So you think you will be fine with a Baofeng and a prayer? Think again.
Anything that you transmit with one of those things is as good as open and any being that can sense emf can detect what you are saying.
What you need is a DMR radio. They are more expensive but have encryption.
It is illegal to encrypt unless you have a commercial licence, but a total requirement in this line of work.
Choosing a radio
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SerlingFan61
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2025 2:31 am
Re: Choosing a radio
purgos, you make an excellent point about the risks of open transmission. I upgraded to a DMR set for precisely that reason — though, truth be told, I’m still learning my way around its more advanced functions.
That said, I encountered something unusual last night that I hoped someone here might shed light on.
While scanning through encrypted channels — nothing I programmed myself, simply the defaults the unit came with — the radio briefly locked onto a signal broadcasting a latitude and longitude. The numbers repeated in a calm, almost measured cadence. No call sign, no identifier, just the coordinates.
I looked them up, of course. They correspond to a spot well off any public road, somewhere in the mountains a few towns over. I won’t name the area for privacy’s sake, but those familiar with the region will know it’s sparsely populated and not the sort of place one expects routine transmissions.
The signal cut off after perhaps twenty seconds and has not returned since. My equipment seems to be functioning normally otherwise.
Has anyone else experienced DMR channels spontaneously receiving coordinate-only broadcasts? Is this a known issue with the model, or should I interpret it as something more deliberate?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer not to imagine things that aren’t there — but I would also prefer not to ignore them if they are.
That said, I encountered something unusual last night that I hoped someone here might shed light on.
While scanning through encrypted channels — nothing I programmed myself, simply the defaults the unit came with — the radio briefly locked onto a signal broadcasting a latitude and longitude. The numbers repeated in a calm, almost measured cadence. No call sign, no identifier, just the coordinates.
I looked them up, of course. They correspond to a spot well off any public road, somewhere in the mountains a few towns over. I won’t name the area for privacy’s sake, but those familiar with the region will know it’s sparsely populated and not the sort of place one expects routine transmissions.
The signal cut off after perhaps twenty seconds and has not returned since. My equipment seems to be functioning normally otherwise.
Has anyone else experienced DMR channels spontaneously receiving coordinate-only broadcasts? Is this a known issue with the model, or should I interpret it as something more deliberate?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer not to imagine things that aren’t there — but I would also prefer not to ignore them if they are.
Re: Choosing a radio
Some Radios allow for broadcasting of position for various tracking reasons, could be that.
They are mostly used in the wilderness to keep positions of hikers know. Also used for coordination between ham radio operators.
I wouldn't be worried about it, now once you program your encrypted channels you should hear nothing but possibly some static. If you do then you should be worried because that means some one or something got by your encryption.
They are mostly used in the wilderness to keep positions of hikers know. Also used for coordination between ham radio operators.
I wouldn't be worried about it, now once you program your encrypted channels you should hear nothing but possibly some static. If you do then you should be worried because that means some one or something got by your encryption.
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SerlingFan61
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2025 2:31 am
Re: Choosing a radio
Transmission seems old. Like it was recorded over 50 years ago. It repeats every few hours. I haven't managed to catch it enough to time it. I keep dozing off to the white noise between broadcasts and the broadcast isn't jarring enough to disturb my rest.
Re: Choosing a radio
If you want to find the source of the signal you can direction find by holding the radio close to your chest and slowly turning around, the signal will fade when your body is blocking it, that is how you know where to start looking.
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SerlingFan61
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2025 2:31 am
Re: Choosing a radio
Thanks for the tip. I will be heading out in the morning for the coordinates. So far the map shows a lone blue house halfway up a mountain, but these online map images are often 5 years old so the house may not be there anymore. I'm sure I'll look like a loon in my suit in the middle of the woods spinning while hugging my radio.