Radio Communications 101, 1/2 day course

Radio Communications 101

This course is designed for individuals and groups interested in expanding their radio communication capabilities – increasing your effectiveness, convenience, and safety in a variety of activities.

This course covers the commonly available radio communication methods, focusing on real-world use cases and scenarios.

This course is not heavy on theory – we teach practical knowledge and application.

Reliable communication is crucial for families, outdoor recreationists, and prepared citizens – our goal is to give you the knowledge to plan, select, and use the right communications tool for your situation.

This course will have equipment available for demonstration purposes (Handheld radios, Mobile radios, Satellite/GPS units).

Outline:

Radio communications basics

• Anything is better than nothing – but we should be strategic
• Benefits of non-grid-reliant communications
  • Not reliant on cellular infrastructure and signal
  • Useful when grid/power is up AND down
• VHF/UHF – Line of sight
• Wattage/Power output of VHF/UHF
• Satellite Comms + GPS
• Charging considerations – no battery = no comms

Use cases and scenarios

• Family communications
  • Vehicle travel coordination
  • Camping & events
  • Rural use
  • Power outages/emergencies
  • FM Radio Stations, VHF/UHF, Satellite
  • Outdoor recreation
    • Logging Road Safety
      • Land Mobile Radio vs. VHF
      • Handheld vs. Mobile
    •  4×4, Hunting/Fishing, Skiing, Mountain Biking
  •  Information gathering
    • Logging road traffic
    • Construction
    • Utilities
    • Fire/EMS
    • Information from other radio operators

Types of radios and communication methods

• Non-regulated
  • FRS
  • GMRS
  • Meshtastic messaging
  • Satellite messaging
•  Regulated
  • Land Mobile Radio
  • Amateur (Ham) Radio
    • Base
    • Mobile
    • Handheld

Benefits and limitations of the available radio systems

• Certificate, licence, study required?
• Cost
• Range
• Access to repeaters (and other radio operators)

Putting it all together

• Planning communications based on the activity, size of group, risk, proximity to cellular towers etc.
• Which communication method is practical for me, based on the planned scenario?