Date:         Tue, 4 Sep 2007 19:36:10 -0700
Reply-To:     David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Radio
Comments: To: samcvt@COMCAST.NET
In-Reply-To:  <090420071647.11914.46DD8C0C000B9A3B00002E8A22165258569B900C030E9C@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

I heard that 2 meter bands are extremely crowded. Wherever the population is higher
the 2 meter bands are busier. Other than that 2 meter radios are more powerful and
they are FM. It's a step up from CB radios. Not expensive and simple antenna for cars.
To use it one needs to have a basic level license, technician class. Correct me if I
am wrong. I got a technician class license and another level up. But still I found CB
being easiest and handy although very small power.

Cheap used Radio Shack scanners are available on eBay. Those are actually very good
for listening only. No license is required.

David



--- Sam Conant <samcvt@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

> Yup, John.  Just to clarify though.  Most of the repeaters sited throughout North America are
> connected via 2 meter (VHF) and UHF frequencies, and ARRL sells a thick, pocket-sized directory
> showing repeater sites, frequencies used by repeater, and other information useful to someone
> attempting to access a specific repeater.
> Sam Conant
> N1PDL
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
>
> > On 9/4/07, Sam Conant wrote:
> > CB equipment has proven useful and helpful withing the nation's
> > trucking industry.
> > > Sam Conant (N1PDL)
> > >
> >
> > One advantage a mobile ham transceiver has over CB is the availability
> > of "repeater" sites
> > that are available almost everywhere. These repeaters are usually
> > located on high ground with antennas on towers providing a wide area
> > of coverage. When you call into a repeater, your signal is rebroadcast
> > over a much wider area than your radio alone could reach.
> >
> > Many times repeaters are available where cell phone coverage is not.
> > These repeaters are monitored almost always by local hams who are more
> > than willing to render assistance if needed. Most repeaters can even
> > "patch" you into a local phone network so your radio can work like a
> > phone in the unlikely event your Vanagon (RVC) would need a tow truck!
> >
> > When I camp, I usually bring along a small hand held radio and a small
> > directional antenna that I use to reach any one of the amateur
> > satellites in low orbit. It's really fun to be out on a deserted beach
> > or wherever and talk to folks from Canada, US, Mexico and the
> > Caribbean. But then I'm kind of a geek that way.
> > --
> > John Meeks
> >
> > Vanagon Rescue Squad
> > http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
> >
> > '91 Multivan, '85 GL
> > Northern Michigan
> > KC8ZFN
>




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