Volunteer or User?
You do not need to be an ANCHOR volunteer to use the network. Ashley Lake neighbors can participate as either a general user or a volunteer. Both can communicate on the ANCHOR radio network.
General User
A general user can use an existing compatible FRS/GMRS walkie-talkie or purchase a radio to communicate with ANCHOR volunteers when help or communication is needed.
- No volunteer commitment is required.
- Many inexpensive family FRS/GMRS radios can communicate with the higher-powered radios used by ANCHOR volunteers.
- This is a simple way to add another communication option when cell service is unavailable.
Volunteer
ANCHOR volunteers help extend the communication network around Ashley Lake. Volunteers are not committing to personally respond to every emergency; their role is to help communicate and connect a neighbor with available resources.
- No assigned radio shift or minimum monitoring time.
- Turn the radio on when boating, hiking, driving, working outside, or whenever convenient.
- ANCHOR provides radio programming assistance and training.
Why the Higher-Powered Radio?
ANCHOR's preferred handheld is the BAOFENG BF-F8HP-PRO, a 10-watt radio that provides substantially more capability than typical lower-powered family walkie-talkies. We have tested the BF-F8HP-PRO end to end on the lake and in other wilderness areas up to 10 miles.
It can monitor two channels at once — for example, ANCHOR on Channel 20 and a separate family FRS/GMRS channel. It can also communicate with compatible, less-expensive FRS radios used by family members.