The Tarheel Emergency net in the affected area is collecting donated radios. I am just demobed from EM western branch so no longer on the ground and limited to what I hear on their nets. Some sort of Ad Hoc request for radios and a delivery address but no details on what if any Comms Plan they have or even their exact mission. They mention ham HT's and GMRS radios specifically. Their are some very wide coverage GMRS repeaters in the area but I've heard they are a little bit deaf. They are worried about loosing people in the field and want to radio equip as many as possible. Without a mission plan and a comm plan (ics205) I am reluctant to get directly involved but that may change.
Now for questions:
-What are cheap but survivable GMRS HT's capable of repeater operation? I see BAOFENG GM-15 Pro GMRS Handheld Radio 8W Long Range Walkie Talkie on Amazon $40 for a PAIR of radios. Good news is C usb charging and pl tone. No personal experience whatsoever. My preference would be AA disposable since charging and or spare batteries could be a problem.
-Legal issues of getting new users on the air (especially repeaters) quickly. In emergency I know rules do get ignored.
-FRS could be used (simplex) but I'm thinking $40 a pair gmrs ($20 a radio) would be as cheap as any survivable FRS radios anyway. If you have recommendations for frs radios then bring it.
Sum up: Again without more info on mission (on foot, vehicles, team size, area to cover per team etc) or specific comm plan it could be a cluster...
If they get loads of diverse radios will they have cables, software and knowledge to program them?
If I was to be planning this I'd have groups of 2 man teams (5 to 10 teams per group) in simplex contact with group leader (on high ground), the group leaders with better gear reaching forward bases by repeater or direct (ham, gmrs, or PS) and forward bases will probably have phone, internet, or statewide trunk radios.
Any members on forum ever been involved with anything remotely like this? Love to hear your input. This is NOT my rodeo but just wanted to have an idea of what can be done and with what equipment.
google N2GE on Broadcastify to hear the Mt. Mitchell 145.190 ham repeater which is co ordinating volunteer efforts as best they can. If your listen for awhile you will get an idea of the challenges.
Now for questions:
-What are cheap but survivable GMRS HT's capable of repeater operation? I see BAOFENG GM-15 Pro GMRS Handheld Radio 8W Long Range Walkie Talkie on Amazon $40 for a PAIR of radios. Good news is C usb charging and pl tone. No personal experience whatsoever. My preference would be AA disposable since charging and or spare batteries could be a problem.
-Legal issues of getting new users on the air (especially repeaters) quickly. In emergency I know rules do get ignored.
-FRS could be used (simplex) but I'm thinking $40 a pair gmrs ($20 a radio) would be as cheap as any survivable FRS radios anyway. If you have recommendations for frs radios then bring it.
Sum up: Again without more info on mission (on foot, vehicles, team size, area to cover per team etc) or specific comm plan it could be a cluster...
If they get loads of diverse radios will they have cables, software and knowledge to program them?
If I was to be planning this I'd have groups of 2 man teams (5 to 10 teams per group) in simplex contact with group leader (on high ground), the group leaders with better gear reaching forward bases by repeater or direct (ham, gmrs, or PS) and forward bases will probably have phone, internet, or statewide trunk radios.
Any members on forum ever been involved with anything remotely like this? Love to hear your input. This is NOT my rodeo but just wanted to have an idea of what can be done and with what equipment.
google N2GE on Broadcastify to hear the Mt. Mitchell 145.190 ham repeater which is co ordinating volunteer efforts as best they can. If your listen for awhile you will get an idea of the challenges.
