Any recommendations out there for two way radios for work in woods and around commercial sites??ÿ Would prefer to avoid licensing of the radios...
Motorola Walkabout
Any of the ones you get at your local sporting good store should do.?ÿ Anything different and your going to spend a lot and have to get a license.?ÿ I would get ones that were waterproof, but that may just be the Pacific NorthWet in me.
?ÿ
Thanks!
One would also need to learn one's users correct technique, such as the consequences of the receiving module not being continuously open - samples the airwaves at probably 1Hz, which is about the time needed to say the favorite word "ok":
Caller: "Are you ready?".
Responder: "click".
Caller: "Say again".
Responder: "click".
... Caller starts running towards the Responder ...
I have a wee programmable Yaesu unit of which I am very fond.
I have the usual public UHF channels set so it will work with the usual GME, Uniden and Motorola.
I also have it set for a number of special frequencies - like the ski patrol on our local club fields.
But I also have our GPS frequencies - which makes it easy to check for interference before I start a job.
Baofeng.
@richard-imrie ??click/click?
No specific brand to recommend, but the ONLY non licensed frequencies would be the FRS (UHF frequncies) and MURS (VHF frequencies). Motorola usually a very solid brand, does sell a MURS radio with the RMM2050 model available for $378 a pair on Amazon. FRS are generally very inexpensive throw away type devices.
GMRS requires a license and ANY business frequencies require a license regardless of transmit power. I operate in the business frequencies with a FCC license and in the amatuer frequncies with a seperate FCC license (BUT NOT for work). Anyone using ANY RTK radios (EXCEPT 900mhz frequency hopping aka spread spectrum radios) should already have a business license.
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/personal-radio-services-prs-keeping-touch
SHG
Cell phones in coverage areas?ÿ ?ÿ(99% of the US) are the cat's meow.?ÿ Voice, data, etc. low latency, at?ÿ low cost.?ÿ If you're out in the boonies there's cheap Sat Comm (Iridium) text messaging options with delays.
Frankly?ÿ UHF/VHF channels with line of sight problems and licensing are not worth the implementation.
I agree with you about using cell phones.?ÿ They're especially good when doing a topo in a busy area, using an ear-bud in one ear, and doesn't require hands to activate.
As far as cell coverage in 99% of the US, well, that's a bit over-rated in the hills and back-country
Baofeng UV5R inexpensive, great batteries and very powerful
I am on the other end of the expense recommendation. I recommend spending enough to get a very water resistant (no such thing as water proof) radio AND a water proof mic. The mic alone will cost what the cheapos cost.
Having radios go down can cost a lot, and having bad communications is a huge source of error and friction between crew members.?ÿ
Speaking of FCC, can anyone recommend a service for getting the license done?
I've got 10 of them. They're addictive. We use a plug in mic, so the listener can work two-hands-free. There are also voice activated plug in mics but I've not had much luck with them.
Kenwood...I think they are a little pricey but they're bomb proof. Can't count how many times I dropped them on the pavement/concrete over the last 10 years or so.?ÿ
@dmyhill Sorry this will not be of help.?ÿ I used a radio shop that was also did the frequency coordination.?ÿ So they did the programming of the radios after the license was issued.
Correct on the microphone.
I bought 5 watt radios.?ÿ A friend is a police office and they use microphones with a stubby antenna.?ÿ This is because you lose a watt or so with the antenna against your body.?ÿ My microphones don't have the antenna.
When you apply for your license get as many units on paper as the license allows.?ÿ If you have 8 radios and the license is for 8 when you add 2 you are in violation.?ÿ?ÿ
Those 900mhz spread spectrum units are good for a mile. Motorola makes good ones. No license required.
?ÿ