Radios for long distance

[Andy Collins]

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

 

No the sheer power of the Russians means they literally over power our feeble signals. CB operates 26-27Mhz, which is HF (High Frequency) UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is completely different spectrum, typically 449Mhz.

the new Bowman army radios are supposed to be superior to the old Clansman systems, however it has been reported that many have experienced a lot of issues with the Bowman. It's is probably better for scrambling messages, more suited for transmission of data etc, and more compatible with other nations forces systems, but time will tell. To compare a Clansman set to most of the modern radios available in the commercial sector is like comparing a 60s car to a modern day one. The beauty if the Clansman system is it's simplicity of use, at all levels whether at platoon level or command level, and it's robust build. As a system it also has a decent HF range of frequencies. Suitable for the modern workplace? Heavy, bulky very robust, but I'd spend less money on more modern radios, personally.

[Dan Earp]

Insecure radio nets will be affected for example by the Russian truck drivers, however most of the bowman set up is secure(encrypted) therefore you wouldn't get in the local radio traffic coming up on your net. As for the reason why I suggested the new prr however I'm sure there'll be a civvi model that's does the same but with all things like that it can cost a lot

[Andy Collins]

Ah but the Bowman is not available in civvy form, they are only shifting the Clansman due to the upgrade to Bowman, even though personnel see it as a backward step. Utilising CTSS and DCSS will give a degree of security, not that security in tree work is that important, more the less of intervention from others outside the net. radio protocol should mean that a busy channel is left to the person there first, but rarely works as such. DCSS and CTSS are available on most radios these days, even the most basic supermarket 446MHZ radios.

Of course, you can step up to digital radio, rather than analogue, with the Motobro radios, but I feel this is too expensive and unnecessary for tree work, but essential where secure comms are needed.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Andy Collins

[Dan Earp]

Ah but the Bowman is not available in civvy form, they are only shifting the Clansman due to the upgrade to Bowman, even though personnel see it as a backward step. Utilising CTSS and DCSS will give a degree of security, not that security in tree work is that important, more the less of intervention from others outside the net. radio protocol should mean that a busy channel is left to the person there first, but rarely works as such. DCSS and CTSS are available on most radios these days, even the most basic supermarket 446MHZ radios.

Of course, you can step up to digital radio, rather than analogue, with the Motobro radios, but I feel this is too expensive and unnecessary for tree work, but essential where secure comms are needed.

 

I understand that its not avaiable to the civvi market lol, even when bowman did finally arrive it was 10 years out of date. I've used clansman as well and for what you get it's a gd bit of kit and squaddie fidded lol, a clansman RT349 should be gd enough. There's a pair on eBay for less than £100 atm. Or even a clansman 351 352 320 radio on a backpack frame that could be carried or strapped to a vehicle

Edited September 3, 2012 by Dan Earp

[Andy Collins]

Problem with operating a 349 it won't operate legally, being in tye 30+ Megz bracket, it doesn't comply with Amateur licence, UK Gen licence or anything else. I know you can argue that it doesn't matter, but as a mod I have to recommend something legal to operate. Given that, I believe a 349 only puts out 1watt PEP, so not exactly an issue, so long as you don't interfere with other MoD comms, I suspect they may not be best pleased.

[Dan Earp]

Lol ok I'll keep my thought to private messages lol

[Andy Collins]

Lol, not a problem to discuss it as far as I know, and it's interesting to see what gets thrown into the conversation. IMO, a pair of 349s makes perfect sense, tough and built for th e harshest of conditions, would suit tree work perfectly. Just don't get caught using them, and certainly not if you are near mil bases!

[Dan Earp]

If I was to use them , I'd just listen out for a radio traffic, and of half way through the day there was some I'd have a con plan in place to switch to a secondary freq. also most had comms via military are secure. Only really set up a hf insecure net as a back up if the crypto had a spazzing lol

[Andy Collins]

Joking aside I have some Motorola MTS2000s ex-police retuned to 449, I'd rather use them, tough as old boots, compact enough to wear in a chest rig, loads of ancillary items, covert mics, handsets etc, and excellent tone for noisy environments.

[HCR]

Bowman...simple to use....a bit of wee came out!

 

I used to use Motorola jobbies - can't remember the model - on a repeater network which was fine, as long as there were no trees in the way. Set to set the distance in woodland was about 200 metres.

 

Bowman won't work through thick woodland either. PRR probably wouldn't even reach shouting distance.