I thought that it might make sense to pre-select channel/subchannel for each group so we can create a directory. Each event, club, or group should pre-select and respond with their own channel/subchannel so I can add it to the "directory." Please try to select a channel that is not already being used. Note that not all channels are available on all radios (see note below). If the list starts getting full, we will have to start using multiple subchannels on each channel, but realize that it may cause some interference issues. Feel free to reply with yours.

Of course, as always, the MAIN MINI Channel is 7, subchannel 21. This is the best channel to listen to (or add to a SCAN list) for general communication and announcements, including SOS and emergencies. For this reason, you are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to use the MINI Channel when driving the Dragon (and at least listen to - or scan - it the rest of the time). The primary need for the individual channels is at Fontana (or any other high-density area) where multiple conversations occur simultaneously.

Alphabetical

• Alabama Motoring Society - 2 sub 7
• Bluegrass Minis - 9 sub 5
• Brew Swap - 4 sub 18
• Carnut's Garage - 6 sub 22
• Chicago MINI Club - 14 sub 7
• CinciMINIs - 15 sub 15
• DC Metro MINIs - 22 sub 22
• Gulf South Motoring - 8 sub 0
• Hampton Roads Club MINI - 16 Sub 10
• Michigan MINI - 6 sub 21
• Middle Tennessee MINIs - 13 sub 13
• MINICCI - 5 sub 21
• MINI Channel - 7 sub 21 - always use while driving!
  
• Monte Carlo Casino - 1 sub 1 (snake eyes! )
• Ocean State MINI Club - 3 sub 3
• Philly MINIacs - 11 sub 5
• PittStop MINI - 21 sub 21
• Prima Car Care Team - 12 sub 1
• Sunshine MINIs - 10 Sub 4
• Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club - 20 sub 20

By Channel

• 1 sub 1 - Monte Carlo Casino
• 2 sub 7 - Alabama Motoring Society
• 3 sub 3 - Ocean State MINI Club
• 4 sub 18 - Brew Swap
• 5 sub 21 - MINICCI
• 6 sub 21 - Michigan MINI
• 6 sub 22 - Carnut's Garage
• 7 sub 21 - MINI Channel - always use while driving!
  
• 8 sub 0* - Gulf South Motoring
• 9 sub 5* - Bluegrass Minis
• 10 Sub 4* - Sunshine MINIs
• 11 sub 5* - Philly MINIacs
• 12 sub 1* - Prima Car Care Team
• 13 sub 13* - Middle Tennessee MINIs
• 14 sub 7* - Chicago MINI Club
• 15 sub 15* - CinciMINIs
• 16 Sub 10* - Hampton Roads Club MINI
• 20 sub 20* - Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club
• 21 sub 21* - PittStop MINI
• 22 sub 22* - DC Metro MINIs

Remember there is NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE; 2-way radios are your only hope for staying in touch with people not standing beside you. With this many people at/near Fontana, it is simply ridiculous when everyone tries to use the same channel. Since groups end up looking for a channel of their own anyhow, it will be very helpful if we put a wee bit of forethought into it and organize the frequencies somewhat like a phone book into a channel directory for groups and events. This way not only will you have a 'reserved' channel (not that we can actually govern the airwaves), but when you need to get in touch with someone (even if they are from a different group or a specific event) you will know exactly what channel they will be listening to.

So, speak up now and reserve the channel/subchannel you want before somebody else does!


*NOTE: Channels 1-7 are shared among all FRS and GMRS radios. Channels 8-14 are not available on GMRS-only radios. Channels 15-22 are not available on FRS-only radios. Refer to your radio owner's manual for specific details or here for general information.

 

I think this is a good idea...makes it easier to contact folks.

 

Brew Swap Channel - Friday Afternoon through the event

Channel 4, Sub-Channel 18

For significance and to help remember, the 4 is for the true ingredients of all beer which follows the Rheinheitsgebot and 18 for the number of styles of Sam Adams beer. =D

 

Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club
20 sub 20

 

Added, Matt.

 

and Twister.

 

Keep in mind that allot of radios do not have the higher channels I think they may only go to 14.

 

Good reminder - and is why the Main MINI Channel is in the shared frequencies.

I will add an asterisk/note for the higher frequency channels to point it out for those that may be unaware.

 

Ooh, quick note about the channels and sub-channels...

The way they work is like so: The channels are individual frequencies. The sub-channels of a channel are on the same freq, but use a different 'call-up header' when you push the button, so the radios know what sub-channel you're talking on, and know whether to receive the communication, or to ignore it.

The problem is this: When you're communicating on a channel, you're also effectively communicating on all of the sub-channels, even if radios listening to other sub-channels don't pick it up. This is a problem because if you have two or more groups operating on a channel, even if they're on separate sub-channels, they will interfere with and jam each other.

The solution is to make sure that everyone has their own channel, as well as sub-channel. Unless of course that the groups are far enough away from each other so that the radios can't receive the transmission anyway. (ie, Group 1 is communicating on channel 20, subchannel 20 at Fontana. Group 2 is on channel 20, subchannel 10. This would be a problem if both groups were at Fontana, as they would be interfering with each other. It wouldn't be a problem though if group 2 was at Tapoco for example.)

I hope that makes sense! If not, I'll explain better when I'm not rushed and home from work.


-Paul!

 

I think I get it. Thanks for that.

I'll try to see to it that we get individual channels before doubling any up. So far, so good.

 

Can someone enlighten me as to which channels are the GMRS channels? I thought it was 1-7 and 15-22, but find conflicting reports online.

It would be best if we chose to use channels shared by both FRS and GMRS so that those of us with proper FCC licenses (myself not included) can broadcast a stronger signal to others.

 

1-7 (shared FRS and GMRS, above 500Mw requires a license)
8-14 (FRS Only)
15-22(GMRS Only requires license)

 

I've added a few sentences in the initial post to hopefully address some of these intricacies.

 

Surely there are more groups than this!

Even if you are not in charge of your group - maybe your group is completely egalitarian and nobody is 'in charge' - but if you're reading this thread and you belong to a group, then reserve some air space for your group to communicate on by picking a channel/subchannel now!

 

Gulf South Motoring - 8 sub 0

 

Gotcha GSM!

 

I would reccomend, that you use a sub code, otherwise your radio will open squelch on any traffic broadcast on channel 8.

Just a thought.

 

We did experience some issues with the open squelch last year. Of course there are some radios (not many people use them) that don't have any subchannels. But it's your group, your call!

 

Michigan MINI will be on Channel 6 sub 21

 

Bluegrass Minis channel 9 sub 5

 

In honor the 5th MOTD MINICCI will broadcast on channel 5 sub 21

 

Directory updated with Michigan MINI, Bluegrass Minis, and MINICCI.

 

Directory sorted both Alphabetically and by Channel.

 

MOTD Radio ***** in the house!

Where are my cubans, footballs and ky jelly freaks from last year

 

Philly MINIacs!

5 sub 3


See you at the dragon!!
Mike