LADD 4 is also used ( 173.37 ) but not very much, most people don't have it programmed but it sure comes in handy when you want a quieter work channel
We use VHF up here because of the distances and to get away from CB skip shooters that clog up the airwaves, you can go into any radio shop a purchase one and ask them to program it for the corridor that you run, most of the drivers treat Lad 1 like CBer's channel 19. The mining companies and logging companies or any off road industry use it to keep their roads safe if you are going into the back country you call out your Kilometers (which are posted) you call your direction and if you are wide load you inform the oncoming traffic or long load etc, the roads are often narrow and you have pullout and give way to a loaded truck. It keeps you informed of where every one is. Before venturing onto a radio road or hauling into a frequency area make sure your have that channel. The are owned by that company or assigned specifically to them and it is very bad edicate to chat on a owned frequency as you actually can be putting lives in danger. Your safest bet in the north is to stick to Lad 1,2,3 these are similar to a public channel. I hope this helps...once you are on Lad one and can talk to the local folks there is usually some friendly voice to help guide you.
Very good answer CJ1, good first post. Most (all) of us in BC AB don't even have CBs, my company removes them from the new trucks. The new Petes just show up with them, I'm sure they aren't ordered. Maybe just for the drive up here from Texas?
How do you get a VHF Radio License? I have been to the Industry Canada's website and I couldn't find it. What if I enter Canada with frequencies programed into my radio that are legal in the United States? Am I OK as long as I don't transmit on them while in Canada?
I called industry Canada a few years ago to inquire about getting licenced and they said that they don't issue to non Canadians (Americans).... so essentialy they saved me some money and I still run the Alcan with my ..***COUGH***
For all you VHF users, what brand and model antennas are you using and where do you have them located? What kind of range are you getting?
I don't think the antenna makes much difference. VHF is dependent on line of sight for the trans/receive range, flat land they will go 50 miles or more. I live in the hills so sometimes you don't get out too far, you learn to talk on the tops of the hills
actually it does matter. ive run 3 different brands with the same radio and so far the best was a pc tel it has a 2.4 gain and noticed about a 5 mile increase plus much more clear signal not to mention recieving is better too.
Only if you wire leads to each ear lobe ........ Sorry Bro - jess messin around - that's actually a good question .