Gotenna a new way to communicate.

[golddigger14s]

https://www.gotenna.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw ... Ahn68P8HAQ

No cell service, or satellite service needed. Your cell phone uses VHF (2W) to communicate.

Pair goTenna to your smartphone via Bluetooth and use the goTenna app to communicate with other goTennas up to several miles or kilometers away.

In less than a minute, you can create a smart, people-powered network, anywhere. No towers, routers or satellites required.

[Unicorn]

That's looks pretty cool.

[Massivedesign]

Price point isn't all that bad either. With a 4-mile range though, in hiking, off grid scenarios I think a handheld radio is going to be superior, especially since GoTenna doesn't support voice.

Looking at the specs, the GPS function only works if you download maps for offline use first, and only 24 hours of standby battery but no mention of battery life during active use. Still though... Not a bad product.

[SAGELA]

2-way radio suffers/fails if you don't have line-of-sight. Batteries last 4 hrs with use, max.
Montana prairie dog (PD) trips? We don't even take the $200 set Tom bought anymore.
Longer lasting battery, or spares, increases the weight load unacceptably.
And when we HAD line of sight we still didn't hear the phone ringing because
we wear ear-pro in the field. (Shots fired every few seconds.)

The 3rd layer deep video from Gotenna suggests line-of-sight is necessary for
2-way use...need a network that includes at least one unit up high to relay through
if you want to comm through irregular terrain.

But maybe I misinterpreted...this LOOKS like the $30 antenna gadget I just
connected to the back of my TV when I cut the cable. (TV FREE-WAY)
Cable never gave me such a clear pic. HD rulz! (If you bypass cable.)
Maybe this is similar? My gadget weighs no more than my cell phone.
2-way radio batteries use a technology that requires lots of volts...cell phones,
Bluetooth and VHF reception can be done with small, lightweight batteries.

If this is light (including battery) and DOESN'T require line-of-sight it looks great.
For PD trips, 2 guys might plant a 3rd unit up high to relay through?

[SAGELA]

Price point isn't all that bad either. With a 4-mile range though, in hiking, off grid scenarios I think a handheld radio is going to be superior, especially since GoTenna doesn't support voice.

Looking at the specs, the GPS function only works if you download maps for offline use first, and only 24 hours of standby battery but no mention of battery life during active use. Still though... Not a bad product.

Saved offline maps are great when chatting with a landowner over a laptop...or for finding your brain-dead or
broken stumbling self in the dark on your cell phone when you stayed in the field too long.

[Pablo]

I've been contemplating that. More than one method is always good.

[golddigger14s]

I've been contemplating that. More than one method is always good.

As they say one is none, two is one, etc. Just another tool in the range bag.

[tenxambition]

It looks like it connects and communicates to your phone via Bluetooth. Other GoTenna users in the area act as repeaters so the more people that have it and are spread out the farther you can communicate. It's like the Tile concept only on VHF instead of Bluetooth.

[ANZAC]

If no one else is around it is useless...

[Blaze.45]

Badass... but I notice they changed the design from the original with the pull-out antenna extension. There's gotta be an impact on range there.

Also, not sure what the original one used but this latest one uses 1W UHF... not sure if that kind of power/wavelength will cut it when it comes to our weather and trees compared to VHF (enough to trust my life to anyway).

All in all, I'd still hit it.

[Michael_Js]

We have their original ones for over a year now. Never had a chance to use them, other than a test in the house. Yes, very limited range and you need others carrying/using them. We bought them to use when we're hiking or together, but might be separated. So far, nada....

Thanks,
Michael J.

[golddigger14s]

Badass... but I notice they changed the design from the original with the pull-out antenna extension. There's gotta be an impact on range there.

Also, not sure what the original one used but this latest one uses 1W UHF??... not sure if that kind of power/wavelength will cut it when it comes to our weather and trees compared to VHF (enough to trust my life to anyway).

All in all, I'd still hit it.

"2W VHF for best propagation in the outdoors"

[golddigger14s]

If no one else is around it is useless...

Thank you Captain negative/obvious. No shit. That's why they are sold in PAIRS, so you can use it with your buddies. Oh...wait, your are in trouble aren't you?