[sudev]

Originally Posted by hrag

As you may be aware, we are planning the GQ drive in Feb. I would like some information from you on options available regarding radio / trunk communication between cars traveling in a convoy.

How does it work in the Raid? I'm assuming there is one base station and multiple handsets. Would a similar setup be available for a convoy? Costs?

Sets:
Mainly the sets used in the Desert Storm or the Raid are base sets fixed in the cars on UHF frequencies. These have line of sight transmission capability ranging from 5~20 kms depending on terrain. Handies are also used and have lower range. There is no fixed station.


License:
We are using radio communication under a club license. I understand the commercial vendors can also provide some sort of temp. use license. The license is for a particular frequency alloted to you.

Costs:
In case of club license the costs are based on radial distance from a center point. For instance for the Storm we make Nagaur as center point. Lower the radial distance means lower fee.

There is a very active HAM community in India and alternative is for all the individual to take a HAM license and operate on that frequency. This needs an exam to be cleared (is told to be very easy). Individual can import HAM sets without any need of license or buy them from local vendors.

Other gurus can pipe in.

[hrag]

Thanks for starting this thread sudev.

The centre point is an interesting concept - would it apply to a GQ drive?

Does anybody know what options are available from cellular service providers?

[Shakensoul]

I know this is kind of amateurish, but will this type of walkie-talkie set be of any use in this kind of scenario ?

[sudev]

Yep..they would be good. What is the wattage and is channel/frequency adjustable?

[shyamhegde]

Originally Posted by sudev

Yep..they would be good. What is the wattage and is channel/frequency adjustable?

Those pic seems to be of GMRS/FRS handset. good, cost effective. GMRS needs a license in US but in India, i guess there is no authority to issue a license. These sets come with wattages up to 3 watts 9or more too?) and also have variable wattage settings to manage battery load. Spare batteries and car chargers are required for the kind of usage you would be looking for. As I have seen, they do not work (switch on) when the charger is attached for charging. Motorola ones.
They are fun and utility when used properly, at a lower cost. Cobra, uniden, Motorola, Garmin are some popular brands I suppose.

[Shakensoul]

Originally Posted by sudev

Yep..they would be good. What is the wattage and is channel/frequency adjustable?

Wah...you got me here, no idea about this . Let me look up the model no. on the internet for the specs.

EDIT : Got the link.

Uniden | A World Without Wires - GMR1038-2#

• Range Transmits Up to 10 Miles
• 22 Channels (15 GMRS, 7 FRS)
• 99 CTCSS/DSC Privacy Codes
• Backlit LCD Display
• Battery Strength Meter
• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)*** - HS910, HS915, or ZA133 (optional)
• Keypad Lock
• Channel Scan
• Channel Monitor
• 5 Call Tones
• Roger Beep
• Belt Clip Included
• Headset Jack

I bought it just for fun, never got a chance to use and check the range. But the battery is the real problem, the rechargeable don't last at all, and I have not checked using AAA batteries.

[gd1418]

What about the cost and is it available in Delhi/NCR?

Originally Posted by Shakensoul

Wah...you got me here, no idea about this . Let me look up the model no. on the internet for the specs.

EDIT : Got the link.

Uniden | A World Without Wires - GMR1038-2#



I bought it just for fun, never got a chance to use and check the range. But the battery is the real problem, the rechargeable don't last at all, and I have not checked using AAA batteries.

[Shakensoul]

Originally Posted by gd1418

What about the cost and is it available in Delhi/NCR?

As usual, I think its not available in India. I bought it @Walmart in US last year for 30 bucks

[HappyWheels]

Found these at Mustafa's here at Singapore;

cost for one with 20 miles range = ~50 $ SNG

cost of one with 30 miles range = ~70 $ SNG

There are two hand sets per piece and the 70$ one comes with car charger.

[carmania]

Please don't plan on using the FRS handsets. The frequencies are not legal.

Although HAM radio would have been a good option, it takes a lot of time in India to get a license. You would have to register 3 months in advance for the exam, clear the exam, get police verification done and wait until you get your license.

I believe you can use the frequencies for CB (truckers use this a lot in the US). The frequency was opened to public use about a year ago. This might be a better option.

[shyamhegde]

Originally Posted by carmania

Please don't plan on using the FRS handsets. The frequencies are not legal.

Do you know who monitors and regulates these frequencies in India please.
I thought even in the US, Family Radio Service (FRS) is legal and doesn't need a license (it is limited at half watts max on legally available sets) .
GMRS needs license and the license is inexpensive to get.

Thanks in advance for the education.

[gd1418]

When in December '07 I went to Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, I had enquired about some wireless handsets for use in the jungle as the mobiles wouldn't work. The Garmin dealer in Delhi said that handsets were available on rent and that temporary licence would also be arranged. But we did not pursue as it was expensive.

[joecherian]

I have a Cobra GMRS 2-Way Radio which I bought in US. I would like to know whether it is legal to use the same in India ? Or do I have to apply for some license ? If so, can anyone please tell me the procedure for the same ?

Walmart.com: Cobra GMRS 2-Way Radio Value Pack with 18-Mile Range: Home Office

[dinar]

You have to find out the frequency at which these work. The bandwidth is controlled by the gov. Anything below 88MHZ in FM and AM can be used but a 18 mile rang may create problems. the power for transmitter is again restricted to 2 Watts. Anything above that need get approval from gov.

[pedrolourenco]

You need a licence. You can get a licence if you own fishing trawlers, barges etc.