Re: Cell Phones (coverage and ham radio options)
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Mon, 5 Aug 1996 18:29:46 -0600
Earlier in the summer, a series of discussions were presented on the use
and failings of cell phones for outdoor trips; the concensus generally is
that cell phones work well when they work; but you need to check with the
service provider to see if their "footprint" of cell sites covers the area
you are going into. Bear in mind that most cell sites cover populated
areas and interstate highway corridors, and not much in sparsely
populated areas. If you are doing a mountain trip, often you can get to a
cell site from a high location, even if it is far away, but if you are
shadowed by a canyon wall or other mountains, don't count on getting out.
If you can do a dry run before the trip and check out the cell coverage in
the specific area you will be in, then you know whether you will have
coverage for sure. Otherwise it's a chancey situation.
One other point, is take spare batteries and more than one cell phone in
case one of them fails. Try to get a high power (three watt) phone if you
can for better coverage. In extreme situations, if you are backpacking
you may want to take an auxiliary "yagi beam" antenna with a remote
cable for your cellphone. This will increase the range and gain of your
signal enough to reach a cell site which might otherwise be inaccessible.
The beam antennas for 800 mHz are small and light enough to fit inside a
normal frame backpack without a problem, and could make a big difference
in getting a signal to a cell site.
Two-meter ham radio is still the most reliable technology and has the best
repeater network coverage of any communications medium, so you are
probably well advised to get some of your Scouts and Leaders to take a
training class for ham licensing through ARRL local ham clubs. Tests are
given frequently and studying a licensing book available through most
Radio Shack stores will expose you to the bank of test questions asked on
each test. Usually, the Novice license and the no-code Tech license have
about 25 questions, which with a little study, are easy to pass. Licenses
usually are granted in about four to six weeks, sometimes faster, so plan
ahead. Equipment in the form of small handheld portables are relatively
inexpensive and lightweight for backpacking, but again, take spare
batteries and more than one radio; and, you can buy higher power mobiles
for vehicles.
Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, Boulder, CO
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
