Trail Communication

[WrenchMonkey]

We had a really great turnout at Rush two weeks ago, something like 13 rigs total. This was fantastic, but it really showed how lacking we are in rig-to-rig communication. Some guys run CBs, others carry two-ways, some just yell out the window.

We debated it a bit at the meeting last week, and couldn't come to a consensus, but we did agree to open a discussion here.

So, let's discuss.

I personally prefer two-ways, for a few reasons:
- For the same $100 investment, I can get 8 or 10 handheld two-ways, pass them out before a ride, and everybody is online.

- No install, no tuning, just need a supply of fresh batteries. The newer ones are even rechargeable.

- They can leave the rig with you for spotting, or when hiking back to or ahead of the group.

- And personally, my XJ scrapes the garage door as it is. I'd have to remove and reinstall a CB antenna every ride...

But I'll certainly go with whichever the group decides!

Other opinions?

[Runoveru2]

Agreed it will be hard to get everyone to use the same type of communication, if some have cb's and some have 2 ways I suggest pairing people accordingly and or give someone an extra 2 way to someone with a cb so better communication can be established. Seems everytime I turn around and ask where so and so is someone looks at me like a deer in headlights and says I don't know, come to find out there wheel came off their rig or they had a flat or they broke down behind us and we have no clue cause no one can tell us or we are unable to ask where you are.
1 way or another we have to get this together, I constantly feel uncomfortable that someone needs help or is possibly being left behind, and this is not what we are about.

[WrenchMonkey]

Originally Posted by Runoveru2

1 way or another we have to get this together, I constantly feel uncomfortable that someone needs help or is possibly being left behind, and this is not what we are about.

We did touch on that at the meeting, and I put it in the minutes. I'll copy it here for more attention. (Nobody ever reads the minutes...)

- Trail Etiquette
Closely related to the communication issue, this is a reminder of the "Watch Your Six" rule: Always, always keep the rig behind you in your mirror. If he stops, you stop. We never want to leave anyone behind in the woods.

Saturday evening, we made a clear decision to split the group on the way to HardCORE. But there were several times through the weekend, when someone had mechanical issues, or struggled with an obstacle, only to have the group ahead just ride off into the sunset. At one point, I had to go back and find Jeff, broken down and alone in the woods, because he just fell off the end of the line. That is not good.

So always watch the guy behind you. If the group is too big and progress too slow (like it got to be Saturday), we can always split into smaller groups, and usually will. But that has to be communicated and agreed upon. Never leave anyone in the woods.

[Runoveru2]

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

We did touch on that at the meeting, and I put it in the minutes. I'll copy it here for more attention. (Nobody ever reads the minutes...)

I always read the meeting minutes and look forward to reading it.

[jeepmanjeff]

I run a CB in mine and have for years. I will continue to do so. I have used handhelds in the past and they get lost, fall off your person, get left in the console, cost to much to replace when you get low and when you hand them out people simply don't care because they have no money inthem. Batteries have to be replenished...I can go on and on.

Mark...I have never tuned mine and would love to have you come over and help me with this. If you have some time in the next dew weeks.

I also read the minutes when I am traveling and cannot attend the meeting.

[93 Krawler]

Originally Posted by Runoveru2

I always read the meeting minutes and look forward to reading it.

I also read the minutes. You do a great job with them.

The CB in my rig is a wally world cobra special, and is the 2nd one. It's time to get a real one... I also have 3 handhelds and a portable CB that I can hook up in the rzr. The problem I have with handhelds is they are so easy to lose, especially with no doors. And the range is poor in the woods.

I set my CB up at Rush using an srw meter. It worked good till it didn't...

[WrenchMonkey]

Really, I'll probably end up doing both. The 2ways are just more convenient for the amateur crowd I run with, but I don't want to be the only CORE guy without a CB.

Isn't the antenna supposed to be mounted on a horizontal metal surface? On the roof wont work with the garage, I guess that means my hood?

Are the portable, handheld CBs any good at all?

[beer_goggles_009]

Mark, The long range frs experience might have been boefeng to boefeng on frs channels. I can't remember.

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