Ham Radio & Hiking

[FIGHT ON]

[Toolman]

FO,
This is really easier than you think. Pick yourself up a Gorden West Technician study guide book for under 20 bucks and spend a couple weeks reading through it. The book will explain everything you need to know about how to prepare and pass your test. I used Gorden's books for 5 levels of licensing and didn't feel the need for a class as everything is very well explained in the books. After spending some time in the book you can go to: http://www.qrz.com  and take practice exams that are identical to the test you will be administered at a testing location. You must appear with ID to take the test and the VE's will finalize your paperwork sent into the FCC. Once you are comfortable your performance of online practice exams, you can go to the ARRL website and find a test session near your residence. All test sessions need to be made public so you should find something on the ARRL website.
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

 If you made it through college and are the navigator you appear to be, this should be a walk in the park forest for you.

 You can spend some time researching radio gear while your studying. You can post questions in our radio talk section of the forum and there are websites that review equipment. I've owned many HT's in my years of Ham radio and hands down the Kenwood tri-band TH-6 is the best HT I've owned for ease of use and affordability. Just like cell phone use, battery life depends on how chatty you are, back light settings and power level you choose so only you can determine what life you will experience. You can monitor all day as we do and use it occasionally and the battery will last several days. I highly suggest carrying a spare charged battery and / or AA battery pack available as an accessory. I keep both in my FS go bag just in case it's needed.

 I've made many friends and met some very nice people around the world since becoming a Ham. BTW, I met my wife, "Lagomorphmom" during a Ham event we were working.

 Good luck and we expect to hear you on the air in a month or so on our local repeaters. There is a list of repeaters in the radio talk section of the forum and a complete listing available on line.

[FIGHT ON]

FO,
This is really easier than you think. Pick yourself up a Gorden West Technician study guide book for under 20 bucks and spend a couple weeks reading through it. The book will explain everything you need to know about how to prepare and pass your test. I used Gorden's books for 5 levels of licensing and didn't feel the need for a class as everything is very well explained in the books. After spending some time in the book you can go to: http://www.qrz.com  and take practice exams that are identical to the test you will be administered at a testing location. You must appear with ID to take the test and the VE's will finalize your paperwork sent into the FCC. Once you are comfortable your performance of online practice exams, you can go to the ARRL website and find a test session near your residence. All test sessions need to be made public so you should find something on the ARRL website.
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

 If you made it through college and are the navigator you appear to be, this should be a walk in the park forest for you.

 You can spend some time researching radio gear while your studying. You can post questions in our radio talk section of the forum and there are websites that review equipment. I've owned many HT's in my years of Ham radio and hands down the Kenwood tri-band TH-6 is the best HT I've owned for ease of use and affordability. Just like cell phone use, battery life depends on how chatty you are, back light settings and power level you choose so only you can determine what life you will experience. You can monitor all day as we do and use it occasionally and the battery will last several days. I highly suggest carrying a spare charged battery and / or AA battery pack available as an accessory. I keep both in my FS go bag just in case it's needed.

 I've made many friends and met some very nice people around the world since becoming a Ham. BTW, I met my wife, "Lagomorphmom" during a Ham event we were working.

 Good luck and we expect to hear you on the air in a month or so on our local repeaters. There is a list of repeaters in the radio talk section of the forum and a complete listing available on line.

wow this is what I was looking for!
Thanks a million. Thanks for taking the time to write all this. I doubt I will be using it much just having it with me on a hike would be great if something bad happens.
 she's your wife? I'd better be careful bugging her from now on!
I have a million questions. just have to figure out which ones to ask first.
Thanks again dude!
FIGHT ON

[ak7v]

Has anyone experimented with HAM GPS/APRS in our local mountains?

I have the Yaesu VX-8 handheld, which has built in APRS and GPS.  I have used it around Wrightwood, but with the rubber duck antenna, I cannot hit any APRS nodes.  I did take it with me recently on a hike to the Big Horn Mine.  I was picked up by digipeaters at the trailhead (where there's a clear shot north into the desert), but not at all during the hike.  Nor was it heard when hiking up Flume Canyon.

As far as I know, there are no APRS nodes in Wrightwood.  I ran an iGate for a while from my house, and might start it up again at some point.  What I'd like to do is set up a true two-way APRS station here.  I have the antenna and the computer.  I need to get a radio and make a computer interface for it... perhaps a winter project.

Even then, my location isn't ideal for hearing hikers way out in the mountains.  Well placed voice repeater stations will still be the best bet.

[FIGHT ON]

Cell phone? wow, I wonder what service and brand he was carrying and if he knew it would work.
That would solve a lot of this plb spot ham stuff.
Funny, two Coldwater Canyons so close together. Which one is on the back side of Baldy?  map

[Bob C]

That would solve a lot of this plb spot ham stuff.

You're still looking at this the wrong way.

[FIGHT ON]

You're still looking at this the wrong way.

  If a cell phone was as reliable as a ham wouldn't they be equal?
Can 911 be called from a ham?

[Bob C]

  If a cell phone was as reliable as a ham wouldn't they be equal?

Sure, if you get lost in a mettopolitan area (unless cell service is out, such as during a natural disaster).

[FIGHT ON]

Sure, if you get lost in a mettopolitan area (unless cell service is out, such as during a natural disaster).

what about the back side of baldy? when cell service is in? btw does ham work all the time even during a natural disaster? and can you call 911 directly from a ham?

[Bob C]

what about the back side of baldy? when cell service is in?

* The fact that he had any cell phone coverage is a complete fluke (and extreme luck)

* I'm quite sure he didn't take the phone thinking it would work if he got lost. He had a phone with him, because that's what most people do these days. He had no idea where he was going to be lost, so he did not have any reason to think the phone would save him beforehand.

Heck, I can get spotty cell coverage on certain parts of PCT near Wrightwood, if I hold my right arm up, face the west, etc. etc. Its just not reliable.

btw does ham work all the time even during a natural disaster?

Yes. Google it.

and can you call 911 directly from a ham?

Generally, not in the same way you are thinking, but yes.

[FIGHT ON]

* The fact that he had any cell phone coverage is a complete fluke (and extremeu luck)

I have the same with my cell. once in a while I will hear someone call me when I'm on the lower trails above pasadena. but never beyond that. and never never in the baldy area.
So I was thinking the same thing.
But I have run across some hikers with cell phones that work in the baldy area. I didn't ask them but for sure at baldy summit. and along the trails going up. And a few times I've seen people with reception on other areas too. I thought they must be paying for some special service. Still don't know for sure. but until I know I'm with you. fluke luck.

* I'm quite sure he didn't take the phone thinking it would work if he got lost. He had a phone with him, because that's what most people do these days. He had no idea where he was going to be lost, so he did not have any reason to think the phone would save him beforehand.

He may have believed his cell would work. we don't know. It would be neat to talk to him. find out what phone he had and what service. he may have been carrying just because he didn't want to leave it in his car. people break in and steal stuff often.

Heck, I can get spotty cell coverage on certain parts of PCT near Wrightwood, if I hold my right arm up, face the west, etc. etc. Its just not reliable.

Yes. Google it.

Generally, not in the same way you are thinking, but yes.

I think you have to talk to someone other than the 911 person and then they can call them from a regular land line or cell phone.
my point is that if a cell worked in all areas like a ham then what's the diff? a cell would be lighter right? and you could call 911 directly or anyone else under normal conditions right? I don't know who's on the other end of a ham. Isn't it just random people who want to help others?
All these gadgets have advantages and disadvantages when comparing them to each other. don't you believe that eventually cells will work everywhere? gps doesn't now but eventually it will.

[Bob C]

I think you have to talk to someone other than the 911 person and then they can call them from a regular land line or cell phone.

Generally, yes. There are repeaters, with auto-patch capability, which means you can use your radio as a phone, and make calls directly, but yes, I would agree that its more common to basically talk to someone, having them call authorities for you.

...a cell would be lighter right?

Yes, generally, your small flip phone would be lighter. But we're talking ounces here, not pounds.

I don't know who's on the other end of a ham. Isn't it just random people who want to help others?

Ok, sure. But that's better than not being able to talk to anyone.

don't you believe that eventually cells will work everywhere? gps doesn't now but eventually it will.

No. How many years have cell companies been in business? Do they have 100% coverage in the world? No.
They don't even have 100% coverage in the USA.  I doubt they ever will either, especially in mountainous areas, or anywhere else "off the beaten path". First, within the parks, you will probably never get Forest Service/National Park Service to approve having cell towers constructed. Secondly, it wouldn't even make sense for a cell company to do such a thing. For example, a cell company is not about to go thru the extreme hassles of putting up towers along the 10 mile stretch of Big Pines Highway, because the usage potential just isn't there. It just wouldn't make good business sense.

When I'm on the interstate, and want to report an accident... sure, I'll dial 911 from my cell phone. Quicker than asking someone to do it for me. But, when I'm driving in an area without cell service, my radio is inside the briefcase, ready to be used. Around Wrightwood, a good portion of Lone Pine Canyon road doesn't have cell service. There's a few spots long SR-2 east of Wrightwood with poor coverage, and of course, anywhere west of Mountain High, there is no coverage.

[FIGHT ON]

neato!  I see what you mean and agree. makes sense. so how big is your ham radio? how much does it weigh? a picture would be cool along side a dime or a quarter. (just don't make it bigger than 800 wide or you will be in big trouble! lol)
asking someone else to call 911 is better than a cell that doesn't work.
so your ham works everywhere? does it? if so that's amazing.

[Bob C]

here's a few popular models:

http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A

Icom: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx

Yaesu: http://www.yaesu.com

so your ham works everywhere? does it? if so that's amazing.

I smell a loaded question. 100% guaranteed to work (to be able to contact someone) from every single square inch on earth? Of course not.

[Wrightwood]

 

On Left: ***Kenwood Tri-band ham radio - current cost $289.99

Center: Samsung Instinct Cell Phone

On Right: Vertex 2 meter ham radio - cost was under $100




***More specs on the incredible Kenwood ham radio shown:
FM Triband HT Covers 144, 220 and440 MHz plus wide band receive 0.1-1300 MHz (cellular blocked), includes AM Aircraft receive and weather. Dual channel receive capability; FM/FM-W/FM-N/AM plus SSB/CW receive modes; Ferrite bar antenna for receiving AM broadcast; 435 memories (8 groups of 50 channels); 3 call channels plus 20 for programmable scan; Multiple scanning functions; 5W output with 7.4V lithium-ion battery; Extended operation; 16-key backlit pad plus multi-scroll key; Built-in charging circuitry, battery recharges while unit operates from a DCsupply; Selectable squelch configuration; Memory shift; Key lock; Built-in CTCSS encode/decode (42subtone frequencies) DCS (104 codes), 1750Hz toneburst; Compatible with external 1200/9600bpsTNC; Large 8-character alphanumeric display; Automatic simplex checker; Wireless remote control function; ATT (attenuator) on/off; Battery indicator; Internal VOX; MCP programming software via www.kenwood.net  (using PG-4Y cable); MeetsMIL-STD 810 C/D/E for resistance to vibration, shock and light rain. Comes with belt hook, flexible SMA antenna, hand strap, PB-42L 7.4V 1550mAh lithium-ion battery pack, AC adapter. Dim: 3.4"h x 2.3"w x 1.2"d; 8.8 oz

On a side note: Guess what type of communications are used by Search & Rescue Teams when they are searching for these lost hikers..... Ham Radio because they are the most reliable means of communications made.

[FIGHT ON]

pretty small actually. a lot smaller than I had imagined. lose half a lb and you'd never notice carrying it. Thanks for showing that.

[FIGHT ON]

here's a few popular models:

http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A

Icom: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx

Yaesu: http://www.yaesu.com


I smell a loaded question. 100% guaranteed to work (to be able to contact someone) from every single square inch on earth? Of course not.

don't know what a loaded question is.
I really don't know. are there areas where you've tried to use it and it doesn't work? I get that it's better than a cell but am interested it it's limitations. have you tried to use it on a hike somewhere and it at first didn't work and then you had to walk a few yards and then it did? Like what % of the time does it work? In wrightwood, along the blue ridge, trail up to bp, down vincent gulch area, north backbone trail areas. thanks.

[Bob C]

Are there areas where you've tried to use it and it doesn't work?

Well, one way or the other, you do need to be able to communicate with anothe person. In general, you have two choices for communicating:

(1) "direct" to another person's radio. This is "walkie-talkie" mode, and requires that you be generally line of sight with someone (or at least close to line-of-sight. Your signal isn't going to penetrate a 3 mile thick chuck-o-mountain).  Now, the distance can be pretty darned far, especially if you are on a mountain top somewhere.

(2) You communicate to someone else, thru a repeater. Same limitations. Unlike Cell towers, most amateur radio repeaters *are* set up on the tallest peaks you can find, for the best coverage.. That's probably the biggest difference in amateur radio repeaters vs cell towers.

Example: The closest amateur radio repeater to Wrightwood is table mountain. PCT? No problem. Big Pines Highway? No problem. This repeater covers a pretty good part of LA, inland empire, as far north as Kernville. On the southern parts of the ANF, I suspect there would be repeaters on the "LA side" that you'd prefer to use.

Me? Hike? My "hikes" normally consist of a trip between the couch and the refrigerator. Seriously, I've only hiked around the local area... maybe like PCT up toward Heath Wash. No cell phone coverage there, but I've got plenty of repeaters or people I can contact with radio. Someone else will have to tell you how coverage in the Gulch, and those other areas you mentioned.

For me, the radio comes in handy when I'm traveling Big Pines Highway, to get to the city for work. As soon as you get to Mountain High West, kiss cell service good bye, for the trip down Big Pines Highway. There's no pay phones, or call boxes either, so if I have car troubles, or need to call some accident in, radio is the only way.

I believe you'll find an "amateur radio" subject on this forum. We may want to move the discussion there, instead of hijacking this thread too much.

What you might want to do one of these nights is to listen to the "live scanner", using the link at the top of the forum page, any Sunday night at 6:00pm. We hold a weekly net, for the purpose of testing coverages and such. Ok, people generally aren't checking in from Vincent Mine or anything like that, but you'll have a better understanding of the range of the local repeater.

[RennMan]

I agree that some parts of this discussion may be better placed in the Radio Talk portion of the forum.  However here is my experience.

I was hiking with the Boy Scouts along the PCT to the summit of Mount Hawkins, above Dawson Saddle.  I had my VX-150 2 Meter radio with me (the one on the right in Wrightwood's image), just to see what repeaters I could "hit" from that summit.  Table Mountain was scratchy but listenable, mainly because Mt. Baden-Powell was in the way.  I was also hitting repeaters from Palmdale, Tehachapi, Catalina Island, Disneyland, and Big Bear.  That's an awful lot of people potentially listening and willing to help if needed.

[FIGHT ON]

Well, one way or the other, you do need to be able to communicate with anothe person. In general, you have two choices for communicating:

(1) "direct" to another person's radio. This is "walkie-talkie" mode, and requires that you be generally line of sight with someone (or at least close to line-of-sight. Your signal isn't going to penetrate a 3 mile thick chuck-o-mountain).  Now, the distance can be pretty darned far, especially if you are on a mountain top somewhere.

(2) You communicate to someone else, thru a repeater. Same limitations. Unlike Cell towers, most amateur radio repeaters *are* set up on the tallest peaks you can find, for the best coverage.. That's probably the biggest difference in amateur radio repeaters vs cell towers.

Example: The closest amateur radio repeater to Wrightwood is table mountain. PCT? No problem. Big Pines Highway? No problem. This repeater covers a pretty good part of LA, inland empire, as far north as Kernville. On the southern parts of the ANF, I suspect there would be repeaters on the "LA side" that you'd prefer to use.

Me? Hike? My "hikes" normally consist of a trip between the couch and the refrigerator. Seriously, I've only hiked around the local area... maybe like PCT up toward Heath Wash. No cell phone coverage there, but I've got plenty of repeaters or people I can contact with radio. Someone else will have to tell you how coverage in the Gulch, and those other areas you mentioned.

For me, the radio comes in handy when I'm traveling Big Pines Highway, to get to the city for work. As soon as you get to Mountain High West, kiss cell service good bye, for the trip down Big Pines Highway. There's no pay phones, or call boxes either, so if I have car troubles, or need to call some accident in, radio is the only way.

I believe you'll find an "amateur radio" subject on this forum. We may want to move the discussion there, instead of hijacking this thread too much.

What you might want to do one of these nights is to listen to the "live scanner", using the link at the top of the forum page, any Sunday night at 6:00pm. We hold a weekly net, for the purpose of testing coverages and such. Ok, people generally aren't checking in from Vincent Mine or anything like that, but you'll have a better understanding of the range of the local repeater.

Very nice. I can see why people want to move this to another thread. I think it's directly related to this topic though. If we were talking about how USC is better than UCLA in everything then for sure it would be off topic. even if it's true! LOL.
Sunday night. sounds cool. Thanks.