking for peace and quiet? No phone, no internet, no texts sounds great.

 

Thanks!

You already sent me your killer list. I've been putting it to good use.

I'm just learning about antennas.

Hahahaha!

I still don't have it all sorted out yet.

 

I've been waiting for a reliable GMRS 50W radio and just got this response from Midland:

Code:

Midland Radio Support support@midlandradio.com via freshdesk.com
Thu, Jun 17, 7:15 AM (22 hours ago)

Hi,
The radio should be available the end of this year.
Thanks,
Veronica

On Thu, 17 Jun at 9:05 AM you wrote:
What is the status of releasing the new GMRS 50W radio please? I've been (patiently) waiting
because I don't trust the Chinese brands (although yours is also Chinese, at least there is a 
solid [hopefully, still] company supporting it.)

I still haven't installed my WeBoost yet, trying to figure out where to mount the unit in the cab. Plus, not sure how to mount an antenna (due to tonneau) but I'm thinking of using super magnets and getting the 3db one.

 

SO... All that seems more technical that I wanted to get into. It sounds like a Garmin Overlander or stand alone GPS/SAT capability is up my alley for emergencies.. you know, Incase I get real "lost" or my truck decides to die on me in some shape or form.

It would be nice to have a way to communicate with near by vehicles incase something does go wrong or we all want to convoy.

 

Haha, sorry we got excited there..

A plb like an inreach and a pair of FRS radios would do to get started..

 

HAHA! I tried to research and keep up but my comprehension level AWOL'd lol

 

It certainly is a bit complicated, but you are going to pay a lot more for simplicity.

My best advice would be to get a cheap radio like a Baofeng and experiment a bit for about $50 to $60. See if the bug bites? A lot of folks that you will be looking to communicate with offroad will be using these VHF / UHF radios. If you stick to the GMRS and MURs frequencies, you should not get hassled. They have more flexibility and transmit power than the typical GMRS / FRS sets.

 

I'd quietly suggest GMRS over FRS only because it is more powerful, can work over FRS frequencies, and also allows for weather alerts and can be used as a repeater (appropriate models). Not sure if there is a portable GMRS solution like FRS for hiking, however.

Also, GMRS requires an FCC license, but that is only $10 and works for the entire immediate family and you can get it online with no test needed. This is from memory so take with a grain of salt and google it yourself, of course.

For personal locator devices look into SPOT, Zoleo, Somewear, and Garmin (which is more expensive but some like the company name).

 

Agree that if you are getting into it a GMRS is more of a radio, just that my kids each have a pair of FRS, they are 7 and 9 and have them completely figured out. Total cost was around $25, they work, introduce new users to 'channels', are basically disposable, perfect for a convoy or around the campsite, can be lent out or given away with little thought.. if you are just starting out in the radio game it's a great intro.

I'd even suggest it's a much easier, less frustrating, and legal option rather than fooling around with a Baoufung.