FJ Summit 2008 Radio Communications Thread

[FJ-Piper]

Why not run it like a real HAM event next year? Just make sure there is at least 1 HAM equipped rig on each run, use CB for trail communications and the HAM operator can relay traffic to a NET Control station set up at the main event area? The NET Control station should have all other necessary communications means, telephone, CB, FRS, GMRS, etc... and would be monitoring all of those for possible distress calls or other emergency / non emergency traffic. You could even try mobile NVIS on HF for getting over the mountain tops back to NET Control.

I bet you could even sign up for a special event call sign and in the evenings, there could be some DXing on HF. There could be some real cool QSL cards created with a Killer FJ on the trail somewhere loaded with antennas.

If there are enough ham operators, you could take turns at net Control so everyone gets to do trails and other stuff at some point. the NET control station could also be setup to promote HAM radio and it's capabilities.

I'm sure there are several HARD CORE HAM's out there right now that are thinking.... Hmmm that sounds like a good idea. So, lets hear from ya...

[w5wi]

I had a great time talking on 2m simplex. I had great coverage and spoke to folks at the BW while I was going up Imogene and on Alpine Loop. I even coordinated with the run behind us via ham because CB didn't get it done!

Ham radio is rapidly gaining popularity with the off-road community. The range, clarity and lack of interference is wonderful.

cheers and 73,

dale de W5WI

[Mikey D.]

FJ-Piper previously said:

Why not run it like a real HAM event next year? Just make sure there is at least 1 HAM equipped rig on each run, use CB for trail communications and the HAM operator can relay traffic to a NET Control station set up at the main event area? The NET Control station should have all other necessary communications means, telephone, CB, FRS, GMRS, etc... and would be monitoring all of those for possible distress calls or other emergency / non emergency traffic. You could even try mobile NVIS on HF for getting over the mountain tops back to NET Control.

I bet you could even sign up for a special event call sign and in the evenings, there could be some DXing on HF. There could be some real cool QSL cards created with a Killer FJ on the trail somewhere loaded with antennas.

If there are enough ham operators, you could take turns at net Control so everyone gets to do trails and other stuff at some point. the NET control station could also be setup to promote HAM radio and it's capabilities.

I'm sure there are several HARD CORE HAM's out there right now that are thinking.... Hmmm that sounds like a good idea. So, lets hear from ya...

^ What he said!

Mike