Cell w/o cell service

Bobbo wrote:

Be careful though, while the FRS radio does not require a federal license, a GMRS radio does. You can buy an FRS/GMRS radio, and only need the license if you use the GMRS channels.

Caveat - you can use the FRS channels up to .5 watts with the integrated antenna. Some GMRS radios will let you go over that on FRS as well as GMRS. The license requires no test and costs $65 for 5 years.

From the FCC...

"If you operate a radio that has been approved for both FRS and GMRS, and if you limit your operations to the FRS channels with a maximum power of ½ watt effective radiated power and an integral antenna, you are not required to have a license."

https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

W7SGA/WQJJ533

The problem with this device is it only works between two phones with the same hardware attached.. now if you are, for example, having a heart attack, this is of no use at all trying to reach 9-1-1 for Medics to come save our life.

And I for one can only assisst if 1: you let me know you need help and 2: For a short period of time so if help does not arrive, you are .. Late.

On the other hand. Very little of this country is not covered by Ham Radio, A technician license gives you coverage from 10 meters up.. a General or Extra does even better.. This morning I was sitting here in S.E. Ga listening to stations all over eastern USA... (interesting thing,, It was 75 Degrees here, Same as in Upper Michigan just off the lake) I could hear the Michigan station clearly and had say HE suddenly said he needed EMS.. I'd have been on it fast (As it happens my database has the local EMS/Police number in it) (I used to be a Police dispatcher in MI) Likewise he could have made the call for ME. I might add I am only pushing 100 watts into the wire.

I have both made and relayed Emergency calls over the years...

FireChat is an app available for both Android and iOS that performs somewhat similar, but is not intended for use in remote areas. Using FireChat without cell or WiFi service, your cell phone can connect through other FireChat users that are within appx 200 feet. With more users, the "network" extends further and further, so could create a network hundreds of miles in size.

Works very well in places where cell service has been blocked, or regular cell sites and WiFi networks have been taken off-line. One-to-one private messages are encrypted end to end.

First off, I don't think it actually exists. They are claiming it'll be available December 2016. This wouldn't be the first product like this to fail when it hits reality.

In theory it'll use 900mhz to create a network with other users that have the device. Their claims of 10 miles sound pretty overblown, I suppose if you're on the side of a mountain with nothing obstructing your view of a valley... no trees in between you and the other person.. maybe..

Notice also they say you can communicate with any nearby users, no mention of control over that. Do you want pedophiles being able to track your children with ease???

The devil is in the details...

Looking at it more- there is a whole bunch more than a simple 2 way radio would do-

High-res offline topographic maps means you can leave your breadcrumbs at home. Pinpoint the exact location of everyone in your group. Locations refresh automatically with each message sent.

Multiple hops extend your range as you create an advanced on-the-go network to stay in touch with all members of your group.

Recharge your phone on the go. The 3000mAh lithium ion battery has enough energy to fully charge your iPhone 6S Plus 1.75 times. That's a lot of juice.

*I* think it is pretty neat, and for some would be invaluable.

Just buy an FRS radio (aka walkie talkie). Be careful though, while the FRS radio does not require a federal license, a GMRS radio does. You can buy an FRS/GMRS radio, and only need the license if you use the GMRS channels.

FRS CB's with a blue tooth interface?
Use phone like a walkie talky ?

Real range is yet to be seen but this may be the new CB.