Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2001 12:54:44 EDT Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Gail Mackiernan Subject: FRS radio channel/code standards Comments: To: gail@mdsg.umd.edu Ospreyers -- I am currently serving on a committee which is working to suggest a national standard channel/code for FRS radio use by birders (this at request of ABA.) Such a standard would improve communication amongst birders in the field and allow visiting birders to quickly get "up to speed." One of the committee's first steps is to survey local birders to see if there is any existing local standard channel/code and also, to determine level of FRS radio useage (and interest in same). For example, the channel/code 8/18 is widely used in California and publicized on RBAs, and similarly channel/ code 11/22 is used in the midWest. There were several basic criteria for a national standard: easy to remember (like 11/22) and channels above 1-7 to avoid conflict with the more powerful GMRS radios which are coming into wider use. Several committee members have scanning their local areas as well, and find the most use (hence potential interference) on the lower channels. It should be emphasized that a standard channel/code would be used to facilitate communication between birders in the field and would not mean that individuals or groups could not simultaneously use other channels/codes for private communication (e.g.: "Where the *&$#!! are you??") I am asking anyone on this list who uses FRS radios or is interested in their use to get back to me (OFF-LIST, please) and answer the following: 1) Do you currently use FRS radios while birding? 2) Would you like to see a national channel/code standard for communication? 3) Is there a local standard channel/code used by birders in your area? (If so, what is it?) 4) If you were to vote between 8/18 or 11/22 as a standard, which would you prefer (or do you care?) Would appreciate a fairly quick response. I have been in Portugal (non-birding) for the last week and return to find that much has happened on the FRS commitee since I have been away. Thanks for your assistance on this-- Gail Mackiernan Silver Spring, MD gail@umdd.umd.edu ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================