Radio Frequencies at Events

[coloneldodge]

My team is about to purchase a set of radios. I have many questions about what would be the right type of radio to purchase.

My biggest question is: Is there a set frequency that is used by Airsoft Canada at their events? and if so what is that frequency?

I am thinking that i can run any frequency I want for comms between my team members but I will need to be able to speak to the "base camp"

I apologize if this is a somewhat simplistic question but before investing in a radio I want to make sure I get something that is going to work.

[Drake]

PLEASE take a minute to search the forum, read the FAQs, etc.

Frequencies used are usually FRS+GMRS (UHF band).

Please read:

http://airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=18513


http://airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=118134


http://airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=120456




Sometimes (often? usually?) frequencies are assigned to teams/sides. And as for "running any frequency you want" that would still be limited to the FRS and GMRS frequencies: there are [licensed] people using other frequencies out in the real world, you can't just start broadcasting all over the place -- they will be upset and if you get caught you will get in trouble. Radios are not toys.

[coach]

There is no designated frequency used solely by ASC. Frequency selection would be determined by the event host/organizers. FRS/GMRS radios are the typical radios most will use. Many have moved to higher end programmable radios that utilize the FRS/GMRS channels.

Often there are games where each team will have multiple frequencies to use plus a game control frequency.

[ThunderCactus]

+1 to that.
If you're looking at team radio's there are a few things to consider;
1) Learn how to talk on a radio. Nobody wants noobs spamming useless information on radios, it's highly disruptive to the people who actually know what they're doing, and it's just plain inconsiderate.
2) Get something UHF or GMRS, so you can talk to everyone else who uses radios in airsoft.
3) Get a radio that matches your needs. If you're playing in large fields, you may need a 4 watt radio. If your scrimming in 10 acre fields, a motorola GMRS will be just fine. Are you playing in the rain? Do you need waterproof radios?
4) Pay attention to what kind of headset port it has. Motorola 1 or 2 pin, kenwood 2 pin, etc
5) Learn how to USE your radio. And remember that sub-channels only filter what YOU hear, they don't necessarily code the frequency so that nobody else can hear it.

[coach]

And to add, if you're new to the game or new to radios...

Keep your mouth shut! Listen to the radio transmissions and that's it. Unless you are a command element that needs to communicate, there's no need for any chatter on comms. Chatter boxes have been hunted out and found a knife in their back or friendly fired and sent back to respawn.

Learn your radio inside out. Turn off vox. Know what it does when it's keyed open. Operators with their radios keyed open or vox on and set to high sensitivity have been hunted out and found a knife in their back or friendly fired and sent back to respawn.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by coachster

Learn your radio inside out. Turn off vox. Know what it does when it's keyed open.

VOX + Over beep = EPIC WIN.


*pant pant pant pant pant* *BLEEE-BLEEEEEEP* *pant pant pant pant pant* *BLEEE-BLEEEEEEP* *pant pant pant* Are you hit? *pant pant* I need a drink *pant pant* *BLEEE-BLEEEEEEP* *BLEEE-BLEEEEEEP* *pant pant* *BLEEE-BLEEEEEEP*

[ThunderCactus]

My favorite is when LMG gunners go prone onto their PTT and all you hear is them laying down fire.

[coloneldodge]

thx for the feedback guys. I guess I should be a little more specific. I am seeing radios I like that broadcast in the 466mhz range, also in the 442mhz (none of which require a licence and are free for civilians to use). If i don't buy a programmable type of radio I was just wondering if anyone new the Freq that is most common.

[ThunderCactus]

GMRS/FRS frequencies, that's 430-470MHz UHF

[Grudge]

Just pick yourself a FDC-450a or a wouxon KG-UVD1P. Programming it with the standard channels, or programming it as you need.

[MaciekA]

Originally Posted by ThunderCactus

My favorite is when LMG gunners go prone onto their PTT and all you hear is them laying down fire.

Almost spit out my drink reading this

My favorite is playing a quiet and tense game in woodland environment and suddenly everyone's radios are picking up some kid 5km away radioing his mom that he's ready to get picked up from Timmy's house. "OK EVERYONE SWITCH TO CHANNEL 9".

Back to the topic of the thread, I am using the cheapie Cobra GMRS radios from canadian tire and they work pretty well.

[Kozzie]

Originally Posted by ThunderCactus

My favorite is when LMG gunners go prone onto their PTT and all you hear is them laying down fire.

I find most people use Motorola Talkabouts. Game control is usually channel 1.

[Brian McIlmoyle]

Buy the best you can afford.. as with all things..

That said I know people who have got on just fine with cheap motorola talkabouts for years.

[coloneldodge]

thx for all the input guys.

[lurkingknight]

standard frs are fine, but just keep in mind that anyone can do a channel scan and listen in on your chatter, including the other team.