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on a search, i will actively monitor FRS/GMRS CH1 with no PL..... It would be nice if they would tag at least 1 for calling.
A mayday?
- Thread starter Astrak
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nd5y
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What coordinating groups?
I agree. Additionally, us GMRS users aren't likely to give up a whole frequency of our limited number for a dedicated emergency channel that has little to no chance of being used with any regularity for purely emergency traffic.
Sorry if this was previously mentioned, but in New South Wales the National Parks and Wildlife Service will actually loan you a PLB...
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/bushwalking-safety/technology
Sounds like PLB is a good choice. :wink:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/bushwalking-safety/technology
Sounds like PLB is a good choice. :wink:
Good for Australia but what good would that do for the US?
True. Though maybe if you protect it with a tone and just have a “gentleman’s” agreement to try and keep it clear for emergency traffic. Or designate a frequency/tone for calling and put a separate tone for emergency traffic.
Would it be cheaper and easier to lay the groundwork for a PLB loaner system for national parks in the USA?
I meant at least for the HAM portions. The GMRS, you guys can work it out amongst yourselves and maybe try and organize yourselves.
Yes and no. Yes if you’re talking about my HAM/PSAP interop idea but for the idea of designated emergency frequencies, then no for those who choose not to participate. If you don’t want to participate, then don’t but if you do, you just have to choose to setup your equipment to do so.
I like the idea, but a more formal system.
Cheaper and easier was referring to the HAM/PSAP interop idea; admittedly related only to national parks. It was in response to what I quoted as you were asking about how the NSW program might relate to the US.
Earlier, I was bulking at the idea of designating an FRS/GMRS channel solely to emergency traffic. That was in response to your post, https://forums.radioreference.com/amateur-radio-general-discussion/145094-mayday-7.html#post2994653
More formal in what way?
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
Relying on a single source of communications, be it GMRS, Ham radio or CB is just stupid.
A PLB, Spot or InReach is going to get you help in most remote/no cell service situations a lot faster than just about any other device. It also an emergency declare won’t be questioned.
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I am not meaning to come across as adversarial. So, if it seems that way, it is unintentional.
It seems like you might be operating under the assumption that GMRS groups haven't already tried many times to organize something. I know that in my AOs, there doesn't seem to be interest, even though we have an okay amount of FRS/GMRS radio traffic. There was sort of a standard at one point but any monitoring groups eventually fell away.
Here's another page with a channel chart showing emergency and calling channel suggestions, https://bettersaferadio.com/fcc-adopts-long-awaited-changes-prs-bands-gmrs-frs-cb-murs/
I guess my point is that it has been tried many times and people still try. However, I don't hold out a lot of hope for success.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
GMRS already has a "Travelers Information" channel that is also used by many REACT groups. 462/467.675 141.3Hz. No need to reinvent the wheel. Some areas already have repeaters on this pair/tone run by local groups.
As far back as FRS, there have been people trying to get a designated "emergency" channel. FRS 1 was the first attempt, then FRS 3. None of it has caught on because most FRS users don't give a flip, most of them don't understand CTCSS/DCS codes, and the range is too dang short.
So, we have CB Channel 9, sort of failed when REACT mostly disappeared.
FRS Channel 1, then 3, no joy.
Amateur radio already has 146.520MHz with LITZ.
GMRS has 462/467.675 141.3hz.
Still not reliable enough.
No dispatch center is going to let amateurs, hobbyists, CB'ers, whatever, install equipment in their center. Most dispatch centers are understaffed, overworked and under funded, so don't ask them to pay for it.
And all this when a perfectly acceptable solution already exists.
I don't see the point, other than to stroke the egos of the amateur radio community. (I know, that's going to tick off the hams, but that's OK, I are one!)
As far back as FRS, there have been people trying to get a designated "emergency" channel. FRS 1 was the first attempt, then FRS 3. None of it has caught on because most FRS users don't give a flip, most of them don't understand CTCSS/DCS codes, and the range is too dang short.
So, we have CB Channel 9, sort of failed when REACT mostly disappeared.
FRS Channel 1, then 3, no joy.
Amateur radio already has 146.520MHz with LITZ.
GMRS has 462/467.675 141.3hz.
Still not reliable enough.
No dispatch center is going to let amateurs, hobbyists, CB'ers, whatever, install equipment in their center. Most dispatch centers are understaffed, overworked and under funded, so don't ask them to pay for it.
And all this when a perfectly acceptable solution already exists.
I don't see the point, other than to stroke the egos of the amateur radio community. (I know, that's going to tick off the hams, but that's OK, I are one!)
A legal enforcement measure and a requirement to relay any emergency message.
True but what if I’m not in need of aid? My idea would work for reporting other emergencies that need to be reported to authorities.
I’ve given up on the whole PSAP angle. Now I’m working from anyone who wants to help can and here’s the way angle. If you want, you can park a radio or scanner on the designated frequencies and if you get something, the only thing you have to do is relay the message the best you can to 911. That may mean repeating it again or calling 911 yourself.
It also sets up, that in the case a natural disaster, people would know what to do. I like the idea of “go to channel 1, at the top of the hour and talk/listen for 1 minute”. A local SAR/CERT/Rescue/anyone can easily monitor those frequencies with a basic analog scanner.
I know it’s not a perfect system and I’m not trying to replace 911 and locator beacons have their place, but not everyone can/will need them. If you’re going backpacking in the deep woods/desert then you definitely need one, but sometimes you’re in a place where there are people but crappy cell coverage but a 2 m signal will easily get out.
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