Well, Matt, you are right. However, components are a variable. That's why I posted.
IF from a certain date forward, all the units were EQUIPPED with long range bluetooth, it simply opens many possibilities.
Somebody even had a BT Repeater.
For example, that with that HARDWARE change, I could set the T2, or T1M, or an EXTRA LS, (LS on base) up in the meadow. (Not very good radio location) then drive to local hilltop, and set up radio, on my own mast. This would WORK NOW, with no deep software changes.
Now, I can put up ANOTHER radio, set as repeater, and we have data flow: Base, <BT to Radio 1> then, radio 2 set as REPEATER, and we simply have expanded possibilities.
I want to PROMOTE the idea of getting the long range bluetooth HARDWARE in the units, as the things it does... are good.
Another thing, IF long range bluetooth were in the units now, we could USE it to change channels, from a GOOD distance. Some of us work in areas with LIMITED access Freeways. It's a LONG way around, to get close enough to the BASE to connect, via BT. IF it had high power BT, we could access the BASE from across the freeway, or Toll Way. 2 way communication, from a long distance is good.
For those of us, with older gear, we'd have to send it in, and PAY a fee, to get the hardware upgrade, if it were that important to us.
Long range BT simply opens up many doors. It's there. Might as well use it. (I don't believe it's a large change, in component prices, if implemented at time of manufacture).
John Evers was working with LR BT (Long Range BlueTooth) at one time, as he worked to develop his own data collector. (long ago).
There are MANY other things, that can be done with LR BT. Such as data in a tablet, or such.
Thank you for your consideration. I do not know even if this is feasible. ie, if it could or would interfere with other operations.
If it's a minor hardware change, then it would be good.
Nate