2 way radio (Walkie Talkie)
We will use 2 way analogue radios on some of this tours, it will depend on the size of the place we visit. If the guests want it we can also use them on medium size places and smaller places just as a safety tool.
The standard language on the radio will be English so it will be easier for all to understand what the messages are. This is just on the channels that Ghost Explorers use, what language you use on other channels is up to you.
The radios is first of all so we can give you massages faster and to all in the group at the same time. And for safety in case you get hurt or have some type of emergency that you need
immediately assistants to or something else you need help to.
We have sat up an emergency radio procedure that you need to study since that is what we will use in case of an emergency.
We have chosen to use the same radio procedure that they use at sea since that is well known and most people know this, so it’s easier to adopt it to our use here.
Ghost Explorers channels
FRS Ch 10.. 467.61250.. CTCSS (Sub tone 218,1) Emergency channel for all groups (No chatting on this channel)
FRS Ch 11.. 467.63750.. CTCSS (Sub tone 141,3) Chat channel 1
FRS Ch 12.. 467.66250.. CTCSS (Sub tone 103,5) Chat channel 2 (Reserved for later use)
Urban,UFO, Cave explorer channels
FRS Ch 13.. 467.68750.. CTCSS (Sub tone 110,9) Chat channel 1 (Urbex/UFO)
FRS Ch 14.. 467.71250.. CTCSS (Sub tone 114,8) Chat channel 2 (Urbex/UFO)
FRS Ch 15.. 462.55000.. CTCSS (Sub tone 123,0) Chat channel 1 (Cave/cruise)
This is the main channels we will use for our operations. And it can be that we mix little between the ghost channels and urban explorer channels but this we will see all after if the channels are busy or not.
The main language we will use is English on our channels this is so it will be easier for all parts to understand what we talking about.
The emergency channel we usually use if there is a big group of people so there is 1 channel that is clear for chatting that they can use in case they have some kind of emergency. Channel 10 will we usually use dual watch (TDR on some radios like the Baofeng and so on) on on the radios that can use this so there are always someone that monitor this channel.
We have split the Urbex and Ghost groups so it is better in case we operate in the same aria so we don’t Interferes with each other's radio messages. The only thing we will have common is the emergency channel that is only for emergencies and important messages.
When it come to the radios so will we use Analogue radios most of the time. If you use your own radios, so are we using the channels over here so have a radio that cover the FRS band if not so will you be on your own.
It’s OK to use your own channels so you can chat without getting disturbed but you can monitor our emergency channel in case there is something that happens that you need to know about. It’s also
the channel we will use to give you important messages on.
You can use all the other channels on the radio so long channel 10 are clear since that is for emergency’s and the channel we will be listening to and where you can get in contact whit us.
In big buildings will we try to make a communication desk outside the building so it’s easier to get in contact whit them if it’s something you need help to.
The radios we will use is Baofeng 888S since it’s a small and good radio that have good range and don’t take to much room in a pocket or in your belt. The radio you see over here have 16 channels
that we will program the FRS467 channels in for international use or the PRM446 channels for use in Europe. In some arias in Asia will we use the PRS409 band, this will be noted in the info of
the tour what radio band we will use in case you use your own radio on the tour.
Walkie Talkies more formally known as a handheld transceiver radio are commonly used at events of all kinds by organizers and security staff because of their ease of use & always connected status, as well as the fact you can have whole groups all connected to the same frequency at the same time keeping everyone in the loop. They also produce their own signal so will work in locations where a mobile phone would let you down. Ideal for keeping in touch when the team split up or individuals are on a lone vigil.
They are the perfect small but rugged portable size for both indoor and outdoor investigations and can communicate clearly for several kilometers and through up to 20 floors in Buildings (distance varies depending on density of obstacles. They also come with a fitted led light for general use which includes a flash function for emergencies. They can be used with the internal speaker where everyone can hear, or with the included earpiece and mic attachment for private hands free use where only the user can hear the conversation.
10 Tips to Using Two-way Radios
1. Know how to use your two way radio. Make sure all users know how to use the handsets on the model you've purchased. Practice while standing a block away from each other so you both know what to expect when using the radios.
2. Establish a call pattern with your group. Determine which channel you'll use and when you'll meet on the radio. Then agree how often you'll check in with each other.
3. Test the range beforehand. When your group is walking, establish a route. Then check in with each other along that route so you're sure there are no "dead spots".
4. Before leaving, check the batteries in both 2-way radio handsets. AAA batteries generally do not last as long as AA batteries, so be sure to check them more often. If in doubt, always carry a spare set. Between call-in times, the radio can also be turned off to preserve battery life.
5. Always keep extra batteries for the two-way handsets on hand. If the batteries are rechargeable, make sure they remain charged and available at all times. Some two way radios have a battery power-save function; this slows the battery power expenditure when the handset remains on for long periods.
6. Purchase walkie-talkie sets sturdy enough to withstand your activities. If your are extremely active and the handset needs extra protection, consider purchasing a rugged case for it.
7. A 2-way radio are not private, your can be approached by strangers over the airwaves. Teach them how to best handle this situation and ways to remain answer.
8. Remember you're sharing channels with others and many people can listen in. Teach your group how to avoid giving exact locations over the radio; Use codes and checkpoints to identify locations like whit GPS coordinates.
9. Figure out a back-up plan. Decide how to best handle a situation if the batteries in the walkie-talkie die or there are 'dead spots' during transmission. For safety, make sure your group has the phone numbers to the base.
10. When on a mountain or on the water, two-way radios should never replace the buddy system. Because of terrain, especially in wilderness areas, there may be dead spots where 2-ways can't transmit. Have a plan for communicating when you're not all together; make sure everyone in your party understands and agrees to it.
Two-way radios are the perfect solution for staying connected to all members in the group.
