I have a UV-5R. I should get another for the wife. If only to keep it in her car.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Best I can say at this point is, it depends, but there's a video on youtube (which I have yet to watch) using the 8 watt version of this radio to talk from Atlanta to Seattle. I'm certain this is using a big antenna, repeater, etc.

Peer to peer, though, I don't yet know. Terrain plays a factor, of course.

I don't know much of anything yet, except that with so many of these radios produced, they're not worthless.

I’d be REAL curious to see how they are making that happen.

They used the internet. At each end, they hit an EchoLink repeater.

quote:

Originally posted by jsbcody:
Pick up the GMRS license (register, pay a fee, no test).

Para bought HAM radios. Getting a GMRS license would not apply.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
The TD-H8 … is FCC type accepted and user configurable as a dual band (VHF/UHF) HAM or GMRS radio.

The FCC specifically prohibits radios that can be user configurable to transmit on frequencies other than those the radio was type accepted for. In other words, a type accepted GMRS radio is only allowed to transmit on GMRS frequencies, a type accepted Marine VHF is only allowed to transmit on Marine VHF frequencies, etc

If you have a HAM radio that allows you to transmit on non-amateur radio frequencies (marine, GMRS, MURS, police, air traffic, etc.), then getting the license should have taught you that you are not allowed to transmit on frequencies you are not licensed for.

Back to the general topic:
Having back up communications plan is a great idea. After hurricanes, the working cell towers are jammed up and landlines are down.

We use GMRS and Marine VHF. Over open water, both handhelds are good for 5 miles to the house. Shorter if we get closer to shore because trees block LOS. We get about 2 miles inside the car to the house. Not only trees, but the vehicle itself gets in the way.

The solution is external antennas, but I have yet to do so and test it. I plan to try it next summer with the GMRS radios. Midland makes a small, self-contained GMRS repeater, but I have no simple way to get an antenna high enough to be useful.

Can someone point me to a website where I can learn basic amateur radio information? Thanks.

I use the BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt when out riding with friends in our side by side.
Found it to be very reliable.

I bought a couple extra power batteries.
The only solution I've haven't come up with yet is these are eventually going to need electricity to recharge the battery?

I know, a small generator, etc. but I mean long term. Generators take fuel, blah, blah, blah.
I'm getting older, all the contingencies can get overwhelming.

I have a pair of the UV-5R handhelds as well. On the suggestion of an avid Ham operator I upgraded the antenna and then had him add gmrs frequencies to it. It may be “illegal” but in a shtf scenario that’s the last thing I’m worrying about. It has worked very well when I’m off-roading with friends. On my Jeep Gladiator I hav a great Kenwood Ham radio (50 watts) that is also programmed with gmrs codes and allows a much better range.

Search for a program called "Chirp" and buy a genuine cable. Makes programming a snap.

I have had this radio and a newer one for several years. I actually bought one for each son and the next door neighbor.

I can hit our local repeater about ten miles away with it and programed the GMRS freqs in it all though it is not legal to use on those freqs due to power output.

When the balloon goes up, the FCC is the least of my worries.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
Honestly, that radio with a slim Jim antenna would be a good start.

https://n9taxlabs.com/

.

Chongo thanks for sharing that, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.

I’ve been using the UV-5RE for years and then the next generation the BF-F8HP. Nice inexpensive handhelds. I struggled a little with Chirp but once set up it’s cut/paste into other radios.

We also use the Midland GXT gmrs around the property to keep in touch, work very well for casual comms when you’re out of earshot.

Second vote for Chirp. Pretty easy to use and program frequencies both Ham and GMRS into the radios.

I also upgraded the antennas on the UV-5R’s and KG-935+ to Nagoya. I have 7” and 15”.

Kudos for getting and thinking about a comm plan.

A few things. A small handheld radio isn’t going to be the only solution. You might want to consider getting a portable CB radio as well. That will allow you to talk with a lot more people over a much wider area.

The next thing to think about is a small backup power source. A small generator like the 2000i from Honda is a great little beast. Easy to start and carry but it needs gas. Gas may not be available after a few days. So you might want to consider getting a couple of small solar panels to charge up a battery.

I have a rack of comms gear covering vhf am and fm, HF but not all will be useful. I have two radios not hooked up but one will be going in my pickup truck in a few weeks - it will do vhf and HF.

You’re on the right track.

This sounds like a good idea.
Last year my cell phone provider was migrating my old phone account to a new account when they were sold. In the process it made my phone inoperable. We were told the process was only supposed to take a few minutes. 17 days later I got my phone working again.
My wife and I got rid of our house phone years ago. When this happened the only way I was able to get in touch with my wife to see if she was having problems was by email. Thankfully she had it open on her computer.
Having something like this would be a great backup if something like this were to happen again.
Her office is is about 20 miles away so I would have to find a radio that could cover that distance.

Congrats para! I also have one of the same radios heading my way. Looking forward to learning more about it.

We also have many CBs and other radios around the house. We try to keep multiple options available out here in the sticks, if nothing else, so the wife and I can communicate. I have tried getting friends and other family involved in radio communications, with little success. Most just figure their cell phones will work....

I don't have the radio yet, it is the newest model, but have been reading up on it. Seems you can also "jailbreak" it, and add quite a few freqs. Although from what I am reading, may affect CHIRP programming. Anyone done that on their UV5R, and how does it affect programming?

Good luck para, I'll be learning about this radio right alongside you.

The other thing that you can consider is to get a small mag mount antenna and put it on your roof. You will get better range. And if you’re really gung-ho you can get a small 12vdc linear amplifier that could boot your power output to 50W which is the legal limit.

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that absent repeaters you have to think line of sight. Driving around a big city with tall buildings you might be able to chat a few blocks away, in some cases you may have zero coverage.

Do a few dry runs just for practice.

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
...buy a genuine cable.

As opposed to what? A piece of string?

This is what I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H5DS4Y3/?th=1

It ships from Amazon and not an outside vendor. Am I missing something?

I purchased Retevis RT87 Dual-Band Radios back 2020 during the 'Summer of Love Rioting' based on recommendations from the SIGforum brain trust. I also purchased high-gain antennas, spare batteries and a programming cable as well. The RT87's have an excellent build quality and reviews indicate it's an excellent performing radio. I've only used them minimally at this point, but I'm prepared should the need arise for Emergency Comms w/o availability of cellular.

These two threads were instrumental in my decision and provided a wealth of info:

https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...0601935/m/3110066374
https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...0601935/m/9850034864

Coincidentally, Mrs DF and I were just discussing this topic on Friday night. Thank you for posting the link.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
...buy a genuine cable.

As opposed to what? A piece of string?

This is what I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H5DS4Y3/?th=1

It ships from Amazon and not an outside vendor. Am I missing something?

Early on there were a whole slew of fake, knock-off cables that didn't work with Chirp. Frustrating to say the least for those just entering the HAM world.

If your came from a reliable radio supply house, you are probably fine.

RMD

In a true SHTF scenario you will not get in trouble with the FCC as there are exceptions in the law for such situations. However if you choose to access repeaters during normal operations you will for sure be at the very least be chided by licensed ham operators that own the repeaters and and probably located by "fox hunters" or authorities. The fines leveled for proven violations are substantial and are enforced. Get a technician license, it is not difficult (generally memorization will get you through the test) and keeps you from getting a potentially exorbitant fine for improper use. A local ham radio club will be very helpful in getting you properly licensed. These are not CB radios and are monitored. The FCC is not a group to antagonize and unlike ATF has actual reasons for enforcing the codes as violations can cause disruption of vital communications.
The main reason for the hate and discontent of the Baofeng type radios is the poor control of the frequency and splatter across second and third harmonics of the transmitting frequencies which can and does at times interfere with other legitimately operating stations. If one of these stations has to file a complaint with the FCC, you can eventually expect a visit with a warrant. Fines tend to be in the $2500 - $10,000 range and are collected.

A Nagoya NA-771 antenna may improve your range some. I put them on mine but I have so many repeaters in the area range isn’t a problem for me so I can’t say for sure it helps with range.
However, no antenna is going to help with hills, buildings, etc. in the way. Just depends on your location.

Para, thanks for the "rabbit-ears" hole. I also saw Mrgunsngear had the same deal on his Twitter account. As with most things on Amazon, I have to look at everything. I also looked at Ham vs. GMRS. Not really needing 2 radios, I decided on an 8w, usb-c, charging UV-5R version. It seemed like a decent package albeit only one radio for $31.

BAOFENG Radio, 8W Ham Radio Handheld Long Range, VHF UHF UV5R Radio via USB Charging with 3800mAH Battery, Programming Cable and 771 Antenna https://a.co/d/geC6fDP.