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Survival Radio: 5 Solutions For Two Way Communications

 

By Kurt H Petrich  |   Submitted On July 29, 2014

 

Imagine Chechnyan hackers breaking into the National Inventory of Dams (NIDS). NIDS is a database of vulnerabilities of every major dam in the US. And further, imagine that the power goes out. All of it. For a long time.

 

A grid down situation can be catastrophic. But there's something that can be even bigger. A communications network breakdown. Once communications lines go down, everyone is isolated. That's why you need a plan.

 

You Need A Communications Backup Plan

 

With your own communications plan, you'll have options, alternatives and backups. If one goes down, then you bring in your second line of defense. And if that one goes down, you bring on the next one.

In this article I'll share 5 of these with you. By incorporating these five, you'll have plenty of backups. We'll cover walkie talkies, CB, ham, FRS/GMRS, MURS

 

Option 1: Walkie Talkies

 

Walkie talkies are important because they are cheap. You can get them from $10 up to $80. Their main limitation is their range which is about 1-2 miles. Forget the 35 mile claim. Another downside is the battery life. If you do a lot of transmitting, then a set of 3 triple A's will run out in 3-4 hours. The Motorola FV300 makes a pretty good set of walkie talkies. But if you want to go further up the food chain, then check out

FRS/GMRS.

 

Option 2: Going Beyond The Neighborhood With FRS/GMRS

 

These days you'll see many Family Radio Service (FRS)/GMRS combo radios. In FRS mode, you don't need a license but the output is limited to 1/2 watt. The range is maybe a mile if you are lucky. Also, lets just face it, FRS radios are so cheap, a pair can be had for $25.00 at WalMart, Target, Amazon or eBay. These are often called "blister pack" radios, because they come in plastic containers. If FRS isn't enough for you, then try GMRS.

 

With GMRS channels 1-7 will give you up to 5 watts output and more range. The downside is that you need a license. But don't worry, it's easy to get. And speaking of range, if you really want to step things up, get a GMRS radio with repeater channels. If you do, then your range just jumped to potentially hundreds of miles.

 

Option 3: MURS Radio With Perimeter Monitoring

 

Multi Use Radio Service (MURS) performs a little better than FRS. But there is one thing that makes MURS different than anything else. It's that you can get perimeter "sensors" to match your radio. Here's how it works.

 

You mount these sensors around your property. When they sense that a moving object is nearby, they will send an audible alert to the main MURS radio. And the alert can come in the form of a verbal warning.

 

A great example is the Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS 2 way handheld. It can receive alert signals from other MURS transceivers and has 5 channels and 38 sub channels to communicate with. You don't need a license to operate MURS, but what do you do if you want more range? Check out CB.

 

Option 4: CB Radio

 

CB is a great alternative to FRS/GMRS. First though, with range, there are no repeaters with CB's. So you are limited to the range of the actual device. And another downsides is that the FCC has a 155 mile limit. So you're not supposed to talk beyond that range or to others in other countries.

 

On the plus side, you can change out CB antennas and attach something much bigger. GMRS doesn't even allow that. Another plus for CB is that there is no license required.

 

One great example of a handheld unit is the Midland 75-822. It runs about $80, doesn't require a license, and has a cigarette lighter adapter for your car. It uses 6 nicad batteries which last a long time. Now if you want to go beyond what is possible with CB, then try ham.

 

Option 5: Ham Radio

 

Ham is universally recognized. It is an essential communications tool for emergencies and disasters. And to back up this claim, ham has saved many lives.

 

There are so many benefits to ham, it's impossible to cover them in such a short article. With ham you can transmit morse code, voice, video and data. You can even create wireless computer networks with it.

 

Here's something else that's cool about ham.

 

Lets say you've got a ham radio. There's a feature called "autopatch". This lets ham operators use telephone services with their ham radio. What is this good for? Let's say the cell services are overloaded. So if you need to, you can access a telephone landline with "autopatch".

 

Another benefit is you can contact 911 services just by transmitting a specific code via your keypad. If you are working with groups of people, ham radio provides many more options, more reliability and security than CB or GMRS.

 

Right now I'm studying for my ham and the radio I've got my eye on is the Yaesu VXR7. One reason I like it is because it's rated for 30 minutes of submersion in 3 feet of water. But it's expensive. Around $300-$400.

 

Want a cheaper alternative? Then check out the BaoFeng UV-5R for under $50. It's a good, reliable and inexpensive dual band HT Radio.

 

OK, so I've shown you 5 different options to choose from. Now, here's what you're going to do.

 

Pick three of these options. Start learning more about each. Do a little research and decide on a budget and model that you feel comfortable and go about a plan to acquire that device.

In the end, you'll have 3 survival radios, ready to go. And if by some chance a disaster does hit. You'll not be stuck with one communications device that could go at any minute. But you'll have 3 different solutions to communicate two way with your rescuers.. if need be.

 

By the way, do you want to learn other essential survival and bug out skills? If so, check out Kurt's website SurvivalKitClub [http://www.survivalkitclub.com] for more survival kit tips.

 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kurt_H_Petrich/229758

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If you do happen to have a higher budget you can always purchase a much more expensive Ham Radio or Ham Antenna. Also remember that you will need other Ham Radio Equipment, such as a Power Supply, SWR Power Meter, SWR Analyzer and a Desk Microphone. You can visit my other Ham Website - CLICK HERE

How to Get Started With Ham Radios

 

By Brad Maxwell  |  Submitted On January 07, 2010

 

Ham radios are two way radios that, in essence, talk to one another without the help of any outside force. The technology has been around for a very, very long time. They are a great way to be prepared in case of an emergency. Here are three helpful tips on how to get started with ham radios.

 

1. You need a license! The law requires that you, as an amateur operator, you need a license in order to legally operate your device. Licenses are required because of the range of ham radios and the uses of them. If you do not know what you are doing and get in the way of an emergency operation, you could potentially cause harm to the persons involved. Because of this, law requires that you get a license. Licenses are relatively easy to get as long as you do your research. All you have to do is sign a few forms and take a test. Once you are done with the test, you'll get your call sign mailed to you and then you are set.

 

It does get quite a bit more complicated than what was just stated, but you'll find out all the information you need once you start doing research for your test. To truly cover the whole topic of ham radio licenses, this guide would have to be massively long!

 

2. Do your research! You will need to do a decent amount of research before you start on your ham radio journey. For instance, what type of equipment are you going to need? There are mobile stations, base stations, and there are even handheld transceivers. To truly answer this question, you first need to consider what you are going to use your ham radio for. For example, if it is going to be used solely for emergencies, then you should consider an HT. They are the smallest and most portable types of two way radios.

 

The research also applies to taking the test. There are different bands that ham radios can "talk" to. Different bands require different levels of certification. The lower bands, such as the 2 meter band, require the lowest (and therefore easiest to get) license. The higher up you get in the bands means that the radios can broadcast further. Communications equipment also becomes more expensive the higher up you go (as do the antennas), which brings up a good point!

 

3. What frequency band will you be using? This section is going to be relatively short because for me to truly cover all of the bands I would need hours and hours of your time. What you need to get out of this section is this. The lower frequency bands of ham radio are for the beginners as they do NOT broadcast as far and the license for said bands is much easier to get. The higher the band, the farther the signal will go. You should do your research so you know what band will be best suited for you and your needs!

 

Ham radios can be complex things, but do not let yourself become overwhelmed! The research has all been done; all you have to do is find it.

 

The author has been an advocate of Amateur Radio for 25 plus years and helps new users find affordable ham radios for sale and on his website http://www.hamradiosforsale.org you can learn more about the hobby and find new and used ham radio gear for sale online.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brad_Maxwell/520704

 

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Many Ham Radio Operators can't afford a $2000 Dollar Ham Radio or even more expensive. So I created this affiliate Ham Radio and Antenna website for those that need a more budget friendly ham radio and antenna. I have been a Ham Radio Operator since June 2010 and have my General Ham Radio License - KC2YTI

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The Best Walkie-talkies For Close Communication In 2020

 

Summer is here! Is it true that you are intending to invest some energy in the boondocks, either climbing, outdoors, skiing, or essentially getting a charge out of nature? You despite everything need some approach to impart. Mobile phones are definitely not a dependable choice: even in the present associated world, it is hard to track down assistance in distant areas. So how might you discuss adequately with the remainder of your gathering and the outside world when something turns out badly?

One choice is the satellite telephone, which will work anyplace as long as you have an away from of the sky. In any case, these telephones are costly, similar to the month to month administration charges. Fortunately, there are a lot less expensive alternatives out there. Classic two-way radios (otherwise known as walkie-talkies) stay a proficient and reasonable choice for off-matrix interchanges. There are several models to look over, a large portion of which won't burn up all available resources. In the wake of investigating different destinations and perusing many client surveys, we've chosen probably the best beneath.

Baofeng UV-5R

Just 10 years prior, no one had ever known about BaoFeng. Be that as it may, today the organization's radios are a portion of the top rated (and best-looked into) radios on Amazon. The UV-5R is one of the organization's ended models, however it has kept on selling on Amazon at absolute bottom costs and has gotten a most loved among novice radio administrators as a modest handheld radio. It can both get and communicate on any recurrence between 136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz at up to five watts of intensity, just as get between 65-108MHz. Different highlights incorporate double recurrence checking and backup and an inherent crisis ready alarm.

With this specific radio, without any channels like the greater part of the remainder of our proposals, you should guarantee you have the best possible authorizing (if important) to send. In any case, we can't express enough beneficial things about this radio, as it is a shockingly decent radio at the cost.

Midland GXT100VP4

Midland GTX1000 walkie talkieMidland has been making two-path radios for a considerable length of time, yet it's continually finding better approaches to improve. The GXT1000VP4 is an extraordinary model: it highlights 50 channels, 142 protection codes, and a noteworthy 36-mile extend. It sports a brilliant, illuminated LCD screen, offers 10 adaptable cautions for approaching messages, and incorporates a murmur mode for imparting in calm circumstances. These walkie-talkies are additionally tough, waterproof, and accompany battery-powered battery packs that can keep them working for quite a long time at once.

Past the fundamental usefulness, Midland planned the GXT1000VP4 for use in crises. A SOS alarm cautions others when help is required, and an implicit NOAA climate ready radio keeps clients in front of extreme climate. Midland even ships the radios with blast amplifiers for without hands correspondence.

Motorola T100 Arrangement Talkabout

As opposed to dish out a great deal of cash for mobile phones, a few guardians buy a couple of cheap walkie-talkies to remain in contact with their children. The Motorola T100 Talkabout is an extraordinary alternative for various reasons, not the least of which is a good range. This gadget lets you convey over a hypothetical scope of up to 16 miles, yet our experience discovered them to work best when under five miles separated.

These two-way radios offer great sound quality, a splendid LCD screen, call tones, and 22 diverts to talk on in a radio that is anything but difficult to utilize. A keypad lock forestalls incidentally changing the settings. The T100 likewise has extraordinary battery life: you'll get an amazing 18 hours of work break of a solitary arrangement of three AAA batteries. Try not to stress over using up every last cent either — a lot of three hampers you under $50, and frequently significantly less during deals.

Midland X-Talker T20X4

Another child cordial alternative is the Midland X-Talker T20X4, a bright four-pack of ruggedized GMRS/FRS radios. The T20X4s bolster the standard 22 permit free GMRS and FRS channels, with an examining highlight to check for movement on all channels. The radios additionally support CTCSS to shut out different discussions, and voice-actuated activity so you don't have to stress over squeezing the PTT catch to talk. Another incredible element is worked in NOAA Climate Alert, which examines nearby climate radio channels to make you aware of extreme climate before it strikes.

While Midland cases a scope of 16 miles, you'll get the best outcomes as long with a mile or two territory. The "squat" reception apparatus on the gadget is to be faulted here; it isn't the best for long-go correspondence. In case you're searching for something to convey over longer separations, look somewhere else. For walkie talkies for the children to play with, these are an incredible alternative, however. Simply be prepared for the children to battle about which shading they need.

ArcShell AR-5

They aren't the prettiest radios in our gathering, yet the ArcShell AR-5 battery-powered radios are by a wide margin the most practical in case you're hoping to set up a bigger gathering for correspondence. For under $70, you'll get six radios, all of which accompany an earpiece and energizing dock. The radios work on 16 pre-modified directs in the 400-470MHz band, however you can set custom channels inside that recurrence band, as well. While the earpiece is the most ideal approach to utilize these radios in boisterous conditions, the speaker is bounty uproarious, and voice actuation permits to send without the requirement for squeezing the press to-talk button.

Given the arrangement here, a few downsides may influence your choice. The AR-5 just has a most extreme sending intensity of three watts, which decreases its range a considerable amount from different models we've recommended. Purchasers report strong execution under a mile, and ArcShell says in unhindered conditions, the AR-5's territory maximizes at around five miles or somewhere in the vicinity. It additionally has a shorter battery life and requires a long time to energize. Substantial use can kill the battery in as meager as eight hours, and it takes a few hours to charge a totally dead battery. Be that as it may, on the off chance that you comprehend and can work around those impediments, it's a hell of an arrangement.

BaoFeng BF-F8HP

On the off chance that you are searching for power, look no farther than the Baofeng BF-F8HP. The F8HP is an overhauled rendition of BaoFeng's well known UV-5R radio, which made the market for minimal effort, powerful radios. The new BF-F8HP brags of an astounding 8 watts of intensity when contrasted with the 2W or less of most FRS radios.

With power comes intricacy, and the Baofeng BF-F8HP isn't your normal, simple to-utilize walkie talkie. It is an undeniable ham radio with the capacity to communicate on the open FRS channels. A few people buy these radios to utilize unlicensed on FRS groups since they need a tough, solid radio. Ham radio devotees value the adaptability of a radio that can communicate on FRS just as GMRS and ham radio groups. On the off chance that you need to utilize the full force and highlights of the F8HP, at that point you have to get a ham radio permit or a GMRS permit, or both.

Midland LXT630VP3

The Midland LXT630VP3 makes our rundown as one of the top FRS radios sold on Amazon at the present time. They come loaded with highlights including 36 channels, a belt cut, quick charging, and a scope of up to 30 miles as indicated by the producer. The brilliant yellow faceplate makes it simple to discover, and the ruggedized external shell is ideal for use anyplace. It even incorporates climate alarms to caution you when serious climate is close by. Simple Voice and Sound Actuation Transmission (eVOX) with three affectability levels makes sans hands activity a breeze.

Purchasers commend these radios for its great sound quality and range (albeit like with any of these radios, under 10 miles appears to work the best). While this radio bundle just offers two radios and is more costly than most different choices we've recorded, we think the presentation makes them worth the cash.

What is GMRS/FRS and Novice Radio?

We've introduced radios that work on an assortment of radio frequencies and administrations. Be that as it may, what are these different radio administrations, and do you need a permit for them? It relies upon the frequencies and channels you use.

FRS represents Family Radio Help and works between 462-467 MHz. The innovation owes its reality to Radio Shack, which effectively campaigned the Government Correspondences Commission during the 1990s to permit makers to deliver radios with preset channels inside that recurrence band. The change allowed walkie-talkies to have extraordinary range, with far less obstruction. Clients are restricted to an intensity of two watts on these channels, and there is no permit required to utilize these frequencies. Channels 8 through 22 on your radio are FRS frequencies.

(Supervisor's note: A few radios have extra channels, yet these are not official FRS or GMRS channels. The radios will in any case have the option to convey on the official channels, be that as it may.)

GMRS represents General Portable Radio Help, and resembles a FM form of the CB radios of the 1970s and 1980s. A lot higher force yields are allowed — up to 50 watts — which brings about any longer ranges. You can't utilize these channels or GMRS hardware without a permit – that costs $70 and is useful for a long time. With the permit, you'll likewise have the option to utilize eight repeater channels situated on channels 23-30, which permits you to utilize the radio for discussions past "view."

At last, Novice Radio offers a gathering of frequencies from shortwave to microwave that expects you to breeze through a progression of assessments to access an ever increasing number of frequencies. Fortunately, you're just required to take and finish one assessment to utilize the frequencies that these handheld radios work on. The appearance of FRS and GMRS has made it superfluous to get your ham radio permit (some ham radio channels are very near the FRS/GMRS frequencies), yet ham radio frequencies are far less swarmed and it's simpler to locate an unmistakable recurrence to impart than either FRS or GMRS, particularly in more urbanized regions.

Instructions to pick the privilege walkie-talkie

Choosing the privilege walkie-talkie for your requirements is pretty simple

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