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How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 14:03
by Tonychip49
I'm new to using a radio Just bought two, one for my wife and myself to use on a canal boat to save shouting at each other when going through locks etc, and I've just seen on this site about getting in touch with other local 446 users any help would be gratefully received as I've never used one before.Regards Tonychip49.

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 15:58
by paulears
Usually just by listening in and then replying? There are some small snags - you can end up talking to teenagers which has it's own set of problems, but if you just wait to hear from people you feel sound ok, just jump in and try.

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 19:19
by bigbloke
generally you will find people looking for long distance contacts on channel 08 tone 00 or occasionally on channel 08 tone 08 at the weekends

occasionally theres a few late night local chats that take place too.

during the day its shoe shops, sports direct , crane banksmen , baby monitors and motorcycle schools

regards

BB

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 20:46
by DX-Digger
If using on a barge I suggest getting ear buds. Turning on VOX (Voice operated TX) So you can work hands free.
Also some form of lanyard attached to radios and your belt, or they will end up overboard.
I am sure you will find others to talk to while chugging down the waterways.
If you have Facebook look to see if their are canal boat groups you can join to arrange contacts.
Just some ideas, if they know who you are what call sign you use they can listen out for you. :thumbup:
HTH :D

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 22:41
by radiosification
There's no organised way to contact other people on PMR446, since it's not a licensed service.

You can try just transmitting on channel 8 (which is the channel hobbyists often monitor) and saying that you're looking for someone to chat to. Or you can use the scan function on your radio to find other people who are transmitting. You can also arrange conversations by other means, such as online, but in that case you may as well just speak to the person online :lol:

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 24 Feb 2017, 22:53
by Admiral
OT, but remember that the comms between you and your wife are insecure, so don't be disclosing too much intel on air about where you're mooring and when you're leaving your boat unattended.

The basic intention of 446 PMR is not to contact strangers but to buy two or more sets to keep in short range communication with the holder of the subsequent units you bought. Hopefully using 446 will get you an itch that can be scratched by taking a morning off work and doing the Ofcom RAE Foundation test.

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 25 Feb 2017, 13:13
by bigbloke
better yet - invest in a pair of these

http://www.pmr446-funkversand.de/aqua/

Aquapac make many sizes so find a stockist , marine chandlers are very good for buying these.

I swear by them, even just for a day by the seaside they keep the sand out

Regards

BB

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 27 Feb 2017, 16:20
by Tonychip49
Thanks everyone for your helpful advice I'm looking into joining a radio club near me for more advice about licences etc. Thanks Again.

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 16 Aug 2017, 09:50
by albrecht
If it's anything like my experience locally, good luck! Hardly a sign of use.

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 16 Aug 2017, 11:58
by Admiral
You could use the 'official TM1 446 user map'.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll ... 30hssi-Y34

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 22 Aug 2017, 09:19
by Charlie Hotel
How do I add a location pin to the map?

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 22 Aug 2017, 09:37
by Admiral
Charlie Hotel wrote:How do I add a location pin to the map?
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12881

Re: How do I find my local PMR 446 users

Posted: 22 Aug 2017, 13:25
by Charlie Hotel
Cheers Admiral.