BWCA Motorola MS350R - Weather Report? Boundary Waters Gear Forum
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doubledown
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06/12/2017 10:35AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi all,

I picked up 3 of these radios for our upcoming trip with the main function being communication between the three canoes...the last non-waterproof ones weren't able to stay dry through the trip last time.

Does anyone have experience using the NOAA weather report feature in BW? Were you able to get reception in the backcountry? Specifically, we're planning on putting in on Snowbank (ep 27) and heading north about 5 miles to basecamp.

Input appreciated!
 
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Savage Voyageur
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06/12/2017 06:33PM  
I have used 2 different Motorola radios with the weather alert and weather stations. They will work as good as any of the weather radios. You might need to get to a high area for great reception. Also carry a 10 foot piece of copper wire and wrap around the antenna for better reception. Put one end in a tree and the other on the radio antenna. Also be careful of what station you might get. I regularly can get the forecast for Isle Royale when I'm on the Gunflint or Arrowhead trail. This will be a useless report. Or worse yet, wake you up if you have a weather alert set.
 
Savage Voyageur
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06/12/2017 06:33PM  
sorry, DP please delete
 
doubledown
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06/12/2017 07:02PM  
Thanks SV. I plan to have the right channel figured out by the trip but will be mindful of your good advice.
 
ObiWenonahKenobi
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06/12/2017 07:43PM  
I have those exact radios and used them last summer up on knife lake and ottertrack. Got good reception without doing anything except turning on the radio. Just be aware that the radio makes some loud and obnoxious beeps that might irritate others at nearby campsites.

I purchased a second set of batteries off of eBay but I used the radio so little on the 7 day trip that I didn't use the spares.
 
doubledown
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06/12/2017 09:16PM  
quote ObiWenonahKenobi: "I have those exact radios and used them last summer up on knife lake and ottertrack. Got good reception without doing anything except turning on the radio. Just be aware that the radio makes some loud and obnoxious beeps that might irritate others at nearby campsites.

I purchased a second set of batteries off of eBay but I used the radio so little on the 7 day trip that I didn't use the spares.
"


Thanks Obi. Hopefully we're hauling them in more than talking on the radio!
 
Mad_Angler
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06/19/2017 12:36PM  
I always take walkie-talkies. My sole purpose is to get weather reports. They work great and i get reception over the entire BW.

I don't bring copper wire. but i do hold the antenna between my teeth. I learned that trick on this board. It does really help.
 
luft
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06/20/2017 05:12PM  
quote Mad_Angler: "I don't bring copper wire. but I do hold the antenna between my teeth. I learned that trick on this board. It does really help."


Wow, I am adding this into my tips and tricks arsenal!
 
06/20/2017 06:47PM  
quote doubledown: "Thanks SV. I plan to have the right channel figured out by the trip but will be mindful of your good advice."


Ely is 162.500
Gunflint in 162.525
Finland is 162.425
Grand Marais is 162.450

Coverage map for the entire US is
HERE.
Just click on the state and then the general area you're after. It will show the coverage area of each transmitter.

I took a cheap little Baefong dual band handheld on the trip this spring and got along fine using it with the standard antenna. Can't speak to the Motorolas you have though.
 
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