View Full Version : Best survival radio communications systems....????
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 09:57 AM
OK, price is not an issue, pretend it will be a gift. You wake up in the morning, and your computer is fried, the TV is fried, The phones are all fried, the AM and FM radio stations 600 miles away are broadcasting, but everything you would normally use for gathering information and communication is fried for a 600 mile radius.
However you and your friends and family all have the very BEST radio receivers and also a two-way radios in lead containers inside steel boxes, and they work perfect. If price is no object, what is the best radio system, that does not require a special license to own or operate. (I don't know the answer, I am looking for "THE" answer)
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 10:00 AM
And, Please Keep it SIMPLE. I don't need to know about watts, warts, or wavelengths. Just the system.
SARKY
07-29-2009, 12:21 PM
Just get a good shortwave radio transciever. In a scenario as you describe all bets are off for licenses.....you don't need one. If it were for normal everyday/no emergency use, you would need a license. Remember though, the antenna is the key to good transmission and reception. Most of the radios on the market are similar but there are different antenna set ups that you can use, that is where to do your research.
Motorola. FRS Band - 450-470 MHz. Repeater, mobile repeater, mobiles and portables.
How about a complete system (FRS and other frequencies in the 450 - 490 MHz range) with a combined 24 radios all stored in waterproof containers in a fireproof underground vault? :)
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 07:01 PM
So, Most members don't have Communication Radios......?
So, Most members don't have Communication Radios......?
My best friend of 35 years owns a pretty substantial communications company. Radio and cell phone towers, 100's of radios leased out to businesses, does public safety communications consulting, and just happens to own a few systems that we keep for private use. All licensed, of course. Yep! I'm corporate counsel. Nice benefits package!
crashdive123
07-29-2009, 07:33 PM
Hope - I do not have either of these, but sat phone and ham radio might be the way to go.
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 07:53 PM
Hope - I do not have either of these, but sat phone and ham radio might be the way to go.
Can you talk over a HAM Radio.....or is it all Morris (sp) Code...????
crashdive123
07-29-2009, 07:55 PM
You can talk around the the world (depending on skip) with them.
Can you talk over a HAM Radio.....or is it all Morris (sp) Code...????
Yeah, HAM is voice communications as well. Also digital and still Morse Code - depends on what you want to do with it. However, there is no longer a Morse Code Test requirement like there was when I got my license in 1974.
oldsoldier
07-29-2009, 08:33 PM
10 meter ham radio with an 8' mobile antenna in MOST conditions 1000 mile plus range. Same radio on base with 30-40' antenna world wide communications.
CB radio mobile with 102" steel whip antenna and 750 watt lenier amp. 300-500+ mile range. Base with directional "beam" antenna same amp. 400-1000+ miles.
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 08:45 PM
This (HAM) license is different than what ever lic. I had to get to use Aircraft Radios...???
This (HAM) license is different than what ever lic. I had to get to use Aircraft Radios...???
Yessir, it's different.
oldsoldier
07-29-2009, 08:47 PM
This (HAM) license is different than what ever lic. I had to get to use Aircraft Radios...???
Yep...unless I'm wrong there are even 3-4 different levels of the HAM license.
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/license-requirements.html
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 09:14 PM
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/license-requirements.html
Some of the aircraft had VHF, and we had a base station at the lodge, we just used the aircraft "N" number for call sign......I wonder if that was legal....?
crashdive123
07-29-2009, 09:16 PM
Can't say for sure - but I don't think you need a license for VHF.
I don't have anything like that. Hand helds for the woods is the only thing I have.
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 09:21 PM
Can't say for sure - but I don't think you need a license for VHF.
As I recall it was the RADIOS or the base station that was licensed....Anyone at the lodge would answer the radio.
Sourdough
07-29-2009, 09:23 PM
I am on a Mountain and can see 50 miles. How much does a HAM Radio cost....???
pgvoutdoors
07-29-2009, 09:49 PM
I've used a few different radio setups for field use but a good HAM radio would be the best long range communications setup. As mentioned before a good radio, amplifier, and antenna would be required for a base station. This can become costly if you need to communicate over a long distance with multiple people. Everyone will need a similar setup. I'm not a HAM radio operator but there's a lot of people out there that can help.
I have used equipment by Yaesu and have been very happy.
http://www.yaesu.com/
For local use you could use GMRS/FRF radios. If your looking for a good handheld, I found the Cobra MR HH425LI VP is the best package available.
It has the broadest range of frequencies: FRF, GMRS, Marine Band, and NOAA weather stations for the US and Canada. It's weather resistant and has a removable antenna which enables it to tie in to a better antenna setup. It has a lot of other features and I've been happy with mine.
http://cobra.com/products/handhelds-vhf-radios/mr-hh425li-vp-combination-vhf-gmrs-with-rewind-say-again
Also check out ICOM for quality GMRS handhelds. The IC F21MG has variable transmit power of (4w, 2w, or 1w)
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/landmobile/consumer/4088a/default.aspx
Sourdough
07-30-2009, 08:27 AM
Would this Thread be a good sticky'thingy.......?
oldsoldier
07-30-2009, 07:44 PM
Hope I bought a 2 meter mobile and magnetic mount antenna last summer here at the ham station. Paid about $ 185.00 plus tax. (new) If ya want I'll check on some local costs be happy to and handle picking up and shipping to you if they have anything you want or arrange shipping through them for you. Just let me know.
HOSSFLY
07-30-2009, 09:03 PM
Does Ham work off a repeater system or radio to radio like a C.B does? In a bad case most repeaters would be down due to power failures unless on a backup generator.
Does Ham work off a repeater system or radio to radio like a C.B does? In a bad case most repeaters would be down due to power failures unless on a backup generator.
WAAAAAAAAAAY back in the 70's we used a repeater for 2 meter HAM. We even built a home-made "auto-patch" system which allowed us to make telephone calls from our radios. Kinda' neat at the time. :)
HOSSFLY
07-30-2009, 09:11 PM
I have and use VHF,frs and Gmrs radios,and a CB . But the skip is so bad on the CB.
crashdive123
07-30-2009, 09:45 PM
Back when I was using CB radios (still had to register with the FCC - my call letters KRT 6030) you were limited to 5 watts maximum. Is that still the case?
Back when I was using CB radios (still had to register with the FCC - my call letters KRT 6030) you were limited to 5 watts maximum. Is that still the case?
Yep, 5 watts then, not sure about today either. Back then, my "handle" was "Hemorrhoid." :innocent::blushing:
KAGM 6291 in my Civil Defense days, if I remember correctly.
HAM was KA1BGH. Like a dummy, I allowed it to expire. :blushing:
crashdive123
07-30-2009, 09:54 PM
It's weird. Sometimes I can't remember what I had for lunck, but I remember my call letters from 35 years ago.
crashdive123
07-30-2009, 09:55 PM
Ken - how difficult was it/is it to get your ticket?
Ken - how difficult was it/is it to get your ticket?
It was a lot harder when I got my Tech grade from what I hear. We had a code requirement back then. I was going for my "General" grade and had my code speed up to 35 cpm. Never took the General exam. Back then, there was also a "Novice" license - no more.
The test (theory) is really pretty simple. With your technical background, the study materials should be a snap.
oldsoldier
07-31-2009, 09:37 PM
Back when I was using CB radios (still had to register with the FCC - my call letters KRT 6030) you were limited to 5 watts maximum. Is that still the case?
crash for your normal 40 channel CB most come set at 4-6 watts from factory. But unless you get insane with it and get a lot of complaints the FCC more or less ignores CB's anymore I had mine " peeked and tuned" So i'm running about 60 watts from mine now. ( costs around $50.00) If you have a CB with sideband they usuall y run about 20 watts on SB out of the box. Some of the CB's have FM and 2 meter channels ( FM and 2 meter require license) and they have between 10-50 watts. So it depends on which one you have.
oldsoldier
07-31-2009, 09:41 PM
Does Ham work off a repeater system or radio to radio like a C.B does? In a bad case most repeaters would be down due to power failures unless on a backup generator.
2 meter HAM works both ways.If you are within 8-10 miles you can usually communicate unit to unit But if you are farther away or across a large city your signal is usually "bounced" off 1 or more repeaters
COWBOYSURVIVAL
07-31-2009, 09:45 PM
We had ours peeked and tuned with my hunt club and you could key up the carwash. On accident I keyed up beside a young feller that had a basic and his radio was done. I could talk a long way. I need to hook mine back up pulled my antenna wire on a stump.....I was talking regularly 200 miles plus. I wasn't the one in the club with all the knowledge but i still have that old Midland.
oldsoldier
07-31-2009, 09:57 PM
We had ours peeked and tuned with my hunt club and you could key up the carwash. On accident I keyed up beside a young feller that had a basic and his radio was done. I could talk a long way. I need to hook mine back up pulled my antenna wire on a stump.....I was talking regularly 200 miles plus. I wasn't the one in the club with all the knowledge but i still have that old Midland.
Cowboy.... Those old radios could really "blow smoke" If you have an old one hang on to it they can be peeked up to arond 100 watts and will talk to mars with the right antenna usually a 102" steel whip.
COWBOYSURVIVAL
07-31-2009, 10:16 PM
It is at my old house. I will grab it next trip and tell you what it was before it was tweaked. I used a nice whip with it. Tore the vinyl off of McDonalds in the drive through. It has some good memories behind it too....We all had 'em, sometimes I miss those days!
pocomoonskyeyes
07-31-2009, 10:30 PM
Yeah when I was a kid we'd go out and listen to one and see if the "Skip" was in. I once heard someone from Pa. and I was in S.Ga. little town called Homerville near the Fla. line. when I was older I got one,had it Peaked and Tuned and could talk about 20 miles regardless of the skip. I had a friend that lived that far ,but it was long distance by phone(go figure) so I'd talk to him on the CB instead.
COWBOYSURVIVAL
08-01-2009, 01:10 AM
Once I got a call by land line to the hunt club. They needed a 4X4 so I was on the way with a '77 K5 400 cu.in. small block with 305 heads steam holed. I pulled down in the swamp all the way on the radio.... I found him deep in nasty rut! We hooked up the chains. I started to pull him nice and gentle... well he began to dislike the smooth path.... Cussed me a few times over the radio... OK It is on... His son comes over the radio.. "Cowboy please don't mess my Daddy's truck up... KEYED UP LOUD FULL THROTTLE COME"N TO THE ROAD BOYS!!!! WHOOOAAAOOO! Found me a "Found On The Road Dead" to play with!!!
homejoy
08-02-2009, 01:54 AM
Hello, I started a thread called Personal Locater Beacons and someone kindly directed me here. We have a lake access, off grid cabin on a small lake in Canada about 30 miles from the nearest town. There are a few neighbors on the other side of the lake but only one we can see and those folks don't seem to be home much. We have a friend who lives on the other side of that house, behind a hill. There is usually someone home there and they would call SAR or come to our rescue. There are no roads on our side and no houses, either.
I am looking for a way to call for SAR help in case of emergency. The local head paramedic suggested an iridium sat phone but that's overkill in terms of price as we are not at the cabin all that often. The new Fast Find 210 PLB is now cleared for Canada and costs under $300. We travel quite a bit so it could come in handy in other parts of the globe, too.
Or would radio phones make sense for us? Would we have to put up an antenna for ourselves and one at the top of our friend's hill? There also is a road with fairly frequent trucks going by to the nearby gas and oil fields so they might also pick up a radio call. I don't know, it sounds iffy to me.
crashdive123
08-02-2009, 09:31 AM
Homejoy - I would think that you want the most reliable device that is in your budget. Not knowing all of the logistics of the area, I'm not sure how the radio system would work - although I would seriously consider it. A radio system will give you the flexibility to accomplish more than just a rescue. Medical advice can be obtained, early warning of approaching storms, etc, etc. If however, your only concern is for medivac in an emergency it sounds as though you can accomplish that with the plb you are looking at.
UnknownWarrior
08-04-2009, 08:20 PM
OK, price is not an issue, pretend it will be a gift. You wake up in the morning, and your computer is fried, the TV is fried, The phones are all fried, the AM and FM radio stations 600 miles away are broadcasting, but everything you would normally use for gathering information and communication is fried for a 600 mile radius.
However you and your friends and family all have the very BEST radio receivers and also a two-way radios in lead containers inside steel boxes, and they work perfect. If price is no object, what is the best radio system, that does not require a special license to own or operate. (I don't know the answer, I am looking for "THE" answer)
What are the conditions where most HAM and other radio communications would fail longterm ? And what can you do for that situation? Forget solar power as it's heavy rains and mostly cloudy.
I read in some posts in this thread that repeaters are used for communicating longer than 20 miles or so.
UnknownWarrior
08-04-2009, 08:25 PM
Just get a good shortwave radio transciever. In a scenario as you describe all bets are off for licenses.....you don't need one. If it were for normal everyday/no emergency use, you would need a license. Remember though, the antenna is the key to good transmission and reception. Most of the radios on the market are similar but there are different antenna set ups that you can use, that is where to do your research.
Does that mean I can use a HAM radio without a license in emergencies? Be it any country or that's just for the U.S.?
oldsoldier
08-04-2009, 08:34 PM
What are the conditions where most HAM and other radio communications would fail longterm ? And what can you do for that situation? Forget solar power as it's heavy rains and mostly cloudy.
I read in some posts in this thread that repeaters are used for communicating longer than 20 miles or so.
Depending on the type of equipment you buy A hand crank military surplus generator ( about $50-$75) will charge a hand held unit battery rather quickly as well as a 12v "car battery" Plus most batteries like a car battery will somewhat rebuild there own "charge" if the source of "draw" is removed between uses. As for com distane true a 2 meter radio usually is " line of sight" or up to about 15-20 miles without a repeater. Much more you have serious signal degredation and need to "hit" a repeater. BUT a 10 meter band HAM as well as some others are world wide without need of a repeater or sattelite. Although a 2 meter is fairly cheap. A 10 meter can cost $800.00 or more per unit.
I've been giving this some thought (which is hugely dangerous) and I've decided that a hand held CB might not be a bad thing to have along on a hike. If you don't have cell service you might still be able to use the CB. You can buy used ones pretty darned cheap. Might make some inexpensive insurance.
Thoughts?
crashdive123
08-04-2009, 10:27 PM
I've not used a hand held CB - no help here.
There's a bunch on eBay.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=hand+held+CB&_sacat=See-All-Categories
crashdive123
08-04-2009, 10:38 PM
Looking at the specs on them, it seems like they should work. Carrying an external antennae if you're in a mountainous area might add to the range a bit.
UnknownWarrior
08-05-2009, 09:43 AM
CB Radio, Communications Radio, HAM Radio - what's the difference between them? Sorry I'm knowledgeless in this area. Do the license policies change country to country?
Both CB and Ham radio are communications radios. That is, they are radios used for communications.
CB or Citizen Band radios operate in the 27 Mgh or 11m band.
Ham radios operate in the Medium Freq. range around 160 m while the High Frequency band is from 10m to 80m.
In the U.S. the CB is unlicensed and short range (generally). Somewhere between 1 and 10 miles depending on terrain. However, depending on equipment and atmospheric conditions, CB can broadcast dozens or even hundreds of miles.
Ham or Amateur, on the other hand, requires a license in the U.S. and can talk globally, depending on equipment.
I don't know license requirements for other countries.
I bit the bullet and bought a handheld CB. I was torn between "one more thing to carry" and "one more way to get out of trouble". I guess I'll just have to try it and see if it works for me. I bought a Midland 75-822. It can be used as a handheld or converted to use as a mobile. Here's a picture of it in both configurations.
http://www.midland2way.com/v/vspfiles/photos/75-822-1.jpg
There are a number of reasons I went with this model.
1. It received consistently good reviews
2. It can be used as a mobile or a handheld
3. It weighs .4 pounds
4. It uses 6AA batteries as a handheld. Most handhelds use 9!
5. It's very compact. 3.5 x 2.75 x 1.5
6. It also incorporates an NOAA weather radio
7. You can use a headset with it, which makes it quieter
8. It was about half off MSRP at Amazon.com
Time will tell if this becomes a regular pack member or something for the bob.
HOSSFLY
08-06-2009, 08:28 AM
Rick. I have one myself.Works great.Get about 5-12 miles distance depending on the weather. The weather channels work great.
UnknownWarrior
08-06-2009, 09:45 AM
I bit the bullet and bought a handheld CB. I was torn between "one more thing to carry" and "one more way to get out of trouble". I guess I'll just have to try it and see if it works for me. I bought a Midland 75-822. It can be used as a handheld or converted to use as a mobile. Here's a picture of it in both configurations.
http://www.midland2way.com/v/vspfiles/photos/75-822-1.jpg
There are a number of reasons I went with this model.
1. It received consistently good reviews
2. It can be used as a mobile or a handheld
3. It weighs .4 pounds
4. It uses 6AA batteries as a handheld. Most handhelds use 9!
5. It's very compact. 3.5 x 2.75 x 1.5
6. It also incorporates an NOAA weather radio
7. You can use a headset with it, which makes it quieter
8. It was about half off MSRP at Amazon.com
Time will tell if this becomes a regular pack member or something for the bob.
Forgive my ignorance but which one is the mobile and which one is the radio?
How heavy is it?
Pls provide the amaZon link.
There is no ignorance here. The picture on the left in my original post is the hand held radio with a battery pack attached on the bottom of it. The picture on the right in the original post is the same radio with the battery pack removed and a vehicle adapter plugged into it. The vehicle adapter allows you to utilize vehicle power and an external antenna.
Here is a picture showing the different components.
https://www.phatperformanceparts.com/photos/MDCB-822.jpg
The device on the left is the vehicle adapter and slides onto the bottom of the radio, which is the second picture from the left. Above the radio is the rubber antenna for the hand held configuration. Here in the States we refer to that antenna as a "rubber duck" antenna because is it rubberized.
The item below the radio is the battery pack and the item to the right is the AC power adapter that will let you charge the battery pack if you are using rechargeable batteries. I assume you can use the radio in your house using the AC power adapter but I won't know that for certain until I receive it. Some appliances won't let you use the device while the batteries are charging.
Just the radio without the battery pack or the vehicle adapter weighs about .18 kilograms or .4 pounds.
Finally, here is the link to the Amazon site.
http://www.amazon.com/MIDLAND-75-822-Channel-Way-Radio/dp/B00000K2YR
I also picked up an external antenna for the vehicle and the headset.
I hope that helps!!
oldsoldier
08-18-2009, 08:27 PM
CB Radio, Communications Radio, HAM Radio - what's the difference between them? Sorry I'm knowledgeless in this area. Do the license policies change country to country?
A basic run down on your questions first CB or citizens band radio operates on basic AM frequencies and an average range depending on terrain,weather,etc. can be as little as 1 mile up to 5-6 miles. However if you are on high ground with no obstructions such as a mountian top, and the signal "skip" is just right you COULD communicate up to several hundred miles however with a skip signal that type of range is extremely spotty at best. If you add a linear amp. Of say 250 watts or more, with a good antenna you expand your range of signal to up to 50-60 +. The CB radios perks are they are fairly cheap to start with less than $100 for a radio and antenna. Prices then can range up to a couple grand if you get fancy and load up the extra power (wattage). The down side is They are cheap, no license required and almost 75% of people have one or more, so the airwaves may be jammed with traffic and offer almost no privacy.
Ham radio operates on several frequencies. Most common is the 2 meter band fairly cheap. less than $200 to start. They have a range of about 25 miles without a repeater.
The next choice is 10 meter band fairly expensive, around $1000 per unit to start and up from there with a good 10 meter band radio and good antenna. You can possibly communicate world wide with dependable results.
Unlike CB a HAM radio does require a license in the United States. I am not sure about any other countries. But I would say they require at least some type of license.
I hope this helps you somewhat on the difference between them and the pros and cons of each
mortars101
09-12-2009, 05:56 PM
old soldier since we're in the same neck of the woods where would be a good place to get a ham radio been getting ready to get my cert
oldsoldier
09-12-2009, 09:59 PM
old soldier since we're in the same neck of the woods where would be a good place to get a ham radio been getting ready to get my cert
Hey Chris if this is advertising SORRY!!!
If you get to Evansville there is a shop on Fulton avenue and Franklin st. Called the Ham station, I can P.M. you the phone # if you want. I bought my 2 meter ham there including the antenna for about $ 185.00. They also sell 10 meter equipment as well you can get new or used equipment, about anything to fit a budget.
crashdive123
09-12-2009, 10:16 PM
It's not your shop - you're fine.
oldsoldier
09-12-2009, 10:20 PM
It's not your shop - you're fine.
Thanks Crash.... Oh I got the paracord today. if your offer still stands?
crashdive123
09-12-2009, 10:29 PM
Sure. What kind of stuff do you want made?
oldsoldier
09-12-2009, 10:42 PM
Sure. What kind of stuff do you want made?
when you get a change PM me the address you want me to send it to. As for what to make Maybe a strap/leash for the dog 8-10' and a couple of 7"or 8" braclets if that sounds okay?
crashdive123
09-12-2009, 10:49 PM
Sure. PM on the way.
oldsoldier
11-06-2009, 06:58 PM
Bump.......
Sourdough
12-29-2009, 06:31 AM
Sourdough,
Based on this thread - have you made any decisions on communications? Have you acquired any communication devices? Do you have something other than telephone land line or cell that will reach Anchorage?
Nope............Just a land line.
Yeah. We feel that way a lot of times, too. But what are you gonna do? He's ours so we'll keep him.
Beowulf65
12-31-2009, 07:58 PM
Hands down the best commo radio out there is the one that works... lol...
Personally I think people suk and there is no one I really wanna talk to enough to get a special radio for... lol...
I prefer smoke signals though, only a strong wind screws them up and when it's raining they lag and can be difficult to read... lol...
The tin can and string method is an age proven technique also... lol
and then there is the carrier pigeon method... which you can eat if it acts up or you get really hungry... makes a fine meal... lol
screaming works well for the wife, seems I always here her when she does that...
or you can lay your head to the ground and listen, doesnt have to be for a train either...
have seen a method where two neighbors shot an arrow with a message tied to it but when the one neighbor tried to catch it... he got killed, I don't recomend that method...
Hope this helps... lol
Beo,
Trabitha
01-29-2010, 07:32 PM
OK, price is not an issue, pretend it will be a gift. You wake up in the morning, and your computer is fried, the TV is fried, The phones are all fried, the AM and FM radio stations 600 miles away are broadcasting, but everything you would normally use for gathering information and communication is fried for a 600 mile radius.
However you and your friends and family all have the very BEST radio receivers and also a two-way radios in lead containers inside steel boxes, and they work perfect. If price is no object, what is the best radio system, that does not require a special license to own or operate. (I don't know the answer, I am looking for "THE" answer)
I OWN the answer. ;)
I have an old Zenith Trans Oceanic AM-FM Multiband radio from when my father got it as a kid.
Thing works like a dream. We have it set up to be plugged in and take batteries if needed. Damn thing is SICK! We can listen to radio from across the country, into Canada, and over the pond.
Won't give it up for the world. :D
Justin Case
02-18-2010, 02:06 PM
Who Cares about a License in a survival situation ? I don't, I would get a good Yeasu Ham rig ,,, you dont need a License to listen anyway, With the right Ham radio you can cover EMS also, :)
A tech license is really easy to obtain. No more code requirement. Just sayin'. :)
Justin Case
02-18-2010, 02:19 PM
lets see here -.-.-...-.- ok :)
... --- --..-- / .--- ..- ... - .. -. --..-- / -.. --- / -.-- --- ..- / .-. . .- .-.. .-.. -.-- / -.- -. --- .-- / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -.-. --- -.. . / --- .-. / .- .-. . / -.-- --- ..- / .--- ..- ... - / -- . ... ... .. -. --. / .-- .. - .... / ..- ... ..--..
Justin Case
02-18-2010, 02:27 PM
If you say so ,, LOL
Batch
02-18-2010, 10:29 PM
... --- --..-- / .--- ..- ... - .. -. --..-- / -.. --- / -.-- --- ..- / .-. . .- .-.. .-.. -.-- / -.- -. --- .-- / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -.-. --- -.. . / --- .-. / .- .-. . / -.-- --- ..- / .--- ..- ... - / -- . ... ... .. -. --. / .-- .. - .... / ..- ... ..--..
I have been running my fingers over that for hours. Most messed up brail I ever read...:innocent:
crashdive123
02-18-2010, 11:32 PM
snort - chuckle - snort
jbtusa
04-27-2010, 09:56 PM
2 meter handheld ham radio is the best and most reliable communications available. I always carry one camping, hunting or flying. They have far better and more reliable coverage than cell phones. That's why I carry one when I fly the back country. They will always hit a repeater from somewhere and therefore you can always find help. They also link into the phone system via "autopatch" so you can call on the phone too. Used 2 meter handhelds are cheap and can be found under $100. The basic ham license test is a no morse code test and easy. Any idiot can pass the 35 question test. No excuses, get your ham license! (You'll have fun with it too when you travel.)
crashdive123
04-27-2010, 11:17 PM
2 meter handheld ham radio is the best and most reliable communications available. I always carry one camping, hunting or flying. They have far better and more reliable coverage than cell phones. That's why I carry one when I fly the back country. They will always hit a repeater from somewhere and therefore you can always find help. They also link into the phone system via "autopatch" so you can call on the phone too. Used 2 meter handhelds are cheap and can be found under $100. The basic ham license test is a no morse code test and easy. Any idiot can pass the 35 question test. No excuses, get your ham license! (You'll have fun with it too when you travel.)
Good to know. Also - no excuses - stop on by the intro section. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14 Thanks.
Trabitha
04-28-2010, 10:23 AM
... --- --..-- / .--- ..- ... - .. -. --..-- / -.. --- / -.-- --- ..- / .-. . .- .-.. .-.. -.-- / -.- -. --- .-- / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -.-. --- -.. . / --- .-. / .- .-. . / -.-- --- ..- / .--- ..- ... - / -- . ... ... .. -. --. / .-- .. - .... / ..- ... ..--..
.. / - .... .. -. -.- / .... . .----. ... / -- . ... ... .. -. --. / .-- .. - .... / -.-- .- :tongue_smilie:
Camp10
04-28-2010, 09:17 PM
.. / - .... .. -. -.- / .... . .----. ... / -- . ... ... .. -. --. / .-- .. - .... / -.-- .- :tongue_smilie:
-.-- . .- .... --..-- / .-- .... .- - / - .-. .- -... .. - .... .- / ... .- .. -..:clap:
Trabitha
05-03-2010, 10:01 PM
The commonly overlooked problem with operating a HAM radio (or any other radio without a license) is that the bandwidths available to you will likely be so overcrowded that sending a message will be impossible.
Also, you shouldn't underestimate the government's ability to stubbornly continue functioning as frequency police during a catastrophic failure of society. Chances are the FCC will clamp down even harder WTSHTF, because they'll want to keep their own communications options uncluttered by private citizens. You can also count on the military shutting down any transmissions that they think will interfere with their own ability to function as an internal security force. Military jamming hardware tends to indiscriminately shut down every transmitter and/or receiver on any band. It doesn't just interrupt it. In some cases, it burns out the circuitry too.
Trabitha
05-03-2010, 10:03 PM
-.-- . .- .... --..-- / .-- .... .- - / - .-. .- -... .. - .... .- / ... .- .. -..:clap:
..- ... / .... .. -.-. -.- ... / .... .- ...- . / - --- / ... - .. -.-. -.- / - --- --. . - .... . .-. :tongue_smilie:
Well, I bit the bullet and ordered the Yaesu VX-6R and I've decided to get my technician license. That way I've covered all basis on communications. The Yaesu is on sale until the end of the month.
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0666.html
crashdive123
08-20-2010, 08:38 PM
Keep this up and we'll have to call you Mr. Gadget Jr.
That is the radio that I will probably get eventually. Let us know how the licensing process goes.
I ordered two ARRL books for the tech license. One is The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0872590836?ie=UTF8&tag=hamstudybooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0872590836
The other is the ARRL Tech Q and A.
http://www.amazon.com/Arrls-Tech-Quick-First-Liscense/dp/0872590844/ref=pd_sim_b_3
Justin Case
08-20-2010, 08:46 PM
you can take example tests here http://www.eham.net/exams/
Justin Case
08-20-2010, 08:50 PM
Welcome :)
oldsoldier
08-21-2010, 07:15 PM
Well, I bit the bullet and ordered the Yaesu VX-6R and I've decided to get my technician license. That way I've covered all basis on communications. The Yaesu is on sale until the end of the month.
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0666.html
Okay rick. Have you been watching my internet orders?:innocent: The unit you ordered is the one i also bought several months ago. It's a great radio. In addition to having the "ham" channels, it also has channels you can monitor some are even law enforcement and EMS bands plus NOAA weather radio bands. For the price it is an excellent choice. I think you'll be pleased.
oldsoldier
08-21-2010, 07:16 PM
Keep this up and we'll have to call you Mr. Gadget Jr.
That is the radio that I will probably get eventually. Let us know how the licensing process goes.
Here now crash:tongue_smilie: I resemble that remark:innocent:
Well, great minds and all. It must be the Hoosier in us.
oldsoldier
08-22-2010, 10:34 PM
Well, great minds and all. It must be the Hoosier in us.
You got that one right,
The Yaesu arrived today. All I can say is holy cow. This thing came with two technicians, a computer engineer and three guys just to look up stuff in the manual. I figured out how to plug in the charger. If I can figure out what the interface of packet TNCs and CTCSS/DCS Operations are I'll be in like Flynn. More to come.....maybe. (This thing is worse that a VCR)
crashdive123
08-25-2010, 06:56 PM
I did a trade today (it's in the mail anyway) on a couple of hand held CB's.
oldsoldier
08-26-2010, 10:02 AM
The Yaesu arrived today. All I can say is holy cow. This thing came with two technicians, a computer engineer and three guys just to look up stuff in the manual. I figured out how to plug in the charger. If I can figure out what the interface of packet TNCs and CTCSS/DCS Operations are I'll be in like Flynn. More to come.....maybe. (This thing is worse that a VCR)
Rick I'll try to find the site/link I found and send it to you. It has a ( i think) 20 minute tutorial video on how to program and operate the radio. The manual IMO is not user friendly unless you are VERY technically minded, however the video is easy enough for even I can understand it. I'll try to find it and send you the link.
I'm currently studying for my technician's license. I had no idea Ham radio was as technical as it is. I'm pretty impressed with the knowledge that hams have. I thought you might find it of interest. Here's a couple of sample questions:
Q 13: What is the cause of irregular fading of signals from distant stations during times of generally good reception? (T3A08)
A. Absorption of signals by the "D" layer of the ionosphere.
B. Absorption of signals by the "E" layer of the ionosphere.
C. Random combining of signals arriving via different path lengths.
D. Intermodulation distortion in the local receiver.
Q 26: What circuit is pictured in Figure T7, if block 1 is a frequency discriminator? (T7A04)
A. A double-conversion receiver.
B. A regenerative receiver.
C. A superheterodyne receiver.
D. An FM receiver.
http://aa9pw.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/technician2010/T7.gif
Justin Case
09-05-2010, 07:03 PM
A, A,,,,,,,,,,?
crashdive123
09-05-2010, 07:10 PM
C and D........
You can take practice exams, which is where these questions came from. I took one before I started studying then I've taken one after finishing each chapter. I past my first test after chapter 4. There may be hope for me. I'm really concerned about that old dog, new trick liability thingie.
crashdive123
09-05-2010, 08:19 PM
The Navy actually taught me most of that stuff...........a long, long time ago. Now, if I could just remember it.
oldsoldier
09-05-2010, 08:40 PM
I'll vote D and D
AirborneEagles
10-08-2010, 03:54 AM
Mods for Yaesu VX-6R.
Here are some modifications to talk on 137 – 174, 222 – 230, and 420 – 469 frequencies with the VX-6R.
http://www.halfzware.com/wordpress/2006/02/19/vx-6r-mods
Also some other mods for better TX and better sound.
http://www.mods.dk/index.php?ModelId=822&RadioRec=yaesu
I modified my Yeasu about a year ago and it works, able to talk on all those frequencies (except I don't mess with police or military frequencies), but it allows you more options of whom you can talk to.
Enjoy.
I'm not sure I understand the need. If it's something you want to do then okay. With several bands that I CAN talk on and several more common (AM, FM, Weather) that I can receive I, personally, have everything I need. The purpose for me is to have the ability to know what's going on in an emergency and to be be able to call for help when in the woods if I have to. The factory model does all that for me and I'm not taking the risk of hosing up an expensive piece of equipment. Just my point of view. But thanks for the links.
AirborneEagles
10-09-2010, 09:23 PM
The reasons can be anything from using lower channels which do not require a license to talk on to even being able to communicate with law enforcement during a disaster, since if you have an emergency you can use all frequencies except military to call for help on even without a license. Since any emergency even those who do not have a license can talk on HAM radio stations to call for help. Those are just a few reasons to have the modification, which is useful for me since I live off the grid and miles from anyone else, my neighbor is over a mile away. There are many on this forum who probably have similar circumstances in which they live away from everyone else, so having alternative ways to communicate is nice to have on hand. At least it is for me.
As for the lower frequencies that do not require a license (there are also stations in the HAM range that do not require a license) I use these to frequently talk to friends since I do not even get cell phone reception here.
Since the CB is not capable of reaching many of my friends who live several cities over, the HAM is great to use in those cases on those frequencies, but also I do have my license for HAM and I can use the others as well. It is just a case of preference, but it does make a difference to me and some others.
Just great to have it all ready on hand.
Gotcha. That would be a situation of anything that's usable.
Wise Old Owl
10-27-2010, 08:07 PM
Just get a good shortwave radio transciever. In a scenario as you describe all bets are off for licenses.....you don't need one. If it were for normal everyday/no emergency use, you would need a license. Remember though, the antenna is the key to good transmission and reception. Most of the radios on the market are similar but there are different antenna set ups that you can use, that is where to do your research.
The licence like a car licence is there to prevent you from blowing it up. You become knowledgable to avoid mismatchs and electricution.
Can't say for sure - but I don't think you need a license for VHF.
YES you do need one.
I am on a Mountain and can see 50 miles. How much does a HAM Radio cost....???
2nd hand and $400 and you don't need a mountain - VOA is in a cowfield.
Does Ham work off a repeater system or radio to radio like a C.B does? In a bad case most repeaters would be down due to power failures unless on a backup generator.
Repeaters are cool but not nessary. CB does not use repeaters, it works on ionized air called skip. VHF and UHF use repeaters on some freq to involve lower power and greater range.
HAM was KA1BGH. Like a dummy, I allowed it to expire. :blushing:
ME too.
Hello, I started a thread called Personal Locater Beacons and someone kindly directed me here. We have a lake access, off grid cabin on a small lake in Canada about 30 miles from the nearest town. There are a few neighbors on the other side of the lake but only one we can see and those folks don't seem to be home much. We have a friend who lives on the other side of that house, behind a hill. There is usually someone home there and they would call SAR or come to our rescue. There are no roads on our side and no houses, either.
PLB/s are way better
I am looking for a way to call for SAR help in case of emergency. The local head paramedic suggested an iridium sat phone but that's overkill in terms of price as we are not at the cabin all that often. The new Fast Find 210 PLB is now cleared for Canada and costs under $300. We travel quite a bit so it could come in handy in other parts of the globe, too.
Or would radio phones make sense for us? Would we have to put up an antenna for ourselves and one at the top of our friend's hill? There also is a road with fairly frequent trucks going by to the nearby gas and oil fields so they might also pick up a radio call. I don't know, it sounds iffy to me.
click here (http://www.rei.com/product/801769)
Does that mean I can use a HAM radio without a license in emergencies? Be it any country or that's just for the U.S.?
You can - only because in the past it was unenforceable some years... during a war time build up the FCC becomes involved, very serious! Otherwise neighborhood HAM operators will turn you in or fine you if you are caught without a licence during non emergencies.
I've been giving this some thought (which is hugely dangerous) and I've decided that a hand held CB might not be a bad thing to have along on a hike. If you don't have cell service you might still be able to use the CB. You can buy used ones pretty darned cheap. Might make some inexpensive insurance.
Thoughts?
Honest - Very impractical - check out the link for spot.
Who Cares about a License in a survival situation ? I don't, I would get a good Yeasu Ham rig ,,, you dont need a License to listen anyway, With the right Ham radio you can cover EMS also, :)
I didn't either - but some of my freinds got 10k fines.
I did a trade today (it's in the mail anyway) on a couple of hand held CB's.
great. check out spot too.
crashdive123
10-27-2010, 08:22 PM
The SPOT system is not something that I woudl choose. If it works for you, then it works for me.
crashdive123
10-27-2010, 08:27 PM
On the VHF radio thing....for marine use, or EPIRB use, a license is not required (yes, there are some restrictions) - Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Wise Old Owl
10-27-2010, 10:18 PM
tough call but I am sure if two people used a marine radio other than marine use - which I have never detected, The FCC would be pretty quick to shut it down. Might take a few months...
Wise Old Owl
10-27-2010, 10:19 PM
The SPOT system is not something that I woudl choose. If it works for you, then it works for me.
Keep in mind you only need half of spot the GPS is for sending text back home by bluetooth. Homejoy was looking for a eme device to get ems.
RichNH
08-24-2011, 11:36 PM
In response to the note that suggested getting a ham radio and not getting a license. A ham radio license isn't that hard to get if you have average intelligence. I would encourage you to get the study manual that the ARRL publishes, read though it, check out the questions from the actual test (they give you all the questions that could be on the test plus the answers) and then get the license. The reason I encourage you to get your license is because communicating via radio isn't as simple as turning it on and pressing the button on the mic. There's a lot more to it than that. In addition, any HF rig that is not an HT (walkie talkie) is probably capable of putting out enough energy through the antenna to cause injury should you not know what you're doing.
Think of it this way: Would you buy a gun and never use it until an actual emergency arose? Of course not. Learning to use a piece of eqipment is all about practice. Given that, what makes you think that buying a 2 way radio and not using it or even learning HOW to set it up is any different? You do need to have at least a base core of knowledge you know. The old adage is practice makes perfect. This is especially true if you are considering using the radio in a situation where power isn't just an electrical outlet away.
Rich
That's probably good advice but my failing the @#$% test puts me below average intelligence I guess. I have no desire to yak on the radio. I couldn't hear the other end anyway. It's a portable Yaesu and it's here for emergencies only. So, yeah, it is about pushing the button and talking. I don't need to make perfect, just contact.
That's probably good advice but my failing the @#$% test puts me below average intelligence I guess. I have no desire to yak on the radio. I couldn't hear the other end anyway. It's a portable Yaesu and it's here for emergencies only. So, yeah, it is about pushing the button and talking. I don't need to make perfect, just contact or listen in to what's going on (which someone else will have to do anyway).
wardtom084
02-04-2012, 07:51 PM
Hello guys, As you can see this is my first post. Ham radio is communication that can't be beat. I got my license back in 72 and it is much easier now. Back then you did not know the questions on the test and now you study from a book that has the questions or test at the back of the book. This is a sample of several questions that may be asked. You just don't know which question might be asked. Also one was required to learn the code. I have the advanced license, talked all over the world, navy ships, run what is called phone batch traffic for people overseas. Have even talked to the space shuttle.
Having an antenna is a simple thing to do in an emergency. I always used a dipole antenna. It is just two pieces of wire cut to a particular length (depending on frequency, longer length for lower frequencies, shorter for higher). On the coax the shield goes to one side, center conductor to another.
Trying to place a story in my mind that was several years ago. Some army group over seas had attracted and some students at the school had hid a ham radio and were calling for help. So you can't beat it.
The, what is called 2 meter 147 mhz, is what we have a lot of repeaters on. It is line of sight communications which means basically, you see me, you can talk to me. Also repeaters are put in orbit called oscar. We actually communicate with them and, once again, line of sight which has me talking all over the place on very low power.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.5 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.