How can I summon help, in rural Custer county?

[DalmoreRed]

I live in Texas, but have a piece of land roughly 16 miles NNW of Butler, OK. I am working on a small "Go & Hide" project home, there. Cell coverage is minimal to non-existent, or was the last time I was there. The nearest amateur operators are 13 miles away, or more. The nearest (functioning) repeater is in Elk City, ~21.5 miles away.

At $79-$100/day, renting a satellite phone is cost-prohibitive.

I am a recently licensed technician-class operator, but I currently have little hope that anyone would hear me call for help from that location, from a 2m/70cm hand or in-car transceiver. There IS a windmill stand that projects 20-25' above surrounding terrain, and just above most vegetation. A temporary omni-directional antenna could easily be installed on it, which (I suppose) MIGHT help with range issues, but I am still dubious as to whether this and more wattage would be enough.

Is there another radio band to which I have (or WILL have, when I pass my General test) access, on which I could summon help, if necessary?

Since a majority of work I perform there is done from late May to early August, I am wondering if a powerful signal from a 6M transmitter might make to someone who could respond.

ALL suggestions are gratefully received.

 

[mmckenna]

Is there another radio band to which I have (or WILL have, when I pass my General test) access, on which I could summon help, if necessary?

Since a majority of work I perform there is done from late May to early August, I am wondering if a powerful signal from a 6M transmitter might make to someone who could respond.

Relying on amateur radio operators in an emergency would not be a good plan. There's no guarantee that anyone will be listening or inclined to help.

If you want help in an emergency, you have two or three good options that will actually get your call for help to a professional. Something like a Garmin InReach will work since it is satellite based. It will send your exact GPS location to a coordination center. You can also send short text messages to others, or send pre-canned check in type messages. Even with all my amateur, professional and work satellite phone, I still carry a Garmin InReach Mini when I'm out on the fringes. $11/month is cheap insurance. Plus, I know a professional (not amateur) will respond.

Other option is to get one of the newer cell phones that supports satellite based messaging.

Or, a wired telephone.

Having been a ham for a few decades, working in the telecommunications field for 30 years, having all the gear, there is no way I'd rely on amateur radio as my only way to get help in an emergency. There is no requirement anyone be listening, respond or offer help. You'd be tossing your call for help into the ether and hoping someone responded.

 

[mmckenna]

At $79-$100/day, renting a satellite phone is cost-prohibitive.

Purchasing the satellite phone is expensive, figure $1500.
Renting service is an option. You can also get "emergency" plans that give you 10 minutes a month for somewhere in the range of $50/month.

Might be a good option for some, but not for all.

 

[Randyk4661]

Most newer cell phones can do "WiFi calling" as opposed to cell tower calling. As long as you have a local Wifi signal you can make and receive phone calls.
We all use the internet, use it to make phone calls, I do in a basement of a hotel I work out of.

 

[DalmoreRed]

Thanks for the prompt and helpful replies.
The Garmin InReach is certainly one possibility. I intend to look into it in greater detail.

I should have been a bit more clear about some things:
1.) I didn't intend to give the impression that amateur radio would be my only recourse in an emergency. I will have a cell phone, but again, getting usable signal has been difficult in the past. Perhaps the infrastructure has improved since I was last there.
2.) I tend to be a fan of the "belts AND suspenders" philosophy regarding safely performing tasks that are potentially hazardous, especially when necessity demands that I do them alone.
3.) The geographic area of concern is not merely rural, it is borderline-remote. When there, I am a mile, as the crow flies, from the nearest neighbor. Via roads, the distance is somewhat greater. This is one of the reasons I've picked it as "go & hide" spot.
4.) There is no electrical power on the place. It's certainly available, I suppose, but probably at a steep price. The prospect of cable, internet, wi-fi, and other 20th/21st century amenities is far smaller than that of indoor plumbing which, yes, the place also lacks.
5.) I have also considered obtaining a flare gun, but since this part of Oklahoma is an absolute tinder-box during most summers, I fear the creation of a real and very VERY big "emergency" for others. If I start a wildfire, I can imagine that my nearest neighbors would CERTAINLY come looking for me, but probably NOT with the intent to render assistance.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the prompt and helpful replies.
The Garmin InReach is certainly one possibility. I intend to look into it in greater detail.

I should have been a bit more clear about some things:
1.) I didn't intend to give the impression that amateur radio would be my only recourse in an emergency. I will have a cell phone, but again, getting usable signal has been difficult in the past. Perhaps the infrastructure has improved since I was last there.
2.) I tend to be a fan of the "belts AND suspenders" philosophy regarding safely performing tasks that are potentially hazardous, especially when necessity demands that I do them alone.
3.) The geographic area of concern is not merely rural, it is borderline-remote. When there, I am a mile, as the crow flies, from the nearest neighbor. Via roads, the distance is somewhat greater. This is one of the reasons I've picked it as "go & hide" spot.
4.) There is no electrical power on the place. It's certainly available, I suppose, but probably at a steep price. The prospect of cable, internet, wi-fi, and other 20th/21st century amenities is far smaller than that of indoor plumbing which, yes, the place also lacks.

I got it.
You could try different cellular carriers and see if one works better than the other. Don't trust the guys at the store, find someone who has a different carrier than you and try it out, or check with your neighbors (if there are any).

5.) I have also considered obtaining a flare gun, but since this part of Oklahoma is an absolute tinder-box during most summers, I fear the creation of a real and very VERY big "emergency" for others. If I start a wildfire, I can imagine that my nearest neighbors would CERTAINLY come looking for me, but probably NOT with the intent to render assistance.

Flare guns give you a few seconds, and someone has to be looking in the right place to see it and then do the right thing. Only time they really work is if you know someone is actually looking.

Day time a smoke device will often be more noticed and get attention, but if it's that rural/remote, it would be a real gamble.


I've had the InReach for a few years now. I've never needed it in an emergency. I have used it several times to just check in and let others know I'm still alive. It'll tag your GPS location on all the messages, so at least they know where to find your carcass. I'm usually a real cheap skate, but even I can see the value of $11/mo. I figure my life, or someone else's, is absolutely worth that.

 

[FKimble]

Maybe check with the local law enforcement folks and see what they say? Maybe they will allow you to have a radio on their frequency!

Frank

 

[mmckenna]

Maybe check with the local law enforcement folks and see what they say? Maybe they will allow you to have a radio on their frequency!

Frank

Unlikely.

But asking is a good idea. The "system" is designed to use 911 and that provide a 'dispatchable' location for first responders. That's what they want. Not someone popping up on their radio frequencies.
Local officers may know what cell phone provider works best in that area.

 

[Turner101]

I assume when you go out there youll have a vehicle. Buy a cell amp if the cell service is there but limited. You could also buy starlink and use your phone to make calls. Use your vehicle for the power source or buy/build a portable battery power station.

you can text to 911 as well in most areas now. Sending text messages takes far less data than voice. You CAN despite what others say, test text to 911 when you go back out there if your service is poor and see if it works. Just be sure to let them know its a test.

 

[chrismol1]

I would contact cell phone carriers that now provide satellite SOS capability off of regular cell phones available to see which one would provide you best. That and satellite emergency messengers are only the true what I would call out of the rest as reliable options

 

[phask]

I live in Texas, but have a piece of land roughly 16 miles NNW of Butler, OK. I am working on a small "Go & Hide" project home, there. Cell coverage is minimal to non-existent, or was the last time I was there. The nearest amateur operators are 13 miles away, or more. The nearest (functioning) repeater is in Elk City, ~21.5 miles away.

At $79-$100/day, renting a satellite phone is cost-prohibitive.

I am a recently licensed technician-class operator, but I currently have little hope that anyone would hear me call for help from that location, from a 2m/70cm hand or in-car transceiver. There IS a windmill stand that projects 20-25' above surrounding terrain, and just above most vegetation. A temporary omni-directional antenna could easily be installed on it, which (I suppose) MIGHT help with range issues, but I am still dubious as to whether this and more wattage would be enough.

Is there another radio band to which I have (or WILL have, when I pass my General test) access, on which I could summon help, if necessary?

Since a majority of work I perform there is done from late May to early August, I am wondering if a powerful signal from a 6M transmitter might make to someone who could respond.

ALL suggestions are gratefully received.

Relying on amateur radio operators in an emergency would not be a good plan. There's no guarantee that anyone will be listening or inclined to help.

If you want help in an emergency, you have two or three good options that will actually get your call for help to a professional. Something like a Garmin InReach will work since it is satellite based. It will send your exact GPS location to a coordination center. You can also send short text messages to others, or send pre-canned check in type messages. Even with all my amateur, professional and work satellite phone, I still carry a Garmin InReach Mini when I'm out on the fringes. $11/month is cheap insurance. Plus, I know a professional (not amateur) will respond.

Other option is to get one of the newer cell phones that supports satellite based messaging.

Or, a wired telephone.

Having been a ham for a few decades, working in the telecommunications field for 30 years, having all the gear, there is no way I'd rely on amateur radio as my only way to get help in an emergency. There is no requirement anyone be listening, respond or offer help. You'd be tossing your call for help into the ether and hoping someone responded.

As usual, best advice ever...

Either an Inreach or similar. Or one of the several new cellphones with similar tech. built in.

 

[theoleman]

After this past weekends tornadoes, I trust you are including an in ground shelter in your plans.
I have a similar problem at one of my west texas farms. The only cell tower in my portion of the county is a couple of miles away but a tornado similar to those in OK would take it out.

I would start with just being prepared and knowing the equipment you have works. Experiment with a handheld and an Arrow antenna to see if your five watts can reach the closest repeater. Get a mobile rig if you don't have one.
Start studying weather and attend the NWS skywarn classes.
Search the FCC data base to see what amateur licenses are issued for people in your area. Listen to the simplex channels for any chat that goes on. Search the FCC database and find amateurs, write them a letting telling them your new to the area. Ask what freqs they use. From my experience if you call CQ on simplex channels in my area, someone is listening and happy to talk. If anything you make a new friend.
Are there any GMRS repeaters in the area?
Get a cell phone booster.
Common sense deserves mentioning. Don't go there if storms are predicted or leave at the first sign of potential trouble.

Good luck and enjoying being remote and semi off grid.

TOM

 

[Motoflightmedic]

Ill bet everyone was looking up Butler on the map after reading the first post in this thread. The 2 Meter ham machine in Elk City (146.760) is active and usually has someone listening, I think they have it linked to a few repeaters out in the Texas panhandle now. It has good range and if you have a good mobile radio and antenna I couldn't see having much trouble getting into it, unless you are in a very low spot. If you could setup a base station with 10-20 Ft of antenna height you may also be able to get into a few of the Woodward repeaters that are on the K101 tower. I dont think Hammon, Leedey or Butler has an ambulance anymore (i may be wrong on this statement, and i hope i am so please double check me.) The closest units may be Elk City or Clinton.

 

[Hit_Factor]

... Search the FCC data base to see what amateur licenses are issued for people in your area. Listen to the simplex channels for any chat that goes on. Search the FCC database and find amateurs, write them a letting telling them your new to the area. Ask what freqs they use. From my experience if you call CQ on simplex channels in my area, someone is listening and happy to talk. If anything you make a new friend.
Are there any GMRS repeaters in the area? ...

Amatuer and GMRS generally put an antenna in the air without much consideration. If the cell tower was taken down by the storm, it's pretty likely ham and GMRS antennas went down long before the cell tower.

The simplex advice is sound, that might be the only option. Amatuer Radio VHF FM 146.52/.55/.58 UHF FM 432.10

 

[vagrant]

For whomever stumbles into this thread, a PLB is another option and it does not require a subscription. I also do not consider amateur radio when I need professionals.

Perhaps read this about satellite messengers vs PLB.

How to Choose PLBs and Satellite Messengers | REI Co-op

Learn the differences between a personal locator beacon (PLB) and satellite messenger. Discusses signals, GPS, messaging and subscription fees.

www.rei.com

 

[mmckenna]

For whomever stumbles into this thread, a PLB is another option and it does not require a subscription. I also do not consider amateur radio when I need professionals.

Perhaps read this about satellite messengers vs PLB.

How to Choose PLBs and Satellite Messengers | REI Co-op

Learn the differences between a personal locator beacon (PLB) and satellite messenger. Discusses signals, GPS, messaging and subscription fees.

www.rei.com

Yes, the PLB is a good option for emergencies.

I actually used my Garmin InReach Mini about 2 weeks ago. I was in a very remote part of Nevada doing some camping. A road I had been on before looked good, but it was a bit early in the year and my truck got stuck. Zero cell phone coverage. No ham repeaters. Nothing I could use to summon help. It was remote enough, that expecting anyone to be in the area was not realistic. After about 10 minutes of assessing my situation, I decided that I needed help. I pulled out the Garmin InReach that was bluetooth linked to my phone. I hit the "SOS" button and received an almost immediate reply that I was being connected to one of their dispatchers. Within 30 seconds I was texting back and forth with them. Explained that there were zero injuries and I had camping equipment and food & water for a few days. They had my exact GPS location. I requested an appropriate towing service. They connected me via text with a company that could handle the situation. I gave them the particulars. Since it was not an urgent situation, they sent their guys in the morning and I was back on the road in about 30 minutes.
The owner of the towing company thanked me for using the Garmin service and said he wished more had those. He said usually they end up with some very vague second/third hand report, no direct communications with the customer, no precise location, and thus not really sure what equipment they needed. He even went as far as giving a discount since the Garmin service and direct text communications made it an easy job for them.

The device paid for itself that day.

No 2 meter/70 centimeter repeaters in the area. No way to get simplex VHF/UHF communications out of the area I was. If I'd had HF, I'm sure I could have contacted someone and provided lat/long, but I don't want to have to rely on setting up an HF antenna if I was injured. And the Garmin service is way cheaper than a satellite phone.
Only other option that would have been nice would be the newer cell phones with the satellite based text capability.

 

[vagrant]

Suuuucks to get stuck. I carry a strap and fortunately another vehicle was nearby when that happened to me awhile back. Some Goodyear KO2 tires were installed afterwards to help avoid that again. I now carry a bike to ride out. I added a Reese front hitch mount to my SUV to hold the bike rack and then afterwards hold a folding antenna mast mount. ( The back hitch holds a cargo tray ) A girlfriend was with me when I got stuck. She even teased me about it. I'm sure she would have enjoyed being left behind if I rode a bike away. She was visiting from Japan and did not speak English.

Your story about the messaging capability highlights a potentially problematic "walk out" when not an emergency, versus "full blast" rescue with a PLB. My Garmin SE+ is still working fine. No battery issues that need replacing yet. The lower $12/monthly fee features work for me and I get 10 included messages a month. I still plan to add a PLB to be kept at base camp in case I am off somewhere with the Garmin.

 

[mmckenna]

Suuuucks to get stuck. I carry a strap and fortunately another vehicle was nearby when that happened to me awhile back. Some Goodyear KO2 tires were installed afterwards to help avoid that again. I now carry a bike to ride out. I added a Reese front hitch mount to my SUV to hold the bike rack and then afterwards hold a folding antenna mast mount. ( The back hitch holds a cargo tray ) A girlfriend was with me when I got stuck. She even teased me about it. I'm sure she would have enjoyed being left behind if I rode a bike away. She was visiting from Japan and did not speak English.

I had a strap, shackles, shovel, axe, tools, food, water, and suitable gear for the weather. 4x4 low range, rear diff locked. But no one with another truck. Not sure I would have wanted someone else trying to jerk it loose. A suitable tow truck with dual winches on the back did a nice slow, controlled extraction with no dramatics. This was an 8,000 pound F350 sitting on the differentials. When these tires wear out, I'll probably get something with a bit more bite, but I'm not sure it would have helped. There just wasn't anything for them to get ahold of.

Beautiful location, though, and I did enjoy my night camping while I waited for rescue in the morning.

Your story about the messaging capability highlights a potentially problematic "walk out" when not an emergency, versus "full blast" rescue with a PLB.

I did put considerable amount of thought of what I was doing when I hit the SOS button. First message from me to them was "no injuries, no emergency". They reacted appropriately and there were no dramatics. Everything worked just like it should. Didn't need to hack a ham radio and attempt to get access a public safety system that I had no permission or business being on. I do have a Harris XL-200M in the truck with FPP and could have done something stupid like that, but it wasn't the right thing to do, wasn't sure I was in range of any systems, didn't have programming info for them, and didn't want to explain to law enforcement why I was on their system.

There's a right way to do things. Sometimes it costs a little money, but it works well.

 

[KI5EDJ]

Did you find a solution? There's a GMRS repeater called Eagle One in Weatherford. It might be a bit of a stretch to reach it though.
I second the ideas for a PLB and, most important, I know you're wanting to go off grid, nobody bother you, but do let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. That acts as a sort of dead man switch, so you know if there's an emergency the rescue will start eventually even if you can't call for help.
I do a lot of hiking near Lake Thunderbird. When I started in 2019 cell service was unreliable in the forest. I usually carry a ham radio and a phone and my wife knows if I'm not home or have at least checked in by a certain time something is wrong. The area has wild hogs, three types of venomous snakes, poison ivy, some steep drops, and the occasional black bear, plus its easy to get lost in the forest itself.

 

[wtp]

put up your own tower ?