Ham radio and the Rubicon

[hemingray]

Interesting story: http://www.arrl.org/news/california-ham ... oad-rescue

[GrizzlyGuy]

Gotta love ham radio and ham radio operators! The one thing I won't ride without is my 2m/70cm radio. It's real easy to get into areas with no cell phone coverage, but real hard to get into an area with no repeater coverage.

[hemingray]

It might be a pain to carry two radios, but I added a VX-177 to the stable because I noticed there are quite a few UHF machines up there. I'm thinking about some kind of dual band antenna - perhaps a roll-up j-pole - that I can throw up in a tree or something to get some better range in case of need.

[GrizzlyGuy]

Yes, there are a bunch of 440 machines up here. Many are part of a 2m system, but the 440.050 machine over on Chimney Peak is a standalone with good coverage including my house. You ride right by Chimney Peak when you do the Hunters Lake trail and take the road down to Boomtown.

Here is an awesome antenna for ATV-based emergency use:

Arrow 146/437-10BP (the split boom model)

It is well made, light, and stores in a bundle that is maybe 2" in diameter and less than 2 feet long so it would easily fit in a rear bag or on your rack. I've used mine for working satellites and would bring it on a ride if I thought I was going to be way-way out in the boonies.

[hemingray]

I hadn't thought of one of those - thanks! I have other Arrows - 2 VHF beams, 2 dual band j-poles and my 6 meter beam! I love them - he makes great stuff!