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.

 

[BinaryMode]

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.

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure if they had to be activated in the past or not. It's what I read I do believe. I was just lucky to grab a whole bag full on eBay at the time. LOL

 

[K9KLC]

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure if they had to be activated in the past or not. It's what I read I do believe. I was just lucky to grab a whole bag full on eBay at the time. LOL

Ya I see they're still readily available on the bay. Just looked. I can't seem to locate the ones I was using at the moment.

 

[K3YGX]

Well, I am still not convinced it is useful when you can talk faster than you can type
(don't appreciate the thumbs down -- welcome to my ignore list.)
I was only asking why text.

 

[rf_patriot200]

Well, I am still not convinced it is useful when you can talk faster than you can type
(don't appreciate the thumbs down -- welcome to my ignore list.)
I was only asking why text.

There are times, when you may not want to use voice over a analog frequency. Just another option.

 

[dkcorlfla]

Well, I am still not convinced it is useful when you can talk faster than you can type
(don't appreciate the thumbs down -- welcome to my ignore list.)
I was only asking why text.

The problem with voice/talking is both parties have to be available at the same time for it to work (excluding voicemail)

A quick text like "I will be at location X in 10 Min" may well work when trying to call by voice may not if the other party is tied up.

Voice mail requires a lot more infrastructure, works fine on the cell network but if it is down trying to use voicemail on a ad-hock network would require more to setup.

 

[K9KLC]

A quick text like "I will be at location X in 10 Min" may well work when trying to call by voice may not if the other party is tied up.

This is a great answer. Frankly I tend to text way more on my phone than talk on it at least during the day. I've used it on radios for various reasons, but usually to convey information that may be referred to at a later point in time if needed.

Well, I am still not convinced it is useful when you can talk faster than you can type
(don't appreciate the thumbs down -- welcome to my ignore list.)
I was only asking why text.

To be honest, while I cannot speak for the OP @JASII I'm not sure anyone is trying to convince you why someone else may or may not have the desire to text. People have different lifestyles, and do different things. We can explain further but, if you don't understand it's ok, it may just not be something you care to do and, that's ok. Just because you aren't convinced, the bulk of answers in this post were helpful, and made by people that do understand there may be a time and place for all modes of communication. If you never text, that's great.

There are times I hate the need has come up too, but yet, use it daily, usually way more, than actual phone conversations. I have customers (probably about 5%) that don't text either on their phones. However the other 95% prefer texting on some occasions. Can we accomplish the conversation in way less time? Sure we can, but there's no record of it. You cannot refer to a voice conversation later and then "he said she said" happens.

Many times loud noises simply pre-empt a voice contact where audio might be an issue, I could definitely see this on UTV/ATV's. I applaud the OP for trying to come up with something that will work for him in his situation.

 

[JASII]

This is interesting. They cobbled a Baofeng with a mesh device on 915 MHz.

Spec5 Pulse Pack | Short Range Voice communications

Experience seamless short-range voice communications with the Spec5 Pulse Pack. Compact, reliable, and perfect for clear, hassle-free connectivity!

specfive.com

 

[K9KLC]

This is interesting. They cobbled a Baofeng with a mesh device on 915 MHz.

Spec5 Pulse Pack | Short Range Voice communications

Experience seamless short-range voice communications with the Spec5 Pulse Pack. Compact, reliable, and perfect for clear, hassle-free connectivity!

specfive.com

The minute you said "cobble together" and baofeng I was out. I subscribe to the KISS principal. On a footnote, I got several of the old Nextel direct talk phones coming. Have the urge to play again. If nothing else they'd be ok for work and somewhat smaller and easier to carry up and down ladders. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[dkcorlfla]

This is interesting. They cobbled a Baofeng with a mesh device on 915 MHz.

Spec5 Pulse Pack | Short Range Voice communications

Experience seamless short-range voice communications with the Spec5 Pulse Pack. Compact, reliable, and perfect for clear, hassle-free connectivity!

specfive.com

I took a look and could not figure that thing out. 915Mhz ISM IS limited to 1 watt ERP. Lora does not have anything close enough bandwidth for any type of digital voice. A Baofeng HT could do voice at the ranges stated but it does not use Lora, has way over the ISM power limit and requires a ham or GMRS license. Is that site misleading or did I miss something?

 

[JASII]

I took a look and could not figure that thing out. 915Mhz ISM IS limited to 1 watt ERP. Lora does not have anything close enough bandwidth for any type of digital voice. A Baofeng HT could do voice at the ranges stated but it does not use Lora, has way over the ISM power limit and requires a ham or GMRS license. Is that site misleading or did I miss something?

I think it is FRS on the Sh!!t-feng side and LILYGO T-Deck ESP32-S3 LoRa Module 2.8 inch LCD Development Board LoRaWAN Long Range 433MHz 868MHz 915MHz With WIFI Bluetooth for mesh.

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