Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT anxiety

On Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM, Darryl <Darryl.Johnson_at_sympatico.ca>
wrote:

> I much prefer a VHF
> radio, or a satellite radio, where I can relay more than "I'm fine"
> or "I'm not fine" and I can tell pretty much right away if there's
> anyone receiving them.


When we were cruising our 32' cutter, *Kibitka*, around the eastern N.
Pacific we encouraged a lot of yachties to get amateur radio licenses. Ham
radio is remarkably versatile with voice, morse code, and digital modes as
well as satellites in orbit (AMSAT) and the hams themselves are eager to
help relay message; all without any pay.

Low power transceivers are available which can stow easily into a kayak
along with associated wire antennas and automatic antenna tuners. There are
kits, partial kits, plans, used equipment and new gear all easily found on
the Internet. The licenses themselves are easier than ever before to get now
that morse code has been all but eliminated in most countries. Morse code is
the most efficient of all the digital modes and equipment which is capable
of only transmitting morse is about as simple as you can get; so getting the
license may not require code, but a smart expedition paddler would certainly
acquire the skill.

If I were planning an expedition of any sort which put me out of
communications for more than a day or two I certainly would take a ham radio
system along and, if necessary, learn to use it myself.


Craig Jungers, K7EXJ
Moses Lake, WA
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