I have been watching APRS for a while looking to see someone in the BWCA using this protocol.  So far no joy.

So here are my questions to anyone who has used a ham radio in the BWCA:
Can you a 1W or 5W hand transmitter with a rubber ducky antenna communicate from deep in the BWCA?

If it can, is there any reason why APRS can not be used to track a person in the BWCA.

I have a VX-8R and was tempted to bring it the next time I go to the BWCA, if I can communicate/call for help.

Nothing, nobody, nada? :'(

dunnd1,
My guess for the lack of response is that few people, if anyone, on this board have the skill set that you have in communications. I've seen a few posts about people using SAT phones, but they sound expensive. Some people have also claimed to get cell phone reception in a few spots. And finally, some people intentionally do not want to be able to communicate electronically with the outside.

So unfortunately for you, I guess aren't going to get a lot of help on this one. :-[
Wind-in-Face

While I like HAM, I prefer BACON or SAUSAGE...

You might have some luck near repeaters such as along the lower Gunflint Trail... but 2m propogation is not too good when you are low and there are hills between you and the tower. And 1-5W with a small omnidirectional antenna doesn't get you too much range, to boot.

So, if you are near a repeater, and don't go too far from the entry point, and are on top of a hill, maybe...

You range would be greatly increased by swapping the ducky with a full size (1/4 wave) whip antenna. Still, I would only expect a handful of intermittent miles under typical BW trip conditions.

-aj
N8PN

Wind-In-Face than you for the complement, but I consider myself a well read novice at best.  

I agree about not being reachable for the most part, but...  I solo and I tend to not be in the popular places at popular times, I have a fear of breaking a wrist, losing my canoe, ….and not being able to make it out.  I was wind/storm bound for most of my last trip.  If I knew the weather forecast/radar, I would have slept in the day and traveled at night.  I am hoping that the HAM radio will allow me to be safe, but not have an electronic leash.

asmjock, thank you for the insight.  You are confirming my assumptions and not in a good way.  I need to think about this some more.  I am open to suggestions/ideas.  

How about renting a SAT phone?
You could have someone call you with local weather info, or maybe you could call out? Not the cheapest, but you know they work, and IF you got hurt or lost your canoe ( Hopefully phone is ALWAYS with you), then your covered.
Here's a link, I'm sure others might know of better deals?
One model rents for less than $40 a week, not bad for peace of mind ;)
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I have considered getting a handheld transceiver that will transmit and receive on both the 2m amateur radio band and the aircraft AM band. There are usually aircraft overhead in the BW/Q area and in the past they were required to monitor the aircraft AM emergency channel (and they probably still are).
Even with a low powered handheld you can work what you can see or hear in the air...
A while ago Icom and Yaesu both had versions of these handheld 2M/Aircraft transceivers - there may be some used ones floating about. Some older tranceivers could be opened up for such emergency only out-of-band communications.

I agree that a satphone would be more reliable under most conditions, though...

-aj

You could also use a SPOT tracker or Personal Locator Beacon.

[quote author=solotripper link=1251683702/0#6 date=1253132564] How about renting a SAT phone?
You could have someone call you with local weather info, or maybe you could call out? Not the cheapest, but you know they work, and IF you got hurt or lost your canoe ( Hopefully phone is ALWAYS with you), then your covered.
Here's a link, I'm sure others might know of better deals?
One model rents for less than $40 a week, not bad for peace of mind ;)
  (You need to Login or Register

I looked at SAT phones.  I talked to two guys from Ohio who were comming out, when I was going in to the BWCA the last time I was up there. Renting is expensive.  Buying really isn't that bad.  $100 for the phone.  $100 a year for the contract. $3-4 a minute for time.  But I decided to go with the HAM for other reasons.

wrote on Sep 17^th, 2009 at 1:30am:

You could also use a SPOT tracker or Personal Locator Beacon.

I considered a locator beacon.  They are pretty good idea.  I may end up with one of those in the future.  I talk to a guy in the deep south who has one on his boat.  It appears to work, but there are some kickers.  You need to find out what the locals have.  Where he was located, the locals have one brand and a lost person had another brand.  It tok a good bit longer to find this person than it should have.  But they were able to find the guy in his boat, but he was PISS that it took so long.

Asmjock, I have to assume that this is possible, but….  



I am going to hit up a HAM forum and see what method they would recommend.  I will come back with an answer.

Locator beacons are nice, and there seems too be more offerings of late besides the Spot.
But, you still have the problem of getting weather reports?
I took a Weather radio in the Q one year, but I only got ONE station, it was in French and not even close too the park.
 I did run into a guy who was in for 3 weeks in 07, on Brent lk. He told me he could pick up a station in ELY at night for weather and fire ban news?
I tried but got the French station ;D