Radios for highland stalking

[Cris]

Not sure the 5w UHF 446 gear is legal in the uk. The open 446PMR band is or was a max of 0.5w to limit the range. You can get the higher power gear on ebay of you want.

 

[Vipa]

Hi Wireless, Tramp never come across any other licensed folk in stalking. Think for none licensed / none commercial comms the only option is CB or PMR446. 446 being good in the hills for a for a good 1 to 2km.

Cris

M0KKA

Theres another one here
Bests
Paul
M3PHX

 

[Paul 600]

The Garmin Rino gps units with built in 5watt uhf are gaining popularity down this way. They have been proved out to 35 km LOS in clearish farmland. Also have the ability to actually see the position of your mate on the unit`s map, and send text messages.

​Is it legal in the UK?

 

[Timbo61]

Why would they limit your ability to saty safe in the great outdoors by restricting the comms like that?? Seems at odds with the 10watt limit for ham radio

 

[kuwinda]

If you want the option to transmit position in the event of "problems" you can now get a handheld VHF with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) which allows you to conduct closed calls and also has the ability to send data to the emergency services on channel 70 with your position etc - http://www.mesltd.co.uk//standard-horizon-hx851e-handheld-p-12963.html This set has a built in GPS. There is a cost of course.... Standard Horizon has a good reputation and like most marine VHF's now it is totally waterproof (wrap it in clingfilm...)

This requires registration with OFCOM (I think ) so that they know the owner/operator.

The downside of this system is that because of this ability the Coastguard no longer monitors (or guarantees to monitor channel 16 (emergency channel).

 

[Timbo61]

Not wanting to hijack this thread, but I have not seen mention of anyone carrying a PLB on this site. Are they commonplace in UK among hunters/hikers etc?
I dont even go for a day hunt without mine

 

[kuwinda]

Certainly freely available (£200 or so) and free to register (essential if its to be of any use) and indeed I do have one. Not sure I would carry it out stalking though - just something else to lug about! I suppose if I knew I would be in very remote areas I might think about it - a bit daft I suppose - there was a guy died a couple of years ago due to having a broken leg and no means of comms just a few miles from home - very cold weather.

Not wanting to hijack this thread, but I have not seen mention of anyone carrying a PLB on this site. Are they commonplace in UK among hunters/hikers etc?
I dont even go for a day hunt without mine

 

[goldypurple]

personally i would go for buisiness licence and radios, as the other users of the radios will also need to take an amatuer radio exam to use them!

Buisiness licence isnt that dear from memory, and radios can be bought quite cheap from the bay of E, if you know what ya looking for.

if your stuck for what to get i could assist you in choosing, i work with radio every day, as a communications tech for the us air force.

the ideal makes would be Motorola, Icom or Kenwood, prices can start from as litlle as £20 depening what you want.

if ya need help message me.

Andy
Amatuer call sign: M0NKR