Regarding logistics...I plan to be at the super secret campsite on Thursday...what HAM channel do you think we will be on that weekend?
3rd Annual "100s in the Hills" - Ouray, Colorado: August 2-4
- Thread starter jonharis
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Quick question from a radio novice?
Can I purchase and operate a ham radio without taking the class? Have no experience and no time to read up.
And if I bring cb only, will I be able to listen in at all?
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Probably be using simplex 146.470.
There will be both CB's and HAMs on this outting...so you will have some connection with your CB. You cannot buy and operate a HAM legally without a license, and you don't want to invest, install and do so without one...so don't worry if you don't have one for this trip, you won't be totally out of the loop....your CB will be ok, just not as good or reach as far.
146.460 is standard for Rising Sun and Book Cliff Cruisers
Ops... Does Ouray have any open repeaters?
I'm upgrading to 90% in. Good reminder to take the ham test.
Me, wife, girl 9, boy 6, and girl 4 will be leaving Northern Kentucky on July 19 and heading to Tulsa, OK then Red River, NM, then on to Colorado. We will most likely hit Pagosa Springs, Durango then on to the "secret campsite" on Thursday. So in other words count us in and pray for my sanity. This is the longest road trip we have attempted with all three kids. If my wife and I arrive with any less than three kids please notify the moderators to delete this post an ask no questions...
This is only partially true. You can buy a HAM radio without a license. You can turn it on and listen to other people's broadcasts without one. You just can't legally transmit on any Amateur frequencies without obtaining the proper licensing that allows you to transmit on those frequencies.
There are some very inexpensive Chinese hand-held radios out there that would give you the ability to listen to conversations but don't transmit with those radios unless you are licensed to do so.
With that said, I'm sure there will be far more CBs than HAMs. And I'd expect the trail leaders to have both to ensure as many people as possible can communicate. I will bring both my HT and my CB. If necessary, I can loan my CB to someone who has nothing as it uses a 12V accessory/lighter port for power and a mag-mount antenna.
Thanks for the further and better clarification on this point!
jonharis
Adventure Imports
- Thread starter
- #171
Great post and spot on info. As for the cheap HAM option, I would highlt recommend to anyone to pick up one of these. $40 delivered is a steal and these have a great track record for functionality and durability. I picked one up and it is every bit as good as my Yaseau FT-270 that I paid ~$160 for.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A
bluecruiser
SILVER Star
Personally, for this type of trip I would recommend a decent CB. For one, you do not want the trip to be the first time you are trying to figure out how to use something (CB is dummy proof). Secondly, we will be close together and if for some reason something does happen and we need comms for help or something, there will be a few guys that are properly set up with HAMS in the group that will help.
HAM is cool, sounds great, but for your own sanity, I would just go CB for ease. I know, I know, HAM is more 'EXPO' but just not worth it to buy for one trip just to say you have one....just my penny.
Excellent point.
I would tend to agree. If you don't regularly wheel with a bunch of guys that use HAM radio, don't get one. Just find a cheap CB and use it the one or two times a year that you need it. You can transmit on any of the Civilian Band frequencies without any license required.
But....for $40 for a cheap BaoFeng you could have the ability to hear the HAM conversations (as long as you can resist the temptation to transmit). $40 is half a tank of gas in my truck, which lasts me about 120 miles. So a little perspective helps with my justification.
Got a question for those who have been to the first two events.
We are kind of leaning more towards staying in town instead of bringing the pop up and camping.
We'll still drive from town and get together with everyone! Reason is since its gonna be pack it all in/pack it all out, I don't want to rough it up too much on the little ones and specially on the pregnant wife!
You guys know what I mean! This trip can be really good "or" it can really be APITA!!!
Question is: without giving out the exact camp spot, how far should I expect to be from camp and gatherings if we stay in town?
Or, what part of town should I be looking for place to stay? North, south, E, W? Any recommended place?
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Paulo
We are kind of leaning more towards staying in town instead of bringing the pop up and camping.
We'll still drive from town and get together with everyone! Reason is since its gonna be pack it all in/pack it all out, I don't want to rough it up too much on the little ones and specially on the pregnant wife!
You guys know what I mean! This trip can be really good "or" it can really be APITA!!!
Question is: without giving out the exact camp spot, how far should I expect to be from camp and gatherings if we stay in town?
Or, what part of town should I be looking for place to stay? North, south, E, W? Any recommended place?
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Paulo
Bloomer
SILVER Star
^^^^thanks for asking Paulo....I'll probably be in the same situation if the family decides they want to come along.
Any of you guys have some good pics of your slider mounted? And do they bolt to the frame or to the same spot as the running boards?
