Comms Prepping. Ham Radio, CB, Shortwave, ETC, get in here now | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 80746866 United States 08/15/2021 02:45 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Now is the time to procure transceivers (also SDR devices) and antennas while still accessible. Learn to operate them and help get others in your local area setup before this entire thing sh*ts the bed... Quoting: TimeIsShort 79148274 Having a couple baofeng handheld HTs in the box with the stock rubber ducky antennas that arent programmed for repeaters or anything local and think you are prepped with comms.... not happening. Get prepped now, these things will be scarce soon and they are already targeting hams for potential conspiracy theory terrorists. Have your gear in place now! Need more detailed useful information, not this horseshit. Models, frequencies, capabilities, features, limitations, battery life, alternative modes, distances, etc. I found a lot of good info about it at google.com. Incredible web site, they have just about everything! |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 80423560 United States 08/15/2021 03:23 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I got the Tech and General ham licenses last summer although they are a waste unless you want to be a hobbyist. Ham radio is SELF POLICED, the FCC doesnt usually give a Dam about pirates unless they are stepping into commercial radio bandwidth. Nobody is going to triangulate you during SHTF where you are mobile. All comms are monitored and in urban areas, the frequencies will be completely blocked making radios useless. Most handhelds (baofeng) are useless without repeaters running. I have the 18 watt baofeng handheld and it barely reaches 2 miles |
BadBrad
User ID: 21184146 United States 08/15/2021 05:26 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | It is easy to be overwhelmed on a new subject. Let's keep it simple. How about: 1. inexpensive equipment 2. easy to obtain equipment 3. plenty of people using the equipment 4. easy to operate equipment without lots of training. Conclusion: 1. Classic Citizens Band (CB) radio. 11 meters. 27 MHz, High Frequency (HF). Been popular since the mid 1970's. Dropped a bit with the new love for personal cell phone technology. But there are plenty still using it. Truck stops sell the transceivers and accessories. They have 40 pre-set channels. AM, SSB, and soon to be FM modes. The old 23 channel units will work right along with the new ones but no upper channels available. As a mobile unit, at the legal 4 watts, good antenna: 1 mile to 3 miles in the city environment. Open areas does better. Base station with a tall fixed antenna, maybe out to 6 miles. Walkie talkies not so good... about 1/2 mile. BTW, I use Ni-Clad batteries in mine. 2. Family Radio Service (FRS) .70 cm & UHF, line of sight, 462 & 467 Mhz. The government says 2 watts is now legal. Great for close in work. Plan on almost a 1/2 mile range. Have someone go up to a 2nd floor and you will learn how line of sight works in your favor. 22 pre set channels. No license needed. Most large box stores have them- Midland, Cobra, Motorola, plus others. Get the ones the batteries can be re-charged in the unit. They might have a cradle charger or a micro USB or both. Buy more than just 2 walkie talkies. |
Concorde Warrior F-BVFA
User ID: 80560074 France 08/15/2021 05:35 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I just bought mid level GMRS and Ham handhelds with "SHTF" scanners. Wouxsun. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 80655867 Still need the Ham license to transmit though. Studying for that test. good deal. good luck on test, lots of free apps and websites to help for test prep Any links you can suggest? I am interested. My machine is a Yupiteru MVT-7100 [link to www.eham.net (secure)] I mainly use it around airports listening to coms between airplanes and ATC Towers. Haven't been out much at all lately because of the freaking virus. Got props and antennas and all that which I rarely ever use but I am keeping them. Last Edited by Concorde Warrior F-BVFA on 08/15/2021 05:38 AM I came. I saw. I Concorde. For once you have tasted Concorde you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. "I would say today we can integrate all religions and races EXCEPT ISLAM." Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Y ew |
Concorde Warrior F-BVFA
User ID: 80560074 France 08/15/2021 05:49 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | :MV80ODgwMzc2Xzg5MTQxNTgwX0NGMEQxMTFC] Quoting: FoodstampThis guy has good videos and good instructions for begginers suggest starting here: [link to www.youtube.com (secure)] there are a bunch of other radio guys on youtube as well, but he is a good one to start with. tons of content to watch and learn. good info and great to learn. Thanks for this. Good thread. I came. I saw. I Concorde. For once you have tasted Concorde you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. "I would say today we can integrate all religions and races EXCEPT ISLAM." Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Y ew |
WalrusRider
User ID: 77947460 United States 08/15/2021 05:56 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Would those be good choices for a complete beginner? Would they be useful in a SHTF scenario? Last Edited by WalrusRider on 08/15/2021 05:56 AM All billionaires, banksters, and people in high-ranking positions of power (both public and private) who have not openly and strongly come out against woke ideology and globalism are our enemies - as are their minions. They are the NWO. |
BadBrad
User ID: 21184146 United States 08/15/2021 06:36 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I'm looking for something inexpensive to start with. For HAM the Baofeng UV-5R looked promising. For CB I was looking at the Uniden PRO520XL. Quoting: WalrusRider Would those be good choices for a complete beginner? Would they be useful in a SHTF scenario? The Uniden model you listed is their low end model, no frills....but it works. AM only. Maybe look at their model 68 or even the model 78 for just a few dollars more. I like the Cobra 29LX. It seems to be more computer than radio but it is easy to operate. My opinion is the Galaxy 959 is the best CB on the market that has the FCC sticker on it. Lots of features and a classic look. Also, many radio fans will tell you the MOST important part of a radio set up is the ANTENNA. Sink your money there and you will gain the most performance. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 80747259 Malaysia 08/15/2021 06:52 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
JimmyBones
User ID: 79472292 United States 08/15/2021 07:03 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Now is the time to procure transceivers (also SDR devices) and antennas while still accessible. Learn to operate them and help get others in your local area setup before this entire thing sh*ts the bed... Quoting: TimeIsShort 79148274 Having a couple baofeng handheld HTs in the box with the stock rubber ducky antennas that arent programmed for repeaters or anything local and think you are prepped with comms.... not happening. Get prepped now, these things will be scarce soon and they are already targeting hams for potential conspiracy theory terrorists. Have your gear in place now! which baofeng models do you recommend? Baofeng UV-5R Super cheap and grab a mount antenna too. Is it illegal to broadcast on this type of radio? |
WalrusRider
User ID: 77947460 United States 08/15/2021 07:03 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I'm looking for something inexpensive to start with. For HAM the Baofeng UV-5R looked promising. For CB I was looking at the Uniden PRO520XL. Quoting: WalrusRider Would those be good choices for a complete beginner? Would they be useful in a SHTF scenario? The Uniden model you listed is their low end model, no frills....but it works. AM only. Maybe look at their model 68 or even the model 78 for just a few dollars more. I like the Cobra 29LX. It seems to be more computer than radio but it is easy to operate. My opinion is the Galaxy 959 is the best CB on the market that has the FCC sticker on it. Lots of features and a classic look. Also, many radio fans will tell you the MOST important part of a radio set up is the ANTENNA. Sink your money there and you will gain the most performance. Thanks, I think I'll up it to the 78 and get a decent antenna then. All billionaires, banksters, and people in high-ranking positions of power (both public and private) who have not openly and strongly come out against woke ideology and globalism are our enemies - as are their minions. They are the NWO. |
Riff-Raff
DEFCON 4 User ID: 52530071 United States 08/15/2021 07:04 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | That being said, operating under the assumption that repeaters will stay up and running is a big mistake. Yes, some probably will, at least for a while, but you need to have alternate plans in place. For instance, my wife and I have a simplex frequency set aside for communications if the repeaters go down. It's preprogrammed into all of our radios. The HTs will have limited range but the mobiles in our vehicles will get out much further. This is our setup: 1: Multiple amateur band HTs located in bugout bags, vehicles, work locations, etc. including one pair secured in an EMP-hardened safe in our shelter. 2: Mobile amateur band in each vehicle. 3: Three pairs of GMRS/FRS HTs. 4: Three HT citizen's band radios. 5: Four mobile citizen's band radios. 6: One HF receiver for monitoring global broadcasts. Redundancy and proper prior planning are key to keeping your comms operational during a SHTF scenario. Amateur radio is the only communication method guaranteed to survive just about any disaster you can think of, but only if you plan for it in advance. The OP is correct: If you just purchase a couple of cheap radios off Amazon and then leave them in their boxes so you have them in case of emergency, you've wasted your money. "Collapse is a process, not an event." - Unknown "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves." - Terminator 2 "Risking my life for people I hate for reasons I don't understand." - Riff-Raff Deputy Director - DEFCON Warning System |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 80578906 Netherlands 08/15/2021 07:38 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | That day comes i have no desire to tlk to anyone any more than i do now but i do monitor most communications already just for a hobbie. Then as you all are communicating youre giving up your position every time you transmit. Nothing will every happen the Rich and Famous Politicians across the planet need there pawns sheep and worker bees so they can keep there heads high above the clouds in there materialistic fantasy land. Y 7.8 billion let a handfull of people control them is beyond me . Religious Wars for 5 thousand years divide billions and Political wars divide the rest . Thank the Heavens the next life does not allow what atrocities exist here and main objective is the Live Life Explore and Learn from Cultures by Geographical life which also is much different there because Earth ?Mother Gia Has a Soul to and she is Prety much Whole over there. And terraforming is done remotely over there getting other worlds far from here redy to live being that the populations over there are Trillions rather than billions. |
JimmyBones
User ID: 79472292 United States 08/15/2021 07:57 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Riff-Raff
DEFCON 4 User ID: 52530071 United States 08/15/2021 08:02 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Under normal circumstances, you need an FCC license to transmit on amateur radio frequencies. But there is an exception to the rule: During an emergency you can transmit on any frequency whether you have a license or not. And if a SHTF scenario does occur, the last thing the government is going to worry about are people transmitting without a license. So go ahead and pick them up; you can legally purchase them, own them, and monitor frequencies with them without a license. Just don't transmit unless it's an emergency. "Collapse is a process, not an event." - Unknown "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves." - Terminator 2 "Risking my life for people I hate for reasons I don't understand." - Riff-Raff Deputy Director - DEFCON Warning System |
Stella Vanella
User ID: 80419401 United States 08/15/2021 08:23 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Stella Vanella
User ID: 80419401 United States 08/15/2021 08:25 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 78701318 08/15/2021 08:29 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I just bought mid level GMRS and Ham handhelds with "SHTF" scanners. Wouxsun. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 80655867 Still need the Ham license to transmit though. Studying for that test. Who cares about licensing when SHTF? There's already plenty of pirates out there....and the Guvmint is after them. But, after an "Event"...does it really matter if you have a HAM license, or a pilot license, or a driver license??? The 'Karen' is so strong in some that they will be forcing masks on people long after the gubbermint has fallen. Hams are like that ... |
Riff-Raff
DEFCON 4 User ID: 52530071 United States 08/15/2021 08:42 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I just bought mid level GMRS and Ham handhelds with "SHTF" scanners. Wouxsun. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 80655867 Still need the Ham license to transmit though. Studying for that test. During shtf will we really need licenses? Short answer: No. More complex answer: I would still get the license so you can do some transmitting *before* SHTF and get some experience with the technology and the lingo. "Collapse is a process, not an event." - Unknown "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves." - Terminator 2 "Risking my life for people I hate for reasons I don't understand." - Riff-Raff Deputy Director - DEFCON Warning System |
Riff-Raff
DEFCON 4 User ID: 52530071 United States 08/15/2021 08:48 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I have a handheld. I live in the sticks and barely ever hear anything on it. What antenna would y'all recommend? Links would be great Quoting: Stella Vanella A: You should research the amateur radio repeaters in your county. You won't hear much on the simplex frequencies because they are for the most part restricted to line-of-sight, but the repeaters will allow you to communicate throughout your entire county. B: For a standard dual-band/tri-band HT, you don't need to spend that much money on an antenna. Do a search engine find for "external dual-band ham antenna" and find one that could be mounted to your roof or the side of your house. Then just run the cable inside and use an adapter to connect it to your HT. Also, your HT is limited by law to 5 watts of transmitting power. Look into buying a mobile unit designed to be mounted in a vehicle and you can get 50 watts at that point. "Collapse is a process, not an event." - Unknown "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves." - Terminator 2 "Risking my life for people I hate for reasons I don't understand." - Riff-Raff Deputy Director - DEFCON Warning System |
BadBrad
User ID: 21184146 United States 08/15/2021 07:40 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I have a handheld. I live in the sticks and barely ever hear anything on it. What antenna would y'all recommend? Links would be great Quoting: Stella Vanella A: You should research the amateur radio repeaters in your county. You won't hear much on the simplex frequencies because they are for the most part restricted to line-of-sight, but the repeaters will allow you to communicate throughout your entire county. B: For a standard dual-band/tri-band HT, you don't need to spend that much money on an antenna. Do a search engine find for "external dual-band ham antenna" and find one that could be mounted to your roof or the side of your house. Then just run the cable inside and use an adapter to connect it to your HT. Also, your HT is limited by law to 5 watts of transmitting power. Look into buying a mobile unit designed to be mounted in a vehicle and you can get 50 watts at that point. That is new information to me. Maybe for GMRS? CB is restricted to 4 watts across the board now. HAM can do up to 1500 watts on MOST bands. My 10w transmit HTs have served me well over the years. I was looking at the new Zastone (Chinese) 20w but I don't like that much power next to my pretty head very often. Plus the battery life is a struggle in the field. Note: MURS & FRS are restricted to 2 watts max. MURS can have removeable antennas so that gives more options. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 79899540 United States 08/15/2021 08:32 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I got the Tech and General ham licenses last summer although they are a waste unless you want to be a hobbyist. Ham radio is SELF POLICED, the FCC doesnt usually give a Dam about pirates unless they are stepping into commercial radio bandwidth. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 80423560 Nobody is going to triangulate you during SHTF where you are mobile. All comms are monitored and in urban areas, the frequencies will be completely blocked making radios useless. Most handhelds (baofeng) are useless without repeaters running. I have the 18 watt baofeng handheld and it barely reaches 2 miles 2 miles is still a lot more than yelling. and if its SHTF FCC rules are very clear you dont need a license to operate any gear on any frequency. You do whatever you need to do to survive. |
JimmyBones
User ID: 79472292 United States 08/16/2021 07:09 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Under normal circumstances, you need an FCC license to transmit on amateur radio frequencies. But there is an exception to the rule: During an emergency you can transmit on any frequency whether you have a license or not. And if a SHTF scenario does occur, the last thing the government is going to worry about are people transmitting without a license. So go ahead and pick them up; you can legally purchase them, own them, and monitor frequencies with them without a license. Just don't transmit unless it's an emergency. Thanks a ton. |
JimmyBones
User ID: 79472292 United States 08/16/2021 07:19 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Under normal circumstances, you need an FCC license to transmit on amateur radio frequencies. But there is an exception to the rule: During an emergency you can transmit on any frequency whether you have a license or not. And if a SHTF scenario does occur, the last thing the government is going to worry about are people transmitting without a license. So go ahead and pick them up; you can legally purchase them, own them, and monitor frequencies with them without a license. Just don't transmit unless it's an emergency. Would I need to consider grabbing a cord to connect to my PC? Also a detachable antenna is something I read could be useful. Either of these things worth getting or just grab the handheld? Thanks for the help. |
Achduke7
User ID: 69637911 United States 08/16/2021 07:23 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Would a simple CB Radio be appropriate for a beginner? Would I need a license for that? What is the range like? Quoting: Anonymous Coward 79440192 No. 1. Get a cheap'o Baofeng UV-5R 2. Learn to connect to 'repeaters'. Even without a license. Don't broadcast, just listen. 3. Purchase a PRINTED ArtSci repeater book so you have the frequencies on file without a computer/phone. 4. Learn the 'wilderness' protocol signs. There are times of the day users listen in on frequencies for lost individuals. Then you can communicate locally or miles and miles and miles away. Will repeaters stay up during the SHTF? How hard is it to block all the known repeaters? Achduke |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 76626437 United States 08/16/2021 07:51 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 76626437 United States 08/16/2021 07:59 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I'm looking for something inexpensive to start with. For HAM the Baofeng UV-5R looked promising. For CB I was looking at the Uniden PRO520XL. Quoting: WalrusRider Would those be good choices for a complete beginner? Would they be useful in a SHTF scenario? Exactly what do you expect to get with all that? Are you expecting someone will come and help or are you planning to be a superhero? If it gets as bad as it will, it's not going to help one way or another on your own. It will just be a beacon for the bad guys to stop by and help themselves. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 73982968 United States 08/16/2021 10:28 AM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
TimeIsShort User ID: 73471853 United States 08/16/2021 12:04 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | lol at the shills saying not to do anything for comms because it will be controlled airwaves. First, notice how everyone is saying monitor first and be careful transmitting, also there are modes with reduced power you can even use within your immediately community/sub mile range that are def valuable for local purposes without sending it across HF radio. Everything is a trade off based on needs and risk. You are using the internet thats controlled too and infinitely more logged, data mined, and tracked but its still useful while its available though isn't it? And yet people saying dont use radios they can trace your signal, LOL F OFF. If you don't want to have backup methods of comms or paid tree fiddy to say so, then thats fine, but go play somewhere else while the adults are talking. |
TimeIsShort User ID: 73471853 United States 08/16/2021 12:07 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Would a simple CB Radio be appropriate for a beginner? Would I need a license for that? What is the range like? Quoting: Anonymous Coward 79440192 No. 1. Get a cheap'o Baofeng UV-5R 2. Learn to connect to 'repeaters'. Even without a license. Don't broadcast, just listen. 3. Purchase a PRINTED ArtSci repeater book so you have the frequencies on file without a computer/phone. 4. Learn the 'wilderness' protocol signs. There are times of the day users listen in on frequencies for lost individuals. Then you can communicate locally or miles and miles and miles away. Will repeaters stay up during the SHTF? How hard is it to block all the known repeaters? It just depends on the situation. A lot of repeaters have back up modes like battery or some even generator to run for short periods of power outages. Some, esp in Mountainous regions, are fully off grid with solar and batteries. Just depends on your region and the repeater operators. If things got real bad, repeaters probably wouldnt be online reliably or risky to use if it was totalitarian crack down, then back to simplex / direct comms. |
TimeIsShort User ID: 73471853 United States 08/16/2021 12:19 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | survivaltech nord great website and videos for offgrid/emergency comms [link to oh8stn.org] [link to www.youtube.com (secure)] |