> Does anyone own a Garmin Rino130 or has anyone used them? I would
> obviously
> trust the GPS abilities of it, but I wonder about the radio. How good is
> the
> range on them? It says it has FRS 2 mile and GMRS 5 mile. I understand the
> tracking of someone else using a Rino130/120/110 is possible as long as
> they
> are within radio range (when they transmit is starts to send signals every
> few seconds to update their position on your map).

I have been using a couple of Rino120's for a couple of years now.  I
really like them a lot.  The FRS and GMRS bands work as well as any other
voice-only units I have had.  In a balloon with line of sight, you should
get a at least the 5 miles if not more.  On the ground in both locations
in a forest filled with tree's, like any another unit, the range isn't
spectacular.  But there isn't much you can do about that.  I find they
work well for situations like the Ren Fair or Six Flags.

In response to a few other posts, it was impossible to transmit your
position over GMRS and this always annoyed me, but with the newest
firmware upgrade, I can now transmit position data over GMRS.  That is
another thing that has made me happy with these units, and Garmin in
general.  They have released a lot of improvements for the units over the
past two years, I like that their software is well maintained even for
older units.

I would recommend a Rhino to anyone in a situation similar to yours.  They
work well, and if you can get good reception with a FRS, I am confident
the GMRS will outperform.  The location is transmitted reliably, and I
believe that the 130's have a "broadcast" feature that allows you to
constantly broadcast your position without talking which would probably be
useful to you.

A quick note on GMRS, you do need a license, but from what I understand
this is because it is a restricted band in Canada.  So basically, the FCC
just wants you to certify that you promise you will not use your radio in
Canada.  So as long as your balloon doesn't drift to far north, you should
be set.  I expect that with the surge in popularity that GMRS has had,
Canada will be changing their rules soon, if they haven't already.

-Art-
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