Before leaving
- Charge the radio and check its antenna connection.
- Confirm region, modem preset, channel, and a successful nearby two-way message.
- Decide who will reply, when, and from where.
- Carry the power and cables needed for your trip.
Build a communication plan
Choose a primary path, an alternate, a contingency, and an emergency path appropriate to the trip. Agree on check-in times and what happens after a missed check-in. Practice the plan before you rely on it.
Test one change at a time
Start with a nearby baseline. Move to the intended location, send a short message, and ask for a reply. Log the actual antenna, terrain, distance, and result. Hearing a node or seeing a map marker does not establish two-way coverage.
Troubleshoot in order
- Power and antenna.
- Phone connection and app status.
- Matching region, preset, and channel.
- Known nearby peer and a reply.
- Position, obstructions, and antenna height.