Eric, strike and daniel have volunteered radios for much needed communications for our 5/19 meet (during the run part). they are making suggestions to me that i am not able to evaluate. thus, i am posting here asking for assistance in determining what works best.
my only thought is that it might be best to have cars with passengers be assigned as communication vehicles- this allows the drivers to drive. i would guess, but dont know for sure, that we will need at least 4 communication vehicles (assuming 30+ cars)- one in front, one in back and two in the pack..
i am looking for:
1. any thoughts that anyone might have to give us some guidance on the communications ideas-
2. also if you know that you will have a passenger at the meet, let us know..

 

I suggest FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, like those Motorola Talkabouts. They have decent range, relatively low cost, can be found at every electronics shop, and many members may already have them (versus CB radio, VHF, or group cellular).

What I do not know is the channel availability by radio model. Is there a difference on the number of channels or scrambling offered by model or is it only power output?

 

I have two new Motorola talkabouts. Also anyone with Cigular wireless/PacBell can call mobile to mobile without any additional minute charges.

Later,
Daniel

 

FRS Radios all have 1/2 Watt power. So range is limited to 1-2 miles, depending on conditions and terrain.

For a good explanation of radio features, etc. try this page:

http://www.collin.org/frs/guide/guide.html


For a chart of radio cross-compatibility, try this page:

http://members.tripod.com/~jwilkers/ctcss.htm

 

I don't think passangers are needed for the comms cars. We used the radios on the drive from Ventura County to the meet in Jan. They worked great, and 3 of the 4 cars were solo. Distance shouldn't be a problem, The leader may get out of range of the tail, but messeges can be relayed up the group. If the FRS radios are used, you'll end up with much more than 4 radios (I have 3, and Al has at least 3). I have Panasonic, but am 99% sure the group codes are compatible with Motorola and others.

 

sorry... :-( not going to be able to make it...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bullit
[B]sorry... :-(

 

i assume that the communications folks are ready for the meet? as long as we have the ability for the front of the pack to talk to the middle and the middle to talk to the rear we should be o.k.- a couple extra radios spread throughout wont hurt either...

 

Spread around would probably be best.

 

Count me in for another Talkabout (14 channels, 38 private codes)