Comms in Asia

[Red90Puma]

Looking at doing a trip through China and the 'Stans in 2015, and have asked elsewhere for mapping help. Will be 3 or 4 vehicles sometimes a day apart. Will need basic intern vehicle comms; but also what should we have in UHF or VHF ?
For internet access MobilityPass looks the goods; anyone used it or got alternatives ? Advice welcomed

[Bushy049]

Do you want hand held or vehical mounted?? You may find 27 mhz cb would be the go as it's internationally recognised as cb but I would recommend you do some research so you don't find yourself breaking any laws

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[Bushy049]

Out of interest I can't find anything about any type of cb frequency in China, not too surprised though ;). Maybe find a comms company over there and hire some handheld radios that come with a channel. Can't imagine it would cost much.

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[PhilipA]

Having lived in quite a few overseas countries, I would be VERY surprised if CB radios were legal in China.
The Chinese Government likes very much to control all communications in the country, hence their monitoring and censorship of the internet.
They also have an insurgency or two in Tibet and further North.

Why not email or call the Chinese embassy and ask, or maybe they will call you as they probably have already intercepted the keywords .

I would expect any punishment would be gaol time also, not a slap on the wrist that you would get for a petty crime in OZ. Most countries are not like OZ.

Regards Philip A

[Red90Puma]

Thanks for the replies, thoroughly enjoyed the idea Chinese Govt are reading this already !!!
Would like a vehicle mount, and either a hand held which can sit in the vehicle mount or linked connected handhelds for moving around.
The big question is over whether we need VHF or whether UHF CB is sufficient; and secondly if there is CB UHF in China.
I am wondering whether 5w handhelds may be best and rely on skype or facetime for longer distance comms ?
Advice welcomed
Ray

[Sirocco]

I wouldn't install any visible means of comms for any of the regions you plan to travel in. I would bury 2 5w UHFs in your baggage though for comms between vehicles as and when needed. Dont let the police see you have them though or it will just be another point for a 'fine' etc etc.

All of the stans (borders at least) are twitchy about such things. I had an argument with the Kyrgyz customs officer about my GPS on the dash. I should have taken it off really, but I just forgot and previous borders had been pretty streamlined. He wanted the SD card out of it etc etc. I said no and put the whole thing in the centre console, he calmed then after ordering us to empty out the 90 and trailer.

The comms network you guys have here for recreational use is fantastic however it isn't used anywhere else unless it is for military/government purposes, so tread lightly.

G

[Red90Puma]

Good advice thanks. Am building secure storage into the 90 for such things, and should have thought of sensitivities at borders

[blue_mini]

What are you looking to use the internet for?
I'm doing the mongol rally this year from London to Ulaanbaatar and planned to get internet through internet cafes along the way. But without a 4wd I won't be going excessively off the beaten track, and im also avoiding china.

[Bushy049]

I'm not condoning the use of illegal radios in other countries. But if I was considering it I would use a very discreet antenna. Try looking up on eBay. Uhf clear on glass antenna. May be of use too you :rolleyes:

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[Red90Puma]

Internet use is for Skype and facetime with children and grandchildren, investment management, email etc. Not for maps and knowledge of places we are visiting, will do that in advance
Ray

[Red90Puma]

Thanks Bushy for the advice on the antenna. The world is not a simple place !!

[goingbush]

you might find this article of interest

CB Radio. (http://www.xor.org.uk/silkroute/equipment/cbradio.htm) and this http://www.xor.org.uk/silkroute/siberia2004/20040526.htm