 UK227-Left
PMR446
eQSO Internet Gateway
The
eQSO Network
I have owned and used 446 handhelds for some
years now, they are superb at club meets etc.
Some years back I discovered
446User, a Website that
has set up an internet gateway network in conjunction with the eQSO
software developed by Paul M0ZPD. Although this was intended
specifically for use by Radio Amateurs, Paul has given permission for
its use within the terms of its freeware licence for PMR446. The
great thing is it's all legal! Now using a 446 handheld you can speak to
stations across the UK, Europe and even Australia!
Using a PC linked to
the internet and a 446 radio hooked up to the soundcard of the PC gives
you a whole new dimension on the use of 446 radio. It was so
simple that I decided to fill the gap in my area by setting up the Fleet
Gateway which launched on 28th Feb 2004.
You can see who's
Gateway's are On-Line right now by clicking
here.
 PMR446
Introduced in 1999
PMR446 is an unlicensed system which allows personal voice communication
using relatively cheap and small handheld sets or put very simply PMR446
means license free walkie-talkies. These radios can be used in most of
Europe but not in the USA, they have there own similar system called the
Family Radio System (FRS).
PMR446 is allocated 8 radio frequency channels at 446MHz. PMR446
equipment must have a non-removable antenna delivering a maximum of
500mW of Effective Radiated Power. These restrictions limit the
effective range to a quoted 3km/2miles, however communication over
larger ranges can be achieved under line-of-sight conditions. The range
can be limited to less than half a mile in built up areas with lots of
obstructions.
Since its introduction PMR446 has become very popular, many of the high
street stores such as Argos and Dixons sell these handsets for less than
£20 each! These radios can provide an effective radio service for
leisure, family or business use.
Common uses are in offices, schools, sports events, factories, on
building sites, as well as numerous others. People use them when out
walking, cycling and motor biking (with hands free kits of course) Many
radios have a voice-activated option (VOX) and people use them as
long-range baby monitors.
The UK227 Fleet Gateway
This is situated about 1/2 mile East of the
town centre and is within range of the M3 for a short distance East of Fleet Services. Anyone within range of this
location that has a 446 handheld with CTCSS can use the Gateway. The
Gateway is known as UK227-L and is on Channel 4 using CTCSS 19. The
gateway provides a Voice ID every 5 minutes when on-line.
There are PMR446 Internet
Gateways up and down the UK and now across the world that anybody with a
PMR446 radio can have access to. As an example of how this works,
someone within range of my gateway link can talk through that link, over
the internet, and out through another gateway in many other parts of the
UK or farther afield, say, Denmark, Canada or even
Australia. Someone within range of that second gateway can then
communicate back and thus establish a conversation.
All the gateways operate a CTCSS access system which requires a CTCSS
capable radio with CTCSS set to 127.3Hz (CTCSS tone 19 on most radios).
To access the Fleet
gateway set your radio to Channel 4, CTCSS code 19
The gateway is very easy
to use. You use it as you would with a normal one to one communication,
no call-signs are required, call CQ or just a straightforward 'Hello,
this is X calling from Y, anyone copy?' and you might be surprised who
comes back to you as there are gateways all over the world. Note that
there can often be a delay from the station that you are speaking to and
don't forget to wait for the pips after their over before you transmit.
It is also best to press the PTT button on your radio and wait a second
before speaking to make sure the beginning of your over doesn't get cut
off.
If you don't have CTCSS on your radio you won't be able to
transmit to the gateway but you will still be able to listen in on
Channel 4.
During the week the
network is fairly quiet during the daytime with most activity taking
place during the evening and at the weekend but if it is quiet call CQ,
a lot of people are monitoring even if they're not talking. When
the system is idle the gateway will announce a digital voice message
every 5 minutes identifying the gateway.
There are just a few Do's
and Don'ts that will help keep the network sane: Don't swear, don't use
call or ring tones and do switch off 'roger beeps' if possible.
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