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SearchRescueDog

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Posts posted by SearchRescueDog

  1. OK here is my problem. I would like to save tracks and be able to then save them (with labels) to create custom topo maps (both on paper on USGS quads as well as on mapsource).

     

    The general project is to map out Four Wheel Drive trails and then be able to distribute these both by paper topo as well as CD so that they can be uploaded into other users Garmin units.

     

    I know that this is coming out about as clear as mud but does anyone see where I am going with this?

  2. Ok I have never before had a desire to have a map based GPS unit. I prefer to find my coords and plot on a paper 1:24k topo while in the woods. However, I am now in the market to put a unit in the Jeep.

     

    I am looking at the Street Pilot III. Does anyone know if I can load topo maps into it? The whole reason I am looking at the unit is to be able to mark trails off-raod and be able to identify a trail at an unmarked intersection. I know I could pull this off without mapping but it would make my life so much easier to be able to get a visual on where I am and what is coming up.

  3. Or just keep it real simple. Pick up some MURS units on clearance at Radio Shack 25 watt VHF for $40. MURS should be just as effective for "family" communication (not counting repeaters) and should perform better in the woods than GMRS (VHF vs UHF). Plus it is license by rule (no real license required).

     

    By the way why would anyone want GMRS to end up like CB? CB is actually becoming usable again due to the fact that it got so screwed up everyone stopped using it. (I only use mine in the jeep for trailriding).

  4. As a dedicated user of UTM the above posts are right on track. The best way to think of the "1 meter" statement is that UTM can provide a "resolution" of 1 meter. While one system really isn't better than the other I prefer UTM. UTM is very easy to work with using a paper map. With the help of a grid reader or corner rule you should be able to plot your location on a map within a couple seconds.

  5. It's nice to think that you can disregard Federal Law based on the fact that you are operating in "emergency services" (if your buisness if Fire/EMS/LE it is just that routine buisness for your agency). I have worked in Fire, EMS, Search & Rescue, and currently Emergency Management. If you think that the "serving my community" platform will cut it when you violate federal law, you are in for a big suprise. You may want to look into what just happened to the State of Nevada when they decided to install a new radio system (used by the Highway Patrol) and forgot to license the frequencies... They where forced to scrap $14million worth of equipment and re-bid a whole new system or face being fined $10,000/day. If the FCC chose they could make that fine retro-active to the first day that the system was used 3 years ago (almost $11million).

     

    The problems with your plan are as follows:

     

    -A license is required to use GMRS

    -A buisness (your agency) may not obtain license GMRS

    -Equipment type accepted for GMRS may not be used in PLMRS bands (High-Band)

     

    There are very good reasons for these regulations. If you cant get grant funds (which are bountiful at the moment) then you may want to look at other off the shelf products that provide tracking/reporting such as many cellular service and carriers of the iDEN product line.

  6. quote:
    Originally posted by Navdog:

    A good alternative to use are http://www.heritagemercantile.com/products/LL/LLmain.html They have a durable latch on all four sides and a soft rubber gaskets on the lid which seems to keep them watertight. I have a few in use and they seem to be working well. Safeway stores had a special deal on a variety pack of a few different sizes this summer. Price came out to about a dollar apiece!

     

    http://www.locknlock.com/default.htm is a link to the official site. You might need a languge pack installed to view it in English.

     

    ___________________________________

    http://www.moondog3.com - http://www.pdxgeocaching.com

    Those are the ones I was refering to.
  7. quote:
    Originally posted by Firehouse16 & Code3:

    Nice, but I don't think that'll work when I'm trying to give a helicopter or air tanker coordinates on a fire! icon_rolleyes.gif

     


     

    Medevac-10 this is command. You should see an engine company with emergency lights burning at your 3 o'clock. Follow them in to the scene.

     

    Done that one before

  8. I have had very limited use of mapping units other then the StreetPilot so all I can tell you is that from what I have been told most GPS mapping isn't geat.

     

    I tend to use a map and compass as my primary navigational aid and the GPS as an additional tool. In dense woods coverage is way too spotty and the chance of a failure too high for me to put my welfare on an electronic device as my primary aid.

     

    I print out maps using MapTech Terrain Navigator or I use off the shelf USGS Quads. Just a personal choice.

  9. I guess the reason that I never though twice to do it was because so many before me did. Also, I know I read somewhere that anything on the forums becomes the property of Groundspeak. So it's not like it is being used to stamp on a T-Shirt and sell or even stored on any server other then GC.com

  10. I Think this may be what you are looking for. It is available online from Walgreens for $4.29 and holds 1 Gallon. 13299.gif

     

    I saw a container at Big Lotsthat was plastic and had a gasket around the lid. It had tabs on each side that locked the lid on. Plan to pick up a few and see how they do.

     

    [This message was edited by SearchRescueDog on November 02, 2003 at 02:57 PM.]

  11. I keep my GPS72 in a cell phone case hooked to the side of my backpack. It is far enough back that is is out of the way and the signal isn't obstructed by my body as much but it is still within reach. I do the same thing on the other side of my pack for my 2-way radio.

    pouch7.jpg

  12. quote:
    Originally posted by Mark 42:

    Do any of the FRS radios have adjustable squelch?


    There is no reason that they couldn't however I am not aware of a model currently on the market.

    quote:

    Mine tend to cut in and out, which gets annoying.

     

    Or is it just because I have a pair of cheap Audiovox FRS radios?

     

    How do the privacy codes work? Do you just select one, or is it like SSB, or what?

     

    Do you just tune into the privacy code by flipping a switch or turning a dial after telling the other person which one to switch to?


    The "Privacy Code" that is offered on FRS radios has nothing to do with privacy. These codes are sub-audible tones that are transmitted along with the carrier. Some people know these tones as CTCSS, Private Line (PL) Channel Guard, "Tone Code". It is a tone that you can not hear that is broadcast when ever you transmit. However it also blocks your receiver from hearing any transmission that does not have that tone.

     

    Example:

    Your radio is set to Channel 6 Code 0

    My radio is set to Channel 6 Code 7

    You can hear me, I can't hear you

     

    Your radio is set to Channel 6 Code 12

    My radio is set to Channel 6 Code 10

    I cant hear you, You cant hear me

     

    Your radio is set to Channel 6 Code 4

    My radio is set to Channel 6 Code 4

    I hear you, you hear me

     

    Using this feature just helps to keep down the amount of crap you will hear. It offers you zero privacy.

     

    Also, as a side not CB would in theory perform better in the woods as the lower frequency signals tend to travel better through vegitation then UHF (FRS/GMRS) signals.

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