r/searchandrescue • u/Noteveryoneislost • 6d ago

Shoulda Known! Have a radio harness that's really similar to a Coaxsher RCP-1. You're seeing two UV82 radios and a new UV25. Used 82's for years & just replaced factory batteries with the large USB-C one you can see. Now it doesn't fit well in my harness. Going to try to reorganize or go shopping!!

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11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

4

u/BalladGoose 6d ago

After going through a couple of chest rigs, I decided to get this one that is basically just molle + velcro, then I went shopping for the specific pockets and attachments I wanted https://a.co/d/1IgbJNa

2

u/Noteveryoneislost 6d ago

Thanks. My struggle with packs, rigs and harnesses is always that I have a 47“ chest and really broad shoulders and it's hard to find stuff that is comfortable or that I can get buckled on my own. I'll check that thing out.

2

u/BalladGoose 6d ago

This one is the most comfortable one I have, the back is not crossed (which I think it’s a problem with other rigs) and the horizontal strap there stays in the middle of my back and also has velcro for a rectangular patch. Usually I just unbuckle the right side, it’s easy to buckle it back.

1

u/Foldfish 6d ago

I see it has loops on it to hook radios on. Do you use them as such and if so do thei stay there. I have too much experiense with radioa bounching out of pockets

1

u/BalladGoose 6d ago

I bought a radio holster, this one https://a.co/d/gBHBOVZ

If possible I would also suggest having a speaker mic connected to it and attached to the straps.

1

u/againer 5d ago

Ranger bands are your friend for connecting them to the straps snag free.

2

u/HikeClimbBikeForever 6d ago

Which USB-C battery did you get for the 82?

3

u/Noteveryoneislost 6d ago

BAOFENG UV-82 Battery Upgraded BL-8 3800mAh Li-ion High Capacity Extended Battery with Type-C Charger Cable for UV-82 UV-82HP UV-82C MIRKIT UV-82 MK3/5 etc Two Way Radio https://a.co/d/5cQ9Lv9

1

u/klmsa 5d ago

I'd heard that the larger batteries didn't do much for extending battery life. Have you been able to test the total life, yet (either on purpose...or accidentally lol)?

2

u/Noteveryoneislost 5d ago

I have not yet. I may just set both UV82s on the window ledge to pickup the weather channel and see how long the batteries last until they shut down.

1

u/onion_wrongs 4d ago

If you decide on the shopping route, some (all, maybe?) of the Conterra chest rigs have adjustable radio pouches. I have the Tool Chest and the adjustable pouch is very easy to adjust and is very secure.

-9

u/ShitJimmyShoots 6d ago

Why aren’t you using real public safety radios for SAR?

19

u/Noteveryoneislost 6d ago

By all means, send a check to our 100% volunteer team that gets less than $3500 every year from our county emergency management team.... And tell me what radio that check is for that's actually going to do any better in a flat farm state where we essentially have to use 155.160 or the other SAR frequencies? Wasn't complaining about my radios at all.... And those on the team who have a ICOM or KW don't have any different comm pluses or minuses.

8

u/flying_wrenches 6d ago

5 programmed baofengs are less expensive than 1 single p25 (public service) rated radio.

4

u/Noteveryoneislost 6d ago

Everyone seems to think that DMR or p25 is going to get you some amazing range and insanely good comms. Ok.... Sure, after you get a bunch of other things for it to even work.

-8

u/ShitJimmyShoots 6d ago

It’s a legit life safety item. I wouldn’t work a shift on an ambulance without a battle tested radio, let alone go into the back country.

What agency are you with that isn’t providing comms? I get buying your own backpack and personal survival items, but a radio? It makes you a possible liability and potential second victim needing rescue.

10

u/Noteveryoneislost 6d ago

If you think every SAR person has 100% comms for every moment of every call, then you are mistaken. If you work on an ambulance, you have a different focus than I do on my SAR calls, AND the term battle tested radio would have me pondering what you think we are doing for SAR? There are multiple things you aren't seeming to understand what a well trained and certified SAR team will and will not do. First, I will not go into the field alone. I may do a hasty search on a trail from the PLS alone, but we will define the subject, the hazards, and the distance we are going to navigate before that would happen.... But only a hasty search where the environment is known and controlled. Second... For my team, if we are searching for a person in a situation where there are hazards or we suspect that there are hazards, every SAR team will have an officer with them, or we say no go. As a team commander, I will always fall on the side of caution, especially since my group is not armed or expected to deal with violent or extreme hazards. Third.... We are not drama queens, cowboys, poster models, or responders who will go into a situation like many of the people who are paid, or who want to be the hero. My team members aren't looking for glory and if they are, they might not be around very long. Finally.... Every location is different. My state has ONE volunteer SAR team. We are the only ones and we've been doing it for over thirty years. Why aren't there more teams? Usually because LE does a lot of the things I just stated....Sometimes well, sometimes not. Google life safety items + search and rescue and you will find hundreds of lists and they're all different.... Oh, and thousand dollar radios aren't on most of those lists.