Using Ham Radio Off-Road

Get the most out of your ham radio by following these simple yet important guidelines.

by

Words by Tom Severin

I had recently pulled into a gas station in Big Pine, CA. Tim and I were scouting for a trip and agreed to meet mid-morning. He arrived ahead of me and was chatting with a guy at the station. We learned that this individual, Dave, had suffered two flat tires the previous day while driving in an area of Death Valley National Park. He had walked an incredible 43 km (27 mi) into Big Pine for help.

Of course, we couldn’t leave him there. As I drove Dave back to his vehicle we chatted about many topics, including ham radio. Dave wondered about the ham radios I had installed in my vehicle, which were two Yaesu 8900s.

Plugging his tires was no big deal. Dave was anxious to rejoin his group, so we shook hands and parted ways. After he drove off, I realized he had left his backpack and laptop in my vehicle. I didn’t know his number, but didn’t have cell service out there anyway.

Dave got all the way to the Nevada border before realizing his loss. Remembering that I was a ham radio operator, he drove to Bishop, CA, and pulled into a Radio Shack. One of the clerks knew a ham radio operator, Jon, NW6C. He called Jon, who was chatting with a ham on the area repeater. Jon asked this ham operator to pass a message to me should he hear me on repeater anytime soon. I just happened to be monitoring the repeater, so I chimed right in.

Tim and I would return to Big Pine by 5 pm that day, I said, and could meet with Dave then. I asked if they could call Dave’s cell phone and let him know. We did connect later that afternoon and the (now-relieved) owner was reunited with his possessions.

That’s just one example of how ham radio plays a vital role in four-wheeling. Here are other ways to incorporate amateur radio into your 4WD trips.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications:

This is functional when vehicles are usually close to each other, even within visual range. Simplex operation is ideal in those situations and a flat out waste of a repeater. As for the frequency, try to keep conversations off 146.52 MHz, the national calling frequency (more on that in a bit). Check the band plan for your State or region for larger States. It will identify all the viable simplex frequencies in your area. There are sufficient frequencies for you and your buddies to find an open one.

The standard 2 m antenna works well for most operating. You might consider packing a small directional antenna to hit a distant repeater. Various models are available or if you’re tech savvy, you can build one.

I recommend purchasing an aftermarket antenna for the hand held transceiver (HT). A longer antenna offers far superior performance to the standard “rubber duck.” Other possibilities include a directional antenna (Elk brand, for example), a dipole, or a J-pole antenna. A small compact commercially available antenna is the Slim Jim rollup J pole antenna. While the Elk antenna is perfect to carry as a backup to hit distant repeaters, the Slim Jim is a great backup in a backpack or go-bag. Again, you can make one or buy it for about $20 on eBay.

As a Personal Tracker: 

A popular tracking system on ham radio is Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS). The amateur radio operator connects his APRS-enabled rig to a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) and GPS receiver. The radio transmits a packet of location information at regular intervals including your Lat/Lon. These digital signals are routed through a nearby digipeater.

People can monitor these movements through a particular website and ‘pin’ the vehicle as it moves. This is great for family members concerned about someone going off road. Hams off-road can keep track of the other vehicles that are similarly equipped. APRS tracking is very useful if the group splits up or a late arrival is trying to find camp. A multi-faceted system, APRS allows operators to send images, bulletins, and other types of messages.

Monitor Weather: 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts weather information continuously over seven VHF frequencies. Which frequency to monitor depends on where you are. To find one in your location simply search for the appropriate frequency on the NOAA website.

Always remember to program the appropriate frequencies into your radio or memorize the starting frequency of 162.400 MHz. Each station is 25 kHz higher with a top frequency of 162.550 MHz. If you’re wondering how to easily monitor the NOAA and your vehicle-to-vehicle frequency just flip to a variable frequency oscillator (VFO) mode and dial up the nearest NOAA frequency. You should hear the weather broadcast. Now return to memory mode. To listen to the NOAA broadcast, simply hit the button that takes you to VFO mode. In essence, you toggle back and forth between memory mode and VFO mode.

Coordinate Communications with Vehicles Outside the Area: 

Repeaters allow you to stay in touch with your buddies joining you along the way. Establish a call-in frequency, then chat periodically to monitor the other person’s progress. If and when they get close enough, you can switch to a simplex frequency.

Ham radio operators in California and Nevada can take advantage of some nice systems located in the mountains. At that altitude, coverage is naturally wide. However, some systems, such as the units at Silver Peak and Mazourka Peak in California, are linked. This allows hams to communicate throughout the entire Owens Valley.

Research Repeater Frequencies Before Leaving:

Repeaterbook.com (that also covers Canada) is a great resource for all VHF and UHF bands. You start by selecting the State then choose the band you’ll be operating on. In addition, do a Google search for nearby repeater or ham radio clubs. Contact a club member for advice, especially if the city has more than one repeater.

It’s really important that you program the repeater frequencies and related information (CTCSS/PL tone and such) prior to leaving. You don’t want to be stuck trying to dial up a frequency if you need help. By programming those frequencies in advance, you simply click through the channels until you find the one you need. I also recommend printing out the list of channels. That makes for a quick reference when on the road.

While off-road, take a few minutes to scan for repeaters near your destination. Consult your user manual for this step, including how to determine the CTCSS tone.

Need Help?

If you need help, try 146.52 MHz (the national calling frequency) and any nearby repeater. If a conversation is in progress, wait for an opportunity to break in. Under normal circumstances, you would say “break” and give your call sign. In extreme emergencies, call Mayday. The amateur radio community encourages hams to help out by monitoring 146.52 MHz.

There are a lot of ways to make use of your ham radio ticket while off road. Load up your radio(s) the next time you go wheeling. You can enjoy two fun hobbies at once - ham radio and four-wheeling.

Tom Severin, 4×4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.