Fieldcraft Two Way Radio
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How secure do you want your como?
What range and, type of terrain?
For walk around or vehicle?
As said above if you want off the shelf quality, you will need a Ham ticket.
I bought Yaesu VX6R's then add a few trinkets and opened them up.
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How far are you apart, city or country and is it flat ground or what?
This is a review I found while looking for radios of my own. I am waiting for them to arrive so I cannot comment first hand on them but all the reviews I've seen on them are pretty good considering what you get compared to other FMRS radios in the same price range.
Link to radio: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=UV-3R&_sacat=4670&_odkw=UV-3R+battery&_osacat=4670
(THIS IS A MARK II – NOTE THE DUAL FREQ DISPLAY)
Built in Flashlight
Dual Watch
VHF/UHF and FM broadcast
RX 68-108 136-174 400-470 MHz
TX 136-174 400-470
Scanner with Time out or Carrier
Personal Siren device
Computer programmable
And so much more
Ebay Links:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=UV-3R&_sacat=4670&_odkw=UV-3R+battery&_osacat=4670
Comes in Camo, Red, Blue, Yellow and Black
Charger stand, AC and DC (USB) charger included, Battery is included and extras are about $7.50
Batt life is about 2-3 hours XMIT and 12+ hours on standby
Headset w/ PTT
IF THERE IS A REPEATER NEAR YOU I RECOMMEND THIS AS A FIRST TIME RADIO FOR ALL NEW HAMS.
Excellent BOB or Get Home radio. EXCELLENT SOUND In and out
The depending part is the vendor, the options, the shipping, the quantity.
I got one fully loaded with a cover for $53 shipped YMMV
BTW it is not perfect but for the price I ain’t complainin’
Make sure you are buying the Mark II and not the Mark I. The Mark one is missing many features that the Mark II has and will sell for about the same price. I have only seen the Mark I’s in used condition so there is little chance of finding one but… YMMV
Link to radio: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=UV-3R&_sacat=4670&_odkw=UV-3R+battery&_osacat=4670
(THIS IS A MARK II – NOTE THE DUAL FREQ DISPLAY)
Built in Flashlight
Dual Watch
VHF/UHF and FM broadcast
RX 68-108 136-174 400-470 MHz
TX 136-174 400-470
Scanner with Time out or Carrier
Personal Siren device
Computer programmable
And so much more
Ebay Links:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=UV-3R&_sacat=4670&_odkw=UV-3R+battery&_osacat=4670
Comes in Camo, Red, Blue, Yellow and Black
Charger stand, AC and DC (USB) charger included, Battery is included and extras are about $7.50
Batt life is about 2-3 hours XMIT and 12+ hours on standby
Headset w/ PTT
IF THERE IS A REPEATER NEAR YOU I RECOMMEND THIS AS A FIRST TIME RADIO FOR ALL NEW HAMS.
Excellent BOB or Get Home radio. EXCELLENT SOUND In and out
The depending part is the vendor, the options, the shipping, the quantity.
I got one fully loaded with a cover for $53 shipped YMMV
BTW it is not perfect but for the price I ain’t complainin’
Make sure you are buying the Mark II and not the Mark I. The Mark one is missing many features that the Mark II has and will sell for about the same price. I have only seen the Mark I’s in used condition so there is little chance of finding one but… YMMV
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When I buy/pick back up gear, it is at least the same or better quality, than the primary item I'm backing up. As a backup imply's a need over a want.
Papa Zero Three, if you could tell me, what would be the average 'Line of Sight' flatland range of a pair of those radios?
I looked at some of the listings and one had the distance for LOS as 2+ miles in open terrain and one mile in urban areas.
Let me start by saying that I know exactly zero about comms besides anything I've ever been issued, and besides manipulating it to talk or change freq, I still know zero.
I see that HAM was mentioned and I have a few questions; the Yaesu mentioned earlier (about $500) is probably 'better' than the one on ebay for$70 but what is the real difference? Overall distance?
Also, I see that some of them have built in GPS which for my intended purpose I don't really need/want. What would a great set of radios be, for people that can be up to 15/20 miles away and reliably ping each other if needed on a predetermined channel?
The other part I am confused on is that I hear how some HAM operators are talking to people in Spain or whatever; how does that work when some of the HAM gear only reliably goes 2 miles? Whole different setups?
I see that HAM was mentioned and I have a few questions; the Yaesu mentioned earlier (about $500) is probably 'better' than the one on ebay for$70 but what is the real difference? Overall distance?
Also, I see that some of them have built in GPS which for my intended purpose I don't really need/want. What would a great set of radios be, for people that can be up to 15/20 miles away and reliably ping each other if needed on a predetermined channel?
The other part I am confused on is that I hear how some HAM operators are talking to people in Spain or whatever; how does that work when some of the HAM gear only reliably goes 2 miles? Whole different setups?
[MENTION=33717]TheGerman[/MENTION] - you can use a 2 meter radio (like a handheld) to connect to a repeater - which is essentially a receiver that connects to the some other way of sending your signal out to a larger audience. So, your handheld connects say to a repeater 1 mile away (within the 2 mile LOS) and then the repeater sends out your signal at a much higher wattage - or even over the internet - depending on the setup.
Also, some folks may not be using 2 meters but other frequencies - which can travel much farther - think shortwave radio.
Essentially any decent power requires a HAM license - and Tech license is really easy to get.
Also - remember that the main issue is Line of Sight - so, if your on a mountain top, looking out over the plains you can see pretty far. But if your in a canyon - you can't see out of the canyon. So for the most part many of the lower level licenses for Ham limit you to frequencies that don't do well over really long distances (via skipping off the atmosphere) - so limit you to line of sight. That line of sight can be far or near depending on terrain. Then the equipment starts to matter - like what type of antenna you have - and how much wattage your radio transmits. Also, generally you get what you pay for - good radios cost a good chunk of money - but be careful not to pay for features you aren't going to use. You may be better off buying a less expensive - or used handheld then working up to a different radio once you have working on it for a while. Do a search on the web, there is a LOT of information around generally about HAM radios.
Also, some folks may not be using 2 meters but other frequencies - which can travel much farther - think shortwave radio.
Essentially any decent power requires a HAM license - and Tech license is really easy to get.
Also - remember that the main issue is Line of Sight - so, if your on a mountain top, looking out over the plains you can see pretty far. But if your in a canyon - you can't see out of the canyon. So for the most part many of the lower level licenses for Ham limit you to frequencies that don't do well over really long distances (via skipping off the atmosphere) - so limit you to line of sight. That line of sight can be far or near depending on terrain. Then the equipment starts to matter - like what type of antenna you have - and how much wattage your radio transmits. Also, generally you get what you pay for - good radios cost a good chunk of money - but be careful not to pay for features you aren't going to use. You may be better off buying a less expensive - or used handheld then working up to a different radio once you have working on it for a while. Do a search on the web, there is a LOT of information around generally about HAM radios.
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I would be interested in hearing how to secure communications ... purely from a theoretical standpoint - or if you can point me to an online article?
If you don't mind, I'm sending you and IM as I have more questions and didn't want to turn this thread into an instant messenger.
there are a few threads (if not more) here about HAM equipment - some very lengthy and detailed. They may be able to provide more insight than I can - I am just a lowly tech ;-). Need to move up my license so I can get more reach - 10 meter is supposed to be the way to go I hear...
Depends on who you are securing it from. Side-band or squelch codes are not secure.
To the post;
Reinterating previous discussions on topic; the best license-free civilian two-way is discontinued 150MHz MURS band talkies. Kenwood TK's <$75 for a 2W with a solid design and spot-on receiver sensitivity. A proven 5mi radio under normal terrestrial and not optimal conditions. It's narrow band FM. The transceiver is a decent Analog Device's IC (not totally old school) but the design as a whole is quality. The battery supports 2-3 days with intermittent comms.
WHY?
- The MURS band is license free
- This is dumb two-way.
- Not allot of traffic on this band (arg, why ruin it)
- The distance is only as good as the RF budget and a +33dBm transmitter (conducted) and a -115dBM reciever makes a good combination
- 150MHz has a wavelength of about 6.5FEET. As a handheld, this is stretching the ability to make a decent antenna that is practical for a handheld for non-bounce point-point voice comms at a less lossy wavelength.
- Its a good balance point on cost/performance/license issues and traffic
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Gunfighter,
How far apart - 20 miles
city is flat ground
I looked at the Yaesu VX6R's on line the price is reasonable and looked up the need for HAM licencse. Would both my wife and I need the Ham license to use these radios?
Depending on how much your willing to spend to secure your Comms. My daily job requires me to carry a radio and we have encrypted talkgroups (were on a statewide trunked radio system). Encryption isn't hard depending on the radio and options it has. One of my handhelds runs software enc while the statewide radio runs hardware enc. Software is the easiest to program with hardware being more because you have to use another device called a hardware key loader to load the enc keys into the radio.
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Many ways to do it from a theoretical point of view of course. Once you have a basic grip of how RF works and it's time line, what triggers big ears/eyes the only draw back is ones ability to adapt.
As the ability level of your opponent goes up securing your como does also, quality costs in many ways. If you just want to block out the biggest group of none threats that only are in it for disruption or I heard, you can do splits using different freq's or bands with 30 wpm CW. Add your own code words and you block out even more. Slow or fast scan TV is a very good way of using code words with item placement/location within the frames.
On the other end of the spectrum, if your taking on NSA or Better,... bring your A game, and do not use anything that transmits a signal of any kind.
Remember the only way two people can keep a secret is if one of them are dead. Never trust anyone you have not known very closely for over 10 years. Even then, keep one eye open for patterns and change up your code every few weeks. Time works both ways, but remember they have to snatch it and react, you only have to act. If you are being tracked, there are always signs,... always.
Even a few on this site, trying to fit in.
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2 meter is LOS w/a 10-15% add for curvature.(Our club repeater has a 250 mile, Yes mile, foot print and I have tripped it 175 miles away with my VX6R using a 36" antenna.) That repeater is one of the few in the S/E that is considered a high altitude repeater, and there has been many who want it removed for a number of reasons. Trust me we are not going to let that happen on our watch.
Yes both have to have a license, and I'd suggest a General the minimum. The Gen will allow you to move up to more of the HF bands that have reach. The one issue with 2 meter and higher is if you can not make it simplex, your relying on a repeater which is not wise when shit goes south.
Getting a General or better license is the correct way to do it, that way you learn more as you progress. The more you know the easier it is to keep your como from escaping to unwanted places.
I keep an HT with me most of the time, but I have HF gear in the rides. Unlike the QTH (home) with the trucks I can place the array anywhere I want as long as the 4 wheels grab traction. The trucks do not say look at me in any way, but can be 100% on the air in less than 2 minutes, with a very long reach.
Google "one time pads"
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Pads is OK up to a certain level, but when you use any Software Defined system, know your new third ear.
At some point, it would seem that even if "your new third ear" (heh - I like that one) can't decrypt whatever you are saying, they can at least figure out the location of the transmission. Might want to keep that in mind.
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With RF it's best to adapt the whore house principle,...kept your face covered from the one eye detective, grow more body mass, then shoot and scoot. With burst you have a few seconds more but not much, of course unless your using a few remote gig's.
GF14, glad your helping on this. I have a problem with kids on one side of SF Bay and me on the other. I figure I go across with boat and pick them up if things/earth quake happen. Comms are problem because I need short training cycle for them and zero up keep. I figured Marine hand helds for them, base unit for home and hard mount for boat. I thought while at it mount in vehicles as well as away from water not many would use this set up? The FRS and other inexpensive sytems I have tried where poop. Same with CBs. What do you think?
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Mike,
Remember in a true emergency anyone is allowed to operate any piece of como gear, and when it all goes to shit, having the FCC or Coast Guard showing up might be a blessing
Marine is a good way to go as well for a none experienced crew but make sure you I/D the bulk of the most used channels in your area and plan for it. Even still, have a plan that is adjustable based upon how fluid the traffic is on those 280 channels. There will be others using those bands as well with waaayyy more power than your basic marine VHF rig. Many Ham transceivers that are mod'ed for MARS operation, have the ability to operate there as well. When normal public como (cell and land line)is out all kinds of things happen with the gear some try to put on the air.
As you well know, quality como is vital when push comes to shove or if your trying to stay on plan after the kick off. The advantage of Ham Radio is not in the license regardless of license class, but what is learned along the way as to how to over come an issue be it equipment or operation.
How's it been going?
Remember in a true emergency anyone is allowed to operate any piece of como gear, and when it all goes to shit, having the FCC or Coast Guard showing up might be a blessing
Marine is a good way to go as well for a none experienced crew but make sure you I/D the bulk of the most used channels in your area and plan for it. Even still, have a plan that is adjustable based upon how fluid the traffic is on those 280 channels. There will be others using those bands as well with waaayyy more power than your basic marine VHF rig. Many Ham transceivers that are mod'ed for MARS operation, have the ability to operate there as well. When normal public como (cell and land line)is out all kinds of things happen with the gear some try to put on the air.
As you well know, quality como is vital when push comes to shove or if your trying to stay on plan after the kick off. The advantage of Ham Radio is not in the license regardless of license class, but what is learned along the way as to how to over come an issue be it equipment or operation.
How's it been going?
Look at cheap Chinese stuff (don't know about laws in US if they are certified/banned) some of their dual bands are quite good (WOUXUN KG-UVD1P for example).
But i think this should be for emergency only and even then always assume there are more than two pair of ears listening...
But i think this should be for emergency only and even then always assume there are more than two pair of ears listening...
sharac,
Some of the Chinese stuff is indeed sold in the US. An acquaintance has some of the Wouxun and Baofeng handhelds, and they seem pretty darn good for the money. If nothing else, they'd serve well as "loaners" to friends/family/neighbors in case of an emergency.
Some of the Chinese stuff is indeed sold in the US. An acquaintance has some of the Wouxun and Baofeng handhelds, and they seem pretty darn good for the money. If nothing else, they'd serve well as "loaners" to friends/family/neighbors in case of an emergency.
GF14, sling business has been keeping me busy lately. Then shooting and now working on a few more things to get an edge. I am an idiot on comms, as it was always handed to me and I just used it. My main concerns are distance and how many knuckle heads will be using the same system. That's why I came up with a VHS Marine idea. Seems like I can have some good amount of power and not as many on system, so I might actually get a message out. Not worried about security as I already know there is no such thing in comms I can afford
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Mike,
Being deep in back up is what it's all about. That is why I have hedged my bet across the board.
If the general public knew that it takes less than 15 secs to shut down every Cell phone, Land line, and the Internet in this country they would have back up as well, but sheep will be sheep, as you well know.
Certain repair shops or venues you may know of from the old days, can hook a bud up with what is considered out dated or otherwise, gear. You know the drill there after.
Phantom/ghost calls that last for 20 seconds or less should not be and issue. That said, for your intended application I doubt you would have a issue at all, unless you were impeding. Then again, given a problem across the board for all, I think you would be GTG on any none priority channel. Just food for thought.
Being deep in back up is what it's all about. That is why I have hedged my bet across the board.
If the general public knew that it takes less than 15 secs to shut down every Cell phone, Land line, and the Internet in this country they would have back up as well, but sheep will be sheep, as you well know.
Certain repair shops or venues you may know of from the old days, can hook a bud up with what is considered out dated or otherwise, gear. You know the drill there after.
Phantom/ghost calls that last for 20 seconds or less should not be and issue. That said, for your intended application I doubt you would have a issue at all, unless you were impeding. Then again, given a problem across the board for all, I think you would be GTG on any none priority channel. Just food for thought.
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Mike,
PM replied to, I think.
I'm not, up to speed on this new board as of yet. If you don't get it add email to yours and I'll hit you that way.
Kenneth
PM replied to, I think.
I'm not, up to speed on this new board as of yet. If you don't get it add email to yours and I'll hit you that way.
Kenneth
Kenneth, got it and appreciate the help
Commo reminds me of laser rangefinders. It usually sucks until it has its very own backpack.
Yaesu is very good. Their cheaper units like the 270r are tough little performers.
Yaesu is very good. Their cheaper units like the 270r are tough little performers.
If you guys are looking for secure two way radios you will need to use a radio that suports DES or AES-256. there are several radios that offer inversion scrambling, that will defeat a scanner. A determined listener can crack it with ease, i know i have done it. You can buy used public safety radios off ebay and add the encryption modules buy a keyloader add the encryption key and boom you talking in the wind.
here is a radio that already has the encryption hardware installed.
Motorola XTS3000 XTS 3000 II VHF P25 Digital Encryption AES 256 Des XL Des OFB | eBay
this is one of the keyloading devices that you would have to use to put the keys into the radio.
Motorola KVL 3000 Keyloader T5795A | eBay
Now for the bad news. no hand held radio on the market will talk more that a mile or two at the most with out some sort of repeater. A repeater is a fixed station that is normally on a tall tower or mountain top, it simultaneously receives the siginal from one portable or mobile device and transmits it from a higher elevation at a higher power level to the other radios on that channel.
this website is full of information on building a repeater station. it applies to ham or commercial setups.
The Repeater Builder's Technical Information Page™
GeoVario LLC - Web Access, RadioReference.com - Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference and www.p25.ca are technical sites with forums that are full of information on radios.
if you have any questions about building a radio system shoot me a pm, i have built an AES-256 encrypted digital VHF system that has portable radio coverage out to 40-50 miles of the repeater and mobile coverage out to 70 miles.
here is a radio that already has the encryption hardware installed.
Motorola XTS3000 XTS 3000 II VHF P25 Digital Encryption AES 256 Des XL Des OFB | eBay
this is one of the keyloading devices that you would have to use to put the keys into the radio.
Motorola KVL 3000 Keyloader T5795A | eBay
Now for the bad news. no hand held radio on the market will talk more that a mile or two at the most with out some sort of repeater. A repeater is a fixed station that is normally on a tall tower or mountain top, it simultaneously receives the siginal from one portable or mobile device and transmits it from a higher elevation at a higher power level to the other radios on that channel.
this website is full of information on building a repeater station. it applies to ham or commercial setups.
The Repeater Builder's Technical Information Page™
GeoVario LLC - Web Access, RadioReference.com - Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference and www.p25.ca are technical sites with forums that are full of information on radios.
if you have any questions about building a radio system shoot me a pm, i have built an AES-256 encrypted digital VHF system that has portable radio coverage out to 40-50 miles of the repeater and mobile coverage out to 70 miles.
Not to hijack the tread, but my wife gets concerned because I normally hunt alone where there is no cell phones. Being old, with a bad ticker and copd she figures I'm gonna croak or something.
Anyway she talked me into getting a Sat Phone (SPOT PHONE). I tried it this last elk hunt. It made for a happy wife (wife's happy, I eat). So I called her every night giving her an update and telling her I'm still alive.
I shot a cow elk one evening, dress it, and the next morning I went back to get it. Ran across a guy who was older then I was, and in worse shape who had a moose down. He asked how far he had to go to find a phone as he needed to call Sheridan to get help to get the moose out. I loaned him my Sat Phone which worked great. We had a good visit while we waited for his grand kids to show up. Made a good friend, (which I seem to do every time I meet someone hunting)
Anyway, the sat phone didn't cost much more then an iphone and the service is less then what I pay for my cell service.
I'm not concerned about security, I doubt anyone would be interested in what I say anyway.
An added benefit is my wife drives around a lot in the winter. If you know Wyoming, you know if you get out of town you don't have cell service. I feel a lot better knowing if she slides off the road into a snow bank, she don't have to walk out to find a place to call for assistance.
Anyway she talked me into getting a Sat Phone (SPOT PHONE). I tried it this last elk hunt. It made for a happy wife (wife's happy, I eat). So I called her every night giving her an update and telling her I'm still alive.
I shot a cow elk one evening, dress it, and the next morning I went back to get it. Ran across a guy who was older then I was, and in worse shape who had a moose down. He asked how far he had to go to find a phone as he needed to call Sheridan to get help to get the moose out. I loaned him my Sat Phone which worked great. We had a good visit while we waited for his grand kids to show up. Made a good friend, (which I seem to do every time I meet someone hunting)
Anyway, the sat phone didn't cost much more then an iphone and the service is less then what I pay for my cell service.
I'm not concerned about security, I doubt anyone would be interested in what I say anyway.
An added benefit is my wife drives around a lot in the winter. If you know Wyoming, you know if you get out of town you don't have cell service. I feel a lot better knowing if she slides off the road into a snow bank, she don't have to walk out to find a place to call for assistance.
Sat phones are a good idea for back up coms too. I had kinda forgot about them. You are right about the cost, they are getting cheaper too.
Within the amateur spectrum it is not possible. The rules governing it specifically prohibit such things and as such the gear is not designed for such purposes. Commerical gear, which is significantly more expensive, but is designed for secure comms and can be adapted to amateur radio. So if one were to want to achieve such a goal one would have to purchase commerical radio gear in whatever frequency range you needed that was capable to supporting an encryption scheme then you would be set. This is the short version of it and it is a bit more complicated and a communication system is much more complicated then just a couple of radios but this is the basic premis.
Sat Phones don't care how far away you are. I hunt in the Big Horns, 230 miles from the house, no problems. I haven't had the phone long, the farthest I've called was my daughter in Oregon, that was only 1,200 miles. I'm sure it will go farther.
Bad thing about SAT phones is, you stop paying the bill they die. Unless you get an annual plan but then, at the most, you have 12 months of service. If the SHTF 2 months before your plan ends, you have 2 months if you are not able to pay the bill.
In the extreme case people rise up to fix the problems in this country, you can bet the phones will be turned off.
Radios will always work as long as you have power to them. Small solar chargers work great.
So get what you think will work for you in whatever event you THINK could happen based on whatever scenario you feel could happen. UHF is best in a city, VHF is best in the country and goes a lot further than a UHF signal does using a lot less power.
In the extreme case people rise up to fix the problems in this country, you can bet the phones will be turned off.
Radios will always work as long as you have power to them. Small solar chargers work great.
So get what you think will work for you in whatever event you THINK could happen based on whatever scenario you feel could happen. UHF is best in a city, VHF is best in the country and goes a lot further than a UHF signal does using a lot less power.
2-Way Encryption Primer
herofish, here is a link to some encryption information. if you opt to try to put together a system you will need to get a commercial frequency. you can theoretically encrypt on amateur frequencies but you have to give your key to anybody that may ask for it. besides there is really not a need for it on ham stuff.
herofish, here is a link to some encryption information. if you opt to try to put together a system you will need to get a commercial frequency. you can theoretically encrypt on amateur frequencies but you have to give your key to anybody that may ask for it. besides there is really not a need for it on ham stuff.
Well I'm not one who is concerned about the SHTF BS, I am concerned that my wife is able to call if she plows into a snow bank. With the distances here, radios wont work. Can't even get the AM stations most of the time. Sat Phones don't care about distance.
My Sat phone account is set up on auto pay so I don't have to worry about it being shut off.
I really doubt NSA in interested in my checking on my wife or her checking on me.
But everyone has different needs.
My Sat phone account is set up on auto pay so I don't have to worry about it being shut off.
I really doubt NSA in interested in my checking on my wife or her checking on me.
But everyone has different needs.
That is why I left Colorado and moved to Florida. You can keep that cold white crap.
Like I said above: So get what you think will work for you in whatever event you THINK could happen based on whatever scenario you feel could happen. UHF is best in a city, VHF is best in the country and goes a lot further than a UHF signal does using a lot less power.
If your SAT phone is good for you, great, if you want radio, great, if you want encrypted radio great, if you want to write your own code book and use public radio, great. Pick what you think would be best for the situation you want to be prepared for.
Satellite phones, after all, are just radios, just like cell phones are. Anything you can do with a cell phone, you can do with a radio and the radio will always work if you have power. The only "third party" that could screw it up would be the repeater owner if you were connecting through one. If you are not using a repeater you can still communicate with someone with a radio tuned to your freq.
Not to start an argument but to clarify your statement. Radios will work but for your given situation the satellite phone is a more viable option. If Ham operators can bounce RF signals off the atmosphere to talk to countries on the other side of the oceans then you could bounce a signal and talk to your wife. It just wouldn't be with a hand held radio. That would require a different radio configuration.
Thread side track... Depending on what network you're operating on and your plan, a satphone will talk world wide and some will function world wide as well. Back when I bounced around the sticks here in the sand box, I carried either a Thuraya (ME focused) or Iridium (worldwide including the poles) setup, and would talk to the States regularly. They carry their own country code (+88xx x) and basically treat every call as an international call, including when you're calling another phone in your other hand.
Back to your regularly scheduled HF programming!
Back to your regularly scheduled HF programming!
Old thread, but I thought I'd add this for those that find the thread looking for a cheap comms option.
Nextel handheld radios ~ preferred models are #Motorola i355 and i570 for durability, function and privacy.
These old Nextel phones work WITHOUT a service plan. Range exceeds what your going to get out of the typical box store 2 way radio systems at considerable savings. They can be setup so that you can make "calls" to an individual radio or you can broadcast to your "group". Battling for an available frequency is not an issue as seen in CB, GMRS, FRS.
How to program for off network use
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3ipEX-87Hg
With it's own antenna 2 miles is the range, but it can be increased range of near 15 miles line of sight via 6dB gain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqxAQUH3dmQ
Ebay buy it now for $15
Motorola I355 | eBay
NOTE: You will also need to purchase a new sim card for each radio, also available on Ebay.
These radios can cover a large area very securely using the PRIVATE CALL feature.
Private Intercom allows for (the most part) privacy that can only be overridden if someone duplicates one radio's "LINE 1" information. Otherwise it is a private function that restricts even the Receive All setting on other radios from over-hearing the conversation.
To reach a specific radio the radio must be set for YOUR CHANNEL and YOUR CODE or YOUR CHANNEL and PVT only. You will be able complete the 2way communication if you know the other party's "LINE 1" information. This feature can be used to (usually) reach only that ONE individual device you are attempting to reach using the following setup information:
Turn i355 radio on and go to menu and select "My Info". Then choose EDIT and select the LINE 1 field. Enter a digit string of between 1-20 digits long that you want the current radio to be known as. After this information is entered then Reboot the radio (power down and power back up). (SEE NOTE #3)
===
To test:
From another radio, go into Mototalk/Directalk mode. Using the keypad enter the number that you input into the other radio as LINE 1 and the then "call" that original radio by pressing the PTT key.
If it doesn't work go back and check your digit string. Also make sure that you HAVE REBOOTED before attempting to reach the far end. You should also make sure that your CHANNEL and CODE or CHANNEL and PVT are set up on that device. The CHANNEL and CODE must be the same on both radios. SEE NOTE #4 if one radio does not reach the other.
NOTE #1: If 2 radios have the same LINE 1 information the calling radio will be able to reach both DUPLICATE radios. When ONE of the DUPLICATE radios responds the other DUPLICATE radio will not hear what the responding duplicate radio is transmitting.
NOTE #2: Even if ANY radio is set for the same CHANNEL and RECEIVE ALL it WILL NOT HEAR any private communications between 2 radios that are using the LINE 1 information as a means of communication.
NOTE #3: The Digit string should be the same length for all radios in the group. By using a (standard) 10 Digit Phone number style length (North America) as an ID it will make it less likely to have duplicate strings (members) if multiple groups of radios join each other on the same CHANNEL and CODE for some period of time and still wish to use the private call function. It is recommended to use a 10 digit string (or greater) that may include a combination of the typical LOCAL AREA CODE and first few digits of the LOCAL POSTAL CODE with the last 4 digits being a variable for radio by radio. This will make it very unlikely that if 2 groups joined together on the same CHANNEL and CODE for a short time that there would be any conflicts. Conflicts and Duplicates will result in the loss of privacy. (Any numbering scheme will work as long as consistency is used throughout group of radios.
NOTE #4: With most (if not all) Firmware or SIM cards your must have the LINE 1 information populated in YOUR radio before attempting to reach another radio using the LINE 1 information as a means to contact. Do not forget to REBOOT your radio if you have just added this information.
NOTE #5: You can set-up your contact list for frequently contacted radios using this manner of communications and it will speed up the process when used.
NOTE #6: This Private or Intercom calling will not work if you have started DirecTalk or MotoTalk using the 911/112 SEND/END method bypasses the missing SIM card and the Private Comms discussed above requires the use of a iDen SIM card
This is the list of radios that Sprint lists as compatible with Direct Talk:
i325
i335
i355
i365
ic502
i570
i580
ic602
i615
i850
i855
i880
ic902
Channel/Code feature - Is someone else listening?
How to know and change your operation to avoid eavesdroppers.
A few years ago FRS/GMRS radios were marketed as having "hundreds of channels". They did this because they were taking the actual channels that could be used on the radio (usually 7 FRS and 15 GMRS) and use the privacy codes, sometimes just a few and now as many as 143) as a multiplier. In reality the use the privacy codes does not "add" (or multiply the) channels on an analog radio.
On most non-digital radios (FRS/GMRS/HAM/Commercial/Government/others) the privacy codes are usually known as either PL (Private Line), CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System), DCS (Digital Selective Calling) or DPL (Digital Private Line).
PL and CTCSS are related as the same feature and DCS and DPL are related as the same feature. They just have different names. The difference between PL/CTCSS and DCS/DPL is former is analog encoding the latter is digital encoding. Yes, you can put digital privacy codes on an analog radio transmission. Many current FRS/GMRS radios can use either PL or DCS as a potential selection for privacy.
There are other names and types but they all basically do the same thing. When the radio is transmitting not only is it sending the spoken audio from the microphone but it is also carries with it what is known as a sub-audible tone or a digital code. It is called a sub-audible because the receiver can "hear" it but the tone or code but it does not make it out to the audio section of the radio and therefore the user does not hear the tone or code. It is only used as a means to control or to restrict the radio from transmitting or the receiving audio unless the transmission includes the matching tone or code.
On most FRS/GMRS radios the use of privacy codes for transmitting purposes acts as a means to restrict other radios on the same channel (frequency) that use a different privacy code, from interfering while the channel (frequency) is in use.
In the case of receiving transmissions, the privacy code operates in the same manner. When a FRS/GMRS radio hears activity on it's programmed channel but the privacy code does not match it will restrict the reception of a transmission through to the speaker/headset. Once the matching privacy code is heard any transmissions that uses that same code will be heard.
Some radios can be set to transmit the privacy code but not listen for a specific code. This allows for more freedom to be aware of the condition of the channel when other users are using other privacy codes.
Privacy code use on FRS/GMRS only allows for pseudo-privacy because a radio that does not use, have or enforce the use of privacy codes can hear and transmit no matter what the other radios are using for a privacy code so long as the channel (frequency) is the same.
When there are enough radios on the same channel and they are using different privacy codes it may become impossible to use your channel because your radio is set for a certain code and it is only listening for transmissions that code. The other radios are set up the same way for their own codes and enough traffic could make that particular channel unusable as no one may be able to transmit or receive in a reliable manner.
Another issue with the FRS/GMRS privacy codes is when a user chooses not to use a privacy code or the radio does not have the capability to use a privacy code. If this is the case, every time any radio that does not have the privacy code or does not enforce its use, the radio does not check to see if the channel (frequency) is in use and effectively takes over the channel when ever it transmits. Those radios are using the privacy codes at this time do not hear that the channel is being transmitted on because the transmission is not carrying with it the sub-audible privacy code. This too will make a channel unusable. Often those that use FRS/GMRS radios in a busy venue will turn off the privacy codes so they can be heard but end up "stomping" on the more polite users. When this happens he who has the most power or better antenna usually wins.
Now keep all that in mind as we discuss the iDen radios
The iDen radios have 150 communication paths (not including Private mode) to minimize interference. This is done by using 10 channels and 15 codes per channel or 10 x 15 =150.
The codes on an iDen radio can be used as a multiplier unlike it's FRS/GMRS counterpart. The codes on the iDens are more like a sub-channel rather than the pseudo-privacy codes on the FRS/GMRS radios.
On the iDen radios one could set up a pair of radios on Channel 10/Code 2 and not interfere with the others that would setup their radios up on Channel 10/Code 3.
In the FRS/GMRS environment any use on one channel could prohibit others from using it. In FRS/GMRS world the 10/2 group would have to standby and wait for channel 10 to clear as it would appear busy until the 10/3 group was done (and vice versa). In the iDen radios there is no indication of use on channel 10 to those not on the same code because there is not interference between the codes.
When setting up an iDen radio as stated before it can be setup using any one of 10 Channels and Codes 1-15. There are 2 other code settings as well. One selection is "Receive All" and the other is "PVT Only".
The "Receive All" feature on iDen radios allows the radio to monitor all the traffic on one particular channel no matter what code is used. This somewhat mirrors the functionality of the FRS/GMRS radios being setup without using a privacy code. One of the differences between the iDen radios and the FRS/GMRS is when the iDen radio is set to "Receive All" the iDen radio can not transmit on any channel or code until the radio is set for a channel and a specific code. Its FRS/GMRS counter part CAN transmit to any radio using any code or no code.
Most FRS/GMRS radios use a simple protocol to maintain a reasonable level of communications. These radios will simply transmit from one radio to any other radio. The FRS/GMRS radios usually will not indicate if they were successful in making a contact as they tend to just spray this signal out on one channel that may or may not include a privacy code and if something gets it then it's user should return the transmission on the same channel and code. With few exceptions there is no way to know if there was actually another radio within listening distance.
The iDen radios use a unique protocol when it transmits seeking a recipient. The radio initiating the communications will send a signal out and wait for a short period for any receiving station on the same Channel and code OR a station set up for the same Channel and set for "Receive All" to acknowledge. Either of these types of setups will automatically acknowledge to the initiating radio that it was in range of and was able to clearly "hear" the transmission. If the initiating radio did not get an acknowledgement it would display "User Not Available"
Here is the indicator that should spark your COMSEC interests:
As stated before, any iDen Radio that is set up with the same channel and the same code as the initiating radio will return a response and then the transmitting radio will display "Transmit" and the Receiving radio should show as expected "Receive" and then the reverse would be true when the receiving station transmits to the formerly transmitting station. It sounds very elementary except that a radio setup on the same channel as the transmitter and the code "Receive All" looks to the originating station like a radio that it can be in a two-way conversation with but the "Receive All" station can only listen.
If someone was fishing for a set of iDen radios that were communicating with each other they would only need one iDen radio and then periodically monitor each channel for a few seconds or minutes at a time using the code "Receive All". The fisherman would would need only to listen to the radio to find someone transmitting and then the perceived security for having these radios may soon fade away.
Another more expensive an elaborate way to listen in as the fisherman, would be to have 10 radios with each radio on one each of the 10 Channels and then each one set up "Receive All". The fisherman, providing he was in range would immediately hear any of those transmissions on any channel with any code.
The security minded iDen users would periodically have all radios in his group shut down and when he knew that there was no radio on their channel and code they would transmit every so often. If no one is on the channel the radio will return the message "User Not Available" If they do not see that message they have either forgot a radio or there is a fisherman in the area.
The Most Secure ways to use the iDen radios:
Only communicate on an "All Call" Channel/Code manner during urgent situations. Otherwise program each radio in your group with a private number. So long as that number is long enough and/or complex enough not to be guessed, it would be very unlikely that a fisherman could hear anything. To make it harder for the fisherman, he would not only have to guess or glean the private numbers, he would also have to know the channel that is being used for the numbers.
Here is the caveat to the privacy method of managing your iDen radio security:
If the fisherman knows the private number of someone they wish to monitor all the radio traffic received by that radio, the fisherman would only need to duplicate the private number of that radio. Whenever a transmission was sent to the legitimate operator, the fisherman would hear the same transmission.
But what is a fault is also a feature...
If you don't feel that you need the private calling feature to reach each radio individually then you can program the same long and/or complex number in the Private Line of multiple radios. You would then use that number to reach each other (at this time I do not know if there is a limit). If all the radios are setup the same, then all radios will receive the same traffic as well as transmit to the same number and it can not be heard by the fisherman's radio that would be setup using the correct channel and "Receive All". The Code on these sets should be set to "PVT Only" to avoid accidental All Call broadcasts on the Same Channel/Same Code Comms. Physical security of these radios become paramount when using Private Calling to communicate at any level. If the numbers get out you have lost all security if there is a fisherman in the area gathering intel.
Here is a list of how to program the iDen radios from least secure method to most secure with notes as to the benefits and concerns:
All Radios on the Same Channel/Same Code | useful for communicating within a group and everyone in the group hearing it | A Fisherman can have a radio set up to listen to same channel and "Receive All" code and then hear any traffic on any code within that channel.
All Radios using individual Private Numbers | useful for person to person communication that generally can not be overheard | Any radio setup with the same Private line as anyone in the group will intercept those private transmissions.
All Radios using the same Private Number as well as programmed for Same Channel and "PVT Only" | Gives the same benefits of Same Channel/Same Code use as for All Call without any concern of a Fisherman listening using the "Receive All" code | Disclosure of this Private Line number can cause a complete loss of communications security
NOTE:
Except for someone having an iDen radio (which is very rare at this time) all of the communications security failures are fairly unlikely. Because generally most COMSEC threats will come from a scanning receiver (that can not usually intercept iDen Comms) it will be virtually impossible to intercept the Comms traffic. The other alternative to having an iDen radio as a means of intercepting radio traffic would necessitate one the acquisition of a very expensive ($15K-$21K) Communications Analyzer. These analyzers are already rare and will become more rare as the iDen is phased out. (The planned phase out will not cause any known issues with the Direct Talk feature or security)
Read more at http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=193571&page=2#E4pQ00c7cOgG5BSd.99
For under a hundred bucks you can have your 4 favorite neighbors able to communicate!
Nextel handheld radios ~ preferred models are #Motorola i355 and i570 for durability, function and privacy.
These old Nextel phones work WITHOUT a service plan. Range exceeds what your going to get out of the typical box store 2 way radio systems at considerable savings. They can be setup so that you can make "calls" to an individual radio or you can broadcast to your "group". Battling for an available frequency is not an issue as seen in CB, GMRS, FRS.
How to program for off network use
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3ipEX-87Hg
With it's own antenna 2 miles is the range, but it can be increased range of near 15 miles line of sight via 6dB gain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqxAQUH3dmQ
Ebay buy it now for $15
Motorola I355 | eBay
NOTE: You will also need to purchase a new sim card for each radio, also available on Ebay.
These radios can cover a large area very securely using the PRIVATE CALL feature.
Private Intercom allows for (the most part) privacy that can only be overridden if someone duplicates one radio's "LINE 1" information. Otherwise it is a private function that restricts even the Receive All setting on other radios from over-hearing the conversation.
To reach a specific radio the radio must be set for YOUR CHANNEL and YOUR CODE or YOUR CHANNEL and PVT only. You will be able complete the 2way communication if you know the other party's "LINE 1" information. This feature can be used to (usually) reach only that ONE individual device you are attempting to reach using the following setup information:
Turn i355 radio on and go to menu and select "My Info". Then choose EDIT and select the LINE 1 field. Enter a digit string of between 1-20 digits long that you want the current radio to be known as. After this information is entered then Reboot the radio (power down and power back up). (SEE NOTE #3)
===
To test:
From another radio, go into Mototalk/Directalk mode. Using the keypad enter the number that you input into the other radio as LINE 1 and the then "call" that original radio by pressing the PTT key.
If it doesn't work go back and check your digit string. Also make sure that you HAVE REBOOTED before attempting to reach the far end. You should also make sure that your CHANNEL and CODE or CHANNEL and PVT are set up on that device. The CHANNEL and CODE must be the same on both radios. SEE NOTE #4 if one radio does not reach the other.
NOTE #1: If 2 radios have the same LINE 1 information the calling radio will be able to reach both DUPLICATE radios. When ONE of the DUPLICATE radios responds the other DUPLICATE radio will not hear what the responding duplicate radio is transmitting.
NOTE #2: Even if ANY radio is set for the same CHANNEL and RECEIVE ALL it WILL NOT HEAR any private communications between 2 radios that are using the LINE 1 information as a means of communication.
NOTE #3: The Digit string should be the same length for all radios in the group. By using a (standard) 10 Digit Phone number style length (North America) as an ID it will make it less likely to have duplicate strings (members) if multiple groups of radios join each other on the same CHANNEL and CODE for some period of time and still wish to use the private call function. It is recommended to use a 10 digit string (or greater) that may include a combination of the typical LOCAL AREA CODE and first few digits of the LOCAL POSTAL CODE with the last 4 digits being a variable for radio by radio. This will make it very unlikely that if 2 groups joined together on the same CHANNEL and CODE for a short time that there would be any conflicts. Conflicts and Duplicates will result in the loss of privacy. (Any numbering scheme will work as long as consistency is used throughout group of radios.
NOTE #4: With most (if not all) Firmware or SIM cards your must have the LINE 1 information populated in YOUR radio before attempting to reach another radio using the LINE 1 information as a means to contact. Do not forget to REBOOT your radio if you have just added this information.
NOTE #5: You can set-up your contact list for frequently contacted radios using this manner of communications and it will speed up the process when used.
NOTE #6: This Private or Intercom calling will not work if you have started DirecTalk or MotoTalk using the 911/112 SEND/END method bypasses the missing SIM card and the Private Comms discussed above requires the use of a iDen SIM card
This is the list of radios that Sprint lists as compatible with Direct Talk:
i325
i335
i355
i365
ic502
i570
i580
ic602
i615
i850
i855
i880
ic902
Channel/Code feature - Is someone else listening?
How to know and change your operation to avoid eavesdroppers.
A few years ago FRS/GMRS radios were marketed as having "hundreds of channels". They did this because they were taking the actual channels that could be used on the radio (usually 7 FRS and 15 GMRS) and use the privacy codes, sometimes just a few and now as many as 143) as a multiplier. In reality the use the privacy codes does not "add" (or multiply the) channels on an analog radio.
On most non-digital radios (FRS/GMRS/HAM/Commercial/Government/others) the privacy codes are usually known as either PL (Private Line), CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System), DCS (Digital Selective Calling) or DPL (Digital Private Line).
PL and CTCSS are related as the same feature and DCS and DPL are related as the same feature. They just have different names. The difference between PL/CTCSS and DCS/DPL is former is analog encoding the latter is digital encoding. Yes, you can put digital privacy codes on an analog radio transmission. Many current FRS/GMRS radios can use either PL or DCS as a potential selection for privacy.
There are other names and types but they all basically do the same thing. When the radio is transmitting not only is it sending the spoken audio from the microphone but it is also carries with it what is known as a sub-audible tone or a digital code. It is called a sub-audible because the receiver can "hear" it but the tone or code but it does not make it out to the audio section of the radio and therefore the user does not hear the tone or code. It is only used as a means to control or to restrict the radio from transmitting or the receiving audio unless the transmission includes the matching tone or code.
On most FRS/GMRS radios the use of privacy codes for transmitting purposes acts as a means to restrict other radios on the same channel (frequency) that use a different privacy code, from interfering while the channel (frequency) is in use.
In the case of receiving transmissions, the privacy code operates in the same manner. When a FRS/GMRS radio hears activity on it's programmed channel but the privacy code does not match it will restrict the reception of a transmission through to the speaker/headset. Once the matching privacy code is heard any transmissions that uses that same code will be heard.
Some radios can be set to transmit the privacy code but not listen for a specific code. This allows for more freedom to be aware of the condition of the channel when other users are using other privacy codes.
Privacy code use on FRS/GMRS only allows for pseudo-privacy because a radio that does not use, have or enforce the use of privacy codes can hear and transmit no matter what the other radios are using for a privacy code so long as the channel (frequency) is the same.
When there are enough radios on the same channel and they are using different privacy codes it may become impossible to use your channel because your radio is set for a certain code and it is only listening for transmissions that code. The other radios are set up the same way for their own codes and enough traffic could make that particular channel unusable as no one may be able to transmit or receive in a reliable manner.
Another issue with the FRS/GMRS privacy codes is when a user chooses not to use a privacy code or the radio does not have the capability to use a privacy code. If this is the case, every time any radio that does not have the privacy code or does not enforce its use, the radio does not check to see if the channel (frequency) is in use and effectively takes over the channel when ever it transmits. Those radios are using the privacy codes at this time do not hear that the channel is being transmitted on because the transmission is not carrying with it the sub-audible privacy code. This too will make a channel unusable. Often those that use FRS/GMRS radios in a busy venue will turn off the privacy codes so they can be heard but end up "stomping" on the more polite users. When this happens he who has the most power or better antenna usually wins.
Now keep all that in mind as we discuss the iDen radios
The iDen radios have 150 communication paths (not including Private mode) to minimize interference. This is done by using 10 channels and 15 codes per channel or 10 x 15 =150.
The codes on an iDen radio can be used as a multiplier unlike it's FRS/GMRS counterpart. The codes on the iDens are more like a sub-channel rather than the pseudo-privacy codes on the FRS/GMRS radios.
On the iDen radios one could set up a pair of radios on Channel 10/Code 2 and not interfere with the others that would setup their radios up on Channel 10/Code 3.
In the FRS/GMRS environment any use on one channel could prohibit others from using it. In FRS/GMRS world the 10/2 group would have to standby and wait for channel 10 to clear as it would appear busy until the 10/3 group was done (and vice versa). In the iDen radios there is no indication of use on channel 10 to those not on the same code because there is not interference between the codes.
When setting up an iDen radio as stated before it can be setup using any one of 10 Channels and Codes 1-15. There are 2 other code settings as well. One selection is "Receive All" and the other is "PVT Only".
The "Receive All" feature on iDen radios allows the radio to monitor all the traffic on one particular channel no matter what code is used. This somewhat mirrors the functionality of the FRS/GMRS radios being setup without using a privacy code. One of the differences between the iDen radios and the FRS/GMRS is when the iDen radio is set to "Receive All" the iDen radio can not transmit on any channel or code until the radio is set for a channel and a specific code. Its FRS/GMRS counter part CAN transmit to any radio using any code or no code.
Most FRS/GMRS radios use a simple protocol to maintain a reasonable level of communications. These radios will simply transmit from one radio to any other radio. The FRS/GMRS radios usually will not indicate if they were successful in making a contact as they tend to just spray this signal out on one channel that may or may not include a privacy code and if something gets it then it's user should return the transmission on the same channel and code. With few exceptions there is no way to know if there was actually another radio within listening distance.
The iDen radios use a unique protocol when it transmits seeking a recipient. The radio initiating the communications will send a signal out and wait for a short period for any receiving station on the same Channel and code OR a station set up for the same Channel and set for "Receive All" to acknowledge. Either of these types of setups will automatically acknowledge to the initiating radio that it was in range of and was able to clearly "hear" the transmission. If the initiating radio did not get an acknowledgement it would display "User Not Available"
Here is the indicator that should spark your COMSEC interests:
As stated before, any iDen Radio that is set up with the same channel and the same code as the initiating radio will return a response and then the transmitting radio will display "Transmit" and the Receiving radio should show as expected "Receive" and then the reverse would be true when the receiving station transmits to the formerly transmitting station. It sounds very elementary except that a radio setup on the same channel as the transmitter and the code "Receive All" looks to the originating station like a radio that it can be in a two-way conversation with but the "Receive All" station can only listen.
If someone was fishing for a set of iDen radios that were communicating with each other they would only need one iDen radio and then periodically monitor each channel for a few seconds or minutes at a time using the code "Receive All". The fisherman would would need only to listen to the radio to find someone transmitting and then the perceived security for having these radios may soon fade away.
Another more expensive an elaborate way to listen in as the fisherman, would be to have 10 radios with each radio on one each of the 10 Channels and then each one set up "Receive All". The fisherman, providing he was in range would immediately hear any of those transmissions on any channel with any code.
The security minded iDen users would periodically have all radios in his group shut down and when he knew that there was no radio on their channel and code they would transmit every so often. If no one is on the channel the radio will return the message "User Not Available" If they do not see that message they have either forgot a radio or there is a fisherman in the area.
The Most Secure ways to use the iDen radios:
Only communicate on an "All Call" Channel/Code manner during urgent situations. Otherwise program each radio in your group with a private number. So long as that number is long enough and/or complex enough not to be guessed, it would be very unlikely that a fisherman could hear anything. To make it harder for the fisherman, he would not only have to guess or glean the private numbers, he would also have to know the channel that is being used for the numbers.
Here is the caveat to the privacy method of managing your iDen radio security:
If the fisherman knows the private number of someone they wish to monitor all the radio traffic received by that radio, the fisherman would only need to duplicate the private number of that radio. Whenever a transmission was sent to the legitimate operator, the fisherman would hear the same transmission.
But what is a fault is also a feature...
If you don't feel that you need the private calling feature to reach each radio individually then you can program the same long and/or complex number in the Private Line of multiple radios. You would then use that number to reach each other (at this time I do not know if there is a limit). If all the radios are setup the same, then all radios will receive the same traffic as well as transmit to the same number and it can not be heard by the fisherman's radio that would be setup using the correct channel and "Receive All". The Code on these sets should be set to "PVT Only" to avoid accidental All Call broadcasts on the Same Channel/Same Code Comms. Physical security of these radios become paramount when using Private Calling to communicate at any level. If the numbers get out you have lost all security if there is a fisherman in the area gathering intel.
Here is a list of how to program the iDen radios from least secure method to most secure with notes as to the benefits and concerns:
All Radios on the Same Channel/Same Code | useful for communicating within a group and everyone in the group hearing it | A Fisherman can have a radio set up to listen to same channel and "Receive All" code and then hear any traffic on any code within that channel.
All Radios using individual Private Numbers | useful for person to person communication that generally can not be overheard | Any radio setup with the same Private line as anyone in the group will intercept those private transmissions.
All Radios using the same Private Number as well as programmed for Same Channel and "PVT Only" | Gives the same benefits of Same Channel/Same Code use as for All Call without any concern of a Fisherman listening using the "Receive All" code | Disclosure of this Private Line number can cause a complete loss of communications security
NOTE:
Except for someone having an iDen radio (which is very rare at this time) all of the communications security failures are fairly unlikely. Because generally most COMSEC threats will come from a scanning receiver (that can not usually intercept iDen Comms) it will be virtually impossible to intercept the Comms traffic. The other alternative to having an iDen radio as a means of intercepting radio traffic would necessitate one the acquisition of a very expensive ($15K-$21K) Communications Analyzer. These analyzers are already rare and will become more rare as the iDen is phased out. (The planned phase out will not cause any known issues with the Direct Talk feature or security)
Read more at http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=193571&page=2#E4pQ00c7cOgG5BSd.99
For under a hundred bucks you can have your 4 favorite neighbors able to communicate!
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For those considering a handheld radio in the FRS/GMRS bands, be aware the audio quality/clarity is not ideal, especially with background noise or if you have some hearing loss. The FRS/GMRS bands were crammed into a narrow band, and without going into frequency modulation theory, the resulting channels do not have the audio quality.
All my buddies and I use the Garmin Rino GPS/Radios to communicate and keep track of each other while snowmobiling in the remote backcountry. We have a hard time verbally communicating with each other because of the poor audio, but the GPS mapping and location sharing feature is indispensable when trying to locate lost/stuck parties. We have communicated as far as 5-Miles in rugged terrain with the TX power set at 5-Watts, and have had sporadic comms Line-Of-Site (LOS) as far as 20-Miles mountain top to mountain top.
I use the Motorola 3000XT handhelds for work, and at 5-watts (VHF digital narrowband P25), I can hit our repeaters as far as 70-Miles away, again, that's LOS.
All my buddies and I use the Garmin Rino GPS/Radios to communicate and keep track of each other while snowmobiling in the remote backcountry. We have a hard time verbally communicating with each other because of the poor audio, but the GPS mapping and location sharing feature is indispensable when trying to locate lost/stuck parties. We have communicated as far as 5-Miles in rugged terrain with the TX power set at 5-Watts, and have had sporadic comms Line-Of-Site (LOS) as far as 20-Miles mountain top to mountain top.
I use the Motorola 3000XT handhelds for work, and at 5-watts (VHF digital narrowband P25), I can hit our repeaters as far as 70-Miles away, again, that's LOS.
