Radios for long distance

[Andy Collins]

Look at the VHF top band radios for better range, rather than the UHF stuff. UHF is better in built up area where the signal need to punch through brickwork etc, I have switchable VHF/UHF for this very reason, on UK Gen licence. The comparison even in relatively short distances, say 2 miles is that the voice received is probably 10x clearer on the VHF. If you drop down to VHF low band its even better, as rule. Tbh radios between 164-174MHz are adequate for our needs, and if you have the switchable radios you can use 449MHz as well which eliminates the kids playing about that you get on 446Mhz PMR. the Chinese are sending in some very reasonably priced radios these days, which are strong enough for commercial work, and more affordable than the Mitex range. You can also pick up ex-Police radios reconditioned and re-tuned to 449 MHz for a very reasonable amount, the clarity of the audio is far superior to many of the cheaper radios.

[gensetsteve]

Do you know how much a licence is. Also anyone know what is the difference between UHF and VHF? I have a VHF licence for sailing though I think you are not allowed to use it from land for some reason.

 

The uhf frequency is illegal I think. We bought some handi coms and about 4 years later they out lawed them. Work well though

[nooie]

The uhf frequency is illegal I think. We bought some handi coms and about 4 years later they out lawed them. Work well though

 

Ah, I used UHF when I was working on a cruise ship once which gave us a great signal through steel and up to a few miles away where we were working.

 

Thanks again for all the replies, I need to learn abit more about these things..

[Andy Collins]

No genset UHF is perfectly legal, you can run on either 446 (PMR) but there will be kids etc on there, or 449 (Site Simple licence) no worries. VHF also requires a licence, and you have about a dozen frequencies to use. You cannot use Marine radios other than for Marine use, this is strictly regulated and they come down like a ton of the proverbial on those who mess about. A lot of modern two-ways have a"man down" sensor built in, where if you are collapsed for a period of time, it will automatically raise an alarm with your check in point. Bit dearer though.

On recollection, they changed the user frequencies some time ago in UHF which was termed SRBR on 461 Megs, think this was to allow for analogue mobile phones, which have now been replaced with digital elsewhere.

Edited September 2, 2012 by Andy Collins

[nooie]

Good stuff Andy. Aye I wouldn't have any problems round here with kids being on air. There is only around 200 people in the village mostly over 60 years old and only a dozen wee squids. The sprogs that are here are more into the Nintendo DS. As long as there isn't a Nintendo DS UHF I would be sorted. Cheers..

[Andy Collins]

You mentioned CB as an alternative idea for radio contact. This is ok but the Russian Taxi companies ave recently swamped the airwaves quite heavily in those frequencies, they run massive power boosts to out perform their rivals,with no regulation to stop them. It's been said that two trucks in convoy over here can be swamped by the Russians! So maybe not the best option, and with sunspot activity increasing I'm sure the problem is only going to get worse.

[Dan Earp]

Also known as sporadic E lol

[openspaceman]

Does anyone know of any walkie talkie radios that would be good for use in a forest with a coverage of about 3-4 miles. Similar to another post here, I am working alone and in an area with no phone coverage. .

 

I see that some walkers now carry personal location beacons, as used by lone yachtsmen, I know little about them or their running costs but you can send an "OKAY" signal at a regular interval. A guy doing the coast to coast walk used one when he had an appendix problem a year or tow back.

[nooie]

You mentioned CB as an alternative idea for radio contact. This is ok but the Russian Taxi companies ave recently swamped the airwaves quite heavily in those frequencies, they run massive power boosts to out perform their rivals,with no regulation to stop them. It's been said that two trucks in convoy over here can be swamped by the Russians! So maybe not the best option, and with sunspot activity increasing I'm sure the problem is only going to get worse.

Ah, the nearest Russians to us are probably in Russia. No problems there I don't think. Does CB work with UHF radios?

[Dan Earp]

Those radios work in Argyle from sea level over the mountains into the forestry. PRR are shite! £75 for 5 year licence as below.

 

Ofcom | Ask us - Spectrum - What type of business radio licence would be the best for me?

 

I am considering getting some of these. You can get lots of headsets and mikes.

 

Maybe back in your day old boy lol

If youve got the sandbag I'll get the lantern