Planning a Trans-Labrador trip

[RJ Howell]

It is said that there is no other means to communicate along the TLH than sat-phone. It makes sense to me that the Pro drivers & enthusiast's like me would be still using GMRS/CB for localized traffic/talk.
I plan on still having my GMRS running, but really thinking about picking up a Zoleo messaging device. Price is decent and has features that make sense.

Each major town has some sort of signal/Wifi, so in reality the entire TLH isn't without communication, just the drive between.

So, first: Is this Zoleo device a good choice?
Next: Is there GRMS/CB talk active along the TLH?
Lastly (so far): Is Ham a better choice along the TLH?

Okay, one more: If I go Zoleo, can I update my maps with it?

 

[Chris Boyd]

The Zoleo and inReach both use Iridium short message burst and can only send pre-canned messaging or short adhoc messages. It’s not a broadband devices, so no map updates possible.

To your questions:
-Should you carry a zoleo or other message device with SOS. YES, absolutely. Not because it required, but because messaging for an emergency is prudent and staying in tough with family or friend is helpful. I never leave without mine.

-GMRS use: not all frequency plans in one country are the same and legal for use in others. In fact some GMRS frequencies are used by Canada government and aren’t even allowed in a region in the northern US Border regions. Check the regulations for Canada on the frequencies. I use GMRS within the US all of the time for convoy Comms.

-Ham: certainly more “portable” frequency use around the world as there are band set aside for Amateur use in HF, 2m (and other bands) but again, it always wise to know the regulations for any frequency use. I would gather there might even be a decent repeater network along the route for the Trans-Lab. Getting your Ham ticket will teach you these things and help guide to resources. I use VHF and UHF on trips. For local chats as well as repeater systems. My main radio is also programmed to listen to GMRS, so I sometimes can those channels if I’m in the backcountry even when I’m using Ham.

I’m planning a similar trip in a year, so I have not begun looking at this items in depth, but these will be certainly things I check as I do planning. Even in the US, I note repeater networks in areas I am going.

For Comms, 2 is 1 and 1 is none. Always have a backup!

 

[RJ Howell]

Chris, I do appreciate the response.
I'm finding Zoleo to be less expensive in short use than InReach and if I'm reading correctly, InReach wants to communicate with other InReach devices to make it more affordable. Zoleo just SMS messages. There does seem to be some data transfer as well with Zoleo and hoping to confirm with a user of one. Zoleo also has messaging beyond 'burst' or canned. Seems to be a true messaging device when linked to your cell phone.

I don't see and repeaters along the TLH, so seeing Ham or GMRS as localized only. That being the case I would believe GMRS would be used more by drivers.. Again hoping someone in-the-know updates. I have researched legality of each pre-covid as we planned this run then.

Being I will be able to check-in almost daily (in town) and folks will know the stretch of road I'll be on I feel safe. Emergencies will in any case be by the local travelers assistance, as I will assist anyone I come upon. Again feel safe. Roadside assistance (like back country) is by others like ourselves.

I do see any Sat device as more of a convenience and not so much a necessity. You and others may see this differently, I respect that. My main hope is to text out at our campsites and hopefully update maps as needed, though updating can be done intown.

Also read something about InReach charging you monthly to put your service on hold.. Weird..

I have more research to do, yet so far I'm seeing this Zoleo as the choice for my wants.

 

[Joe917]

The trans Labrador is now fully paved and although remote it is frequently travelled. We carried an In Reach.

 

[RJ Howell]

The trans Labrador is now fully paved and although remote it is frequently travelled. We carried an In Reach.

I'll be coming in from Rt 138 and I read that's the only section that still has gravel. Paved to Manic 5, gravel for another 100 or so miles, than mix gravel/pavement to Labrador City.
Sound about right?

Can you confirm cell service in LC, Churchill Falls, Port Hope? Or just Wifi?

 

[Chris Boyd]

I’m reasonably sure that the Zoleo cannot do anything beyond narrowband Short Burst Data (SBD) currently available on the iridium constellation.

I just checked the Zoleo site and they don’t refer to using Iridium Certes network yet, which is more broadband and might allow map data downloads.

Both InReach and Zoleo leverage the same SBD service through the same chipsets on their devices. There is an entire ecosystem of devices which use this system, we’re just a small fraction. Both allow messaging from the phone apps thru Bluetooth.

(For reference, I work in the satellite industry)

Agree, it seems Zoleo is trying to go for an overall lower cost of service. There is room in the industry for it, as since Garmin acquired DeLorme (creator of inReach) they’ve messed with the plans and form factors quite a bit find a fit with their overall product portfolio. This left some of us really early inReach users hanging a bit.

Regardless, it’s cheap insurance for either a catastrophic vehicle or medical issue. Especially if you can pause it during non-use. Unfortunately I have one of the original cheaper grandfathered inReach plans which allow unlimited use, but I cannot pause it. Even then the annual cost seems worthwhile even when I do travel.

(I take it on bike trips too).

 

[RJ Howell]

Lab City for sure.

Coverage map shows yes for Churchill Falls

https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/network/coverage-map

Hey thanx for that link. I hadn't got to checking that yet.. Looks like where I thought I would, I do except Port Hope/Simpson.

 

[RJ Howell]

Hey thanx for that link. I hadn't got to checking that yet.. Looks like where I thought I would, I do except Port Hope/Simpson.

Looks like Bell is in those areas as well. Puts service in all the spots I thought I would.

 

[Ozarker]

I plan on still having my GMRS running, but really thinking about picking up a Zoleo messaging device.

Sorry, not familiar with any "messaging device" or the TLH, BUT;

Lastly (so far): Is Ham a better choice along the TLH?

HAM radio is by far the best way to communicate on the face of the earth. Sat Com is a radio, not saying buy a sat phone, but HAM's can use satellites and even the moon to communicate. There is no place on the surface of the earth that a HAM rig will not work, given the right antennas.

Your GRMS and CB have limited power, along a trial between vehicles these are suitable. Most jabber all they want, which is poor manners on a radio, but evidently the FCC isn't locking folks up for bad manners.

Because HAMs may use more power, communications are more reliable, I've hit all 50 states with 100 watts over the years on 10 meters, fixed station with a 4 element beam.

While another station needs to be listening for your trans, if you pull a MAYDAY, someone will probably get back in short order, they might be in Texas, but at least they can relay information to authorities.

IMO, anyone serious about remote travel should have a HAM ticket and a decent mobile rig.

Have a great trip!

 

[RJ Howell]

Sorry, not familiar with any "messaging device" or the TLH, BUT;


HAM radio is by far the best way to communicate on the face of the earth. Sat Com is a radio, not saying buy a sat phone, but HAM's can use satellites and even the moon to communicate. There is no place on the surface of the earth that a HAM rig will not work, given the right antennas.

Your GRMS and CB have limited power, along a trial between vehicles these are suitable. Most jabber all they want, which is poor manners on a radio, but evidently the FCC isn't locking folks up for bad manners.

Because HAMs may use more power, communications are more reliable, I've hit all 50 states with 100 watts over the years on 10 meters, fixed station with a 4 element beam.

While another station needs to be listening for your trans, if you pull a MAYDAY, someone will probably get back in short order, they might be in Texas, but at least they can relay information to authorities.

IMO, anyone serious about remote travel should have a HAM ticket and a decent mobile rig.

Have a great trip!

My experience so far with ham is very limited. What I have read so far is that there are no repeaters along the TLH (Trans Labrador Highway). Not sure what kind of setup could broadcast from there. I've rad that Ham can be setup to message, but again.. repeaters required I believe.

Please enlighten me for if indeed this will work in this region, it may be the solution I'm looking for.

 

[Ozarker]

Sounds like you're stuck on UHF, 2 meters and above needing repeaters to reach out.

There are HAMs using computer software and having messages sent, There is Winlink, along with RTTY and some others, I've never used any of these systems, in my real old days I'd do some CW (code) but lost the touch and kept to voice.

This might help;

Ham Radio For Dummies Cheat Sheet

New ham radio operators should keep the information in this cheat sheet handy while gathering experience. Bookmark the websites, too.

www.dummies.com

I'm not active today, should hook stuff up again instead of being on here.

What I'd really suggest is that you get your General License, test isn't that hard and I'm told they did away with a code test years ago. This allows you to hit the HF bands where you don't need repeaters to talk across the country.

You'll get better distance, (DXing) on 6 meters as a Tech than 2 meters, however 6 meters traffic might be slower, depends on your area.

I believe with data Tech is allowed in 10 meters, which is reliable to hit stations in CONUS. When you get to 40 meters and up (actually lower wave) you're talking to the rest of the world.

I'm ordering some brackets to hold my ICOM 706 (ancient rig) in my truck and for the trailer, just pops in and out.

Need to get a at least a mobile rig that is UHF and HF, then listen on HF. I was about 12 when I got into HAM (Marconi and I would spark, ).

My first radio;

My dad would come in a turn it off after I fell asleep with headphones on.

Anyway, there should be tons of used equipment out there, HAM doesn't have to be expensive.

 

[RJ Howell]

This could work out. There's not a whole lot to do between towns, so unless you're camping for a spell you'll be driving through service areas at a reasonable frequency. I know that's not what you're asking about but just putting it out there.

And to carry on the not asking part ...

I see you have a pop up type camper in your avatar. We (in a FWC) found it could be very windy, esp nearer the coast. Both trips were in Sept tho. Just another FWIW re exposed campsites.

Might be worth checking into whether there is a release upstream of Hamilton Falls aka Churchill Falls while you're passing by. There's a short hike to view it.

There's also a neat models display in the Lab Heritage Museam in North West R. if you are into that sort of thing.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/labrador-diorama-model-history-1.4246252

You've yet to see what I'm building now! I've learned from being 'blown out' of several areas including Baja.. The avatar is my F150 build.. about to be retired. New build is Here Looking for wind proof, weather proof and a bit more comfy!

 

[RJ Howell]

This could work out. There's not a whole lot to do between towns, so unless you're camping for a spell you'll be driving through service areas at a reasonable frequency. I know that's not what you're asking about but just putting it out there.

And to carry on the not asking part ...

I see you have a pop up type camper in your avatar. We (in a FWC) found it could be very windy, esp nearer the coast. Both trips were in Sept tho. Just another FWIW re exposed campsites.

Might be worth checking into whether there is a release upstream of Hamilton Falls aka Churchill Falls while you're passing by. There's a short hike to view it.

There's also a neat models display in the Lab Heritage Museam in North West R. if you are into that sort of thing.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/labrador-diorama-model-history-1.4246252

Good mentions and appreciate it! I have a few spots we hope to check out as traveling. This is not just a drive through for us! We laugh when folks say it takes 3 days.. It seems to take us twice that as we stop and investigate a bit along the way. Any other spots you think of, please do mention as I am marking these down on my map.

 

[Ninelitetrip]

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[RJ Howell]

Anyone know if they still use CB or changed to GMRS for road chat?