FJ Summit 2008 Radio Communications Thread

[MountainMan]

Here you will find info regarding radio communications that will be used for the summit. If you have input for this topic respond to this thread and I will update the OP so folks know what channels people are using. (If there are errors in this post let me know so i can correct it)

NOTE: Radio communications are not required for the summit but do add to the experience by allowing you to communicate with the other FJs in your trail group or possibly other trail groups depending on what form of communication you use and other environmental factors.



CB RADIO (Citizen Band)
Short Description:
CB radio transmits at 4 watts and uses AM frequencies. CB is probably the most common form of civilian radio communication, although FRS is extremely common as well. AM frequencies usually are subject to greater noise interference than FM frequencies. No license is required. More info here, and radios found here

Summit Channels/Frequency:
Channel 7 is the channel for general CB communication at the summit
other channels might be used by individual trail run groups


FRS RADIO (Family Radio Service - motorola types)
Short Description:
FRS radio transmits at .5 watts and therefore has limited range but is cheap and easy to use and good for communication within your FJ trail group, no license is required. More info here and Radios found here

Summit Channels:
The channel in use would be determined by each group, each group would probably choose a channel that has the least amount of interference and would most likely be chosen at the trail head the day of the trail run.



HAM RADIO (Amateur Radio)
Short Description:
HAM radio (also called Amateur Radio) transmits at 5-100 watts for handheld and mobile units and therefore has greater range. HAM radio uses FM frequencies. HAM radio also has the advantage of using repeaters, which are devices that listen and repeat the signal giving even greater range, you do not have to use repeaters - you can use HAM without repeaters this is known as Simplex. To use HAM radio you do need a license, it is easy to get and cheap. More info here and radios found here

Summit Repeaters:
146.670 Durango DARC 100
146.700 Durango DARC 100
147.345 Durango Colo Conn 123
448.625 Durango KC5EVE 100
448.700 Durango KC5EVE 100
449.850 Durango K0EP
147.270 Silverton KB5ITT + 123.0 PL Engineer Mt. linked to Buffalo Mt.
147.375 Silverton SilvConn + 156.7 PL Kendal Mt. linked to Durango and into N. New Mexico, and to Buffalo Mt.
447.520 Silverton SilvConn - 127.3 PL Buffalo Mt. NE of Silverton, the hub repeater between Engineer and Kendal
147.210 Montrose K0GJ
146.910 Montrose KJOG
147.150 Montrose NX0Q
Colorado Repeater Map

Direct KMZ download of the coverage map (For Google Earth)
Google Maps version
Caveats: I've included the 25mi radius from the Engineer Mtn repeater, but coverage will be VERY spotty at that range.The 5mi coverage (red) and 10mi coverage (yellow) for the repeaters will, obviously, depend on radio, antenna, and exact location. This map is to give us a general idea of what we should expect.

Summit Simplex (vehicle to vehicle):
General Simplex for the Summit: 147.555
However, each FJ trail group could choose a frequency for their trail run.

for a list of FJ HAMs <<hams Check-in Here>>

Thank you to those who have contributed content to this thread, especially Shane4x4!

[frogeye]

KI6LHP HAM Running a Yaseu 8800 in rig @ 50 watts.

[shane4x4]

I was waiting for this thread, thanks MM.

As I recall, last year CH 7 was the over all CB channel. I'm not sure about repeaters in the area, I didn't really fire up the HAM last year. I'll see if I can find a repeater coverage map.

[frogeye]

Ya, let's figure out the local repeaters and their covereage. We could have a home base setup at the BW for communications from any HAMs on the runs (emergency, breakdowns, whatever).

[MountainMan]

i have contacted the local ARES group leader and asked for his input on the repeaters that cover the area, i hope to hear back from him shortly...

a coverage map would be good to find

[shane4x4]

There is an older repeater map here:
Maps - Colorado Council of Amateur Radio Clubs, Inc.

The Colorado Connection doesn't appear to have any repeaters in the area. The map lists 1 in montrose and several in silverton.

Hopefully we can find a more current list.

Anyone have any type of portable repeater that could be used??

Once we get a decent map with lat/lon - I should be able to work up a Google Earth doc w/approximate coverages.

[MountainMan]

i added a link to the old repeater map to the OP for now

[shane4x4]

Here's the short list i've been able to come up with:
OUTPUT LOCATION SPONSOR ACCESS
146.670 Durango DARC 100
146.700 Durango DARC 100
147.345 Durango Colo Conn 123
448.625 Durango KC5EVE 100
448.700 Durango KC5EVE 100
449.850 Durango K0EP
147.270 Silverton KB5ITT 127.3
147.375 Silverton SilvConn 156.7
447.525 Silverton SilvConn
147.210 Montrose K0GJ
146.910 Montrose KJOG
147.150 Montrose NX0Q

Once I get the lat/lon for these, I'll get working on a google map

[MountainMan]

thanks for your help Shane, this is great

frogeye, we should hit a trail together

[1leglance]

way cool...
you know the summit could apply for a event call sign if there was enough interest, I doubt we have enough hams around but just in case
Otherwise it would be great to pick a person who has all types of comm and would be willing to be comm control. They would be responsible for keeping track of the freq/type of comm for each group in case of emerg on the trail. Each Trail leader/sweep would be given the cell number of this person and they could text/call the Comm Control before the group leaves staging with the type/channel/freq being used on the run.
Example:
Alpine Loop 0800 cb 12
Black Bear 0745 cb 14 ham 146.480
It sound complicated but all Comm Control would need is a cell phone, and a log book...of course this person would be a radio head by nature and more than likely have 1 of each type of radio
In the event of a group not returning or concern then comm control can try to reach out to them or if we hit the trail in search we would know what type/channel/freq to reach out on.
Just my thoughts and I would be happy to help if needed.