Posted: 8/19/2009 9:03:32 PM EDT
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I am looking for suggestions on capable, 2 way communications that would be used primarily if the SHTF given that cell towers are not working, or just for use when traveling outside of cell coverage.
Without delving into the whole "get your technicians license and a handy talkie" debate (I do intend to do that, at some point), what would be a viable alternative? I know from experience that the FRS and GFRS radios are complete crap. I am setting my budget at around $100 to $130 a radio. I want something with at least 10 mile (real miles, not line of sight) capability (if at all possible), handheld configuration (compatible with a base station add on later on), uses standard batteries (AA, C, whatever), and "somewhat" secure(in that Joe Blow cant walk into wally world, pick up a blister pack radio, and hear my communications). This next question may be better suited in the HAM section, but if later down the road when i do get the time, energy, and money to get into HAM, can 2 people operate under one license? As in, my wife and communicating with each other on an occasional basis, or would we both have to have licenses and seperate call signs? Thanks in advance! |
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Quoted:
I am setting my budget at around $100 to $130 a radio. Not going to have a lot of quality options at that price point. I want something with at least 10 mile (real miles, not line of sight) capability (if at all possible)
NOT going to happen with any handheld radio over typical terrain. handheld configuration (compatible with a base station add on later on), uses standard batteries (AA, C, whatever)
Most quality radios are going to use a sizable rechargeable battery pack. Primary batteries are just too expensive for normal use. Some have the capabilty for a AA pack though. and "somewhat" secure(in that Joe Blow cant walk into wally world, pick up a blister pack radio, and hear my communications).
Can be done, won't be at your price point. This next question may be better suited in the HAM section, but if later down the road when i do get the time, energy, and money to get into HAM, can 2 people operate under one license? As in, my wife and communicating with each other on an occasional basis, or would we both have to have licenses and seperate call signs? Anyone operating an amateur station needs their own license and callsign, unless they are under the direct control and supervision of a licensed operator. We have some variation of this thread once or twice a month somewhere in the survival or ham forums. Probably the best option other than amateur radio is GMRS, using QUALITY radios not blister pack toys. $80 gets you a license good for your whole family, as GMRS is intended for personal communications. 50 watt mobile or base radios with reasonable antennas can get you significantly more range for reliable/usable comms than any other non-amateur communications medium. There are GMRS repeaters as well which can give you large coverage areas. |
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I am looking for suggestions on capable, 2 way communications that would be used primarily if the SHTF given that cell towers are not working, or just for use when traveling outside of cell coverage. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=625218 (***) http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=626386 http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=625446 http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=626422 also, you would learn a hell of a lot by reading the first page of this thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477 AND MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS ENTIRE POST: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=626386&page=2#10671324 ar-jedi (***) contains the quote of the day: Quoted:
2) Stop looking for the quick fix, easy way out. This board is about preparedness. Actually preparing for something usually involves a little time up front. There's no quick fix in building a BOB or BOV or gardening or canning or investing or defensive training –– why must there be one for communications? You showed foresight by recognizing the need to communicate. Now that you have some direction on the subject, don't give up because you might have to invest some thought into it to achieve your objectives. We have an excellent learning environment for the topic of communications from a preps perspective –– don't shortchange us or yourself by throwing in the towel because you're intimidated by a topic that is new to you. |
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Gamma and Ar-Jedi, thank you very much for the replies. It looks like my head will be spinning after i get through all of those links, but I will do it. I had been planning on getting a license for quite a long while (well, since '90 when I was running the MARS station in Darmsdadt Germany). This just gave me the little push i needed to really go ahead and study up on it and just get it done.
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My 11yo daughter and I sat for the Tech and General Class exams on the same day, and we both made General. I guarantee that, if you already understand the technical side / radio theory, the hardest part for you will be learning and remembering the amateur radio laws. And, that, my friend is the easiest part of the exams.
It can be done. I'm living proof. 
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My 11yo daughter and I sat for the Tech and General Class exams on the same day, and we both made General. I guarantee that, if you already understand the technical side / radio theory, the hardest part for you will be learning and remembering the amateur radio laws. And, that, my friend is the easiest part of the exams. It can be done. I'm living proof. well, all you really need to do is use the interweb to find the question pool and learn the answers. i know some think that is cheating but you can pass the test that way. |
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Quoted:
I am looking for suggestions on capable, 2 way communications that would be used primarily if the SHTF given that cell towers are not working, or just for use when traveling outside of cell coverage. Without delving into the whole "get your technicians license and a handy talkie" debate (I do intend to do that, at some point), what would be a viable alternative? I know from experience that the FRS and GFRS radios are complete crap. I am setting my budget at around $100 to $130 a radio. I want something with at least 10 mile (real miles, not line of sight) capability (if at all possible), handheld configuration (compatible with a base station add on later on), uses standard batteries (AA, C, whatever), and "somewhat" secure(in that Joe Blow cant walk into wally world, pick up a blister pack radio, and hear my communications). This next question may be better suited in the HAM section, but if later down the road when i do get the time, energy, and money to get into HAM, can 2 people operate under one license? As in, my wife and communicating with each other on an occasional basis, or would we both have to have licenses and seperate call signs? Thanks in advance! Based on this there is nothing I am aware of except smoke signals. 
Ham radio's (Hand Helds) with 2-3 db gain antenna's and some club repeaters would be the way to go. The Vertex series of hand helds run on sale right now from Ham Radio outlet are $99 ea.
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Quoted: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=625218 (***) http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=626386 http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=625446 http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=18&t=626422 also, you would learn a hell of a lot by reading the first page of this thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604477 AND MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS ENTIRE POST: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=626386&page=2#10671324 ar-jedi (***) contains the quote of the day: Quoted: 2) Stop looking for the quick fix, easy way out. This board is about preparedness. Actually preparing for something usually involves a little time up front. There's no quick fix in building a BOB or BOV or gardening or canning or investing or defensive training –– why must there be one for communications? You showed foresight by recognizing the need to communicate. Now that you have some direction on the subject, don't give up because you might have to invest some thought into it to achieve your objectives. We have an excellent learning environment for the topic of communications from a preps perspective –– don't shortchange us or yourself by throwing in the towel because you're intimidated by a topic that is new to you. I also am glad I opened this thread. I found an inexpensive 2m radio while looking for information on the vertex HT that Taft suggested. Cool! I've avoided picking a radio due to the hassle of learning all the features and benefits available. For the unintiated, it's enough to make your head swim! Cross band repeat, WIRES, CTCSS tones blah blah blah. That was made easy by stumbling onto a simple mono band HT that I can easily afford and carry on my person. I've meant to sit for the Tech ticket for the last four months but haven't been able to conveniently make it to the local radio club on the one day a month that they offer the test. It's in the next county over. Getting the radio will be a huge motivator to make sure I get there near this month's end. Thanks again guys for spelling it out for those of us that want in but don't jump in feet first. Putting the conversation in terms of prepping really hit home for me. |
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"2) Stop looking for the quick fix, easy way out. This board is about preparedness. Actually preparing for something usually involves a little time up front. There's no quick fix in building a BOB or BOV or gardening or canning or investing or defensive training –– why must there be one for communications?"
While he's at it, he should also stop looking for one radio to do ALL the commo jobs. 
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i went with amateur radio, that decision was pretty obvious especially when you consider that a network of repeaters exists nationwide, i still havent found a gmrs repeater. my 120 dollar VX-170 currently hits the local repeater and gives me access to 90% of the people who will work together to help each other. it doesnt get much cheaper than that.
a ht can go quite a ways with a good antenna and favorable terrain. |
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i went with amateur radio, that decision was pretty obvious especially when you consider that a network of repeaters exists nationwide, i still havent found a gmrs repeater. my 120 dollar VX-170 currently hits the local repeater and gives me access to 90% of the people who will work together to help each other. it doesnt get much cheaper than that. a ht can go quite a ways with a good antenna and favorable terrain. I wouldn't say it's "A network". It's more like a BUNCH of networks. |
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I searched hamradio.com and couldn't find the HX370s. What am I doing wrong? My search fu is usually better than average. i don't think the subject radio was the HX370S. but nevertheless if you are looking for an HX370S, this is the thread to read... http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604623 you can find many places selling the HX370S "kit" for around US$100. note that ALL of the accessories included with the HX370S are 100% compatible with the FT60R (2m/70cm) and VX170 (2m only). all of the nitty gritty details are in the thread linked above –– but you must read through the entire thing. ar-jedi |
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I searched hamradio.com and couldn't find the HX370s. What am I doing wrong? My search fu is usually better than average. i don't think the subject radio was the HX370S. but nevertheless if you are looking for an HX370S, this is the thread to read... http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604623 you can find many places selling the HX370S "kit" for around US$100. note that ALL of the accessories included with the HX370S are 100% compatible with the FT60R (2m/70cm) and VX170 (2m only). all of the nitty gritty details are in the thread linked above –– but you must read through the entire thing. ar-jedi Link doesnt work... |
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I searched hamradio.com and couldn't find the HX370s. What am I doing wrong? My search fu is usually better than average. i don't think the subject radio was the HX370S. but nevertheless if you are looking for an HX370S, this is the thread to read... http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=10&f=22&t=604623 you can find many places selling the HX370S "kit" for around US$100. note that ALL of the accessories included with the HX370S are 100% compatible with the FT60R (2m/70cm) and VX170 (2m only). all of the nitty gritty details are in the thread linked above –– but you must read through the entire thing. ar-jedi I made an assumption based on the Vertex comment. I was hoping I might be able to save just a few more bucks. |