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Author Topic: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm  (Read 631 times)

KD0VE

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question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« on: November 03, 2022, 06:46:10 AM »

I'm a ham with very little VHF/UHF experience.  I have an ex-USMC daughter that has taken to hiking in a big way to remote areas, sometimes by herself(!).  Wondering how suitable a handheld would be as an emergency comm capability in the event she were to break an ankle or get lost. 

I realize she'd need to get a tech license and learn how to program and use the handheld.  Thats not a barrier; question is if it is actually a practical approach.  She knows there are satellite based units that are rather spendy but provide an emergency service.

thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice.
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K9AO

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2022, 06:57:30 AM »

Where is she planning to hike?

The first thing you would want to do is to look at some repeater coverage maps for the area that she would hike in. If there is good coverage at a level suitable for a handheld then I think the handheld could be a good idea.

I used a Yaesu VX-7 for years successfully hiking in the Moab, Utah area. There are some excellent mountain top wide area repeaters out there. That little handheld covered 6, 2, 220, and 440, as well as having a weather radio in it and a wide range receiver that worked from mediumwave through shortwave. It's waterproof and I also had the speaker mic and that is also waterproof. I'd place the handheld in an internal pocket of my hydration pack and drape the cord for the speaker mic over the shoulder and clip it onto the pack strap. It worked a treat. One thing, the speaker mic has a removable rubber sealing plug on the back. If you change altitude a lot then the air pressure in the mic makes the speaker sound odd. Remove the plug for a second to let it equalize and it's fine again. Just something to keep in mind. I used that mic in rainstorms too so it is nicely waterproof (with the plug in of course.
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K1VSK

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2022, 07:49:11 AM »

Always use the right tool for the job. In this case, a Satphone. Ham radio is a great hobby but not something I’d depend on for family safety.
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AI5BC

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2022, 07:53:28 AM »

Get a sat phone backed up with a cell phone if you give a crap about your daughter.
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K7AAT

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2022, 08:02:28 AM »

The Satellite texting communicator, Inreach, would be perfect, and a lot cheaper than a satellite phone.   Basic Safety plan is $12. Per month.
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WB6BYU

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2022, 08:09:30 AM »

Totally depends on repeater coverage in the area,
as well as local topography.  If there is a tall
mountain overlooking the area, with a repeater
on it, then it might work.  Coverage down in
canyons and behind hills will still be a problem.

While it may be helpful in some cases, I wouldn’t
count on it foe  safety-of-life communications.
I’ve been in situations where I simply can’t hit any
repeaters, even in the nominal coverage area of
good systems, even with a 1/2 wave vertical
mounted on my backpack frame.  If you are laying
on the ground with a broken ankle, that is going
to reduce your range.  And if it happened while
crossing a creek at the bottom of a canyon, you might
not be heard 1/4 mike away.

Where it might come in handy is periodic check-ins
and status reports when you get to a location where
you do have coverage - possibly a hilltop.  Or for
another member of the party to go find a spot with
coverage to call for help.

In one case when I was working for the Forest Service,
and we were on the wrong side of a ridge.
My daily routine involved climbing 30’ up a spruce
tree with my HT to call for a helicopter to pick up
my crew.  I still couldn’t hit the local repeater, but
I could hit the dispatcher’s remote base on simplex -
about 100 miles away.

K5LXP

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2022, 09:05:19 AM »

I do a fair amount of hiking in the mountains around here and always take 3 HT's with me, primary, backup and spare.  That way I have one to hand off to someone if needed, and one that's in a waterproof bag if the first two get ruined or lost.  I also carry an FRS HT as that's what most other campers/hikers use.  But after all that, the idea I can get on the radio out in the boonies and call for help is wishful thinking.  Ham radio is better than nothing to be sure, but not by a lot.  It's a tool in the tool box but compared to something like an inReach an HT is about on par with a signal mirror.  I find the radio useful for other things (talking back to the XYL in the camper, other hams, WX radio, ISS/satellite, etc) and if it gets me out of a bind then check the box, but it's not really a solution for anything serious.  That being said, there is a linked repeater system here in NM that covers a lot of the hinterland very well.  Years ago a buddy of mine was on an extended hike in the back country and came upon a group on horseback with an injured rider.  I heard my buddy call on the system, and got in touch with the sherriff up there who met them with EMS.  A long shot on many levels but it worked out for that horseback rider that day.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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N0GV

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2022, 10:01:26 AM »

Go with the Inreach - uses a satellite and can send text messages - also has a one button beacon function and emergency signal. You don't drive nails with a screwdriver or tighten screws with a hammer; use the right tool for the job.

Grover
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K6SDW

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2022, 11:06:07 AM »

Yup, Inreach...I used to do a lot of hiking in the Sierra's here and first rule is to tell someone where you're going and be as specific about your route as possible and expected time to return. Also, you can let the local park ranger (or fire department) know of your adventure. Also carry and learn to use a magnetic compass (works almost everywhere in the World) and topo map, don't rely on a cell phone for mapping routes.

Even if you could reach a repeater there might not be anyone listening.

GL/73
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KB1GMX

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2022, 12:13:11 PM »

EPIRB, or PLB,

Minimum level for being in the woods and lost/injured.


Allison
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KD0VE

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2022, 02:56:07 PM »

Thx everyone.  Garmin Inreach makes a lot of sense.
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K9RJ

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2022, 03:16:29 PM »

With Garmin Inreach you can also send your exact location. My son recently used it for his "hike" up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
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GRUMPY2021

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2022, 05:57:24 PM »

Just saw a video tonight and the correct answer is never go alone.   However...  that's not always the solution.  They did go through GMRS, FRS, CB, amateur radio....  all a tool in the toolbox.    The downfall is someone  has to be monitoring the frequency or channel you're on.   Not impossible but unlikely.    With the Garmin Inreach you are the one reaching out to someone instead of happenstance hearing you.   As much as we try to cling to "when all else fails"...it's just a hobby.    Go with the Inreach.
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KG6BRG

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2022, 08:03:52 AM »

Unfortunately an HT is only good if someone will respond.  I hike alone almost exclusivity because after 60 Y/O most people aren't up to it.  I always take a mobile phone and a dual band HT, but hardly can ever raise anyone on the HT.  Either hams don't respond or don't monitor much anymore.  It used to be, I could always find a QSO on VHF simplex, not anymore.  Sat phone and or a satellite based emergency beacon for your daughter would be the best.  It's not a great idea to hike alone. 
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KG4RUL

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Re: question about VHF/UHF for hiker emergency comm
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2022, 10:21:35 AM »

The Satellite texting communicator, Inreach, would be perfect, and a lot cheaper than a satellite phone.   Basic Safety plan is $12. Per month.
Our neighbors used this during a Pacific Crest Trail hike this past summer.  It was very entertaining and reassuring to see their periodic position updates.
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