Potential Alternative to a CB

[RedMagik]

So I saw this in my Facebook feed yesterday:

https://www.beartooth.com

Essentially it's a bluetooth device that is a short range wireless transmitter to other Beartooth hubs. While I'm not ready to jump on the 50% off preorder, because I'm skeptical of the 5 mile voice capability in rugged mountainous terrain. I will be looking forward to real world reviews of it. I dig the potential for close range radio transmission.

I have plans to get my HAM license and get a set up in the 4Runner for long range transmission stuff. Yet I've wanted a CB and/or two way radios for setting up base camp and conducting short hiking excursions for that point. I figure if I get 3 units I could accomplish my ideal set up potentially. Two for our phones and one of my iPad to use while bivvied. Add to the fact when traveling in groups I could use the existing bluetooth in the vehicle potentially.

Regardless, if I pick some up I will report back to you guys on what I think.

 

[sandcrawler]

cool find!

 

[Orbital Debris]

Yeah, so the 5 mile range is LOS (line of sight) and it notes 2 miles for non-LOS. Which would be very dependent on what was in between the 2 transceivers. I would imagine it is alot like an FRS or GMRS radio in terms of range. It is 1 watt, which is what FRS is limited to (and what limits its range and usefulness).

It looks very interesting, but I don't see the advantage over a little FRS radio, since you still have to carry another unit in addition to your phone. You can get a pair of those for cheaper than the Beartooth unit.

When you get farther into the Ham radio, it is all about power and antenna. A typical Ham handheld is about 5 watts, which is what gets you the more effective distance.

 

[Biotex]

Thanks for the info. Keep us posted.

 

[RedMagik]

Yeah, so the 5 mile range is LOS (line of sight) and it notes 2 miles for non-LOS. Which would be very dependent on what was in between the 2 transceivers. I would imagine it is alot like an FRS or GMRS radio in terms of range. It is 1 watt, which is what FRS is limited to (and what limits its range and usefulness).

It looks very interesting, but I don't see the advantage over a little FRS radio, since you still have to carry another unit in addition to your phone. You can get a pair of those for cheaper than the Beartooth unit.

When you get farther into the Ham radio, it is all about power and antenna. A typical Ham handheld is about 5 watts, which is what gets you the more effective distance.

I've been waiting to get in the weeds with HAM stuff and my license once a wrap up my degree this summer. Information like you mentioned kept me distracted! I'm looking forward to it though, my limited background HF makes concepts not so foreign. It's also partially why I'm skeptical of this technology. I think I'm more into the Beartooth for convoy related communications between vehicles. Should be taking a couple road trips this summer that I could test it out on.

 

[wcjeep]

Interesting they promise multi day use using Bluetooth 2.0? Must be a cost issue using 4.0? Some new Android phones are USB C. However, right now it's around 97% use Micro USB charging. USB C will eventually be more popular.

$99 per unit is probably the going rate. However, the FRS radios are alot cheaper.

Edit: Just noticed it can be used as a mesh network. That would be cool.

 

[BadassBox.net]

This looks like a gotenna product I looked into myself but ended up getting some FRS that can handle the short range stuff and saving the ham stuff for longer ranges one day. The baofengs can be had pretty cheap and don't have to be linked to a phone with a device draining down your battery.

 

[Beer.runner]

all I could think of is sat-phone.

 

[nevada]

This looks like a gotenna product I looked into myself but ended up getting some FRS that can handle the short range stuff and saving the ham stuff for longer ranges one day. The baofengs can be had pretty cheap and don't have to be linked to a phone with a device draining down your battery.

some of the FRS radios that are available now are simply amazing. both in functions, and range of use.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I bought my HAM hand held for cheaper then that and I get better range with it. Also have a pair of FRS radios for trail stuff when people arent HAMs and get about the same distance as this beartooth thing.

Neat tech but expensive for what it is.

 

[RedMagik]

all I could think of is sat-phone.

lol if cash wasn't a big deal.

I bought my HAM hand held for cheaper then that and I get better range with it. Also have a pair of FRS radios for trail stuff when people arent HAMs and get about the same distance as this beartooth thing.

Neat tech but expensive for what it is.

I think the hard part would be getting others to use it as well, may end up solo which would be pointless.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I think the hard part would be getting others to use it as well, may end up solo which would be pointless.

I agree. But as people see the potential of the HAM and realize how much clearer and far reaching they will convert. Build it and they will come.


Hahah. I would say the majority of the guys I roll out with are HAMs and almost all have a cheap hand held to listen in. Just trying to get them to take the test.

 

[Scrooge]

So I saw this in my Facebook feed yesterday:



https://www.beartooth.com



Essentially it's a bluetooth device that is a short range wireless transmitter to other Beartooth hubs. While I'm not ready to jump on the 50% off preorder, because I'm skeptical of the 5 mile voice capability in rugged mountainous terrain. I will be looking forward to real world reviews of it. I dig the potential for close range radio transmission.



I have plans to get my HAM license and get a set up in the 4Runner for long range transmission stuff. Yet I've wanted a CB and/or two way radios for setting up base camp and conducting short hiking excursions for that point. I figure if I get 3 units I could accomplish my ideal set up potentially. Two for our phones and one of my iPad to use while bivvied. Add to the fact when traveling in groups I could use the existing bluetooth in the vehicle potentially.



Regardless, if I pick some up I will report back to you guys on what I think.

I agree,... I will have to say, being a gadget guy, it's cool,... I've had my FCC license elements 1&3 for about 12-13 years... In my opinion, it's the best way to keep in touch when out in the middle of nowhere.... A close second to me would be a satellite messenger,.. But that can be expensive, at least to me....