Thanks Brian, I will DEFINITELY look into those options as well. I hate monthly fees as well as you do, but when the day comes for me to use local repeaters (APRS or D-STAR) for a HAM rig, I would likely be donating money to the local clubs that set them up. Just because it is available for "open use" does not equate to "free"... at least in my mind. Someone has to pay for equipment and maintenance. I would "feel better" sending money to a non-profit HAM club vs. a big corporate entity, but either way there are still regular user fees/donations.

I will have to look into the repeater maps for NM, contact the local club, and find out if such a system is workable for where I wheel. I have been interested in HAM for some time, and you gave me another reason to get into it. Thanks!

(I also wonder what system the Border Patrol uses, I will ask em' next time one pulls up in their JK asking about my Jeep mods. I wonder if I could get them on the radio if the need arose. )

Regards,

Walker

 

CBP operates on VHF frequencies that vary from place to place and are typically out of LEGAL ham reach BUT (big but) in cases of emergency or immediate danger your allowed to shout on whatever it takes to get help.

Here's their listings.


http://wiki.radioreference.com/index...ev&oldid=19769