2M Radio

[buttsy]

Anyone running a 2M VHF set? Is anyone interested in pursuing this? You will need to qualify for a HAM radio license, but you can transmit over MUCH larger distances than with CB (can transmit up to 75w on a mobile unit, vs 4w on a CB). I've been reading up on it, and we can probably get a group discount on licenses (Study guide is $30, and the examiners fees differ from person to person). A good 2M set will run ya more than $150, plus the related hardware. The nice thing is, I've checked the repeaters and coverage and for AW we can literally talk to just about anyone, just about anywhere in the area. So if someone runs into trouble on Concession Lake, we could call a group on the Hydro line or back to the campsite for assistance if needed. Granted, the CB would still be better amongst the group on trail, as with the VHF you have a call sign and asshattery would be generally frowned upon.

[Jayman]

I've looked into this a few times in the past, but came to the realization that the only time I would ever use it is for AW. This is very similar to my use of the CB actually. The only time I ever use it, is when I’m wheeling.

I know that getting your HAM licence is a little bit more difficult then just showing up and writing the test, but it’s far from impossible.

My dad has had his HAM licence for a while now, and even he uses it very sparingly.

I think with the invention of cellular phones, most people have gone away from the use of radios like this, even though coverage can be spotty in certain areas.

[Adam]

I agree with jayman, it would be great to have but not everyone is going to want to spend that much or study and write a test to get a license for something they would use once or twice a year. I too only use my CB when wheeling or when on long highway trips.

[BigRed44]

I have mine and had it since i was 13 I use it often when traveling with family and for a few other things.

[Scotto]

Yeah - I'm on board with the other guys on this. More power rocks, but for what we do, and with large groups, and cell phones... It seems a bit over the top.

Maybe it's the KISS rule: Keep It Simple Stupid.

I always have the CB on 19. The trucks let me know about a lot of the goings on around here, and lots of P/Us have them. We let one another know about radar traps, deer, and bad bits of road (like ice or accidents...) And I use it for weather.

Just my 2 cents...

[nige]

i also thought about getting my operator's license. part of it had to do with being able to use my VHF on the boat... legally

A lot of the guys from calgary area use it. Mookie has a nice setup in his truck

[Nd4SpdSe]

I've wanted my operators license for many years before I owned my truck, but never really have the drive to do it.

I've been wanting to setup a nice amplified CB system on the end of the vixen mast and set it up on the top of the hill of the bowl at AW for similar cases to what you describe, but not sure if it would work as planned.

Another thing I want to build for AW is a mobile CB to FRS repeater