GoTenna?

[l8brkr]

I’ve got a smartphone and am licensed GMRS. I’ve been looking at GoTenna as an option to have greater penetration in areas I roam without cell service. What I don’t get on GoTenna is if I have to have my “rescue” contact have a GoTenna within 6 hops or can I broadcast to other GoTenna users within reach? If everyone had one they would work well, if there are just a few active and in use, they’re just a toy.

I don’t particularly want to dive into HAM just for a 2-way. More equipment, licensing seems archaic, etc.

What are member thoughts on ways to reach the outside world when needed, facilitating in-group comms, and providing location info to either?

 

[Prerunner1982]

I wouldn't look at gotenna for more than reaching someone who is within close proximity when there is no cell service. The site claims 4 miles and while data does travel better than voice on low power (1 watt max for gotenna), the environment and antenna height have a lot to do with effective range. If you carried a rope with you so you could hoist the gotenna up into a tree that would help, but with both gotennas at 6' or less in a forested area with hills/mountains between you I wouldn't be too optimistic about the 4 mile range not that a handheld 2 way radio would be any better running 5-8 watts. I also wouldn't bet on anyone else in the area having a gotenna or having it connected should you need to try and contact someone outside of your party and by "6 hops" you are depending on there being 6 other users in the area that happen to have their gotenna on.