Off-roading and camping are exciting ways to explore the great outdoors and enjoy nature. However, being in remote areas can make it hard to stay in touch with others. That’s why it’s important to have a Communications Plan in place for our trips. This plan will help us use radios to communicate with each other, share important information, and stay safe. Unlike cell phones, amateur radios work even when we are far away from city services, making them a reliable way to keep in touch.
In this document, we will cover the basics of our communications plan, including what equipment to use and the frequencies we’ll use. Our goal is to make sure everyone stays safe and connected while we enjoy our off-roading and camping adventures. Let’s get ready for an amazing trip, knowing we have a dependable way to communicate!
All communications coordination for Dirt Nerds & Radios events is provided by the Dirt Nerds & Radios Radio Club (W8DNR). Any questions or requests for update can be made via #ham-radio on our Discord.
Camp Comms
Anytime we set up at camp, we have a radio within earshot. Camp comms are always available. Reach out to club members for assistance in finding the group, setting up your tent, or locating resources.
VHF
Analog
- National Calling Freq – 146.520
- DNR Simplex – 145.600 – CTCSS 100Hz
Digital
- DNR Simplex – 145.600 – CC1 – DMR TG 3186898
UHF
Analog
- National Calling Freq – 446.000
- DNR Simplex – 432.100 – CTCSS 100Hz
Digital
- DNR Simplex – 432.100 – CC1 – DMR TG 3186898
HF frequencies are not planned. HF usage at camp is typically limited to POTA. If you need guidance for HF camp comms, please reach out in #ham-radio on Discord.
Trail Comms
Dirt Nerds & Radios uses the Adventure Radio Protocol & the North America Adventure Frequency. Read more about Adventure Radio protocol at Sierra Radio Systems. Adventure Radio Protocol takes advantage of CTCSS Tones to allow a single frequency to be used for multiple purposes. The Adventure Radio Protocol reserves all CTCSS tones between 67.0 Hz and 151.4 Hz. Radio operators may use any CTCSS frequency above 151.4 Hz for any other purpose.
Adventure Radio Protocol Tone Guide
These are the CTCSS tones currently in use by the Adventure Radio Protocol:
- 67.0 Hz Emergency calling.
- 77.0 Hz (Ping) – Keying up will cause any automated monitoring station to respond to let you know there is a system on the air.
- 88.5 Hz SOTA/POTA and other operating events.
- 100.0 HZ General backcountry conversations.
- 123.0 Hz Trigger automated messaging from local repeaters.
- ??? Hz – Dirt Nerds & Radios CTCSS (TBD)
