Student BCP wrote:

I have my Com/Nav radio but I believe I need an FCC license to go international with it, so not sure if that'll help or not. Was thinking about renting a Sat phone though. Anybody have thoughts on that?

Ham Radio Anyone??
Some have mentioned marine band radios and CB ( 27 Mhz. citizen's band) units.

Is there reliable cell service along the entire route? if so, no worries. If not, does anyone have any experience regarding the use of mobile amateur radio ( ham radio) along this route, either for needed emergencies or for just shooting the breeze. Ham radio works on a wide range of frequency " bands or segments" from 1.8 Mhz HF to 1296 Mhz UHF and beyond. Many VHF and UHF bands , at least in the lower 48, offer repeaters which like a cell tower will rebroadcast your signal. An FCC license is easy to get (no more Morse code test).

This drive is on my bucket list. I keep looking in the new 2014 Aircraft Spruce catalog for " Free Available Time" but I don't see it. Perhaps next year

Denali wrote:Student BCP wrote:

I have my Com/Nav radio but I believe I need an FCC license to go international with it, so not sure if that'll help or not. Was thinking about renting a Sat phone though. Anybody have thoughts on that?

Ham Radio Anyone??
Some have mentioned marine band radios and CB ( 27 Mhz. citizen's band) units.

Is there reliable cell service along the entire route? if so, no worries. If not, does anyone have any experience regarding the use of mobile amateur radio ( ham radio) along this route, either for needed emergencies or for just shooting the breeze. Ham radio works on a wide range of frequency " bands or segments" from 1.8 Mhz HF to 1296 Mhz UHF and beyond. Many VHF and UHF bands , at least in the lower 48, offer repeaters which like a cell tower will rebroadcast your signal. An FCC license is easy to get (no more Morse code test).

This drive is on my bucket list. I keep looking in the new 2014 Aircraft Spruce catalog for " Free Available Time" but I don't see it. Perhaps next year

Holy shit!! It's not 1946, for crying out loud! Get a dependable car, with good tires, a credit card that won't max out with more than a $10 charge, and drive the dang road!

You don't need radios, cell phones or telegraph. There's a lot of traffic, even in winter, and, this ain't California.....they will stop to help if you need it.

On second thought, if you're that needy, DON'T drive the road.

MTV

Actually ham radio is not just about calling for help or SOS

It's actually a lot of fun to shoot the breeze with other hams, and depending on what band you have chosen based on propagation, you might find yourself in a delightful conversation with a fellow ham in New Zealand or Switzerland. Other bands and modes such as 144 Mhz FM favor more local contacts. One can always get great advice from locals on where to eat, traffic tips, and more. The ham radio community, much like the sailing and general aviation community, has a great deal of camaraderie.

Since I have an extra class ham license, I'll would definitely have several radios along for the ride if I were to be driving to AK from the lower 48 or along the haul road. When cell towers go down or disasters hit and communications go to hell, hams always seem to be able to get through. 73

I have a Sat phone that I always carry on this drive. I have yet to utilize it, however one just never knows. I can say that the cell service along the route is so much better than it used to be. I have Verizon and had service about 80% of the time on this last trip 2 weeks ago...even in the middle of nowhere. Once your around the towns I always had service.

One of the biggest things for this trip used to be timing, meaning that a gas station would be closed from say 11pm-6am. That however is a thing of the past. Even Watson Lake has fuel for 24 hours now.

As for food, Mike Place is Dawson Creek is all time with great food, good looking women and a good place to relax. Tim Hortons will become your favorite coffee shop along the route. Tags at Watson lake has a good little deli type shop that makes you food to order. The lodge at Muncho lake has really good food but spendy. Everyone should make certain to stop at Laird hot springs! Its world class, even in negative 40 below weather. In the summer, Laird has bears. Google the grizzly bear attack at Laird a few years back... Once you make it to Tok, get a room at Fast Eddies. Its a great stop to unwind and eat both breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If anyone needs more beta. Send me a PM. I feel like I know this route like the back of my hand. Seriously.

AKT

Sure you can drive it, but why not fly it??

mtv wrote:Holy shit!! It's not 1946, for crying out loud! Get a dependable car, with good tires, a credit card that won't max out with more than a $10 charge, and drive the dang road!

You don't need radios, cell phones or telegraph. There's a lot of traffic, even in winter, and, this ain't California.....they will stop to help if you need it.

On second thought, if you're that needy, DON'T drive the road.

MTV

I've got to say I had to go back and make sure this wasn't Gumps post. I love it, it's right on the money.

Marty