Mobile Radio CommunicationsA Brief Introduction

Who Am I

Lars R. Noldan

Callsign: W9ZEB

Website: http://w9zeb.org

Twitter: @Absenth

Please Ask Questions.

Covered Topics

Learn What Radio Services Exist

Strengths/Weaknesses For Each

Common Use Cases

Special Techniques

Radio Services

CB Radio

FRS/GMRS Radio

Business Band Radios

Ham Radio

CB Radio Strengths

Reasonably Inexpensive

Easy To Operate

Wide Spread Use

No License Required

With a Good Antenna Range Is ~12 Miles

CB Radio Weaknesses

11m Band Requires Large Antennas

Hand Held CBs Leave a Lot to be Desired

AM is Prone to Noise

Many of The Receivers Are Poorly Made

40 Channels

FRS/GMRS Radio StrengthsNo License Required (FRS)

License Easy to Acquire (GMRS)

Very Inexpensive (Hand Helds)

Light Weight, Portable, Use Standard Batteries (AA)

Easy To Operate (14 Channels)

FM Operation

FRS vs GMRSFRS = Low Power, Not Legal to Replace Antenna

GMRS = Requires an FCC License (fee and registration only)

GMRS Can Use Repeaters on GMRS Only Frequencies

GMRS Can Replace Antennas

GMRS Can Use More Power

FRS/GMRS Radio Weaknesses

Very Low Power

Very Poor Antennas

Results in Exceptionally Short Range

Not Well Suited For Use Inside a Vehicle (Signal Loss)

14 Channels Only (FRS) / 23 Channels (GMRS)

Business Band Radio Strengths

Very High Quality Hardware

Licensed Equipment, Not Users

Can Include Repeater System Use

Easy to Operate

Can Have Advanced Digital Features

Business Band Radio Weaknesses

Very Expensive Hardware (Of Leasing Fees)

Limited to Your “Group”

Batteries Are Usually Proprietary

May Require Repeaters to Function

Ham Radio StrengthsFrom Local to Global Communications

Power up to 1500w

Wide Range Of Equipment Options

Global Network of Operators

Generally Extremely High Quality Equipment

Sky is The Limit

Ham Radio Weaknesses

License Required (Includes a Test)

Equipment Can Be Very Expensive

Operation Requires Knowledge (Ease of Use)

Rules And Regulations Can Be Restrictive.

Common Use Cases

Caravan / Trip Communications

Tail / Lead Truck

Spotter / Driver

Within a Region (BigBend)

Calling For Help / Assistance

Repeater Systems

APRS - Amateur Position Reporting System

Digital Modes - HF

Satellite Communications

Questions?

The Answer is 42!