walky-talky recs?

So they do work in river canyons? Great!

Any specific models to recommend? Motorola and Cobra brands were
mentioned...

Thanks, T

wrote:
So they do work in river canyons? Great!

Any specific models to recommend? Motorola and Cobra brands were
mentioned...

Thanks, T

I bought a set of inexpensive Motorolas. So far they've worked well in
canyon situations, as long as the distance is within a mile or two.
Outside of that range, it's performance falls off to almost nil. I
haven't tried it on a straight line of sight, but I would imagine it
would extend the range quite a bit?

brians

(Sorry if you see multiple postings - computer trouble here) --

RW, do you remember which models worked for you in canyons? Just
trying to figure if I need to aim for the highest powered models (10 or
12 miles), or what...

Thanks for the feedback.

Tim

wrote:

(Sorry if you see multiple postings - computer trouble here) --

RW, do you remember which models worked for you in canyons? Just
trying to figure if I need to aim for the highest powered models (10 or
12 miles), or what...

Thanks for the feedback.

I don't remember. My walky-talkies are in my camper right now, which is
in Boise, where it's getting some repairs.

I'm leaving tomorrow to pick it up on my way (actually, out-of-the-way)
to the Western Clave.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

RW, do you remember which models worked for you in canyons? Just
trying to figure if I need to aim for the highest powered models (10 or
12 miles), or what...

Thanks for the feedback.

I don't remember. My walky-talkies are in my camper right now, which is
in Boise, where it's getting some repairs.

I'm leaving tomorrow to pick it up on my way (actually, out-of-the-way)
to the Western Clave.

RW,
Do you know if cell phones work near the Slide Inn? Verizon? Unfortunately,
work goes on... I did pick up a couple of walky-talkies at Radio Shack -
Hope they work.
Guy

Guy Thornberg wrote:

RW,
Do you know if cell phones work near the Slide Inn? Verizon?

Dunno. I've never owned a cell phone.

Cell phone service has finally come to Stanley, Idaho this year. I see
people using them everywhere, and not just tourists. It annoys me, but I
know I'm not justified in being annoyed. They aren't really hurting me.
Still, I don't like it.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

"Guy Thornberg" wrote in message
...

RW, do you remember which models worked for you in canyons? Just
trying to figure if I need to aim for the highest powered models (10 or
12 miles), or what...

Thanks for the feedback.

I don't remember. My walky-talkies are in my camper right now, which is
in Boise, where it's getting some repairs.

I'm leaving tomorrow to pick it up on my way (actually, out-of-the-way)
to the Western Clave.

RW,
Do you know if cell phones work near the Slide Inn? Verizon?
Unfortunately,
work goes on... I did pick up a couple of walky-talkies at Radio Shack -
Hope they work.
Guy


Is there an agreed upon channel for the clave? I don't recall what was used
last year.

Bugcaster

wrote in news:1120623095.141743.194800
@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com:

Anyone tried any modern-style walky-talkies for use when fly-fishing
with (fast hiking) friends, ones that will work in river gorges? Or,
ever see any side-by-side reviews of such?

I just spent the last three days scrambling up and down river canyons
with friends, and could really have used a good pair to keep us in
touch. We almost lost one guy. My concern is that the walkys won't
work in the deeper gorge areas. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Tim



Just a reminder that while FRS radios are open and license-free, GMRS
radios require a $75 FCC license that covers your whole immediate family
for about 5 years.

Scott

wrote in message
oups.com...
Anyone tried any modern-style walky-talkies for use when fly-fishing
with (fast hiking) friends, ones that will work in river gorges? Or,
ever see any side-by-side reviews of such?

I just spent the last three days scrambling up and down river canyons
with friends, and could really have used a good pair to keep us in
touch. We almost lost one guy. My concern is that the walkys won't
work in the deeper gorge areas. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Tim

There are two basic groups of radios that are widely used in the outdoors
and a third, that gets more use in construction. FRS (Family Radio Service)
has no license requirements and is limited to 1/2 watt. There are 14
channels and most radios have 38 "Private Line" codes (sub-audible tone or
SAT). They are currently pretty cheap, even for "good" ones.

Second class of radio is General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This is a
licensed service, though almost no-one applies for the license any more.
These radios are limited to 5 watts, often include the FRS freqs as well and
also have PL codes. For distance over open ground, all FM radios are
line-of-sight (about 5 miles maximum). For penetration of obstructions, the
more power the better. GMRS radios are about 100 bucks per pair for "good"
ones. Midland Radio makes a set with headsets, batteries and chargers for
around a hundred dollars per pair that work well. Cobra, Motorola, and
Uniden all make radios in this class. There are even GMRS repeater services
available in a lot of places that really increase range, though you will
need a license to subscribe to these.

There is also MURS (Multiple User Radio Service) that is on the VHF band
(FRS and GMRS are UHF) and require no license. Power is limited to 2 watts,
radios are more flexible and are often programmable (by the dealer) to meet
specific needs. These freqs are often simply programmed into commercial VHF
radios in the land mobile class. Thousands of options here, from 150 per
radio to over a grand (bells and whistles not used by anyone for any reason
under any circumstances). These radios are much more durable and
"professional" than the FRS and GMRS classes. (You can look just like the
cop on the beat with one of these).

Best bet over all, IMO, would be the GMRS radios, unless you need to spend
the extra money to impress your friends. (Which we all know fly fisherman
are prone to do)

Mark
(radio sales and service for over 15 years and running)

"Mark W. Oots" mark_ctc@(no spam)ameritech.net wrote in
:

Best bet over all, IMO, would be the GMRS radios, unless you need to
spend the extra money to impress your friends. (Which we all know fly
fisherman are prone to do)

Mark
(radio sales and service for over 15 years and running)




Some things to watch for:

Personally, for outdoor use, I like to avoid rechargable batteries, as they
aren't easily replaced in the field. This doesn't apply if I'll be in
contact with a car, and have a car charger.

Try to go with something light, unobtrusive, and "weatherproof"- whatever
that means. I'd prefer something waterproof, but the only waterproof GMRS
I can find is the Garmin Rhino, and that has a GPS attached and is way
overpriced.

Scott