Rocky Talkies Etiquette

With the popularity of Rocky Talkies on the rise, I wanted to open a discussion on Rocky Talky/Radio ettiquette. I couldn't find anything online so thought it would be a good idea to get a record of the feelings of the community at large. 

This is not a thread for discussing the gear itself nor is it a thread to discuss the merit of using radios. 

The point is: Let's assume people are using them. How should people be using them to keep the outdoor experience pleasant for everyone around?

Dan Nguyen wrote:

This is not a thread for discussing the gear itself nor is it a thread to discuss the merit of using radios. 

Good luck with that!

apogee wrote:

Good luck with that!

Lol, yeah I'm fully expecting a shit show and will be pleasantly suprised if not. 

Well, to start, the usual checking to make sure the channel isn't in use. I also try to keep my radios quiet with the roger beep off so I'm not blasting sound all over the crag.

Rocky Talkies is aid

Aaron Ky-Riesenbach wrote:

Well, to start, the usual checking to make sure the channel isn't in use. I also try to keep my radios quiet with the roger beep off so I'm not blasting sound all over the crag.

That's basically all there is to it. I prefer when nearby climbers are using walkie talkies as opposed to shouting at max volume at each other. 

Rocky talkies are a noise pollution that we dont need in climbing, leave it for the ski "mountaineers" on their spicy 40 degree nève. A beans can alpine butterflied into the rope makes for a quick snack and then easy communication that you can talk trash about the other people at your belay without them knowing

I use them and my immediate thought is that they're infinitely better than the unbelievable annoyance of hearing people yelling at the top of their lungs. With that said, turn down the volume so that you can hear it and that's about it. People 3 routes over shouldn't be able to hear your radio on volume 10

So what environment are we talking about the Rocky Talkies being used in? Climbers using them for single pitch routes which, let's be honest, should not really be necessary could in theory possibly upset someone in close proximity. If climbers are using them for multi pitch/big wall routes which I feel is what they were intended for, I would imagine the distance they would be from other parties and the volume at which they operate at for effective communication would not pose much of an interference or degrade other people's outdoor experience. What scenario are you picturing to where someone would have an issue with the use of Rocky Talkies? From a radio etiquette perspective and my opinion they would primarily be used to pass critical information related to safety or to convey intentions from the leader to the belayer or vice a versa not for full on conversations even though I hear the batteries are quite good. Just my thoughts.

I see more and more people climbing with them on their harness at the gym, sometimes using them there. At first I was like "ah maybe they wanna see how to conveniently rack it and have easy access to it before they take it outside" But then it happened again and again. and no they are not hearing impaired 

Personally, I bought a cheap $30 set of amazon walkies, use them only if communication is absolute trash higher up on multipitch and they hold up so well. Radtel is the name of the brand 

Michael Hall wrote:

If climbers are using them for multi pitch/big wall routes which I feel is what they were intended for, I would imagine the distance they would be from other parties and the volume at which they operate at for effective communication would not pose much of an interference or degrade other people's outdoor experience. 

Have you ever been to Red Rock?

Dan Nguyen wrote:

The point is: Let's assume people are using them. How should people be using them to keep the outdoor experience pleasant for everyone around?

if you have to ask this, you shouldn't be using them...

Rope tugs are silent and don't beep

Michael Abend wrote:

Have you ever been to Red Rock?

I have not, what is the experience there?

Dan Nguyen wrote:

 

This is not a thread for discussing the gear itself nor is it a thread to discuss the merit of using radios. 

Let's be real: this is a thread for trying to get a rise out of people on the internet

Every usage should include at least one of the following:

1. Ending with over

2. "Negative ghostrider, the pattern is full"

3. 10-4

One time, I think we were on the same channel as a logistics yard or something.  And half way through the pitch I swear they started broadcasting the audio from a porno.  It was pretty funny.  

Casey J wrote:

Every usage should include at least one of the following:

1. Ending with over

2. "Negative ghostrider, the pattern is full"

3. 10-4

you don't have to say, "kkkshhhh" it already does it....

copy, ksssshhh

Covey leader to Raven, talk to me Johnny.

Their all dead, Sir.

Michael Hall wrote:

I have not, what is the experience there?

While climbing in RR you will pickup the guys driving rock trucks at the local mine, its annoying AF! 

I had a similar experience climbing the Flatirons in Boulder. My radios typically pick up the playground monitors at the local elementary school talking about how lunch is done and they need bathroom breaks! 

Aaron Ky-Riesenbach wrote:

Well, to start, the usual checking to make sure the channel isn't in use. I also try to keep my radios quiet with the roger beep off so I'm not blasting sound all over the crag.

And assume anyone may jump on your channel at any time. Full conversations are not needed and effing annoying for other people.