Colin:

Another thought here:  Wouldn't some of this be solved if FRS/GMRS radios
being used on the search were tone-encoded?  This could be hard though for
non-trained team members to do on the fly during a search, but it may be
worth considering.  Again, I'm bringing all of this up for discussion with
the commander of our SAR organization.

73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 11:08 PM
Subject: Re: FRS and GMRS frequencies


> out of curiosity, is FRS/GMRS the only route that is an option as far as
> non-amateur communications?
> Are there not national search and rescue frequencies on VHF and UHF that
can
> be used specifically for search and rescue organizations?
> I bring this up because due to the nature of the traffic and users on the
> FRS/GMRS frequencies these days, there could potentially be big problems
> with interpherence from other users who don't care, or who can't hear the
> search and rescue coms.
> Not only that, you would have absolutely no authority to ask them to leave
> the frequency clear for emergency communications.
> I imagine though, that FRS/GMRS are being considered due to the cheap cost
> of radios and the ease of use.
> However, if at all possible, try to find VHF or UHF frequencies that are
set
> aside for civilian search and rescue organizations, and i could easily put
> you in touch with some folks who regularly have vast quantities of
handheld
> VHF/UHF radios, batteries and antenna packages for very reasonable
> prices...offen as cheap or cheaper then the off the shelf FRS/GMRS units.
> I know many businesses are taking the same least cost route with frs and
> GMRS radios and cluttering up the band...and in most cases, due to
> ignorance, thinking they have the authority, because they are security or
> maintenence, to tell or instruct other users to get off the air.
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX