COMMUNICATIONS

[brett G6URM]

hi all - just wondering if there are any :

radio hams

CB users

446 MHz users

amongst us and HOW  you use comms to further the interest ??

also HOW  do you see the importance of comms when chasing /spotting - what frequencies you use ?? - and would there be a use for "hub" stations in each county to relay reports and also provide backup /info to spotters on the road ??

being disabled - i don't drive /am not overly mobile and so am a "static spotter " - but have the ability to act as a "hub" station  for the Plymouth area - which i posted about on the old forum

any ways - ideas - thoughts ?? - if we look at the American system of doing things - most chasers have comms of some sort - do we need the same if we are to do this properly ?? - and bear in mind not all can achieve full mobile Internet - real time radar etc - but keeping in contact with a local "hub" station could provide useful info AND  aid safety whilst spotting /chasing  - for the time you NEED  the mobile phone to work is just the time it will let you down ( sods law ) - that's when someone listening out on agreed frequencies during an activation could be VERY useful  - even if it is only to ring the significant other and tell them to get the tea on - or that you are not REALLY stuck in the local pub - but struggling gamely through atrocious conditions to be at their side 

discuss 

[brett G6URM]

take that as a no then ?? - 

[Martin]

I did reply before the forum was move, Brett, but the post got lost in the move.
Ham seems the best as you have the repeaters all over the country or HF and these can be used by those with only the Foundation Licence, although with limited power outputs.

I've had CB for years, since the early 80's thinking about it, but hope to do my Foundation Licence in the next couple of months so that I can move on and start using HF. There's not that may people on CB up here!! 

[Rich Byett]

I would not have a clue where to begin with radio communications so wondered where is the best place to start?

[Martin]

Starting from scratch then I would look for a local Amateur Radio club and find out if they run courses, most do. That would get you a Foundation licence in a short period of time. You would also have the knowledge of other HAMS in the club to help you choose the radio that's best suits your needs. 

 

[brett G6URM]

yep would agree with martin on that , depends a lot on what you want to achieve  and amateur radio has sooo many facets - but most start on the vhf bands ( well they used to as we can all now use hf frequencies ) - where there are lots of repeaters  and the gear is pretty cheap now - 150 quid will get you a good mobile rig these days - and handheld radios can be even cheaper

Brett .

[Johnknights]

Hi all,
Having finally found my password to log onto the forum, I thought I'd chip in. I have a CB in the car, and several 446 radios, I have always liked the idea of doing my ham ticket, especially since the morse requirements went, but every time I listen into the local repeater on my scanner I think why bother taking a weekend of work for the course so I can join in the inane chatter that goes on there.
Having said that I am also joining nw4x4 response and could see more of a use for a ham set up in my car in the types of situation I may encounter on a 4x4 response call out or storm chasing senario, so if there's a consesus that storm chasing chatter is allowed on ham radio, I may consider giving it a go.
cheers
John

[James_S]

I'm completely new to radio communications etc and I was wondering if say every SkyWarn UK member had a HAM Radio would there be a certain frequency we would all use that would be just for SkyWarn UK members or would it be a kind of free for all on that frequency.

If there was some sort of radio communication system set up I would certainly consider getting a set up at home or in the car (so long as circumstances allow).

[Benzo]

We could use our "own" frequency but it wouldn't be private to us if you know what I mean. We could choose a frequency but people could tune In and listen, to my knowledge anyway. I used to be an avid CB user until about 7 years back. Would love to get back into it, and be in contact with all of SkyWarn at the drop of a hat!

[WS005]

Im all up for radios but how much is it going to cost.