Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
2- Way Radio's (good idea or not??) 2- Way Radio's (good idea or not??)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: London England
Posts: 6
2- Way Radio's (good idea or not??)
Greetings happy people

I am in the process of planning a trip from Cape Town along the East coast of Africa in Jan 2003. For the meantime I am trying to plan this as meticulously as possibly.

I am going to travel with my mate Jonathan, and I was thinking that having some sort of communication tool would be of a significant advantage. here in London right now I can pop into Dixons and get two poxy little 2-way radio's for under £100 that have a two mile radius and hands free kits with them.

other than the obvious security aspect, my only concern is that it may look like a threat to certain official bastards. i.e I dont want to be taken for a spy as I am shooting around some dodgy territory. I asked the salesman in Dixons if they are allowed worldwide, and he knew nothing.

If anyone has used them before, and I know they have some valid uses (Topless Aussies suntanning two clicks south east ghostrider!)
Let me know what you thought of them..

cheers
Martin
__________________
Martin
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Oct 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Arnhem, Netherlands
Posts: 34

As far as i know they are so called Low Power Devices (LPD's), transmitting with max. 0.5 watts somewhere around 440 MHz. They are regulated in many countries around Europe, but i don't know the official status according to worldwide telecommunications organisations like IARU.

However you can't expect the average egyptian border officer to forget every rule you don't like and remember this one little exotic thingy. Cannot add anything from my own experience though.

I recall a thread in another forum on this topic on this board. Search around.


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

Planning to travel to Maroc / Mauritania / Senegal around april 2002.
__________________
The best planning is to go!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Funny you mention Egypt! I live in Egypt and we use these 2 way radios all the time but we always HIDE them when approaching check points. Any kind of 2 way radios communication require a license no matter how low frequency it is. Having said that I don't really want to scare you since as I said we use them all the time and never had problems before. Just don't use them around check points.

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 43
My experience is along the wester edge of the sahara and the coastal countries just south of there....
Our group of 4 LRs used fixed mount U.S. Citizen Band radios (27mhz band), and had a few handhelds for backup.
US law limits these to 4 watt output, but our local radio shop fixed them before the trip so they were more like 6-8w. We fitted each vehicle with a removeable antenna.
Going into morocco we were warned they were ok to use inside the country, but would be siezed if seen at the border. We removed everything and hid them, and did this for every border crossing and known checkpoint. For local checkpoints we turned them off, and removed the mikes or dropped them behind the seat.
At the the convoy crossing to mauritania a border guard helped himself to a portable radio from another group of travelers, but that wasn't official, just something he wanted.
Otherwise the few officials who noticed we had radios assumed we were with an aid group or an embassy, as they usually have radios.
They were invaluable when we got seperated in traffic, the last guy in line had to stop for something, letting each other know its safe to pass on a mountain road, etc....

------------------
__________________
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top