Quick Question about Transceivers

[David Williams]

I'm looking into buying about a $100 transceiver in order to tap into chaser commons. But, I would like to hear some feedback from ST members about the popularity of using chaser commons on a chase. Basically, is it worthwhile for me to buy the transceiver and listen to it during a chase in order to get some feedback about what others are doing and what they see?

 

[Tim Stoecklein]

Could you elaborate on "chaser commons", are you referring to their discussions over the radio (ham or commercial)? If so, and you don't have an amateur radio license, I'd recommend purchasing a receiver (scanner) versus a transceiver. You'll be able to pick up most all things on the airwaves, minus digital which is uncommon with the exception of some public safety organizations depending on region. Many scanners also have the capabilities to alert you of WX information using SAME technology.

Hope I'm understanding the question, and if not feel free to correct my direction.

Tim

 

[Joey Ketcham]

What is a chaser commons?

 

[Cris Schroeder]

I'll go out on a limb and assume David is referring to a common simplex frequency, such as 146.55. I monitor 146.55 during a chase and it has been helpful on occasion in maintaining awareness of what is going on in the area. It is another piece to the puzzle, as are the other available data sources.

As Tim said, if you are only planning to listen in, go with a decent scanner, preferably one with the NOAA weather radio alert feature. This year I chased with my Yaesu VX-170 handheld transceiver running through an external antenna. It was great for receive, but the 5W output was nearly worthless for communicating. If you are going to go to the trouble of installing a real transceiver, make sure you have at least 50W of output power available. I'll be reinstalling my old Yaesu FT-2400 for chasing this year.

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I have a Yaesu FT-8800R; I got a good one. But the use/speaking on these frequencies requires a Technician Ham radio license or greater. That is why I went the distance to get my Tech license, and I am working on my General license this week and next - too. You don't need a General Ham license to use 2 meters, so getting a Tech license is sufficient. I can monitor what is happening on two separate bands and converse if necessary with other chasers and NWS. Usually, the 2 meter band is sufficient.

Getting a license isn't a cakewalk, but it isn't brain surgery either. But somewhere in between lol!. If you have experience with a CB in the past, it helps some - but not a lot. Having a scanner means that you will need to know what frequencies are needed to overhear the action and constantly scan for them. Familiarity and use makes up the distance. Some states have restrictions on who can have and use a scanner in a vehicle; that doesn't mean people don't get away with it either. 9/11 is the reason why, or so I have told - but don't hold me to it. If you are a Ham; no problemo as far as I know. So, it really comes down to getting a Ham license (study for a couple of weeks and pay $10 for the test. But study at www.qrz.com - good tip) and get a simple 2 meter radio. Which is the cheapest way to go, as many can be found for $100-150 for a three year old radio. That should easily be enough, as many Ham's like to upgrade their equipment and are always selling off good used gear at quarters on the dollar. If you bought a dedicated new 2 meter Icom or Yaesu, expect to pay $200- 250. An antenna will set you back $60 for 2 meter, and that would be a good one. Always get the best antenna that you can; it is probably the most important component that makes the greatest amount of dynamic difference - as far as your ability to receive and transmit. Very important!

If you have any further specific questions, there are many Ham's on STORMTRACK that can probably answer any specific questions if you like. Ham's generally try to get new people to register with the FCC and become a Ham. It can be expensive if you get to the General or Extra class; as Ham gear is EXPENSIVE - but unnecessary for storm chasing.

 

[David Drummond]

Having a scanner means that you will need to know what frequencies are needed to overhear the action and constantly scan for them.

No you don't. Most modern frequencies can band-scan and can scan the 2 meter band in it's entirety in a few seconds. That would cover about 98% of all spotter/chaser ham traffic in the plains.

Some states have restrictions on who can have and use a scanner in a vehicle; that doesn't mean people don't get away with it either. 9/11 is the reason why, or so I have told - but don't hold me to it. If you are a Ham; no problemo as far as I know.

Unless something has changed in the last year or two, there are currently only two states that I know of that restrict mobile scanners, and possessing an Amateur Radio License expected you from those, and neither of those states is in the plains. It was that way long before 9/11. Unless you're committing a felony of course then they are illegal in all cases.

 

[Jeff Snyder]

Re: scanner laws... I don't know how up-to-date this is, but it lists the states that have laws against mobile scanner use -> http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html . I actually was stopped in Minnesota while coming back from a chase, and the officer stated that scanners in vehicles were illegal. Of course, since I started chasing in MN (and grew up there!), I was well aware that mobile scanners were illegal EXCEPT when used by licensed amateur radio operators (and the police). I showed him my FCC ham license, and he didn't say anything else. I thought about carrying a copy of the statute that pertains to mobile scanner use (in MN) with me, but I moved out of state soon thereafter.

 

[David Williams]

Ok. So, it sounds like the scanner is something I would want to go with if I wanted to listen in. I have no HAM experience or radio operating experience (besides using a radio while flying). I was just wondering if the money invested in the scanner would be worth it in regard to the information that I would get from others out there. But, I'm not sure many chasers use them in the heat of things. Anyway, thanks for the info everybody.

 

[David Drummond]

Ok. So, it sounds like the scanner is something I would want to go with if I wanted to listen in. I have no HAM experience or radio operating experience (besides using a radio while flying). I was just wondering if the money invested in the scanner would be worth it in regard to the information that I would get from others out there. But, I'm not sure many chasers use them in the heat of things. Anyway, thanks for the info everybody.

146.55 can get decently active in an area around a storm when there are few to chose from. You'll probably hear a few using the frequency with no license. Or at least if they do, they are doing it with total disregard for proper ham procedure as I have heard more than a few throwing out quite a bit of cussing and not using any call signs. When you throw your call out and call them on it they mysteriously disappear.

Most of what you will hear is chit chat between chasers that know each other, maybe a bit of wx info being passed.

The best info on ham you will usually get is updates disseminated from the ham SKYWARN nets. This is especially try in Oklahoma, where OUN puts out some of the best updates I have heard on ham nets.

 

[Tim Stoecklein]

I hate to put any good word out there for "Radio" Shack, but if you are interested in a scanner to pick up hams, skywarn, "chaser commons", or other basic analog radio, they had some pretty great deals around Christmas....may still be available. You can get a very capable scanner for less than $100 most any day, but they were selling some Uniden scanners for $30

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I hate to put any good word out there for "Radio" Shack, but if you are interested in a scanner to pick up hams, skywarn, "chaser commons", or other basic analog radio, they had some pretty great deals around Christmas....may still be available. You can get a very capable scanner for less than $100 most any day, but they were selling some Uniden scanners for $30

Yes, I heard a lot of good things about the Radio Shack scanners. Many of the Ham's that I've recently talked to and met seem to think they are the best. And that comes from a pretty hard-core group of radio enthusiasts, too. Supposed to be preferred above other brands by choice by many - but not all.

 

[Joe Dorn]

I'm looking into buying about a $100 transceiver in order to tap into chaser commons. But, I would like to hear some feedback from ST members about the popularity of using chaser commons on a chase. Basically, is it worthwhile for me to buy the transceiver and listen to it during a chase in order to get some feedback about what others are doing and what they see?

I have a different perspective on scanners vs amateur radio transceivers than some of the others on the thread.

Many of the amateur radios that cover the two meter band will also give you the NOAA radio band along with alerts at a cost only slightly more than a good scanner. You do not need a license to own such a radio as long as you do not transmit on it.

The starter radio that I recommend to my students is the Yaesu FT-60 with a mag mount antenna. This is an a dual band H/T that will cover most any thing you would like to listen to on a chase. The cost is less than two hundred dollars. Its receive capabilities tied to an external antenna is very good. It is only 5 watts max on transmit but without a license, this is no big deal.

This then would be a very good first radio if you get your Technician license and the temptation to talk on it would be an incentive to get licensed. The Technician test is just not that hard for anyone capable of understanding the basics of the atmosphere.

I used a radio similar to this when I got back into amateur radio for about the first 18 months. I was/am a weather nut and wanted to participate in SKYWARN. I will not go into all of the radios I have on the air at this time to support my spotting and weather network activities.

Another point to note; if in the event there is eminent danger to life or property, you may use any means available to transmit this information. Any radio, any frequency, any way, no license required...

And still another point of interest... Scanners are illegal in several states unless you have an amateur radio license. The license allows you to overrule the local restrictions. This has been tested several times and the hams won...

 

[Jesse Risley]

Another point to note; if in the event there is eminent danger to life or property, you may use any means available to transmit this information. Any radio, any frequency, any way, no license required...

And still another point of interest... Scanners are illegal in several states unless you have an amateur radio license. The license allows you to overrule the local restrictions. This has been tested several times and the hams won...

Since there are probably some folks reading this with modified ham rigs, I think you should add one caveat about "using any frequency." Local law enforcement and government agencies are not bound by this FCC provision to accept amateur radio operation on their assigned frequencies. The FCC may or may not bring charges, but the local public safety agencies can.

Amateur Radio operators could be cited for interfering with a public service agency, have their equipment confiscated, and be subjected to any applicable penalties. There was a ham in the San Francisco area that was cited for using his ham rig in an emergency. While I believe the charges were eventually dropped, he had to surrender his ham rig over the whole fiasco. So if this is going to be the case, make darn sure you have a bonafide emergency on your hands and there are absolutely no other means of communication available before you transmit on public safety frequencies.

Regarding the scanner legalities, while it's not a state on the plains, New York's mobile scanner law is probably the strictest in the nation. Popular Communications magazine ran an article several years ago detailing the law, which only appears to exempt ham radio operators who are using an actual amateur transceiver (plain old scanning receivers are apparently illegal period).

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

i don't doubt you Jesse; I sure would like to see the reference though. I am studying for my Genaral right now, so I hope you read this. As Joe Dorn said, some of the VHF/UHF rigs scan (recieve only; NOT transmit) many other freq's that cannot be TX'ed on (eg: such as the FT-8800R that gets NOAA freqs and others. True - it's not a full scanner). So, if it is already in the radio I don't think that it can be considered illegal.
Clarification from the General Ham's - please?

 

[Jesse Risley]

i don't doubt you Jesse; I sure would like to see the reference though. I am studying for my Genaral right now, so I hope you read this. As Joe Dorn said, some of the VHF/UHF rigs scan many other freq's that cannot be TX'ed on. So, if it is already in the radio I don't think that it can be considered illegal.
Clarification from the General Ham's - please?

I'm not quite sure what you're asking for. No brand new ham rig should ever arrive from the factory with the ability to transmit out-of-band, unless you had the factory perform the MARS/CAP modification.

If you have a modified radio, you are responsible if you "accidentally" transmit on a public safety frequency.

If you're asking about the New York law, that's covered here: http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/laws/scanner/ny.html