<div class="gmail_extra">Chris has it in one, I think.<br><br>My view on things is:<br>
<br>
- CB is simply press-to-talk radio. 26Mhz gives you a bit of range and
performance, whereas PRS gives you short range, better audio (and better
channel re-use due to the short range). <br>
- CB (26Mhz) is 'old school' but driven around function. Recreational
use shares with those who use it as a freely accessible community (ala
truckies and such). Since deregulation there's been nothing to stop you
from buying a set and yakking to whoever.<br>
- The introduction of PRS into common usage facilitates more portable
operation; 26Mhz gear is too low frequency to give you a radio you can
readily use and then put in your pocket.<br>
- Thus PRS is great for short range, event comms, mobile use or mobile-to-portable use.<br>
- Being entirely unregulated opens the channels up to abuse. Sadly, this
occurs more often than it should... but at the same time that's what
happens when you deregulate.<br>
<br>
Amateur radio, with it's higher entry thresholds, has less of the crap
associated with some aspects of CB/PRS, but it's also miles more
flexible. No other radio usage has such free reign in terms of bands,
modes and power levels. No other spectrum is quite as global. Amateurs
demonstrate true enthusiasm for radio, comms, technology and service
(or some combination of the above) or get some other tangible benefits
out of it. You can do a lot more with 500KW on HF (or 100's of Watts on
V/UHF) with data or single side band than you can with the basic 5W FM
options that unlicensed spectrum permits.<br>
<br>
If you have a genuine interest in radio, I don't understand why you
wouldn't go and study up for your ham radio operators certficiate; 60
q's multichoice, a relatively low pass mark and it's a lifetime
achievement. It opens up a lot more options.<br>
<br>
Oh and re politics? It's as much as you let it bother you. I'm sure CB
Radio Clubs have their share, as do Amateur Radio Clubs. Remember that
with Amateur radio there's an actual need to coordinate spectrum use
with other countries, and with other spectrum users (ala the
government). So yes, there's that aspect. But you can stick with the
'real' aspects - developing, building and using radio - if that's your
interest. You're not obliged to join a local club, nor the national
society, if you don't wish it (though i'd encourage you to at least give
it a go).<br>
<br>
I got my ham radio license at 16 after several years of fascination with radio in general. <br>16
years later it's been responsible for a whole bunchload of friends and
experiences that wouldnt've happened any other way - and I know that
even with my current lifestyle (kids and professional responsibilities,
volunteering and such) preventing me from using my amateur radio gear
very often, it'll be waiting for me any time I care to pick up the mic.<br>
<br>
Amateur radio is often a hobby associated with older guys - and it's
true that these are people who frequently have a history with old-school
radio, radar and telecomms (which is where a lot of ham radio types got
their start years ago) - and it's also true that it's a hobby that
people often pick up when they start looking at retirement. There's
also a small but active group of young folks who are active in other
aspects of things; integrate amateur radio into other hobbys (4wd,
maritime, tramping/hiking) or use it to benefit them in other things
they do (search and rescue for example). For example Ive been
interested in Motorsport for years, so my amateur radio connection was a
boon when the Rally of NZ was on; I was able to help as a volunteer
official for several years running, thoroughly enjoyed it. <br><br>These days I remain connected to Wellington VHF Group (despite having moving back to Auckland 2 years ago) largely because I don't have time to get active with any of the clubs in Auckland. I'm slowly getting my radio gear sorted in my vehicles so that I can get active on the local repeaters again and catch up with some old friends. But aside from my daily commute, I don't get on the radio often. No harm, no foul. <br>
I own several PRS radios and can't say they've ever had the same level of appeal that Amateur Radio has had - but they've filled a purpose from time to time, and that's how I see them - a tool with a specific use. Not really a hobby as such.<br>
<br>Yikes, what a waffle.<br><br>Mark ZL1VMF<br><br><br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 7:33 PM, Chris Hellyar <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:chris@logicalit.biz" target="_blank">chris@logicalit.biz</a>></span> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">That's an interesting article...<br>
<br>
But I don't think it requires development of independent mesh technologies.<br>
<br>
Mobile Internet is becoming almost ubiquitous now and if you've got a current technology smart phone you're in business right now.<br>
<br>
I've played a bit with iPTT on the iPhone and it's a pretty good PTT implementation although it's mostly non-english folks and rednecks from what I've heard. :-)<br>
<br>
The way I see it, If you're interested in radio you're probably 1/2 way to passing a hams ticket as it's not exactly the most challenging exam known to man.<br>
<br>
Then you can talk up a storm with relatively light regulations and there is no type approval or 'compliance' costs once you've got your ticket as such in this country at least.<br>
<br>
Sure you need to stick to the ham bands, use a call sign and play by some rules but there's no difference between that and getting your Drivers license as I see it.<br>
<br>
Just my 2c worth, rose coloured glasses and all that.<br>
<br>
Cheers, Me.<div class="im HOEnZb"><br>
<br>
<br>
On 27/04/12 17:51, Scanhead wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
Not a having a crack at anyone... But do you think its because rules, regulations and compliance cost now stifle innovation and uptake? The internet and its voice communications technology are reasonably open and free of compliance and enjoy massive use in comparison.<br>
<br>
If you want to mix internet with PTT and "free park" radio bands (and not have RSM come for you) I think this is where its headed:<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.cnds.jhu.edu/pub/papers/smesh_ptt_secon10.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.cnds.jhu.edu/pub/<u></u>papers/smesh_ptt_secon10.pdf</a><br>
<br>
Scanhead.<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
<br></div><div class="HOEnZb"><div class="h5">
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