Why test
Guesses are wrong
- Published ranges assume flat, open land
- Hills and trees change everything
- Each spot is different
Testing tells you
- Where radios work and where they don't
- Which antenna and power to use
- Where to go if you lose contact
How to run it
- One person stays at the ranch baseListening on channel 18
- Others drive out on the main routeStopping every mile
- Call and log each stopClear, scratchy or nothing
- Try high spotsHilltops, overpasses, open fields
- Repeat with the backup channel and repeaterNote what changes
Your test log
| Stop | Miles out | Handheld | Truck radio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 |
Print this page and fill it in during the test.
Remember
Make it a family outing, then mark the good and bad spots on a map.
Tap or press Enter to flip
Answer key
- Why test your radios' range?Published ranges assume flat, open landYour hills and trees make each spot different.
- Where should one person stay during the test?At the ranch base, listeningThe base is the fixed point everyone calls.
- How often should drivers stop to call?Every mileLog each stop: clear, scratchy or nothing.
- Where are you likely to get the best signal?On a hilltop or open fieldHeight and open sky help most.
- What should you do with the results?Mark good and bad spots on a mapThen everyone knows where to go if they lose contact.