What Devices Are Available That Allow That Allow Texting On Simplex?

[K9KLC]

Instead of texting over radio why not use voice and good encryption like AES256? It get a ton of lengthy texts that could have been relayed in a single quick phone call or radio call.

He asked FRS or GMRS or 900 ISM. While spread spectrum on 900 is good and secure on GMRS OR FRS I don't believe that's allowed.

"The rule changes will phase out the use of voice-scrambling or “obscuring” features in all Part 95 devices, and it will ultimately prohibit manufacture, importation, or sale of any devices incorporating such features, “regardless of whether the Commission has previously certified that radio.”

 

[vagrant]

Icom IC-SAT100 - They have handheld and mobile versions. One can also connect an external antenna for use in a vehicle. The radios use the global Iridium satellite system. No license required. The radios are available new, used, as well as for rent along with the satellite plan. While not "simplex" there is the advantage of the global satellite coverage when terrain/distance is a factor. Perhaps simply rent the radios and satellite service coverage for each excursion.
- PTT
- Text via PTT to the group via the radio. Also, 16 user predefined messages as well. (100 character limit)
- iOS/Android app via BT that allows texting as well.
- AES256

A buddy and I have used the SAT100 handhelds and they definitely work. We tested while in vehicles, but it was hit and miss out of the windows. This was early on before the external antenna was available several years back when they were first released. We also tested when around 25 miles apart out in the open and they worked fine. I would definitely rent the radios and service first to see if it meets your needs. If you don't want to go hog wild and equip everyone, perhaps rent two for the lead and tail riders.

Here is a link to a rental service. I have not used this company myself. There are probably others.
$35/wk ea. radio
$150/wk coverage plan for the group

Rent the ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT Satellite Radio for Iridium | Satellite Phone Store

Features: Instant Global Push To Talk (PTT) satellite radio for the new Iridium NEXT satellite network. IP67 Waterproof, MIL-STD 810G, Bluetooth PTT | GPS, External Antenna compatible & more.

satellitephonestore.com

 

[dkcorlfla]

Why in the world would you want to 'text' over a radio?
What am I missing?

You don't find sms texting on cellphone useful? Some times I find texting more useful then trying to use voice bcause I'm busy with other tasks. Sometimes a quick update by text just works better when people are busy. Texting by radio would offer the same advantage. But would be used when the cellular system was out of range, down or broken from some type of disaster. For the OP, look into Meshtastic the app is well refined and the radio devices are low cost, light, easy to carry, use Bluetooth and have very low battery drain. A repeater is also easy to add in an ad hock temporary system and can run for days on a small battery.

 

[BinaryMode]

Pertaining to the Nextel i355

Thanks couldn't remember the model number.

Sorry, I should have specified GMRS/FRS/MURS or even 900 ISM legal license free devices.

+1 for LoRa. LoRa - Wikipedia This is ISM specific and can go miles despite the low power. Great SHTF communications as well.

Remember, the i355 Nextel cellphone that uses Direct Talk (as opposed to Direct Connect using the cellular infrastructure) needs a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card version Standard SIM card (Mini-SIM). Also, they have to have been activated prior if I'm not mistaken.

I own around ten i355's... LOL

If SIM cards are hard to find, but you have one that works, then you might be able to use a SIM cloner bought from Amazon and clone the SIM card to some blanks that can be bought on eBay or Amazon I'm sure.

 

[alcahuete]

You don't find sms texting on cellphone useful?

It is, but when you're riding ATVs, who is going to look at the radio display to read a text message? They're probably put away in a vest/securely strapped down, etc. Way easier to just send a voice message.

I've never seriously looked into the DTR stuff. I played with a couple of them one time but honestly usually didn't get much further than You could on FRS at times.

I have used them out to over 20 miles here in the SoCal desert. I also use them regularly out at Lake Mojave. They work better than marine radios. They are phenomenal little radios.

As far as the GMRS/MURS/FRS radios that can text, IDK. There are plenty of digital radios that can do that, but that eliminates those 3 services. The option that makes sense is getting an itinerant IG frequency for your group, and then you can run real radios with digital, texting, etc. Not exactly the right use for the business frequencies, but it is what it is.

 

[K9KLC]

Also, they have to have been activated prior if I'm not mistaken.

I can't comment to this the phones I got came with SIM cards that were basically blank and we put our own ID schemes and numbers. If they were activated somehow prior I am not sure.

 

[K9KLC]

The option that makes sense is getting an itinerant IG frequency for your group, and then you can run real radios with digital, texting, etc. Not exactly the right use for the business frequencies, but it is what it is.

This absolutely makes the most sense. Then a couple used radios and they'd be in there.