Communication Systems

[TampaSteve]

if this has been asked in the past - my apologies. I've been awol.
Anyone have the names/models, and $$ of officials' communication systems that folks are using?
 

[TxSkyBolt]

if this has been asked in the past - my apologies. I've been awol.
Anyone have the names/models, and $$ of officials' communication systems that folks are using?

Our crew is using yapalong 4000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dawgstripes]

We are using these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B5ZPGG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They work pretty well.

[bama_stripes]

My crew uses these: https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band-Transceiver/dp/B009MAKWC0

Everyone seems to like them.

[goodgrr]

In the UK we generally use the Retevis H-777 which have worked very well for us.

They are priced round $15-$20 per official.

Here's the Amazon (UK) link for spec details : http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EY8HTBW

[TxSkyBolt]

My crew uses these: https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band-Transceiver/dp/B009MAKWC0

Everyone seems to like them.

But with these the Chinese will be listening. :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TexDoc]

Attaboy Bama.  Those are by far the best option.  Get the shorty antenna and belt pouch and you're in business.

[bama_stripes]

But with these the Chinese will be listening. :-)

Big deal. We all speak Deep Southern, so they wouldn't be able to understand us anyway.   

[mostripes]

Our crew is using these, based on some recommendations from someone at a two-way radio retailer.
https://www.amazon.com/Midland-GXT1000VP4-36-Mile-50-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473970170&sr=8-1&keywords=midland+gxt1000vp4+36-mile

a little more expensive.. we paid about $46/each.. but that was for 5 officials to purchase 6 radios and 6 of the surveillance ear pieces and then we split the cost of the 6th one equally.  So far I've been pretty happy with them.  I filled in on a game last week due to some pesky lightning that decided to suspend about 60% of the games in the area Friday night.  That crew didn't use radios and the difference is profound.  The opposing wing had 2 flags in a row for ineligible downfield.  I tried running in to the umpire to ask what the flag was on, but in a running clock situation, communication wasn't the top priority on their list.  Finally on a change of possession found out they were lining up in trips and one of the inside guys was too far up.  (not sure I would have been quite so eagle-eyed when a team is down by 40...) but a quick chirp on the radio after the first one and I could have clearly explained to the coach who could have fixed the problem.

[Matt26036]

We use a system from Retevis.  It worked out to be $22 per person.  We have had zero problems with them and it does dramatically help communication across the field.

[dawgstripes]

After using the radios for most of the season I can say it is worth it. I don't think I'll be able to do without from here on out. It makes everything move much smoother and quicker. It also makes the crew look like they know what they are doing. 

[copedaddy]

Too bad we don't have these options in Texas. They only want top of the line models to protect our government secrets that we discuss during the game.

[scrounge]

We're using the Midland GXT1000 as well...it has both GMRS and FRS channels (FRS doesn't quite have the same range as I understand it, but you don't need a license - though the range has been perfectly fine, we're not a mile away from each other). With the number of channels and equally high number of user-selectable privacy codes, I can't imagine that security would ever be an issue.

Don't ever want to do another varsity game without them.

[TexDoc]

Too bad we don't have these options in Texas. They only want top of the line models to protect our government secrets that we discuss during the game.

And that makes no damned sense at all.  How do we fix it? 

[zebraboy]

Be a rebel and use the Midland O2O that are being used in LSC, SL and C-USA! Inexpensive and work great, what is TASO going to do, suspend you, we're short on officials anyways.

[hefnerjm]

And that makes no darned sense at all.  How do we fix it?

Draft up a proposal for the TASO board so they just have to thumbs up or thumbs down?
Build the case based on technical realities, and detailed explanations as to why the specs they use now are cost prohibitive and unnecessary...especially for HS officials who are genuinely seeking to use the tech to do our jobs better. 

Then get it on the agenda and present it to them in the offseason so that hopefully by next year, we can have a reasonable policy.
But if we are going to write it and have it ready in time for their offseason meetings, then i think we should probably start now.

I hear the argument about "what is TASO going to do" or "they wont suspend you b/c they are already short on officials", but I personally want the policy changed before I dive in on comms for two reasons:
 
1) my integrity is important to me, so I follow the letter of the policy regardless of if I agree with it...its the rule...just like if we dont agree with a rule or mechanic on the field, we petition to get it changed...but until it changes, we enforce it as written/interpreted. 

2) I am considering buying a set of radios for my whole crew, and dont want to pony up money for radios, no matter how inexpensive, if they arent going to be approved.