Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Ljubljana
Posts: 32
Inter-vehicle communication

Can anyone suggest the best and most economical method of inter-vehicle communication during a convoy expedition of between 3-8 vehicles. Are good quality and powerful hand held walkie talkies better than say a CB device? Do CB's cause any problems with local regulations and especisally the police.
Can anyone recommend a robust and reliable walkie talkie system and what kind of range can you get from good quality walkie talkies?

Thanks in advance for any advise and suggestiomns.

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
I bought a pair of cheap-and-cheerful small hand-held walkie-talkies (I think they're digital) here in the UK for approx. GBP60 (90 Euros). I have to say the clarity is amazing, none of the hiss you used to get. I think you can also add units to them, but I'm not sure whether you can call one person specifically.

They'll work fine up to a mile or so, probably further in the Sahara. My only complaint is that they are not rechargeable, i.e. they use normal batteries. If you can get ones with similar to a mobile phone battery I think they'd be a lot better, especially on a long trip.

These were some obscure make, but I've seen Motorola ones also since, which are probably far more widely available.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I use handheld and mobile VHF (116-147 MHz)(best range for the desert - not so good in towns), 5-50W. Good, but an investment. Your best bet are any of the cheap Motorola and equivalent units (0.5W but generally adequate up to about 1km in real world).

Get around the battery problem by buying a cheap inverter (12v DC to 240v AC) and then using rechargeable batteries. The inverter can be cheap because the charging requires very little power. Only charge whilst driving.

Keep them out of sight when around mil/police etc.

Lastly, don't forget the easiest: watch your mirrors for those behind, and if you want the car in front to stop:

DAY: Lights on full beam, left on (not flashed).
NIGHT: Flash lights between full beam and OFF.


Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Feb 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Andy, the email addres you are registered with bounces - please correct your profile in link above,

thanks,

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Feb 2003
Runner's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Ive used Motorola units with rechargable batteries - obvious limitations there unless you have an in-car charger. Most Saharan countries (Libya, Egypt) require licensing of these units but as someone's said, keep them hidden and you should be ok.
The Motorolas are fine but we were limited to line-of-sight comms for most of the time, I think due to battery performance. Maybe also the vehicle roofracks and metalwork blocked some of the signal.

Ideal solution is shortwave kit but thats expensive and very apparent to observers. (big whip aerial on front bumper!)
__________________
'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Feb 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
I've also had better results with Motorola handheld VHFs. I hired a batch for a tour for 15 quid a week incl. spare bat and in-car charger. Useful away from the car too
On the trip before last I decided to try CBs. 250 quid down the drain for a pair with a range just above shouting distance..

I was also curious about these tiny new PRMB (??) Motorola etc 'toy' looking 'action lifestyle' radios Ian C mentioned - maybe they are fine after all... Any reComms?

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
I would skip any VHF or CB setup. They’re expensive, will most likely get you in trouble and you won’t need the extra range.

I’ve had great luck with the small, almost toy like, FRS based radios. I think they’re called something else in the UK. A top unit won’t cost you an arm and leg and actually sounds better than VHF and CB since they use FM waves. As mentioned above the only problem is their limited range. However I’ve had little problems even when I led a 15 car convoy once on a day trip. Every car had one of these units and they performed flawlessly.

I personally use and root for Cobra. I got the top of the line weather resistant model with rechargeable batteries and in car charging. I paid for 2 sets batteries, mains and car charger and push to talk headphones / mikes less than the price of one VHF or CB.

The best thing about them is that you can hide them easily and use them just as well when exploring on foot.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
These are interesting:
http://www.garmin.com/products/rino/
combined GPS and radios with the ability to "beam" your location from one to the other.

Haven't seen or used them. It might in some circumstances be handy to be able to easily transmit your location, but if nothing else they are two gadgets in one.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
The Garmin 'Rino' that you are talking about has not got to Europe yet.

Is it an advantage having both in one unit?

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
One unit as opposed to two, to:

Conceal more easily as and when necessary,
"Worry about", i.e. not to lose,
Charge/change batteries, and have on "standby".

Having never travelled in a convoy in the middle of nowhere though, I don't really know how much, but would it not be useful if you beacame separated to be able to quickly transmit your location to your fellow travellers which they could use as a GOTO? OK, you could radio them and give co-ordinates, which they could enter on their GPS, etc., but it's got to be a time-consuming and error-prone process in comparison to pressing a button (which I assume you can do with these).

Having said all that, perhaps you're unlikely to be out of sight and still within radio range? And of course if the unit breaks or gets lost or stolen then you've lost two devices.

Going back to the cheap "toy" radios, I can only vouch for the ones I bought just under 3 years ago, being very sceptical that they'd be any use at all. Admittedly they're only used on occasions, surveying on construction sites, and have been fairly well used and abused in all weathers - rain, mud, dust, etc. etc., and they're still going strong! The make of these is actually "Telcom", made in Thailand, bought from Dixons as I recall. I would have thought the Motorolas must be better, though not sure in what way.

[This message has been edited by IanC (edited 26 February 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 60
Quote:
Originally posted by IanC:
use as a GOTO? OK, you could radio them and give co-ordinates, which they could enter on their GPS, etc., but it's got to be a time-consuming and error-prone process in comparison to pressing a button (which I assume you can do with these).
It's not that "bad" or slow once you know how to do it... well, if the other car is burning everything is too late...

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
[quote]Originally posted by Chris Scott:
On the trip before last I decided to try CBs. 250 quid down the drain for a pair with a range just above shouting distance..

Chris,

That's shouldn't be as bad as that. Across wide open spaces, a CB with a properly installed aerial has a range of few dozen miles. The trick is to have both rigs(RX and TX) tuned up to the optimum spec.

Quote:
I was also curious about these tiny new PRMB (??) Motorola etc 'toy' looking 'action lifestyle' radios Ian C mentioned - maybe they are fine after all... Any reComms?
Ch
Not tested yet "for real" but I've bought a pair of T5522's to take with me for my next trip (nudge - nudge!). Good built quality, look like they will take reasonable abuse, pretty light on battery power, easy to carry about. Should be pretty useful for guiding around obstacles or telling what's on the other side of the dune. The best price I've seen on the net for a pair with Ni-Cad charger is at http://www.radios-uk.com/.

Rgds,
Roman
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Apr 2004
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Interested to hear if anyone has any new impressions on this topic since last year...

Chris S
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 185
Quote:
Originally posted by Chris Scott:
Interested to hear if anyone has any new impressions on this topic since last year...
Chris S
I have had a pair of Motorolla license free walkie talkies for over 2 years now - orignally bought to make my own bike-to-bike communication but in reality the helmets were too loud so gave up for now on that - instead I have used them for every ski trip I go on, with schools and my own - the range is intermittent in the mountains but if in the same valley no problems.... For vehicle to vehicle they are fine aswell - tested on many drives, along crags in the uk and abroad aswell....

when I got mine they were the end of the motorola AA battery type - takes 3 AA batteries - chosen as I can get them whilst on the road in most countries.... I was told they wouldn't be compatible with other motorolas esp. their new range with built in batteries - but they were lying as all my freinds have them now and we can all communicate...

Ok - so none of it is private and 1-to-1 is not a realistic option but they are very effective and very cheap....

I also now know that nearly all the ones you can get (maplin were doing a pair for £30!!) are compatable aswell.... there are enough chanells so as long as you agree in advance the ones to use... no problems - they can also scan to see if anyone is tranmitting on the channels - useful before you commit to using a channel...

the new ones come with cradels for charging from 240v but there are also ones designed for car chargers available....

I know loads of people still use CB in this country but the further afield you go it can pay to be discreet and agreeing to turn off before you arrive at a border post is as simple as you need to pocket them out of the way - no signs of them.... job done.

Hope this helps.

tony.
__________________
Tony Robson
I'll try anything once, twice if it didn't kill me!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2 Apr 2004
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Thanks Tony, thumbs up for PMRs then, it seems.

CS
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:39.