He used a handheld Ham Radio and Linked Repeaters -

[@_Mordion_]

Great video and thank you for being the only one on youtube talking about linked repeaters in this way. Maybe you can help me understand this a little better. A repeater near me is connected fulltime to the Montana Repeater Link Association and has this info on it as well: Commands: Link to the Intermountain Intertie: On 196 / Off 197. Automatic 10 minute disconnect. What does that mean..? I'm not sure what the 196/197 is for or how to use that to link to the intermountain intertie. In theory, this would give me amazing coverage if I can just figure out how to get it to work. Thanks again for your great video.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Hey! Thanks for checking this out. This video highlights that linked repeater system. If you open it up on your end, then we could probably chat. You may want to get with your local ham club to make sure you're doing it right, but to turn on that link you simply key in "196" while keying the PTT. But depending on the setup, there may or may not be an additional key in the procedure. So, I'd reach out the the local club and make sure you've nailed it. Thank you again. Hope you catch you on the intertie! - KI7WJP

[@kk7gkg]

Hey I use the 147.12 on Farnsworth in Utah I am a UtahVHFS member I know the codes for controlling from our intermountain intertie side. 197 OFF 196 ON when operating from the UtahVHFS side we have to put a prefix that gives us dial tone telling us that we are controlling that certain site I was up in Montana a couple days ago All you have to do is Key up and Dial 196 to turn the link on (it gives you a double beep telling you it connected successfully) then after 10 minutes or you dial 197 it will disconnect and give you another 2 beeps

[@_Mordion_]

@@kk7gkg Awesome, thank you! That's what I figured and I've tried it several times but I've never once gotten a response so I thought I might be doing something wrong.

[@TheGiantFuton]

This is great and I appreciate that you are emphasizing taking different antenna options with you in the backcountry. I packed a slim Jim with me that saved the day when I needed an early pickup during a 30-mile hike. The shorter whip couldn’t hit the repeater and I was glad to have the alternate option. Keep up the good work!

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Thanks for your thoughts and feedback! I believe that when headed out to the woods, if planning around a communication plan, antenna options are a must. Nice to know that you've been able to get help when you needed it. I've also had to swap to larger antennas in order to make contact with the other end of our team. Thank you! 73 - KI7WJP

[@robertbird7297]

Good to know that one can have access from a high mountainous area

[@backcountryamateurradio]

it's a worthwhile test and relatively painless. Just have to hope that all those hams out there monitoring repeaters are willing to call back. 73 - Eric

[@eljuano28]

Four months later/timely video. This is what I was playing with today. If the repeater antenna is high, you don't have to be, but don't plan on hitting what you can't see. You can, "Possibly maybe," (Björk fan, not sorry,) but don't count on it. Terrain matters. I'm very lucky to live in flatland desert with a bunch of repeaters up on old volcanos to experiment with. I can open squelch 30, 40, 50, even 60 miles out with an ht and a signal stick if conditions are absolutely perfect, but i don't get to plan conditions when I need it and they're only rarely that perfect, so practice, practice, practice 'til you know what's more normal or reasonable. Get familiar with the locations and lines of sight in the areas you want to work. And have fun! I am not an expert. I'm a brand new operator. I'm learning this as i go. 73 de AI7UQ

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Sounds to me like you have a pretty good idea of how to map out your communication locations. And you're right. There are plenty things we can count on but enough that we can't. Things work against us, even ourselves. I've had directional antennas pointed entirely the wrong way. Obviously that didn't work out for making contact!! I'm no expert either, but I love to share my experiences. Thanks for sharing yours. 73 de KI7WJP

[@williammitchell6065]

ill sub

[@JeffCowan]

Sounds like he was using an MFJ Long Ranger? Yep, another good half wave whip for mountain top and SOTA type use.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

That's about it I think. I've seen similar from Smiley Antennas as well. I personally think every ham who ventures out into the woods should have a 1/2 wave in their pack or on their radio. 73 - Eric