The ALBERTA chat thread!

[s0ulst3al3r]

Was gonna say about the radio's , do they have to be moto's ? Does kenwood make a good vhf radio? B/c that's the brand my buddy sells ...he works for a communications company , I could always talk to him and see if we could get a deal ...that's if they make a radio you guys like .

[Khamul]

Hmmm...



They got a website?

[Sugarphreak]

^^ Can he get the VHF radios with the new MUR channels?

[Sugarphreak]

Mr JL, and Brian... We are at BP's in your town if you want to come say hi <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... /smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

[Khamul]

Didna see the name.... I'd prefer to stay away from kenwood... Never have had any luck with kenwood...



I like the idea of those radios with the channels coming down the road...

[Sugarphreak]

Here is the one I am thinking about:



http://www.amazon.co...ywords=MURS VHF



It is a Motoral simple MURS VHF radio. I could place an order for a whole bunch of them if you guys think this is good.



Some Background:

The reason I want to stick to MURS is so that we are in line with Industry Canada regulations when it comes to operating them. They have laid out the following channels thus far:



The Department designates the following channel limits for the use of MURS devices:

151.81438 – 151.82569 MHz

151.87438 – 151.88563 MHz

151.93438 – 151.94563 MHz

154.56000 – 154.58000 MHz

154.59000 – 154.61000 MHz



Currently there are industries which may own licences to these channels, for now we are not permitted to interfere with them. So we still need to be careful to start. Over the next 5 years the transition will start and people can begin using these channels with no licence (similar to CB and FRS bands now) with low wattage radios (2 watt max) and licencies can either move to other channels, or they basically just have to deal with the interference.



Why VHF?

Simple... they have superior range and portability that can't even come close to being matched by CB or FRS.

[Khamul]

I'm in!



Lets do it! Everyone on board? I know it's Christmas, but it could be a present to ourselves!

[Sugarphreak]

I am talking to some of the CT4WD guys about it right now. There are quite a few of them that are very knowledgable about this.



Here are some of the factiods:



-MURS should be very reliable for up to 5 to 8 kilometers

-A 2 watt (standard) MURS handheld should technically have the same range as a 4 watt (standard) true GMRS handheld. Both have vastly greater range than FRS.

-MURS has much better penitrating capabilities than GRMS (trees, hills, ect), while GMRS is better at bouncing off cliffs and hard surfaces

-A MURS radio attached to a roof top antennta will provide three to ten times (or more) the range of a GMRS



**GMRS is for true GMRS, not combo FRS/GMRS which is not as good

[Sugarphreak]

Ok, verdict on my discussion wtih CT4WD:



Very grey area when it comes to legality because of timing, I think we can start to use them without any trouble though.



Basically they were saying that MURS is very similar to HAM in its operation. They went to HAM because of the same issues that we are experiencing with CB and FRS, even despite the licence requirements. They are pretty interested in this as well.



I think MURS is a nice way to go, also there are cheaper radios than the motorola for people that don't want to spend as much. Personally I am looking at this one (link) for myself right now because it has some additional features above the one I posted before:

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDM2080D ... S+motorola



Generally I agree with Dave, lets take the plunge and try them out in the new year.

[Khamul]

Hey nick,



Do you wanna spear head the order? I'll give you the cash....