Ham radio

C

Chestr

Member
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, 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

ItalianScallion

Harley Rider
Chestr said:
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, 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!
Click to expand...
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
 
E

EmptyTimCup

Guest
hey IS

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

Chestr

Member
ItalianScallion said:
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
Click to expand...

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?
 
GWguy

GWguy

*
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

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

The_Twisted_Ear

A proud Conservative!
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.
 
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C

Chestr

Member
The_Twisted_Ear said:
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.
Click to expand...

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?
 
The_Twisted_Ear

The_Twisted_Ear

A proud Conservative!
Chestr said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
ylexot

ylexot

Super Genius
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:
 
E

EmptyTimCup

Guest
no


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

ItalianScallion

Harley Rider
EmptyTimCup said:
like this; 2 are CD Yellow
Gonset Communicator 3 Transceiver 2 Meters
some things are obvious - broken radial switch, resistor obvious cooked .....
Click to expand...
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 and one in St Marys
SMCARA President's Welcome

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.
 
I

ItalianScallion

Harley Rider
E

EmptyTimCup

Guest
ItalianScallion said:
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...
Click to expand...



I am still looking over the Ham sites you posted


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