This link will take you to a description of geographical coordinate systems, in general, and a fuller consideration of three particular methods: latitude-longitude, What3Words, and "Plus Codes"
Related to this topic is a topographical map (at 1:24000 scale) combining two USGS topo maps (named for the city of Richmond and the Briones Valley to the east). The combined maps cover:
Richmond in the west (from Point Portrero) to Lafayette in the east.
North Berkeley in the south to Hercules in the north
Note: Viewing this PDF in your browser using Google will not provide good resolution. It is best to download the file and use Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat to view it.
This map was kindly produced by Kenoli Oleari [KB6EMG / WROZ773] from freely available USGS files (link here).
Of interest to some might be the following GeoPDF files of the two areas, above:
GeoPDF files have layers which incorporate various aspects of the topography, such as structures, hydrography, wetlands, woodlands, transportation, etc. These can be viewed together or separately within the PDF. Here is the link to a set of instructions for GeoPDF files from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
In the past, deciding which GMRS radio to buy was a confusing process. This has become simpler with the release of the TIDRADIO TD-H8 in 2023. This radio uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone and permits programming channels with the Odmaster app (available for both iOS and Android phones). It is FCC-approved for GMRS and Ham use (with the proper licenses, of course).
This PDF file may be printed as a two-sided form. There are 12 spaces on each side. Plenty of room to write. This PDF file may be filled out and printed using Adobe Reader.
The PEAK will enable the operator to use an antenna up to 24 feet (7.3 m) above the ground. This can improve communications with your handheld radio. This is an overview giving the main points you'll need to know for setting up a PEAK.
EmComm Net Scripts and Example Messages
Click here for a script template for a GMRS/FRS net.
Click here for a script template for a ham net using both the 2m and 70 cm repeaters from 4Cs [WA6KQB].
Click here for a script template for a ham net using 4Cs [WA6KQB] and Walt Pyle's [WA6DUR] repeaters.