I belong to a large clob in East tnn.,that is looking into useing radios to commniate between operrators and central control. we woud like to hear from others who are using radio com. on ther layout or club layout.
Around here many people are using FRS radios. Here is one example: http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=MOMD200R&ref=PLA&omid=103&CAWELAID=1823203993&catargetid=1889111561&cadevice=c&&cagpspn=pla
I recently operated on a medium-sized layout where Motorola FRS radios with headsets were used. It was my first time there, but the regular crew worked well with them. It really helps cut down on the yelling across the room issue.
I’ve got a few Motorolas myself. Keep in mind they’re often “special” in the sense that non-Motorola accessories like headsets may not work with them. I have a bunch of Drake FRS radios, too, but just haven’t committed to using a dispatcher yet and needing them for this yet.[8D]
Trainman6,
At my large club here in Mass., we’ve been using Motorola FRS radios for 15 years. While they work, they do have issues that can drive one to drink.
1). They, like all radios, only allow one communication at a time over one channel. You have to train your operators not to “walk all over” another ongoing conversation (except in an emergency).
2). Headsets or ear pieces are a must. It’s the only way to get operators to hear the dispatcher in a reliable fashion. Besides, imagine doing an operation in a room with 12 or 20 people, and they all have their radios on in their pockets loud enough for them to hear. Does the word cacophony describe it well enough?
3). Static sometimes comes across loudly on the radios, and there’s not much one can do about that (none of our radios have adjustable squelch, AFAIK).
4). Because headsets are needed, we have the added problem of VOX (Voice Operated Transmission). It’s easy to turn off VOX on our radios (just hit the PTT, Push-To-Talk, button), but the operators are forgetful. This means that we occasionally get long transmissions about a guy’s car, his wife, and maybe what he really thinks of the dispatcher…
5). Worse then VOX is when someone locks the mic on. This is possible with most walkie-talkies when one puts the headset or earpiece plug into a radio that’s already on. If you do so, it locks the mic on, and no one can communicate over that freq for as long as the radio is on. You must train your operators to only plug in the headset when the radio is off…never when it’s on. When it happens, you have to listen carefully so you can hear who’s talking. Then go over to them and have them shut off their radio and turn it back on.
6). In addition to No. 5, you also have the possibility of a loose headset connection causing the mic to be locked on. All it takes is get
TRAINMAN6; If you can locate a MAXON 49-H5 hands-free communicator Deluxe 5-channel FM two-way radio, I believe that would fill your needs. It has all 5 channels in the 49 MHz range, and is equipped with one switch for Off", “Push-to-talk” or “VOX” as explained in an earlier post. The headset/microphone can also fit inside a helmet, or be worn on the bare head with the spring-mounted earphones. A remote PTT switch is also available. I, too, would highly recommend a proper communications class or two for all potential users prior to your first operating sessions “on the air.” Respectfully, JWH