Colorado plans Silverton July 22nd-26th

[Somebodyelse5]

I have my MXT275 with 6db gain antenna mounted up and operational. I also have 4 Baofeng UV5Rs for anyone that might only have CB and wants to run trails with the bunch of us that will be on GMRS.

i’ll be sending texts and APRS beacons with my HAM

for the record, last year I was able to hear folks at basecamp on 2m ham during most of the runs and chat with the few other guys on the other trails. I was also able to hit APRS repeaters the whole trip (Phx to silverton, and during all the trails).

If you ever need to call for help ham is what you’ll want.

but, everyone knows I’m a ham lover. Ham sandwiches. Deviled ham. Honey baked ham.

 

[Workhorse]

My wife and I will be there in Silverton 7/22-7/25 and would like to meet up and run some trails with all of you. Will have local craft beer in tow from Big Choice Brewing in Brighton CO. Probably enough to share.

I am an amateur radio operator and will have my 2M rig.

 

[Austin Hot Shoe]

True, but since this is not an official HIH event, and it's just a group of "random" people, that just happen to:

be driving the same model vehicle.​

participate on the same internet forum.​

be staying in/around the same town (in the same week in July).​

have an interest in driving on the same trails (at the same time).​

need to communicate/coordinate, while complying with coronapocalypse "social distancing" norms.​

It seems appropriate, and probably more important than the official event.

Official HIH comms seems to favor a CB, while this random coincidence meeting, seems to lean much more strongly towards GMRS. This seems important to me, as it might influence whether a :

0 ohm resistor, might accidentally fall off my ham radio.​

Kenwood TK8180 comercial radio might get installed, that is pre-programmed for GMRS.​

Midland MicroMobile GMRS radio gets installed, along with an officially HIH approved/required CB, and a 2m/70cm ham radio.​

I don't see this so much as a thread devolving into a comms debate, as it is assuring that the same "random" 2-way radio(s) are available, for those hard headed people, that happen to be traveling to the location of an "event", even after it has been cancelled, who just might happen to want to be able to communicate.

I'm good to go either way, GMRS seems to be the vote, have baofeng, GMRS licence and smokey & the bandit cb. See you in silverton with a bunch of other random 100 owners.

 

[menancyandsam]

i’ll be sending texts and APRS beacons with my HAM

for the record, last year I was able to hear folks at basecamp on 2m ham during most of the runs and chat with the few other guys on the other trails. I was also able to hit APRS repeaters the whole trip (Phx to silverton, and during all the trails).

If you ever need to call for help ham is what you’ll want.

but, everyone knows I’m a ham lover. Ham sandwiches. Deviled ham. Honey baked ham.

I'm new to Ham (Baofeng Handheld) & have tried researching my question but I'm stumped. Basically it has to do with repeaters.
Say I'm traveling to CO from Calif. I know of Repeaterbook.com where you can find repeaters along the way, but:
1) How do I know which ones to choose. For example in LA alone there must be hundred different repeater in my area.
2) What if I divert from my plan trip how would I find the right repeater.
3) If I'm traveling with another Ham operator how do we communicate if we are both using different repeaters.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Since we are talking comms - would a handheld set like this (Midland GXT1000v4) would be a bad choice for a beginner GMRS set in mountains?
Amazon product ASIN B001WMFYH4

 

[bamabrock]

Since we are talking comms - would a handheld set like this (Midland GXT1000v4) would be a bad choice for a beginner GMRS set in mountains?
Amazon product ASIN B001WMFYH4

They are 5w on the GMRS channels, 2w on the FRS channels. I have 3 of those to hand out and they are fine in convoys, but dont expect significant range. I use the 40w GMRS in my 100.

 

[geanes]

Since we are talking comms - would a handheld set like this (Midland GXT1000v4) would be a bad choice for a beginner GMRS set in mountains?
Amazon product ASIN B001WMFYH4

They'll work fine in a convoy scenario and around camp. But, an external antenna makes a HUGE difference. The GXT1000 don't have a removable antenna, so running an external wouldn't be an option. I previously used a 3db gain mag mount antenna on my truck and hooked it into a Baofeng UV5R (5w) radio. Worked MUCH better than just as a handheld when inside the truck. The Baofeng UV5R is NOT GMRS compliant as it has a programmable keypad, but can run on the channels easily. I would highly doubt the FCC would come knocking if you used it on GMRS as long as you weren't doing stupid stuff though. Just installed a hardmounted Midland MXT275 (15w) with Midland 6db gain antenna and the difference is night and day. I tested it last night and was able to communicate 8 miles clearly. I'll test it further this weekend to see how far I can go.

 

[abuck99]

They'll work fine in a convoy scenario and around camp. But, an external antenna makes a HUGE difference. The GXT1000 don't have a removable antenna, so running an external wouldn't be an option (it's why they are "compliant" for GMRS). I previously used a 3db gain mag mount antenna on my truck and hooked it into a Baofeng UV5R (5w) radio. Worked MUCH better than just as a handheld when inside the truck. The Baofeng UV5R is NOT GMRS compliant as it has both a removable antenna and a programmable keypad, but can run on the channels easily. I would highly doubt the FCC would come knocking if you used it on GMRS as long as you weren't doing stupid stuff though. Just installed a hardmounted Midland MXT275 (15w) with Midland 6db gain antenna and the difference is night and day. I tested it last night and was able to communicate 8 miles clearly. I'll test it further this weekend to see how far I can go.

Why the 275 & not the 400?

 

[geanes]

Why the 275 & not the 400?

400 was too big and I had nowhere to mount it (already have too much going on in the cockpit area....2 iPads, HAM headunit, iPhone mount, GoPro, etc.). I have the Escape Gear center console cover that I won't give up as it has pockets that I use for all sorts of little items I need access to. Had the 400 come with a remote face, I would have gone that route. I do like that the controls on the 275 are integrated into the mic. Made for a super clean install. With the 6db gain antenna, I get plenty of range for longer convoys and even a little further (haven't tested in the mountains). My HAM has a remote face and I can use that if further range communications are necessary.

 

[collk22]

Has this become a safe place for comms?

I don't really understand the use cases for HAM or GMRS outside of an event like HiH or an organized trail ride. I'm solo with my family 99% of the time - I don't really have any 4x4 buddies here in Denver

In a distress scenario I understand HAM could allow me to reach out for help. Is that also true of GMRS?

If everything is cool, am I on HAM or GMRS just to listen to radio traffic and see what's going on?

My experience with comms is literally plugging in the CB when I get to HIH and then not using anything the rest of the year...

 

[geanes]

Has this become a safe place for comms?

I don't really understand the use cases for HAM or GMRS outside of an event like HiH or an organized trail ride. I'm solo with my family 99% of the time - I don't really have any 4x4 buddies here in Denver

In a distress scenario I understand HAM could allow me to reach out for help. Is that also true of GMRS?

If everything is cool, am I on HAM or GMRS just to listen to radio traffic and see what's going on?

My experience with comms is literally plugging in the CB when I get to HIH and then not using anything the rest of the year...

HAM has a MUCH broader reach as you aren't limited to just 15 specific channels (as you are with GMRS). HAM can operate on both the 2m (VHF 140+MHz) and 70cm (UHF 440+ MHz) bands as well as on the GMRS specific (UHF 460+ MHz) channels (just have to know the corresponding frequencies). For emergencies, I don't solely rely on HAM. I carry a Garmin InReach Mini. I can get coverage anywhere with that little gem.

GMRS has the advantage of not needing to take a test and you can put your family on the same license. This means you can hand the kids and spouse handheld GMRS radios and have better communication on trails and around camp. MUCH better than little walkie-talkies. HAM licensing requires taking a test (not terrible at all), but you can't "subscribe" your family members to you license.

 

[abuck99]

GMRS Freq. Table for those with tri-band handhelds.

 

[collk22]

HAM has a MUCH broader reach as you aren't limited to just 15 specific channels (as you are with GMRS). HAM can operate on both the 2m (VHF 140+MHz) and 70cm (UHF 440+ MHz) bands as well as on the GMRS specific (UHF 460+ MHz) channels (just have to know the corresponding frequencies). For emergencies, I don't solely rely on HAM. I carry a Garmin InReach Mini. I can get coverage anywhere with that little gem.

I use InReach as well.

Thanks for clarifying the technical differences, but what is the use case? I ride solo most of the time and would want HAM/GMRS because.....?


Or is it simply a case of HAM/GMRS being better technology for group comms than cb?

 

[geanes]

I use InReach as well.

Thanks for clarifying the technical differences, but what is the use case? I ride solo most of the time and would want HAM/GMRS because.....?


Or is it simply a case of HAM/GMRS being better technology for group comms than cb?

Solo travelling = HAM. You can even "tune" most HAM units to the GMRS frequencies i.e. 462.675 = GMRS Channel 20 (.025 step up or down to reach corresponding channels). With a high quality antenna from Diamond or other reputable manufacturer, you'd get more than adequate broadcast coverage on the GMRS frequencies. Having said that, it is illegal to broadcast on the GMRS frequencies with a non-Part95 compliant unit (which all HAM units are non-compliant). I highly doubt the FCC would come a knockin though. They've got much bigger fish to fry.

 

[abuck99]

Thanks for clarifying- fwiw I posted that table for "monitoring only" purposes

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I'm new to Ham (Baofeng Handheld) & have tried researching my question but I'm stumped. Basically it has to do with repeaters.
Say I'm traveling to CO from Calif. I know of Repeaterbook.com where you can find repeaters along the way, but:
1) How do I know which ones to choose. For example in LA alone there must be hundred different repeater in my area.
2) What if I divert from my plan trip how would I find the right repeater.
3) If I'm traveling with another Ham operator how do we communicate if we are both using different repeaters.

1) You'll choose your repeaters based on your travel and your radio, so using repeater book filter by location and the band (2m or 70cm typically). There used to be a really great tool for this but it seems to have lost it's domain: http://k5ehx.net/repeaters/qrepeater.php
2) The repeater book apps typically have an offline function, or go old school and buy the arrl directory (it will have most everything for less than $20)
3) For car to car comms you'll want to go Simplex (no repeater) often on 146.460 MHz. You want to avoid tying up the repeaters unless you need them.

HAM has a MUCH broader reach as you aren't limited to just 15 specific channels (as you are with GMRS). HAM can operate on both the 2m (VHF 140+MHz) and 70cm (UHF 440+ MHz) bands as well as on the GMRS specific (UHF 460+ MHz) channels (just have to know the corresponding frequencies). For emergencies, I don't solely rely on HAM. I carry a Garmin InReach Mini. I can get coverage anywhere with that little gem.

GMRS has the advantage of not needing to take a test and you can put your family on the same license. This means you can hand the kids and spouse handheld GMRS radios and have better communication on trails and around camp. MUCH better than little walkie-talkies. HAM licensing requires taking a test (not terrible at all), but you can't "subscribe" your family members to you license.

Not only that, your HAM license gets you access to a bunch of bands (for mobile rigs 2m and 70cm are the popular choices though) and let's you work with up to 1500 Watts...

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Tech%20Band%20Chart/US%20Amateur%20Radio%20Technician%20Privileges.pdf

I can understand the simplicity and ease of not having to study and take a test, but it's a pretty small obstacle relative to all the capability it gives you.

Has this become a safe place for comms?

I don't really understand the use cases for HAM or GMRS outside of an event like HiH or an organized trail ride. I'm solo with my family 99% of the time - I don't really have any 4x4 buddies here in Denver

In a distress scenario I understand HAM could allow me to reach out for help. Is that also true of GMRS?

If everything is cool, am I on HAM or GMRS just to listen to radio traffic and see what's going on?

My experience with comms is literally plugging in the CB when I get to HIH and then not using anything the rest of the year...

You are more likely to find help with HAM, especially if you are using APRS (which is what the sheriff +search and rescue will be using). You can call for help on anything, it's just a matter of who will be listening and able to receive your signal... more folks listening on HAM than GMRS, and CB doesn't have the range. HAM has the hobbyist backing that really sets it up for success.

I've been working on a thread for my local club that outlines a lot of the cool features you can use HAM for (sending text messages to and from a cell phone, pinging beacons with GPS/speed/heading/message, and using repeaters)

HAM Tech Thread

Hola folks, Thanks to @LongDuck I have been getting more and more into HAM and all the cool things you can do with it. Figured I would start a thread to compile some of the useful bits I've come across that might help get you going and get you enjoying the hobby. There is a ton of info out...

forum.ih8mud.com

And this is my favorite HAM....(if you know, you are a nerd like me!)

 

[kelly saad]

We are going too, but it’s a LONG 7 hour drive for us.

 

[abuck99]

7hours....lol

 

[Sargy]

Vienna, VA

 

[geanes]

Vienna, VA

View attachment 2343474

Watch out for the one dude shoveling in the road in eastern CO. Also, speedtraps in Kansas should be illegal.....everyone wants to get thru that state as fast as possible