No Cell Service? No Problem: Amateur Radio For Your RV
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2017
- We all rely on cell phones when we're out there in our RVs. But what happens when there is no cell coverage and you need communications? That's why you may want to get what I just added to my RV: A VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver. Besides being a reliable back up communications system, Ham radio also a great hobby and a lot of fun while rving and boondocking.
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First off, let me note that you need to have a license from the Federal Communications Commission to use amateur radio. That's not all that difficult these days. The system I have is so advanced that by using radio waves, GPS satellites and the Internet, I can communicate with anybody, anywhere in the world, any time I want.
My new amateur radio system consists of a small handheld transceiver that I can carry around with me- the Yaesu FT2D--- and, mounted in my RV, a larger transceiver - the Yaesu 400XDR. Both operate on a specialized system called Fusion, utilizing both analog and digital formats that let you do some pretty amazing things. I particularly enjoy Fusion feature called WiresX that allows worldwide communication. I demonstrate it in the video.
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Something else that is very cool: Suppose I have gone for a hike. But I get lost. I don't know where the RV is or how to get back to it. My handheld transceiver can lock into it and display a map pointing me right back home. Conversely, if I was hurt and couldn't transmit, the mobile unit in the RV will point right to where my I am out in the woods. I demonstrate that in the video, too.
One more thing. Using something called the Automatic Packet Reporting System - I can generate a map of my travels in my RV that will display in real time on a computer and can be shared with friends or family, so someone will always know where I am. With all the boondocking Jennifer and I do, that provides real peace of mind. Hey, I can even share it on my website, so readers can meet up with us. See why amateur radio comes in so handy? For information on getting a license, check the resources offered by the American Radio Relay League at arrl.net
System Fusion as I use is a feature offered with many Yaesu Radios. You can learn more about it at systemfusion.yaesu.com/what-i...
For information on the Automatic Packet Reporting System, see www.aprs.org
For information on Wires-X see www.yaesu.com/jp/en/wires-x/i...
There are other systems that offer similar capabilities to Fusion. See D-Star at www.dstarinfo.com and Echolink at www.echolink.org
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KD8WWG here. We just picked up an RV and I immediately started thinking about amateur mobile applications. Thanks for showing us your rig.
Excellent presentation, 73 W9YCD
You can only acces the Fusion network when you are within range of a Fusion repeater. Once you are into the repeater THEN you can access worldwide connectivity. You are still limited by range to repeaters, but it is generally better than cell phone coverage. Best connection is by HF winlink which allows true long distance connection around the world propagation permiting.
Mike and Jennifer, you so impressed us that based on your recommendation and demo we contacted HRO and bought the identical units you used on line. Big learning curve ahead. We are long time HAMs. Sue and I are explorers who just came off the sea in 2020 and built out a 2020 Promaster tall long wheel base unit and launch in 12 days. Look forward to using the VHF units. Have always been HF - an ICOM 706MkIIg user...K0FLA - so towers and Hotspots are a new concept for Sue KC0HNB and me.
We have explored 24/7 at sea the last 13 yrs to 5 continents and shores of 49 countries but look forward to 24/7 living in our van RESPONSE in the future, using HAM equipment and doing some Parks On The Air (POTA) fun. We likely will do a 360 degree left turn trip around America first, going North from NC to Maine and then going West (in Michigan around last week of June) and down the Pacific coast after spending time on the Continental Divide in August and September. Ed (my gmail address email in non-matchine scrapable fashion is: atty edkelly - no spaces) Thanks & 73
K0FLA (/mobile real soon now) K
That's awesome, Ed! Have you seen my most recent ham radio and RV video? Here it is at th-cam.com/video/gC5RwZxAjcI/w-d-xo.html.
Great video! 73, K6GM
Have you ever gone to Death Valley? After; you leave Ridgecrest, cell service drops off, before you get to Tromia. next is a bunch of empty miles before you get to Stovepipe Wells. there there is a land line payphone. and internet from the hotel.
Problem with ham, 2 meters is you have to have someone to communicate with. If yor travel solo your SOL Ragers have their own frequencies and again your SOL the only option is to call 911 in the overline phone. which is only located in 3 places/
Sweet set up!!! I got the 400XDR as a 2m base station but haven’t figured APRS out yet. I have a Beofeng UV5R for a HT. But am looking to get the Yeasu 70D or the 3D. But not looking to pay 400 dollars for a HT
i think we should talk about internet access via the radio.
DMR is cheaper,.does more with one radio. I have both. A DMR repeater can have several different conversations at the same time vs fusion which can only do one at a time. Their are more DMR repeaters in most of the places I go
Perfect timing. I just passed and got my technician license this week for the very reason! Definitely need to look at this system. KC1IEZ
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It has been a HUGE help :)
good video mike thanks
Thanks for the video NF8A
It seems much more likely that you would have a cell phone connection than a repeater connection. I'm an RV'r too...I use HF absolutely no need for a cell connection. '73.
When I go camping out in the mountains, my cell phone signal is worse than ever but my radio LOS range is better than ever! I haven't traveled too far from the east coast, so I haven't gotten to experiment in other regions, but at least in my experience it makes sense in the situations where I know I'll lose the ability to call for help.
There are websites online that show the locations of all the known repeaters, and you can print or program the frequencies for the repeaters near wherever you plan on going. With that, you can just chat with other operators for fun as you drive or hike, and you'll know which repeaters you can hit from that area with your setup. If something happens, you'll also know which repeaters you can use to call for help!
I hope to live your guys life one day! Love the vids!
I live in Idaho and have a 400 in my Kubota 1100 side-by-side. I like the cross band repeater function on the 400. I have used the 400 for Search and Rescue when the Sheriff’s radio would not work in a remote area.
Our club uses Fusion repeaters. I love using the digital mode. The audio is so clear. We are going to install another repeater which we will use mainly for Wire-X. The Fusion system is amazing.
I keep my Alinco 2M/440 in my Truck Camper and cross band to my Yaesu FT-60 HT. I leave the Alinco on 25 Watts while the HT is on 1 Watt. That way I save power on the HT while walking/hiking/biking around. 73,KA6PDY
Good stuff and nice setup.
Hello Mike, I've been an Amateur Radio operator for 18 years, and you've given a great intro to the hobby.
8P6RC and VE3BEO
I just got a few midland radios and a 40 watt mobile in the rv
Please explain the "Emergency " Room or Node at 1:50 in the video.
I’ve been a ham for 50 years but never spent much time on VHF, and when I did it was in the 70’s. So as we’re launching out in our new RV I looked into adding a VHF mobile rig, for emergencies and perhaps to tap into local knowledge. But after reading about the lack of activity on 2m these days, and considering the amazing capability of emergency satellite based radios, I decided on a Garmin InReach Mini, which will work anywhere. That Yaesu FTM400 looks pretty nifty, though. Thanks for the video. de N4NFA.
Thank you So Much for creating this fine intro to RV / Ham radio possibilities. I’m building an RV/Vardo off of a heavy duty utility trailer and am very interested in outfitting it with a ham radio set up.
Again thank you, well produced and informative video. Subscribing🤗
What if you just want to call a tow truck??
Great Video! I have my General Class Ticket and I also have my GMRS license, because some public service events GMRS connects all volunteers that working the PSE. Such as the City to Shore MS 150 Bike Ride in South Jersey.
great video mike i might be getting yaesu system fusion yep fusion is pretty neat i also have an icom ht for d star. in process of upgradeing my amateur radios from old analog over to digital.
Hi Mike WDIV Detroit channel four. I see you are enjoying you time. Take care. 73
Ae4xo sounds great. 73
i also use echolink and allstar link network building a allstar simplex node at this time i do not rv but tent camp out of my toyota car. take care
I actually just won the Yaesu FT3200DR/DE at my local Ham Radio Clubs Hamfest, It's a 2 Meter Mobile on the Fusion System. I've tested it a bit and I do like it. Hope to see you on the air or on the road. 73, Walter, KB1IBG
Howdy howdy. We currently have a Yaesu 8900R quad band radio in Vanellope. Looking at your radio, we lose the two channels we never use anyway, and we get cool new features. Trying to sell the wife on the idea "Honey, we need people to know where we are!" but not clear how the tracking mechanism works. Will the radio automatically scan for a channel (SystemFusion?) that it can talk to, and transmit our data to be relayed out? Or do we need to find the channel ourselves? Not as handy if we have to find the tower before transmitting, but still useful. How good is the coverage compared to cell? I am sure there are still dead areas, and assume it only works with SystemFusion enabled stations. How good is that coverage versus Echolink or somesuch?
Still have a LOT to learn. Getting your license is barely the first step. So many questions.... Thanks for the video, but curse you for making me lust after new tech. (If only it had packet station stuff built in like the kantronics)
Good presentation, nice your rig, 73 de VA2IO
He sounds like WOMPR shall we play a game?
I have followed you for quite some time but I didn’t know you were a ham. Good deal!. Vern N3VL
I am starting my full-time RV life next spring -retirement, and am in aquisition mode. Got my General KO4VNK last December and have a Yaesu DTM-400XDR in my wishlist; not pulled the trigger due to price and lack if immediate need. However, Yaesu just released the FTM-200DR. Would you consider this a reasonable, starter option? I would like to get familiar with a radio before I hit the road, but will have much more time to do so post retirement. Just wanted your thoughts, given your radio experience as an RVer. Thanks.
Hey Mike, thanks for the great video. Wife and I are looking forward to hitting the road with a 5th wheel and 1/2 ton Toyota Tundra. Have been on 2 meters, 220 and 450 MHz for years. Started in 1969 with a Standard Radio 12 channel crystal 10 watts on W6FNO in Los Angeles. Still a Tech Plus. WA6CYJ, handle Mike. Hope to catch you on the air after we get mobile again. 73’s.
Great video! Thumbs up for ham radio! Also looking forward to your review of the Kymeta Satellite Internet system for staying online while abroad! - Doc KH6FM
73 de CT1GZB, Lisboa, Portugal.
Its D(eee) star NOT Day star- lol. I could just hear all the ICOM fan boys cringe when you said that. Lol. Great video- but just wanted to point that out.
For a Ham Radio video, this one was EXCELLENT. Some of my associates have mentioned these things separately, but now I see you really have your act together. So what do you worry about while RVing now that all your comms are good? I am going to check out some more of your videos right now.
To clarify, with APRS, EVERYONE will know where you are, not just friends and family with whom you would like to share this information.
I enjoyed the video. Would reconsider moving the antenna wire away from the airbag housing. I doubt the transmission energy would activate the airbag. More concerned where that wire goes if the airbag deploys. Thanks for making this video, I'm going to check out that Yaesu unit. 73's
I just got my license last month. I haven’t transmitted yet 😂 but I will soon.
I was expecting a phone patch from the title
Phone patch would be a good redundancy tool if nothing else 👌
Hi Mike. Love your videos! What mag antenna are you using for the Yaesu FTM-400XDR
Hi Mike, I actually found your channel because of my interest in RV'ing. I now find out that you are also a HAM- very cool. Please keep the videos coming!!! I've had my Tech since 2002 because I was doing First Aid Stations/ Public Service Events for years and a number of friends really urged me to get my Ticket (HAM Slang for HAM License). You mentioned HAM Clubs, I got mine though a local Club that offered "Get Your License in a Weekend" where they went over every question that could be on the test, explained the correct answer on Friday Night, Saturday and Sunday Morning. Sunday Afternoon they administered the test. The Club that I'm now involved with has a class that is once or twice a week and when you pass the FCC test we also give you a free year long membership in the Club. Walter-KB1IBG
Excellent intro to VHF/UHF Ham Radio on the road. Very professional presentation. Thanks.JackKA1DKY
It should be noted that based on your license level you can only use certain bands.
I like going up north in the deep woods to a cabin an it dawned on me that when I go up. My group and I lose cell service for an hour until we get to that cabin and that got me thinking, what if theres an accident or something happened to us. During the winter anything is possible. Thought about a satalite radio but they cost way too much. An not that Id need a HAM radio for regular use but I thought it would be the next best thing. Implying it works in the woods and hilly terrain. Would this be a good option for me?
Hey mike,
I am thinking about getting my ham radio lic.
Cam ham radio call a cellular phone like you see on tv?
Im looking forward to taking the test and buying my first radio.
Im also a class A rv'er 5 years full time.
I thought that I just watched this one yesterday....LOL
Great vid! I’m just starting to get into Ham and have been looking at RVs for years. When ready, I’ll be moving into RVing but wanted Coms independent of corporations, infrastructure, etc. Enjoyed your vid. If you’re still checking your inbox or if anyone else wants to chime in, should we use our home address or PO Box for FCC registration/FRN? Thanks again for the vid!
I was pleasantly surprised to see this video. I watched so many of your rv vlogs when researching what rv to buy. We have a 2018 Roadtrek etrek. And I got my tech and general license on may 15 and trying to learn the hobby. You are very good at explaining things clearly and I wish you would do more ham radio vlogs. What mobile unit do you have?
Long time ham here, KE5CPL, ex-K5GTB. You hit everything on the head. The cell phone system is an eggshell fragile system that fails frequently. Ham radio doesn't.
I am a Ham and i find that if i have no cell coverage i usually cant reach a repeater, especially if im in the bush. without a repeater its very difficult to get out to connect to dstar or fusion for that matter
I use cross band repeat to my HF in the RV for emergencies.
What happened to your Roadtrek that had a black interior.
VHF/UHF is cool for local communications but it requires a network of repeaters to operate anywhere beyond 2-10 miles. HF (shortwave) is where the real fun is. HF requires no infrastructure, repeaters, internet etc. It will operate just about anywhere and covers worldwide communications. I routinely talk to stations in Europe, South America, Africa and many other parts of the world from an HF radio in my vehicle.
Thanks for posting this great video. Getting your technician class license is really easy. I would suggest all RVers To get their license. It's not only practical but it's a lot of fun. AB5CA
Do people still use CB radios? I know I would like local information about stopped cars on the highway so I'm thinking I need a CB.
They do and I, too, think they would be more useful than ham radio in an RV
This guy defenelty looks like he'll sell me insurance
No offence great content
Do you still use the HF rig you had before?
Yes I do.Will have to do story on using HF in an RV some day soon.
@@RVLifestyle did you post your HF entry. We met at a Grand Rapids dealer event a few years ago. Hope both of you are doing great.
Really kewl hobby, I too am a ham, however its NOT a cell phone and does not have cell phone capabilities. You can in a emergency use it to pass a message thru a ham radio operator who will forward it to the appropriate destination. 73
Do you need a Internet access for your radio?
Mr. Right No, No internet needed at all
@@weekendtrailblazers that is an out right LIE! If he's not using the internet to connect to England, he's connected to a repeater that is connected to the internet! This is how misinformation starts! I live in an area with ZERO repeater connectivity so you have to rely on cellular data. When that goes down you are just as disabled as a citizen with a cellphone! The internet has to come from somewhere? No need to be deceitful! It's not magic. I have been licensed for 27 years. System Fusion, D-Star, and DMR all rely on an internet connection. That is why HF will always come through when others don't. Radio to radio. No dependency on an infrastructure. 73's
Jesse Hicks Its not a lie. You don’t need Internet to use the radio. Yes, you do if your using DMR, Fusion,EchoLink,IRLP and others but just using a radio you do not need internet access. Simple radio to radio does not need internet access. Connecting to a Repeater does not not need internet. HF does not need internet access. I’ve been licensed ham since 1999, KA6PDY
@@weekendtrailblazers The question was "no internet connection needed at all?" Of course there is some sort of internet connection involved. Whether he was using one from his mentioned cell phone booster in his RV or using a repeater that was connected to the internet. You can't talk to England on a handheld. Lol. By the way, I also have an Advanced class license, like Mike, issued in 1993. Don't know why that matters? My point is, as originally stated, he is using the internet to talk over 3,600 miles on VHF radios. I'm fully aware of how repeaters and HF propagation works. All you have to do is use Google to prove my point. You can't deny the laws of physics and I'd hate to see someone waste their hard earned money trying to accomplish what he's doing while thinking they don't need an internet connection somewhere along the line to accomplish this.
Dont forget to invest in 1 year home study for the license .
30 days tops!
Mike, I'm not an amateur radio operator. I've watched the video and understand you can talk to people around the world but don't understand how the radio you've added can take the place of the cell phone when you have no cell service.
Garden Club of Lincoln Some use hamnet network on 2.4 or 5ghz to connect there hotspot repeater on. in the 70's 80 packet radio was very popular. Hams can use there own rf network without lte. Not sure what the hams use in asia and usa for network, but in the eu the brandmeister runs on hamnet.
Easy, ham radio is not related to cell phones at all. You make a call on the air with ham radio to another ham radio operator or automated system that connects you to the phone system.
Now all amateur radio operators are nice :(
Correct, just as not all people are nice.
But many more are nicer than the not so nice ones.
Very misleading. This assumes you are within range of a repeater. Also, for this example, that repeater needs to be a Fusion repeater and they are much less common than a regular repeater. Also, not all regular repeaters have reflectors that connect to the internet. Don't get me wrong, I am an Amateur Radio operator so I'm all for promoting Ham radio. However, you are setting unrealistic expectations.
The title of your video is No Cell Service? No Problem. Where in your video can a ham radio do what a cell phone does? Very misleading title, wasted everyone's time.