Ham Radio Frequency to use?

Question

I'll be high on Mount Rainier (above 10,000 ft) Saturday and I'd like to know what ham radio (2-meter) frequency might be best to try in case of an emergency. The park service wasn't much help when I asked if they monitored any frequencies or radio bands available to citizens.

Answer 1

I was wondering the same thing.  Is the asker even licensed?  If he was, he'd know the answer.

Without a license, there is no way someone can use amateur frequencies.  Nonetheless, no one would respond anyway to a pirate.

Answer 2

Just like Jurassic Park the movie, try a satellite phone.  Google "satellite phones for rent" and it will come up with $40 per week.  What a deal.

Answer 3

Okay, I'll say it:

Don't even think of operating on any amateur bands unless you're licensed to do so.

Good luck.  Ranier kills people.  If you are asking about emergency info like this question indicates, perhaps you aren't ready to be there.

Answer 4

146.520 is the FM simplex calling frequency

144.200 is the SSB calling frequency, but if you're using a handheld, SSB probably isn't an option.

Some nearby repeaters:

W7AQ:

146.66-, PL 123.0

146.84-, PL 123.0

147.30+, PL 123.0

W7CCY:

146.94-, PL 173.8

KB7CSP:

147.04+, PL 123.0

WA7SAR:

145.27+, PL 123.0

146.86-, PL 123.0

147.08+, PL 123.0

W7AQ is the Yakima Amateur Radio Club. Two of their repeaters (146.66 and 146.84) have autopatch. Their web site says the emergency autopatch is usable without any access code, but it doesn't say how. WA7SAR is Yakima County Search and Rescue. W7CCY and KB7CSP are individual hams operating their own repeaters.

I don't know how well you'll be able to hit the repeaters using an HT and a rubber duck. It may help to bring a telescoping antenna.