Coyotegods: Radios

If you get an amateur radio (ham) technician's license, you can utilize what I do.

I have an Alinco DR-605 2m/70cm mobile transceiver that will cross-band repeat (function as a repeater). It's installed in an ammo can. I can plug it into a power outlet in my truck, park the truck on top of a ridge, and then walk downhill. Depending on whether or not I'm camping with other folks, or just want to be able to contact someone else, the repeater is either standalone (at 5 watts), or I ensure that it works with an area repeater, so I can talk for 50 to 100 miles or more, including to back home, with a 1/2 watt handi-talkie. Many search-and-rescue teams do the same thing (set up a portable repeater) when out in the field on a mission.

Other brands (Icom, Yaesu, etc.) also have mobile amateur radios that support this functionality. Think of it as your own 'cell tower.'

This is great when hunting two sides of a ridge, especially if you get something and need help hauling it uphill to the truck! If the ridge is within line-of-site of your campsite, you can talk back and forth... or you can go through a repeater on a mountaintop that can 'see' both areas.

Much cheaper than renting a pair of satellite phones, and it works anywhere, even in bad weather (rain or snow). Check out www.arrl.org for more information on how to get licensed... it's easy and inexpensive.

Hope this helps...

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