[Elecraft] Could this operate on a motorcycle?

[grif80128 at comcast.net]

Russell-

Congrats on the Tech license. You started an interesting thread. As I see it
you are on a sport bike looking to keep in contact through varied terrain
with 12 or so other bikes. I'm a Gold Winger, with over a decade on the
marque, and we use our CBs, contrary to some comments here. It's not always
easy and there are limits with distance and terrain. I seen some pretty
amazing HT VHF/UHF set-ups on Wings-APRS and all! You speak of requirements
and I'm not sure what exactly you need. Reading between the lines, there
seems to be a direction to be in contact with all riders on the ride 100% of
the time. The rig has to fit on/in your scoot. An unspoken requirement is
that every rider on the ride is a licensed ham. A potential requirement is
to able to contact emergency responders whenever needed. I don't think that
any of these is a reasonable requirement. Sport riders in the Front Range
near Denver/Boulder/Ft Collins most often are seen with the FRS clip on
transceivers. I have seen no sport rider using CBs. Still there are areas
and terrain where communications are minimal-even with satellite phones! 

When the problem looks insurmountable, perhaps a requirement revisit is the
answer. First, 12 bikes in a group presents certain risks to all on the
road-cagers, too. Operating a radio while riding twisties is a distraction
that I think may be counter productive. I suggest that there are other ride
models that may be more beneficial to you and your friends. Breaking into
smaller, more manageable groups-say of 3-5 bikes, might be suggested.
Smaller groups are more likely to maintain a closer distance lead to drag.
Tighter groups would be able to maintain contact with each bike in the group
at a lower wattage. FRS helmet radios are less expensive and are designed
for your application. If you do find a radio that will fit the next problem
will be an antenna and installation that won't make the scoot look trashed.
Good luck with the problem. 

Jin KC0TRK





--
View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Could-this-operate-on-a-motorcycle-tp7588505p7588588.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.