Desert Rendezvous 2014

[1FZj80]

My boss and I bought them and they work really well on the open channels even in the middle of the city. I really need to get my HAM license so I can use more than 5 channels.

Matt, if you are able to 'open' the Tx you should be able to use the MURS frequencies which are VHF and on UHF you can also use the FRMS and GMRS frequencies without a ham license. That's about 20 frequencies. These are also much better than CB and in a group the ham users can also get these frequencies. GMRS requires a license but it is just a fee, no test, although rarely does anyone actually get one.

You can also get the business frequencies that are used by the old Motorola 'dot' radios (like the red dot, blue dot, etc.). Technically these need to be licensed and you should stay off frequencies being used, but if you are smart about it should not be a problem and it is generally easy to find frequencies not in use. I use these for job site communication all the time without issue. UHF works better in buildings.

 

[Brentbba]

Put the application in yesterday for a new vanity call sign and might have it by event time.

Also ordered a Baofeng UV-5R for kicks since they are so cheap. Will see how it works on the trail.

I looked at both the Baofeng and the Wouxun. Later is a little more expensive and on QRZ and other places, review of the Wouxun were much, much better than the Baofeng. That being said, they probably come out of the same darn factory!

 

[SoCal_80]

I looked at both the Baofeng and the Wouxun. Later is a little more expensive and on QRZ and other places, review of the Wouxun were much, much better than the Baofeng. That being said, they probably come out of the same darn factory!

The uv5r is a very good radio, I own two of them. To that point they perform nearly as well as my Yaesu 7r. From my house in long beach the uv5r can keyup Keller Peak and transmit very clearly. For $30 you can't go wrong. A no brainer.

 

[Brentbba]

Big Dave - folks are dropping like flys from this. You are in officially now. Hopefully Boyd won't be far behind!

 

[Dan2722]

The uv5r is a very good radio, I own two of them. To that point they perform nearly as well as my Yaesu 7r. From my house in long beach the uv5r can keyup Keller Peak and transmit very clearly. For $30 you can't go wrong. A no brainer.

Yeah, $30 and the fact I can program it for FRS/GMRS stations which we use at a place I vounteer sealed the deal. Amazing how much stuff is on You Tube and online forums for this little radio.

 

[SoCal_80]

Yeah, $30 and the fact I can program it for FRS/GMRS stations which we use at a place I vounteer sealed the deal. Amazing how much stuff is on You Tube and online forums for this little radio.

I am using CHIRP to program them and have had good luck so far.

 

[Big Dave]

Big Dave - folks are dropping like flys from this. You are in officially now. Hopefully Boyd won't be far behind!

SWEET! Thanks for the update!
It is impossible for me to get on AAV from any device at my house. Very frustrating......
I keep getting an "Error 403" report when I try to go to the website using Safari from my phone, Mac, or iPad, or even from my netbook using IE, nor can I get on , but from work I can on the desktop there using IE.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to going and especially my son. I wish I could get my wife to come out but she is a Motel 6 type of camper, no facilities, no go.
If someone could acknowledge my understanding on AAV that a spot has opened for me I would appreciate it.

 

[Dan2722]

If someone could acknowledge my understanding on AAV that a spot has opened for me I would appreciate it.

Dave - you are in slot 63 of the roster on the first page, so you are official.

 

[Dan2722]

I am using CHIRP to program them and have had good luck so far.

I tried downloading CHIRP but was not able to open it and it did not place a shortcut on my desktop for some reason. Going to maybe try and re-load and see what happens.

I assume this is like the Yaesu software I have for my 7900R correct?

 

[JohnGalt]

If someone could acknowledge my understanding on AAV that a spot has opened for me I would appreciate it.

You're on this list in the spot above me! See you & Travis there again this year...!

 

[Brentbba]

SWEET! Thanks for the update!
It is impossible for me to get on AAV from any device at my house. Very frustrating......
I keep getting an "Error 403" report when I try to go to the website using Safari from my phone, Mac, or iPad, or even from my netbook using IE, nor can I get on , but from work I can on the desktop there using IE.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to going and especially my son. I wish I could get my wife to come out but she is a Motel 6 type of camper, no facilities, no go.
If someone could acknowledge my understanding on AAV that a spot has opened for me I would appreciate it.

I see you got onto the site and acknowledged. See you there!

 

[Big Dave]

Yup got in using my iPad Air with 4G turned on. No idea why I'm getting blocked trying to use my WiFi at the house.

 

[TemboTusk]

I just bought two UV-5REs. What are the open channels? Being a Newbie in everything HAM, these radios are currently a couple of door stops until I get my Tech lic. I did not know some channels could be used without a license.

I have not been able to get a peep out of them.

 

[mattafact]

I just bought two UV-5REs. What are the open channels? Being a Newbie in everything HAM, these radios are currently a couple of door stops until I get my Tech lic. I did not know some channels could be used without a license.

I have not been able to get a peep out of them.

Check out the MURS frequencies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service

 

[TemboTusk]

Thanks mattafact! That helped!!

I can now click the transmit button and not feel like I need to hide from the black helicopters!

 

[1FZj80]

Jerry, you can also use the FRS and GMRS UHF frequencies if your radio is 2m/70cm, although technically you need a FCC license for the GMRS. The link below explains:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMRS

 

[TemboTusk]

Thanks for the additional link.

Sorry for the nub questions!

Just to be clear: For the most part, will the the frequencies used by those going to the Desert Rendezvous this month be in the range that requires a license?

I know I will not be able to transmit to them, but would like to listen in while I learn the ropes.

 

[1FZj80]

Thanks for the additional link.

Sorry for the nub questions!

Just to be clear: For the most part, will the the frequencies used by those going to the Desert Rendezvous this month be in the range that requires a license?

I know I will not be able to transmit to them, but would like to listen in while I learn the ropes.

Yes, 146.460 is the default mud frequency on 2m and you should be able to listen on that at DR. You can also listen to many of the local repeaters, but will likely need a 1/2 or 5/8 wave antenna to get decent range. Santiago Peak (Saddleback Mt.) and Keller Peak (Big Bear) get a lot of use. You might want to go into a HRO and talk with them about a basic antenna setup for you 60. Google will help a lot with understanding the basics.

 

[TemboTusk]

Good info, thank you! Like most things, once you get through the learning curve, it's easy.

 

[JohnGalt]

On the wait list. People seem to be dropping already so there's a pretty good chance I'll be "official." If not I will respect Dave's wishes and camp away from the group but I am planning on going one way or another!

Cleared the wait list: Glad to see you're officially IN. see you there....!