HAM radio to cell phone/land line?

[RichardT]

I've tried finding an answer to this, but came up empty handed, I thought I had read somewhere that you could get a hold of someone on a cell phone or landline with a HAM, is this true?

I'm studying for my technicians right now, my test is on the 19th of this month, just trying to figure out my limits with the HAM, thanks in advance.

Richard

 

[brboyer]

I've tried finding an answer to this, but came up empty handed, I thought I had read somewhere that you could get a hold of someone on a cell phone or landline with a HAM, is this true?

I'm studying for my technicians right now, my test is on the 19th of this month, just trying to figure out my limits with the HAM, thanks in advance.

Richard

See this -->Phone Patch Guidelines

 

[RichardT]

Thanks, so it is possible, but in theory is it difficult to do? Would I need any special equipment to do it? Or does it just depend on the repeater I connect with?

 

[ISUHawkeye]

It depends on the repeater. Many ham radio clubs around here run repeaters with phone patches, but with the rise of the cell phon these networks are slowly fading away

 

[SilverBullet]

Very easy if the repeater has Phone patch. They are becoming more sparse with cell phones, but many don't tell you its there but have 9-1-1 available if needed.

 

[wirenut]

Auto patches or phone patches on repeaters used to be very popular. I've impressed many friends by making a phone call form a remote location before cell phones became so widespread. Now, phone patches are hard to find. Just because a repeater has one doesn't mean you get to use it. Usually, to help cover the expense, the owners will only give the access codes to those who make donations. Normally long distance calls are prohibited. Business related calls are also prohibited. Anyone at all can listen in to your conversation.
If you are normally within range of a radio at your house you could install a simplex patch at your home connected to your own phone line. You could use it as much as you like.

 

[RichardT]

Thanks guys, very informative. I guess I'll have to keep in mind that if I go on a trip to find out the local repeaters I'll be near, and if they have the ability to phone patch, and contact the owner, perhaps even donate to be able to use it.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[DaveInDenver]

I don't know that they are any more rare necessarily, although the use of them is getting less common. There's no reason for the repeater owner to tear it out until it breaks or they decide to stop paying for a phone line. But with the increase in IRLP I doubt many repeater sites are getting ride of their copper connections.

Also, as has been mentioned, many repeaters still have their LTZ and 911 patches, so I suspect they'll still work as general use patches. Remember that a lot of patches require a code to access for non-911 calls, so joining the repeater association or being in touch with the owner might reveal that the patch really is still there.

The business call restriction is a FCC rules issue. You can't use ham radio to buy and sell stuff with the exception of your used ham equipment (like swap meets on weekly club nets is OK).

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

A lot of the clubs require you to be a member to use the auto-patch. I've found one in my area that allows you to use the 911 feature. The only equipment you will need to use it is a mic with a keypad. So as long as your radio supports one your good to go.