If I were to have the ability to reach emergency services while hiking, or in the event that the power is out in the county, what would I need to do that?

Let me explain where I am at. I called the ECC for the county. They told me they didn't have time to answer any of my questions, which kind of pissed me off, since they're supposed to, and sent me to RadioReference.com (http://www.radioreference.com), where they claimed all of their frequencies were listed. Once at radioreference.com, to the best of my ability, I am seeing that their "distress" frequencies are listed as 866.86250 and 867.48750 .

This seem a little odd to me because all of the dual band radios I've looked at only go up to around 500Mhz.

1. What am I missing?
2. What did I do wrong?
3. Why did I get a canned response from the ECC?

Thanks!

If I were to have the ability to reach emergency services while hiking, or in the event that the power is out in the county, what would I need to do that?

Let me explain where I am at. I called the ECC for the county. They told me they didn't have time to answer any of my questions, which kind of pissed me off, since they're supposed to, and sent me to RadioReference.com (http://www.radioreference.com), where they claimed all of their frequencies were listed. Once at radioreference.com, to the best of my ability, I am seeing that their "distress" frequencies are listed as 866.86250 and 867.48750 .

This seem a little odd to me because all of the dual band radios I've looked at only go up to around 500Mhz.

1. What am I missing?
2. What did I do wrong?
3. Why did I get a canned response from the ECC?

Thanks!
I've been a licensed Amateur Radio Operator since 1969 and we've never been allowed to use those frequencies. The frequencies we can use at that range are: 902-928 MHZ and 1240-1300MHZ. Amateurs are not allowed to use the 866 & 867MHZ part.

I'm not sure what type of radio would cover those frequencies but you might try calling the FCC or going to their website. Home | FCC.gov (http://www.fcc.gov)

hey IS

where can I get some AM Transcives fixed - CD Era Tube stuff

hey IS

where can I get some AM Transcives fixed - CD Era Tube stuff
There aren't any repair shops left around here. I used to restore those old radios but I sold all my test equipment in 2004. What type and what's the problem? I might be able to help you somewhat...

I've been a licensed Amateur Radio Operator since 1969 and we've never been allowed to use those frequencies. The frequencies we can use at that range are: 902-928 MHZ and 1240-1300MHZ. Amateurs are not allowed to use the 866 & 867MHZ part.

I'm not sure what type of radio would cover those frequencies but you might try calling the FCC or going to their website. Home | FCC.gov (http://www.fcc.gov)

Thank you, sir, for your reply.

The question remains, what channel do I use to contact emergency services on a civilian radio?

Does anyone know if the authorities monitor civilian band channel 9?

CB 9 is hit or miss these days. Most people have gone to Cell service for emergency calls.

If you're in an area hiking that doesn't get cell service, you might want to investigate emergency radios specifically designed for hikers/boaters. These radios work over satellite and can be used almost anywhere.

emergency satellite radio - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?q=emergency%20satellite%20radio&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&source=hp&channel=np#q=personal+emergency+satellite+radio&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=rN1&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=np&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=QhuIT72kNYfa0QGrtZjoCQ&ved=0CHMQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=ad49340c7b3396fc&biw=1252&bih=614)

Stop in to any marine store and see what they have.

So, you are asking what Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) (unlicensed two-way radio service) you can use in case of an emergency?

MURS comprises the following five frequencies:

151.820 MHz
151.880 MHz
151.940 MHz
154.570 MHz
154.600 MHz

MURS operation is authorized anywhere a CB station is authorized and within or over any area of the world where radio services are regulated by the FCC.

All those other frequencies (since you aren't licensed) are used for monitoring only.

I would suggest you just bring your Cell Phone with ya and hit 911.

Now, you might consider getting your Amateur Radio License and carring a 2 Meter Handheld with ya . You could get a list of local repeaters (Emergency Services - ARES) that you can access in case of an emergency. The possibilities are many - I just mentioned a few here.

Now, you might consider getting your Amateur Radio License and carring a 2 Meter Handheld with ya . You could get a list of local repeaters (Emergency Services - ARES) that you can access in case of an emergency. The possibilities are many - I just mentioned a few here.

Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind. Do you know if anyone in Emergency services can be reached on 2 Meter Handheld. What frequencies do I need to reach emergency services on a 2 meter handheld?

Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind. Do you know if anyone in Emergency services can be reached on 2 Meter Handheld. What frequencies do I need to reach emergency services on a 2 meter handheld?

All 2 Meter Handhelds can access all available frequencies. It all depends on you location. Also, they meet on a set frequency (depending on their location). While THEY might not be on-the-air at that moment - other Amateur's will be available to help out. If you can provide me with your current location (PM if you like) - I will find out the closest club, etc. for ya.

There aren't any repair shops left around here. I used to restore those old radios but I sold all my test equipment in 2004. What type and what's the problem? I might be able to help you somewhat...

like this; 2 are CD Yellow

Gonset Communicator 3 Transceiver 2 Meters (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gonset-Communicator-3-Transceiver-2-Meters-/180855409141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1bd289f5)


some things are obvious - broken radial switch, resistor obvious cooked .....

Are any of you guys members at SMCARA? I've been thinking about getting into HAM for emergency situations. I actually did a bunch of prep questions for the test and did pretty good for someone who has read absolutely nothing on the subject. :biggrin:

no


but I figure, when the bombs go off I'll still be able to talk to someone .....

like this; 2 are CD Yellow
Gonset Communicator 3 Transceiver 2 Meters (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gonset-Communicator-3-Transceiver-2-Meters-/180855409141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1bd289f5)
some things are obvious - broken radial switch, resistor obvious cooked .....
Those are oldies but moldies. Today, the only resource for getting those radios fixed would be a HAM operator who works on them and has the equipment to fix & test them. You might also be able to find something online if you search Gonset Radio repair. A local radio club can lead you in the right direction too. There are 2 radio clubs that I know of. One in Charles county CCARC | Charles County Amateur Radio Club (http://k3smd.org) and one in St Marys
SMCARA President's Welcome (http://www.qsl.net/smcara/)

Assuming that they haven't been powered up in a long time, the tubes will need to be tested first, then all the electrolytic capacitors should be replaced. All the resistor values should be checked and then a thorough cleaning of all connections should be done. After that, a Variac should be used to bring the voltage up slowly in case the radio decides to self destruct.

Are any of you guys members at SMCARA? I've been thinking about getting into HAM for emergency situations. I actually did a bunch of prep questions for the test and did pretty good for someone who has read absolutely nothing on the subject. :biggrin:
Here are some sites that may help you:

American Radio Relay League | ARRL - The national association for AMATEUR RADIO (http://www.arrl.org)

QRZ.COM (http://www.qrz.com)

eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site (http://www.eham.net)

After that, a Variac should be used to bring the voltage up slowly in case the radio decides to self destruct.





yeah the magic smoke got out of one of the resistors already .......

yeah the magic smoke got out of one of the resistors already .......
And that's usually a sign of another bigger problem. When that happens, you shouldn't plug it in until it is totally checked out. Resistors weren't meant to be fuses...

Resistors weren't meant to be fuses...




:whistle:


you don't say

:whistle:


you don't say
I just did....:razz: :roflmao:

Any luck finding a repair place? If I had my test equipment I'd be glad to work on them for you...

I just did....:razz: :roflmao:

Any luck finding a repair place? If I had my test equipment I'd be glad to work on them for you...



I am still looking over the Ham sites you posted


what more do you need than a multi meter and a soldering iron

I am still looking over the Ham sites you posted
what more do you need than a multi meter and a soldering iron
Tube tester, capacitor checker, & the manual with a schematic...

I did find this on a Ham Radio search. Does not look like its been updated recently. Was looking to see when next meeting is.

SMCARA President's Welcome (http://www.qsl.net/smcara/index.html)

Bill...

I might go to their meeting next week (I'm assuming it's happening next Thursday). I'd kinda like to get the license so I can mess around with it. Ultimately, I'd like to set up a PSK31 system:
PSK31 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31)

BTW...I like the image they have on Wiki...IT'S THE MATRIX!

Tube tester, capacitor checker, & the manual with a schematic...



phft Tube Tester ........ they Glow Orange


I did have an issue with most of the radios, needing the tubes moved around in the sockets or removed and put back -there seemed to be a slight pin to socket corrosion issue

once they were wiggled around al little, they lit right up

phft Tube Tester ........ they Glow Orange.
I did have an issue with most of the radios, needing the tubes moved around in the sockets or removed and put back -there seemed to be a slight pin to socket corrosion issue once they were wiggled around al little, they lit right up
Yes but a tube lighting up is only a small part of its function. Tubes can light up and still not work. Corrosion in the sockets is a sign of bigger problems. The switches might not work because of that and, so, the tube sockets and switches might have to be replaced.

In any case, it sounds like it really isn't worth the money to have someone fix it unless they'll do it for free. You'll end up putting hundreds of $$ into it and it will only be worth $50... IF anyone wants it. Check Ebay for their going price or do an internet search to see what their resale might be today.

"AM" radios were popular in the 60's & 70's but are almost unheard of in Amateur Radio today...