Considering starting on 446

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 12:24

I am thinking about getting a 446 set and from what i have heard it is quite popular in the area.

Please could i hear about some peoples 446 setups so i can have a look around and i know that guzzy has a 446 setup but for the life of me i can't find it in this forum.

Post by **Guzzy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:28

May I heartily recommend another excellent forum devoted to all things PMR446.

446 User Website & Forum

It should be noted, however, that PMR446 is used mainly for communication between pre-arranged groups of people over short distances (up to a mile usually). For example: A group of friends on a skiing/biking/orienteering/shopping :-) / 'outing' type activity could all use PMR446 radios to stay in touch with one another when they get split up. Business use, such as: Security/Shopwatch, stock control, site management, you name - people use it for it.

The important thing to remember is that they will assign a CTCSS or DCS privacy sub-tone to all the radios in the group so that only their group can communicate with each other. 99.99% of all people who buy PMR446 radios do not expect or want other people to break into their private communication group and ask for a conversation or a rig check. It's not what they buy them for.

Just because some PMR446 radios can scan for the CTCSS or DCS code in use, doesn't mean you should use it to interrupt someone elses conversation!

Having said that, there are no specific rules on what you can and cannot use it for, so some people (me included) have set up PMR446 computer RF gateways (see www.446user.co.uk for details).

Basically, don't expect it to be a short range CB service. No one uses it for that. Some people get VERY annoyed if you burst in on their 'private' conversation!

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:37

Yeah well i'm not jumping into anything yet but it was just a thought. Think i've gone on to this through getting bored of waiting for the CB rig i'm after to roll up.

but taht's another story cheers GUZZ

Post by **Guzzy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:37

My setup:

Alinco DJ-446 with motorcycle headset for bike to bike comms.

Alan 456r with extension mic/speaker for general use.

XT1000 Base unit connected to a Windows 98 PC connected to PMR446 eQSO Network (see www.446user.co.uk) as: UK576-L Channel 7 (CTCSS 19) Chatham (Walderslade), Kent, UK (Range of about 2 miles into surrounding area.)

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:39

Wow you've got everthing guzz mate.

Don't suppose you've heard of any other cheap CB rigs i'm after

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:41

Although i suppose i should ask that back in the CB section.

See you there.

Post by **Guzzy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:42

You could have a play with PMR446 eQSO ...

Buy a couple of cheap PMR446 radios (about +?25 each, maybe less? Just make sure one of them has built in VOX for the computer link.) connect the VOX one to your computer (simple audio patch leads) and use the other one in and around your house to chat to others on the network.

Great fun! \:D/

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 13:54

yeah what sort of nets do you get

Post by **Guzzy** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:22

All sorts.

Download the PC client version of the software and you can log in and participate with just your PC. :-)

See what you think.

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:24

where do i get it from

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:33

The software i'm talking about by the way.

Post by **Guzzy** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:36

www.446user.co.uk

This is the forum and website that converted the software from the HAM version of eQSO and does the hosting for the PMR446 eQSO network.

It has all the help files you need and the software to download (for free).

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 14:42

cheers guzz i'll check it out.

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 15:02

Hey guzz i do see jington or something like that on ebay sometimes. Do you know what those are like

They seem suspiciously inexpensive to me.

Post by **troutboy** » 18 Mar 2006, 15:05

Oh yeah and there's those motorola GP68 radios too. You know much about those.