Survival/Prep communication option..? EDIT: NOT HAM

bigfelipe

bigfelipe

Phil-osopher...
Charter Life Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2016
Messages
9,072
Location
Triangle
Rating - 100%
41   0   0
Anyone seen these Beartooth or goTenna things as an off-grid emergency COM system?

I like that it uses your existing phone with small device that also acts as a back up charger, can use as a two-way for 5 miles and texts up to 10 miles. Some can even hop along your "network" to extend beyond the range. Also supports location offline/off-network.

https://www.beartooth.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiu3rzp2h2AIVD1PBCh0Lhg4kEAEYASAAEgLZnfD_BwE

https://www.gotenna.com/pages/mesh

Yes, they cost more than a cheap handheld(goTenna isn't much more) and have a shorter range than many but the convenience is palpable.

Thoughts?
 
So just another FRS? Well that sucks. I guess the Beartooth is the same thing. Seems like the tech is there for better long range comms without the bulk or regulation of HAM or Cell networks...
 
bigfelipe said:
So just another FRS? Well that sucks. I guess the Beartooth is the same thing. Seems like the tech is there for better long range comms without the bulk or regulation of HAM or Cell networks...
Click to expand...
The problem you run into is that at VHF/UHF you are pretty well limited to line of sight and the radio horizon which is a little more than the visible one. In order to go farther you need height and to get clarity at distance you need enough signal strength meaning power. The unlicensed 900 MHz regions don't allow much power and being in the VHF spectrum while they offer good penetration through buildings and what not, it comes at a reduced range.

For distance, even ham repeaters will be problematic in a real bad situation as they're limited by available electricity and most of the food ines will be taken over by ARES (govco backup). Your best bet is raw HF.
 
There is no unlicensed spectrum or devices that have the performance of trained, licensed users spectrum and devices. That would be called something for nothing. ;)
 
Last edited:
bigfelipe said:
So just another FRS? Well that sucks. I guess the Beartooth is the same thing. Seems like the tech is there for better long range comms without the bulk or regulation of HAM or Cell networks...
Click to expand...
I hadn't noticed a Technician license being especially burdensome. WRT regulation, the FCC is just about invisible at the Ham level. They collect your fee and mail your license about like the DMV.
 
Lack of experience/knowledge will always limit the implementation of technology . Studying (for 2 hours) for an entry level ham license won't give you that experience , but some on the air time and interaction with people with knowledge will

What Howard said!
 
Last edited:
And enter the HAM snobs again... God forbid there be something else out there other that HAM radio and your precious licensed call signs. You guys go talk about your shacks elsewhere. This is a discussion about modern tech options and alternatives for people who aren't interested in your outdated way of thinking. For supposed "liberty/freedom" minded people you sure like to push your regulated airwaves...
 
Contact your legislators to change the law. Otherwise 100+ years of successful airwave management is the framework from where you work. There's no such thing as long range, robust, capable radio comms that aren't going to require verified skill and possibly a license. Hating on us that have the verified skills and lawfully required license will never change those facts. Amateur Radio operators do not control the regulations.
 
OMG, you are so f-ing closed-minded... Not interested in your HAM. Congrats on your "skillz". Keep it. Love it. Sleep with it. I don't care. It doesn't do what I want anyway. You're like the "muh roads" folks every time there's a libertarian conversation. Every time I start a thread about anything COMM related you come in smugly lording your precious HAM about. Just once, I'd like to discuss what I want to discuss in the thread and alternative options without the same redundant crap...

This is a thread about a private network technology using things we all carry everyday. It's not exactly what I thought it was. So what? I'm interested in looking at new tech. Not your 100+ year old system. If you don't have anything constructive to add, stay over in the HAM threads.

I edited the title to make it simple for you...
 
Well, I am a HAM operator as well. I looked Into several different options of comms in a SHTF scenario. The HF radio is the best route to go for longer range comms. Which is beneficial to gather more information in my opinion. I also think the 2m band on the ham radio will be taken over by the government but, could be listened in on.

The MURS, and family radios are options. Honestly thou there are not that many tech savvy options that are fool proof. Therefore I recommend having several options and consider having a Ham radio in 2m band as one of them. HF of course for longer range comms. CB, family radios, scanners, and regular old transistor radios. The option you showed is nice and I have no experience with it but I ask, if towers are out, power is offline how long would it last?

I know you don’t agree with the HAM license and that’s your own personal right and belief and I won’t knock you for it. Just as it is my right and the others to get a ham ticket if we want one.
 
CB handheld radios are also an alternative, they are in HF band.
To talk on anything that uses a higher power level will require a license,
amateur radio service or otherwise.
 
Last edited:
bigfelipe said:
OMG, you are so f-ing closed-minded... Not interested in your HAM. Congrats on your "skillz". Keep it. Love it. Sleep with it. I don't care. It doesn't do what I want anyway. You're like the "muh roads" folks every time there's a libertarian conversation. Every time I start a thread about anything COMM related you come in smugly lording your precious HAM about. Just once, I'd like to discuss what I want to discuss in the thread and alternative options without the same redundant crap...

This is a thread about a private network technology using things we all carry everyday. It's not exactly what I thought it was. So what? I'm interested in looking at new tech. Not your 100+ year old system. If you don't have anything constructive to add, stay over in the HAM threads.

I edited the title to make it simple for you...
Click to expand...
The house isn't the only thing tiny with you is it.
Physics is physics and radios are radios. No matter how much you stamp your feet and change your thread title.
The general public are regulated out of access to the more powerful and longer range emr. It's not HTP's fault. Based on your rage responses above I can imagine how angry you would be if some moron was blasting his morning chat into your Bluetooth ear buds from Alabama. The governments of the world have agreed on the division of the spectrum and enforcement of that division to ensure your enjoyment of bluetooth and avoid more serious issues, say with aviation. The easy way to get what you want is to take a little test and pay a small fee.
Otherwise here's a place to start research on MURS
http://mursradios.com/index.html
If it's just the test your objecting to and your willing to pay a license fee you could go to GMRS.
In the end anything hand held its going to be fairly short range due to physics and biology.

Also your assessment of the state of the communication art existing in consumer electronics is closed minded. Search digital modes or SDR and see what you find. Both of the YouTube channels I linked above cover some things you might find useful but they are hams so maybe you can't get past that.
 
I just have a series of firewood stacked on hilltops to the horizon. They are all ready to go. When things go bad the guy manning the first fire lights it and there are signal fires far and wide. This is good technique no?
 
@bigfelipe fair enough. Let's approach this from the other end of the spectrum (no pun intended). What would be your objectives and goals as well as your limitations, e.g. you mentioned devices we carry every day, which I assume you mean is a cell phone.

I really think the topic has merit and ask in all seriousness. I'm also pretty well sure that you're going to face physics limitations when it comes to long distances, ht we need to define long.
 
Get a Gotenna and call it a day. This happens about once a year - complaining that "da man" is holding back people afraid to take a simple test. No one here controls the regulations.

No test required -
cg_indian-smoke-signals.gif
 
Slosolo2 said:
The house isn't the only thing tiny with you is it.
Physics is physics and radios are radios. No matter how much you stamp your feet and change your thread title.
The general public are regulated out of access to the more powerful and longer range emr. It's not HTP's fault. Based on your rage responses above I can imagine how angry you would be if some moron was blasting his morning chat into your Bluetooth ear buds from Alabama. The governments of the world have agreed on the division of the spectrum and enforcement of that division to ensure your enjoyment of bluetooth and avoid more serious issues, say with aviation. The easy way to get what you want is to take a little test and pay a small fee.
Otherwise here's a place to start research on MURS
http://mursradios.com/index.html
If it's just the test your objecting to and your willing to pay a license fee you could go to GMRS.
In the end anything hand held its going to be fairly short range due to physics and biology.

Also your assessment of the state of the communication art existing in consumer electronics is closed minded. Search digital modes or SDR and see what you find. Both of the YouTube channels I linked above cover some things you might find useful but they are hams so maybe you can't get past that.
Click to expand...

Ok. You don't know me. Your talk from your keyboard doesn't impress me. You started out like you might bring something to the conversation and now you want to be personally insulting instead of constructive, fine. We can go there. I'm not scared of a ban and I don't need you or yours. Don't recall the last time you brought anything of value to this place and you aren't even a supporter, so you can blow for all I care. If you're too cheap to be invested here, your opinion of me is not anything I give 2 squirts about. Like tech in general our understanding of physics and our radio technology has come along a bit in the last hundred years. Maybe you didn't know that and you just lucked into figuring out how to get online with these magical computer things. I've heard over a long enough span of time a monkey with a typewriter will eventually stumble into Shakespeare too. So you have that to look forward to, maybe. And you don't need to stand up for HTP. We have history on this from before here and he's a big boy. He just won't let it be and every time I start a thread on alternative options, not even discussing HAM, it's the same BS thread stomping argument. HAM is great, everything else sucks, go buy a CB if you don't like it. He knows I'm not a fan, but has to chime in with it every time... HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM... It's like a bad take on a Monty Python skit...

It's almost 2018. Maybe... Just maybe... Let's think outside the box a little. We can do amazing things we couldn't do in 18-whatever when your precious HAM was invented. But y'all don't want to hear that or discuss the possibility or potential.

I'm not interested in HAM for a GREAT many reasons, the least of which is day to day practicality(which was the point of posting the thread). I don't care about the piddly money for the test. I don't like the regulation, or the public registration, but that's because it's not enough benefit to outweigh the hassle. I have a life outside of this place. That's why I don't come on for days or weeks even. I certainly don't have time to waste with HAM just to keep in my back pocket and very few people I know are either. You are the FEW not the MANY, even on here, and I promise it doesn't make you special. Not interested in talking to randos on the radio. I get enough of that on the spare time I kill on the web. My life also doesn't revolve around the end of the world and the breakdown of everything. I'm in the business of living my life. I'm about practicality. I do practical things to be prepared for unknown circumstances and to get me through my day to day. I am interested in tech that could help my friends and family build a VIABLE and CONVENIENT localized network using basically what we all carry with us everyday. Throw out a blanket term like "Physics" all you want. There are ways around distance, line of sight, etc too in a network, but you're tiny mind doesn't want to hear it or discuss it because it's already full with everything you think you know. Good luck with that. I bet you kill at parties... If you can get invited to one...

AGAIN, this was supposed to be a thread about potential new tech, but again the same people can't just move to the next thread if you're not interested or discuss the topic at hand, you have to devolve it into the same BS over and over again so those who might be interested can't have a constructive conversation... Thanks. I'll just find a different forum to discuss this stuff and everyone else loses out. Keep pushing that HAM though... You can be trained and licensed like HTP, I don't care. I'm not looking for a second job or even another hobby, just a helpful consumer-friendly product... Everything in life doesn't have to be difficult...

Have a nice day...
 
Cpippen said:
Well, I am a HAM operator as well. I looked Into several different options of comms in a SHTF scenario. The HF radio is the best route to go for longer range comms. Which is beneficial to gather more information in my opinion. I also think the 2m band on the ham radio will be taken over by the government but, could be listened in on.

The MURS, and family radios are options. Honestly thou there are not that many tech savvy options that are fool proof. Therefore I recommend having several options and consider having a Ham radio in 2m band as one of them. HF of course for longer range comms. CB, family radios, scanners, and regular old transistor radios. The option you showed is nice and I have no experience with it but I ask, if towers are out, power is offline how long would it last?

I know you don’t agree with the HAM license and that’s your own personal right and belief and I won’t knock you for it. Just as it is my right and the others to get a ham ticket if we want one.
Click to expand...

I fully support your right to do whatever works for you, brother. I mean that wholeheartedly. Nothing is foolproof. Period. If towers are out and power is offline how long will anything last? I'm not suggesting that. Done right a tool like this could be useful grid up or down.
 
noway2 said:
@bigfelipe fair enough. Let's approach this from the other end of the spectrum (no pun intended). What would be your objectives and goals as well as your limitations, e.g. you mentioned devices we carry every day, which I assume you mean is a cell phone.

I really think the topic has merit and ask in all seriousness. I'm also pretty well sure that you're going to face physics limitations when it comes to long distances, ht we need to define long.
Click to expand...

It's pointless... No one wants to have a serious discussion. They just want to be smug and prove their way is the only way. Waste of my time for bothering to try again. I gave up at the last place, guess it's the same show on the radio here... thanks for making an effort though...
 
bigfelipe said:
It's pointless... No one wants to have a serious discussion. They just want to be smug and prove their way is the only way. Waste of my time for bothering to try again. I gave up at the last place, guess it's the same show on the radio here... thanks for making an effort though...
Click to expand...
What discussion were you hoping to have? Seriously.

If you can't state the parameters and goals of the problem you are trying to solve, it's hard for anyone to help, and when they try anyway, you fly off the handle that that isn't what you want. Not very productive. Is there some new comm tech you have heard of that you want to know more about? Are you looking for something over the internet? Over radio point to point? With or without central infrastructure like repeaters or switches of some sort? Open or encrypted? Voice or computer comms (whether analog or digital)? What range do you want? What portability and power requirements are needed? Antenna and other equipment size/weight/cost limits?

Seriously.

Those hams you can't stand are the ones who understand this space, even the bits that aren't regulated, and will be happy to help if there is a way to do what you want, and are probably already doing it. That said, if it works at long range using radio waves, it's regulated in the US and around the world and there just isn't any (legal) way around that. You may not be able to get what you want.
 
If you want totally unlicensed you're going to be very limited. It just is. There is FRS and for moderate distance things like FRS. There are licensed radios that are just registered and allocated. There is no test, but you still need to pay the fee.
 
bigfelipe said:
Waste of my time for bothering to try again. I gave up at the last place, guess it's the same show on the radio here......
Click to expand...

You have been regurgitating the same "hate ham radio", "hate the man", "afraid of a itty-bitty test" for at least 6 years I know of - stamping your feet and hurling vile insults doesn't change the physics of radio, infrastructure economics or the politics of legislation. How have keyboard tantrums worked in getting you something that doesn't exist? You don't appear to have advanced your knowledge of the subject one bit through the years. Get a radio, don't get a radio - whatever. Please don't get a ham radio.

These don't require a mean ole itty-bitty test, but are still regulated by "da man" (like all transmitters). What's a hardcore prepper to do? ;)
images
 
Last edited:
That's right ......I'm a CW snob !

But I also do AM and SSB and... if I could get the #*$$* thing working, FT8.

So here goes....

....wait for it....

.... you know it's coming....








REAL HAMS KNOW MORSE!

(yank yank) :)
 
Last edited:
bigfelipe said:
I am interested in tech that could help my friends and family build a VIABLE and CONVENIENT localized network using basically what we all carry with us everyday.
Click to expand...

This has been done, without using the internet, or cell-phone networks, or Ham radio. I read an article a few months ago which reported on a communications network constructed and operated without any permits or government approval. Some people wanted to communicate privately in areas that did not have reliable cell-service, or land-line telephones. Some of the folks needed to communicate while mobile. They found a guy who was knowledgeable in hi-tech electronics. He chose devices that were available "off the shelf" and only needed slight modifications, if any. He programmed handheld radios to operate using digital encryption. The radios were also programmed to relay signals from one to the next, in a daisy-chain network. He also installed antennas and repeaters on top of buildings to cover gaps between radios. He successfully developed a secure private communications system which he and his associates could use. It worked very well for a period of time.
These individuals were involved in the import-export business, primarily between South America and the southern United States. As their business interests progressed northward, they came into conflict with the security interests of various alphabet agencies (DEA, FBI, CIA, etc.) in the U.S.. Those agencies use other agencies like the NSA to constantly monitor all RF (radio-frequency) traffic in or near the U.S.. They also have the ability to decipher some of the encrypted comms. It turns out that some of the cargo they were importing was illegal. Ok, it all was.
So, the feds started rounding up the smugglers and associates and eventually got the american owner of the radio and electronics store just inside the U.S. who bought and configured all of the devices. He now resides in a federal detention facility, I think in Leavenworth. I don't think he's allowed visitors.

But, to answer your question: Yes, it is possible to communicate without the governments' permission. I just don't recommend it.

https://www.popsci.com/article/tech...-zetas-cartel-took-over-mexico-walkie-talkies
 
When you're not smart enough to do it yourself, enslave others with the skillz. Same GovCo certified equipment being used illegally - I guess that's a way to go for some.

Mexican Cartels Enslave Engineers to Build Radio Network

THE MEXICAN MILITARY is trying to dismantle an extensive network of radio antennas built and operated by the notorious Zeta drug cartel. But the authorities haven’t had much luck shutting Radio Zeta down. Not only is much of the equipment super-easy to replace. But the cartel has also apparently found some unwilling — and alarming — assistance by kidnapping and enslaving technicians to help build it.

At least 36 engineers and technicians have been kidnapped in the past four years, according to a report from Mexican news site Animal Politico, with an English translationpublished by organized-crime monitoring group InSight. Worse, none of the engineers have been held for ransom — they’ve just disappeared. Among them include at least one IBM employee and several communications technicians from a firm owned by Mexico’s largest construction company. “The fact that skilled workers have been disappearing in these areas is no accident,” Felipe Gonzalez, head of Mexico’s Senate Security Committee, told the website.

“None of the systems engineers who disappeared have been found,” Gonzalez said. Unlike Colombia, where drug traffickers control large amounts of territory and can keep hostages for many years, Mexico’s drug territory is more in flux. “When they need specialists they catch them, use them, and discard them,” said the father of one kidnapped engineer.

For at least six years, Mexico’s cartels have relied in part on a sophisticated radio network to handle their communications. The Zetas hide radio antennas and signal relay stations deep inside remote and hard-to-reach terrain, connect them to solar panels, and then link the facilities to radio-receiving cellphones and Nextel devices. While the kingpins stay off the network — they use the internet to send messages — the radio network acts as a shadow communication system for the cartels’ lower-level players and lookouts, and a tool to hijack military radios.



https://www.wired.com/2012/11/zeta-radio/
 
Last edited:
InvisibleOne said:
eventually got the american owner of the radio and electronics store just inside the U.S. who bought and configured all of the devices. He now resides in a federal detention facility, I think in Leavenworth. I don't think he's allowed visitors.
Click to expand...

I think the FL seller was a Motorola dealer, all FCC certified radio equipment. Absolutely you don't need GovCo permission to use legal equipment illegally. I'd advise against creeping in on frequencies used by essential services and GovCo, or even licensed legit ham radio operators. We'll turn you in to "da man" faster than you can say "snitch".
 
Ok- aside from the penis measuring match going on ----- Is there a simple way to communicate without cell phones or ham radios, that does not violate laws or alert the Alphabet boys? I know nothing about this but have a few radios for close range use.
 
Yes. Yell loudly. Or define what you mean by communicate if you want a better answer. See my previous post.
 
Lafayette Gregory said:
Is there a simple way to communicate without cell phones or ham radios, that does not violate laws or alert the Alphabet boys?
Click to expand...

Are you wanting to use electronic means to communicate, such as radio? If not interested in licensed services, you will be limited to much less capable radios like CB, FRS and MURS. For some a few miles service is acceptable. BTW, these radios are regulated too, although they may not require a license.

Due to higher power output and range, a license is required for more effective systems, that in the wrong hands can interfere with other licensed and/or essential services or violate regulations of other countries. Radio knows no boundaries.

All electronics, such as radio communications, require electricity.
 
Lafayette Gregory said:
Ok- aside from the penis measuring match going on ----- Is there a simple way to communicate without cell phones or ham radios, that does not violate laws or alert the Alphabet boys? I know nothing about this but have a few radios for close range use.
Click to expand...
Like JimP42 said it depends on what you want to do.

I thought the little FRS system I linked in post 2 was pretty cool. I like the form factor with the PTT separate from the rest of the unit and Bluetooth. You're not going to get very long distance with it though. FRS radios are typically not sold with a good antenna and to stay compliant you are not allowed to change or modify the antenna. Using 465 MHz as roughly the band center for FRS a 1/4 wave antenna would be about 6" long so this one might have a 1/4 wave but it's probably less than ideal due to styling. For unlicensed use your best bet would be to pick up a GMRS radio that has FRS as well with a good antenna and only use the FRS frequencies however those radios are going away. http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-person...will-affect-gmrs-frs-cb-other-part-95-devices. In short the FCC is limiting FRS to 2W and Letting GMRS go higher but no more FRS/GMRS combined radios. On the plus side for GMRS repeater channels can go to 50W which is significant, other channels are apparently limited to 5W. I checked but wasn't successful determining if the new rule has been published in the federal register or not.

Another thing that rule does is remove the 155 mile limit on CB communications which might lead to some innovation in CB hardware, hopefully more toward signal processing and less towards MOAR POWAH.

A neat thing going on with Bluetooth is what Sena and Cardo are doing with Mesh Networks for motorcycle in helmet communications where each unit in the chain acts as a repeater. Range can be pretty long if conditions are ideal but you are still going to need line of sight for the frequencies they use. A little creativity with a WiFi mesh network might lead to the communication grid you're looking for but that hardware would be pretty heavy on the power consumption since it's mostly all designed for use in AC mains systems.

In the end the FCC has very little by way of enforcement budget and unless you're doing something like moving truck loads of drugs or intentionally interfering with a broadcast station you're not likely to be a target. If you hack a Cobra FRS radio to add a good 1/2 wave or bump it to 5W I really doubt anyone would even know if you don't post it on the internet. A rule of ham radio is that if it's an emergency the rules of ham radio can be broken, asking bubby to bring the beer you left on the tailgate to you is not a qualifying emergency. However if there's a large scale emergency event and you are out running around cuhmunicatin on some dubious hardware I really doubt you'll ever get called on it. If you make a nuisance out of yourself testing that stuff and messing with the neighbors TV or baby monitor or whatever when it's not an emergency you might well expect a visit from someone but even then it's more likely to be an enforcement letter telling you to cut it out or else.

You're not too far from this guy: https://brushbeater.wordpress.com if you don't already you might want to read what he's written on communications and signals intelligence.
 
No one on CB follows the rules now and power levels far exceed ham radio. There is no enforcement unless interfering with others, but all the same CB rules of the 60s still apply until they change them; such as antenna height, power levels and limited range (all regularly violated). It doesn't much matter as long as the misfits stay on 11m. It's like Escape From NY inside the CB walls.

The emergency rule is - personal, life threatening situation/emergency. It is a myth that if there's a wide area disaster everyone can legally jump on the airwaves. If your life is in danger and the radio will help you, in that situation you can pick up the mic and call for help. In an apocalyptic event, the radio police aren't going to be the biggest concern either.

The main reason for getting a ham radio license is that is the avenue for the common man to use and learn radio tech. Hams help hams, not illegal users. Having a license affords those with an interest in communications an avenue to learn and practice with longer range equipment legally; so they know what they're doing if there is a zombie apocalypse. Most hams enjoy the hobby, while learning important skillz. It does take an interest and aptitude though. One can read all the radio-rambo stuff on the Internet and will still not know how to use a radio without hands-on experience and mentors.
 
Slosolo2 said:
I hadn't noticed a Technician license being especially burdensome. WRT regulation, the FCC is just about invisible at the Ham level. They collect your fee and mail your license about like the DMV.
Click to expand...
Amateur Radio license is no cost, the fee for the exam(s) are collected by local testing organization and or clubs.
Some companies offer to renew your license for you for a fee, not necessary and you can do it yourself on FCC site.

I understand the OP wanted to explore 'new technology', 'consumer friendly product', this requires investment to create it and bring it to market,
it will need to follow existing rules and regs to insure it will work and play with other services.

Look at Puerto Rico, no communications except for limited cell and traditional radio systems including amateur radio.
Best bet for the OP is a handheld CB radio and base station with good antenna. Nobody is forcing ham radio on anyone.
 
Last edited:
Button Pusher said:
Amateur Radio license is no cost, the fee for the exam(s) are collected by local testing organization and or clubs.
Some companies offer to renew your license for you for a fee, not necessary and you can do it yourself on FCC site.

I understand the OP wanted to explore 'new technology', 'consumer friendly product', this requires investment to create it and bring it to market,
it will need to follow existing rules and regs to insure it will work and play with other services.

Look at Puerto Rico, no communications except for limited cell and traditional radio systems including amateur radio.
Best bet for the OP is a handheld CB radio and base station with good antenna. Nobody is forcing ham radio on anyone.
Click to expand...

OK-- Sooo... looks like a hand held CB is the only reliable way to communicate within say----- 10 miles? Is license required,
 
Check the About-Data-Licensing-Operations tabs.
Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS)
https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/citizens-band-radio-service-cbrs

40 years ago I used CB a lot as a teen. It was the original social media. I had the FCC license KIV0783 back then. CB is much different now. Lawlessness is the norm, but the attitude is that as long as they only bother each other and don't spill out of 11 meter, leave the misfits and less dedicated radio users to themselves.

The main drawback is that the wave length of 11 meter (CB) is near identical to ham radio 10 meter. The reason 11 meter was taken from ham operators in 1957 is that it was useful as a very short range, local, service for business and recreation; at a time before transistor technology made VHF/UHF consumer viable. CB is certainly better than nothing, as are FRS and MURS. Unlicensed = short range.

When assigning unlicensed spectrum the FCC looks at "do no harm". Unlicensed users will always be assigned less useful short range spectrum to prevent users of unknown identity and skill level from interfering with other important or licensed services. There will never be anything such as worldwide Bluetooth.

All that said, I have a lot of good used CB equipment I'd like to sell. Anyone PM me if you need CB. I've collected this stuff from ham radio estates. Most ham operators have CB too, because it's all just radio to us.
 
Last edited:
bigfelipe said:
Anyone seen these Beartooth or goTenna things as an off-grid emergency COM system?

I like that it uses your existing phone with small device that also acts as a back up charger, can use as a two-way for 5 miles and texts up to 10 miles. Some can even hop along your "network" to extend beyond the range. Also supports location offline/off-network.

https://www.beartooth.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiu3rzp2h2AIVD1PBCh0Lhg4kEAEYASAAEgLZnfD_BwE

https://www.gotenna.com/pages/mesh

Yes, they cost more than a cheap handheld(goTenna isn't much more) and have a shorter range than many but the convenience is palpable.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have a Gotenna and I take it hiking/camping

I took it to Yellowstone where cell signal was nonexistent away from the hotel areas.

You can text message individuals, see maps on your phone, and also do an area wide ping/search for ANYONE out there if you enable it. Good and bad implications because it shows your exact location but you can turn the feature off
 
Gotenna was marked down to $119 @ Cabelas this afternoon, I just happened to see them on the shelf as I was walking out, guess they are clearing them out for the new Gotenna Mesh.
HTP how do you recon they can say the Gotenna Mesh has 40-60% more range than a GMRS radio? I'm guessing they count end to end in the mesh and I think to be fair you have to count point to point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom