Common radio channels to use in case of emergency

[PJ-Hunter]

With all of the lost, stranded sledders lately, I have been thinking of safety precautions. I would like to know what would be a good channel to use on the
2 way that would make my chances of contacting someone better. Cell phone service is spotty in some of the better riding areas, but I always carry one anyways.

From now on I plan on telling the wife where I'll be, what radio channel I am on and I will have my GPS so I can relay exact coordinates. I just wanna know what a good channel would be, chatter won't bother me so much if there is a chance that someone will hear an SOS call.

Thanks

 

[vmaxfrank]

Most things I've read say to use channel 1 for emergency use. On snowest rides, most groups use 7 for general chat and split off from there if in individual groups.

Don't know if there is any convention like channel 9 on CB's.

Edit: Looks like no official channel due to privacy sub-channels and basic limitations of range that would limit monitoring. Still, If I'm in trouble, I'm going to be on 1-0 if I have to choose. I will also carry cell phone to text coordinates if possible and unless something extrordinary happens, I will stay with my sled. It seems they always find the sleds first.

 

[rkymtnman]

With all the issues lately (and the fact that my cell phone service completely blows up at RE now...) I'm going to dust off the HAM radio license and get a quad band hand held for emergency use. Good insurance IMO - not overly tough to get a license either.

I've had mixed results with 2 way radios - terrain challenges can be tough to overcome.

 

[jp@weknowsnow]

ham radio outlet is local and has some good deals on the dual band yeasu vx-7r.. its super tiny, good range and water proof/resistant

 

[bushy]

Channel 7-0 is a good one at RE. Ski area staff use it as well.

 

[rkymtnman]

ham radio outlet is local and has some good deals on the dual band yeasu vx-7r.. its super tiny, good range and water proof/resistant

JP - where are these guys at? web site / phone number??

tnx.

 

[jp@weknowsnow]

they have a denver outlet so shipping is cheap.. here is the site.. http://www.hamradio.com/
(yes i know the website sucks.. but good deals and solid people)

 

[rkymtnman]

but good deals and solid people)

that's about all you can ask for these days Thanks for the link.

 

[Groomer-Doo]

Guys check out https://mysattracker.com they have the Spot it is a GPS tracker that is $149.00 you can send a message and your gps location. there are several company selling them. This is something that may really save your life.

 

[Ex-Member]

heh, I just stopped by HRO today to pick up an antenna. I25 to Evans, evans east past the bend, then look for the 3-element yagi on the left

Personally I have the FT60R. Rock solid, aluminum chassis (Same as their business/emg radios), uses the same battery as their business/emg radios... battery lasts for-fuggin-ever. Easily modifiable to give you super-huge TX range that includes FRS/GMRS/MURS/Business/emg/weather. Keep in mind you'll need a GMRS license to use the FRS freqs since you're not on type-certified equipment. But it is one rockin' radio.

I still want the on my sled though

73 de K7AIH

 

[jp@weknowsnow]

nice, i will check that radio out. i used to have a kenwood th22 ( i think ).... got a vx7r for xmas from the parents. havent done HAM stuff for 10+ yrs... got my tech class when i was 14. KB0TSL