*** Public Use Portable Radios ***

Re: Climbing Radios? (3W8PE1B , Sat 17:47)
From: 3W8PE1B <willi6@erols.com>
Date:  14th July 1997

Andreas,

Radio (like climbing) is probably more magic/art, than it is
science.  To give you a good recommendation requires a little
more information.

Unless you are not real particular about sharing your
channel with a number of your very best "Good Buddies",
I'd stay away from the 27 MHz Citizens Band. It is
cheap, but you get what you pay for - and more.

There is a 49 MHz Citizens Band that is used for kids
toys. If it looks cheap, and is in the shape of an
animal or something generally non-radio, you probably
do not want that either.

There is another group in the 49 MHz band that is made
for outdoor type activities. They use a different type
technology than the kids stuff (FM vs. AM), give you
a few channels, and have some options that are kinda
handy (e.g., "No-Hands" operation - pun intended). You
can usually find these in Radio Shack, sporting goods
stores, hunting catalogs, the Hang Glider community likes
them, etc.

Two down sides to watch for.

1) Plastic comes in all types.
ABS (?)and kevlar are at one end of the scale, and whatever
lousy plastic is called is at the other. If is is sturdy
and almost unbreakable, they'll probably advertise the fact.

2) Batteries are an expendable (and heavy) resource.
Depending upon the radio type, you'll need a good supply of
decent batteries. Or some way to recharge the "rechargable"
batteriy pack. There are pros and cons to both approachs;
Weight, availability at the corner store, life, how easy is
it to change on the side of a rock face, did I mention weight?

Another non-CB type radio is in the VHF (150 MHz) band and
is used on an itinerent basis. The license, if even required,
is easy to obtain. Range will be limited by terrain (as in
the other types). These are built by some of the major names;
motorola, maxon, etc. They cost about $150-200 each.

There is another group of handheld radios starting to come into
prominance in the Family Radio Service. They are similar to
the itinerant business radios in capabilities, but the price 
seems to be coming down. (Look for the ads with "Keep track of
your kids at the mall").

These will do for quick and dirty solutions. It can, and does, get
a whole lot more complex - INMARSAT Terminal, anyone?

Holler if you need more info, or have any questions.

Regards,  Dave.


Re: Climbing Radios? ("Richard A. Ferguson" , Sun 21:49)
From: "Richard A. Ferguson" <raferguson@worldnet.att.net>

Andrew D wrote:
> 
> Motorola makes a product called "Sport Radios" just for you. They
> are likely better than anything else availible but I haven't
> actually used them so I can't be sure. Don't drop them.

The "Sport Radios" are a new UHF radio service. I think that
these will be smaller than CB, and work better most of the
time. Other companies (including Radio Shack and Midland)
make radios for the this new service, I think it is called the
family band, but no blood or other relation is required,
no FCC licence required. One disadvantage is that you will
hear any other radio chatter on your channel, but since most
of these radios have several channels, you can move to another
channel if you end up sharing a channel with another group.

However, if you are line-of-sight to a metropolitan area,
I think that you would receive too much interference.  
In the backcountry, they should be fine.  

Generaly, UHF radio is line-of-sight, but for short
distances it will bounce around whether it is line of 
sight or not. If you are in one valley, you will
probably not be able to talk to anyone in the next
valley, but you will be able to talk to people high
on the mountain, especially if they are on your side
of the mountain. For belays, these should be 100% 
effective. These run about a half watt of power,
which is quite a bit for a short distance.

Richard Ferguson
Boulder Colorado
Amateur Radio call KA0DXM

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